Communication : Gateways/Data Hubs

Available Protocols

View Table of Protocol Availability by Gateway Model

All SoftPLC Gateways can be user configured for up to 16 simultaneous protocols of any mix, dependent only on the available hardware ports in the specific model. The currently available protocols are listed below, others can be added by SoftPLC or by users with the SoftPLC Programmer's Toolkit. Please contact us for a quote if you are interested in a protocol not listed.

• ASCII (COMGENIUS)
• Ethernet/IP Adapter (Slave)
• Ethernet/IP Master (Scanner)
• A-B DF1 Serial Full Duplex, Half Duplex Slave
• A-B DF1 Ethernet (CSP/PCCC) Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
• A-B RIO RIO Master (Scanner) and RIO Slave (Adapter)*
• A-B Data Highway Plus (DH+)*
• Modbus Serial RTU/ASCII, Master and Slave
• Modbus TCP/UDP Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
• Enron ModbusTCP Master (Client)
• CAN / J1939*
• ProfiNet Slave*
• Profibus Master and Slave*
• DeviceNet Master and Slave*
• CANopen Master and Slave*
• CC Link Slave*
• EtherCAT Master and Slave*
• Powerlink Slave*
• SERCOS Master and Slave*
• ASI Master*
• Interbus Master*
• SDI-12 Sensorbus Master*

* These protocols require additional hardware and may be limited to specific SoftPLC Gateway models.

SoftPLC Gateway ports and protocols are configured with TOPDOC NexGen. Most drivers are configured by a simple template editor. Many drivers also include diagnostic registers that can be made available to HMI's, other connected devices, etc.

Smart Gateways

A Smart Gateway combines a basic set of features, to which you can add both hardware and firmware options. Smart Gateways are assembled with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment.

All Smart Gateways include this base set of 9 communication ports:

• 4-port 10/100MB managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet interfaces (MAC ID's) to support routing and firewall functions
• One RS-485 + four RS-232 serial communications ports

For very low cost, these factory installed communication port options are also available:

• Additional RS-485 port, with 2 and 4-wire support (installs at COM6)
• Allen-Bradley Remote I/O Master or Slave (Up to 2 ports - replaces COM5 and/or installs at COM6)
• Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (Up to 2 ports - replaces COM5 and/or installs at COM6)
• CAN / J1939 (installs at COM6)
• Internal serial telephone modem (installs at COM6)

Available Models

Contact us for assistance in configuration OR use the simple webstore ordering page.

Select from the following to specify your Smart Gateway hardware configuration:

• COM5 Option
• COM6 Option
• SoftPLC Gateway License Size

To each of these combinations, you can then select additional firmware options to support advanced features such as data logging, an embedded web server, email/text messaging and more.

Hardware Options

Serial, A-B RIO/DH+ Options

Gateway License Size Options

There are (4) Gateway sizes, where the selected size determines the maximum supported number of Ethernet/IP Connection (in Bytes), ModbusTCP Servers (connections) and/or mapped digital I/O points (digital I/O limit only applies to A-B RIO/DH+ enabled Gateways, sized by the A-B definition of logical racks). If Ethernet/IP, ModbusTCP or A-B RIO drivers are not going to be used, select the LT size. For Ethernet/IP, divide the number of bytes by 2 for the number of supported 16 bit tags.

Examples

The table below illustrates some example Smart Gateway assembly catalog numbers.

A Smart Gateway is, in reality, a Smart SoftPLC. For more details on advanced features, additional hardware/firmware options and available accessories, refer to the Smart SoftPLC and universal SoftPLC features information.

NeoPAC Gateways

A NeoPAC Gateway combines a basic set of features, to which you can add both hardware and firmware options. NeoPAC Gateways are assembled with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment. NeoPAC Gateways are physically small, value-priced units for serial, Ethernet, and Allen-Bradley bluehose bridging needs. Like all SoftPLC Gateways, NeoPACs provide data passing between networks, and also can be used for advanced functions like data logging, remote access and alarm notification.

Specifications:

• (1) GB Ethernet port, RJ-45 connector
• (1) RS-485 port, terminal block connector
• (2) USB 2.0 host
• (1) A-B RIO / DH+ port (factory option)
• Memory - 512MB RAM
• Storage - 8GB onboard flash, MicroSD up to 8GB optional
• 24VDC power

Available Models

Contact us for assistance in configuration OR use the simple webstore ordering page. Select from the following to specify your NeoPAC Gateway hardware configuration:

• Include BH (bluehose) Option Yes/No
• SoftPLC Gateway License Size

To each combination, you can then select additional firmware options to support advanced features such as data logging, an embedded web server, email/text messaging and more.

Gateway License Size Options

There are (4) Gateway sizes, where the selected size determines the maximum supported number of Ethernet/IP Connection (in Bytes), ModbusTCP Servers (connections) and/or mapped digital I/O points (digital I/O limit only applies to A-B RIO/DH+ enabled Gateways, sized by the A-B definition of logical racks). If Ethernet/IP, ModbusTCP or A-B RIO drivers are not going to be used, select the LT size. For Ethernet/IP, divide the number of bytes by 2 for the number of supported 16 bit tags.

A NeoPAC Gateway is, in reality, a NeoPAC SoftPLC. For more details on advanced features, additional hardware/firmware options and available accessories, refer to the NeoPAC SoftPLC and universal SoftPLC features information.

Micro Gateways

SoftPLC's Micro Gateways are physically small, inexpensive options for simple serial to Ethernet bridging needs, such as ModbusTCP to Modbus serial. Like all SoftPLC Gateways, Micro Gateways provide data passing between networks, and also can be used for advanced functions like data logging, remote access and alarm notification.

Specifications:

• 10/100MB Ethernet port, RJ-45 connector
• USB 2.0 host
• Micro USB 2.0 client (for power & communications)
  MicroUSB to USB cable included
• (optional) RS-232 port, 9pin D-sub connector
• Storage - 4GB onboard flash, MicroSD up to 8GB optional
• Memory - 512MB RAM
• Power by +5 VDC through barrel connector (eg: using ICO-PSW105) or USB device port
• Size - 3.4” x 2.1” (86.36 x 53.34 mm), With optional enclosure (Cat No SPBB-ENCL1) 2.4" x 0.82" x 3.54" (62 x 21 x 90 mm)

Micro Gateway Protocols:

Micro Gateways can be user configured for up to 16 simultaneous protocols of any mix, dependent only on the available hardware ports. The currently available protocols for model SPBB Gateways are listed below, others can be added by SoftPLC or by users with the SoftPLC Programmer's Toolkit. Please contact us for a quote if you are interested in a protocol not listed.

• ASCII (COMGENIUS)
• Modbus Serial RTU/ASCII, Master and Slave
• Modbus TCP/UDP Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
• Enron ModbusTCP Master (Client)
• A-B DF1 Serial Full Duplex, Half Duplex Slave
• A-B DF1 Ethernet (CSP/PCCC) Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
• EthernetIP Adapter (Slave) and Scanner (Master)
• SDI-12 Sensorbus Master (requires SPBB-6DI2SP1AI)

Micro Gateway Models & Options

Model No SPBBA1-x is a Micro Gateway Assembly with (1) Ethernet and (1) RS-232 serial port, in a metal enclosure (see photo above). Alternatively, you can specify an open-board-style Micro Gateway by ordering individual components to meet your needs for additional serial ports, hardware to support other protocols, add a modem for remote access, etc.

In either case, select the size capacity of your Micro Gateway using the table below.

Micro Gateway Options

• Firmware Options - software enabled capabilities that can be added to any SoftPLC Gateway. There's so many, we've put them on their own page! Examples include data logging, email/text messaging, embedded web server, and others.
• Hardware Options - The table below lists individual components you can mix/match for board-level Micro Gateway solutions.

Catalog Number	Description	Image	Data Sheet	Store
SPBB-232	RS-232 serial port, 9 pin RS-232 communication port for drivers such as Modbus, DF1, or COMGENIUS, or for connection to a modem.
SPBB-ENCL1	Compact, plated and scratch-resistant steel chassis. Compatible only with base unit or SPBB-232.
SPBB-6DI2SP1AI	Daughter Board with (2) RS-232C serial ports, SDI-12 interface, (6) 5/12/24VDC digital inputs, 12V input power circuitry, and a battery monitoring input.
SPBB-5DIFI2SP1AI	Daughter Board with (2) RS-232C serial ports, SDI-12 interface, (5) 5/12/24VDC digital inputs, (1) Frequency Input, 12V input power circuitry, and a battery monitoring input.
ICO-PSW105	Power Supply. Input Voltage VAC: 100V to 240V

Other SoftPLC Gateways

Any SoftPLC Hardbook can also be used as a protocol gateway. Each model includes multiple Ethernet, USB, and serial ports, and most can accomodate interfaces to industrial networks via add-on interface cards (Cat No SPO-PCx).

Gateway Applications

Uses for SoftPLC Gateway/Data Hubs are many and varied:

• Multiple protocols provides integration of different equipment and systems
• Ethernet gateway / data concentrator
• Data logging for tracking and troubleshooting
• Email/text alarms reduce downtime
• Automated data collection/reporting without an HMI/computer
• Remote asset management and control

Example Applications

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• Upgrade HMI's and/or drives on A-B RIO or DH+ without requiring changes to the PLC.
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• Communicate data between devices on different network types.
• Pass data from devices on multiple networks or network types to a higher level system (eg: DCS or SCADA).
• Collect data from devices on multiple networks or network types and make it available to a higher level system ("data logger/concentrator").
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• Add I/O of another bus to an A-B PAC/PLC installation (eg: ModbusTCP I/O such as Tealware, DeviceNet/Profibus, Modbus serial.)
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• Low cost serial to ethernet gateways (eg: Modbus to Ethernet/IP or ModbusTCP, DF1 to Ethernet/IP)

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• Email or text alarm notification from devices at a remote location.
• Provide remote access via a single point to a variety of devices, using a SoftPLC Gateway, a modem, and TagWell cloud for IoT/M2M applications.