Communication : Gateways/Data Hubs

SoftPLC Gateways provide comprehensive protocol conversion and industrial data management:
- Bridge communication between multiple protocols (serial, Ethernet, fieldbus, proprietary networks)
- Data logging (local, remote, multi-formats)
- Email/Text Messaging (alarm notification, reporting)
- User Logic for Data/Math/Communication functions (manage data, troubleshooting)
- Web Server (browser-based monitoring/control)
- Virtual HMI (operator interface, alarming/trending, etc.)
- FTP/SSH/NTP/Firewall services

With virtually no limit on the number of data registers and support for up to 16 protocols simultaneously, SoftPLC Gateways are the most flexible and powerful protocol converters on the market.
Click on the Applications tab below for examples of the many ways SoftPLC Gateways can be used.
- Up to sixteen (16) different user-selectable protocols are supported simultaneously*
- Hundreds of thousands of data points supported in each Gateway
- Extremely fast data throughput, highly optimized drivers
- Diagnostics, real-time status monitoring on each communication network
- Supports user logic for data manipulation (eg: scaling, averaging, comparisons), scheduling, alarm handling, or many other functions
- Built-in data logging
- Compatible with all HMI/SCADA systems
- Optional embedded firewall with VPN support for secure communications
- Optional embedded modem for remote access to any attached devices*
- Supports our TagWell cloud platform for remote access via internet
- Optional embedded web server or Web Studio Runtime can act as a built-in virtual HMI
Overview

SoftPLC Gateways are unmatched, providing protocol mix flexibility, unlimited data registers and the best communication throughput on the market, as well as providing additional advanced features/options. All SoftPLC Gateways include a comprehensive set of drivers, from which you can mix and match up to 16 protocols to meet your networking needs. Other vendor's gateways typically support only 2 protocols (eg: from protocol X to protocol Y), and are limited in the number of registers that can be transmitted.
A variety of SoftPLC Gateway hardware models are available, to meet customers' varying needs for number/type of ports and other requirements. All Gateways are configured using TOPDOC NexGen - included free with your first Gateway purchase!
* Some protocols may require specific Gateway models and/or hardware configurations.
- 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*
Available Protocols

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.
* 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.
- 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
- 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)
- (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
- Include BH (bluehose) Option Yes/No
- SoftPLC Gateway License Size
- 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)
- 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)
- 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.
- 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
- Upgrade HMI's and/or drives on A-B RIO or DH+ without requiring changes to the PLC.
- 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").
- Add I/O of another bus to an A-B PAC/PLC installation (eg: ModbusTCP I/O such as Tealware, DeviceNet/Profibus, Modbus serial.)
- Low cost serial to ethernet gateways (eg: Modbus to Ethernet/IP or ModbusTCP, DF1 to Ethernet/IP)
- 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.
+ Sample customer installations...
-
Data Sheets
- SoftPLC Gateways Brochure Overview of all SoftPLC Gateway features, hardware options, and example applications.
- NeoPAC SoftPLC Data Sheet NeoPAC SoftPLC product features and hardware specifications.
- Micro Gateway Data Sheet Hardware features and specifications for the Smart Gateway.
- Smart Gateway Data Sheet Hardware features and specifications for the Smart Gateway.
- Available Protocols Table of available protocols/requirements for each model SoftPLC Gateway.
- Smart Product Family Overview Smart family of products features and functions.
- Smart SoftPLC Data Sheet Smart SoftPLC product features and hardware specifications.
Videos
- A-B Control System Migrations Describes how SoftPLC Gateways provide great solutions for customers with A-B PLC's to do partial and phased migrations of automation systems to modern technology.
White Papers/Presentations
- SoftPLC Gateways Slide show highlighting features of SoftPLC Gateway products.
- Clipboards are out! Protocol Gateways help make IoT efficient, accurate and low cost. Whitepaper that describes a variety of gateway solutions to tie multi-vendor equipment into cloud-based data acquisition and analytics applications.
Manuals
User manuals and application notes for Gateway configuration, data mapping, etc. for the various protocols can be found in the Support | Resources page.
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:
For very low cost, these factory installed communication port options are also available:
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:
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 Communication Options - Must be factory installed Specify these factory installed options by appending the desired option suffix(es) to the Catalog Number. |
||
COM5 Options - Only one per Smart Gateway | ||
RS-485 (2-wire) | Default Configuration | |
-ABRIOM5 | Allen-Bradley RIO Master Interface, COM5 | Replaces default RS-485 port at COM5 A maximum of (2) A-B RIO/DH+ interfaces are supported per Smart Gateway (1 at COM5 & 1 at COM6) |
-ABRIOA5 | Allen-Bradley RIO Slave (Adapter) Interface, COM5 | |
-ABDH5 | Allen-Bradley DH+ Interface, COM5 | |
COM6 Options - Only one per Smart Gateway | ||
-ABRIOM6 | Allen-Bradley RIO Master Interface, COM6 * | A maximum of (2) A-B RIO/DH+ interfaces are supported per Smart Gateway (1 at COM5 & 1 at COM6) |
-ABRIOA6 | Allen-Bradley RIO Slave (Adapter) Interface, COM6 * | |
-ABDH6 | Allen-Bradley DH+ Interface, COM6 * | |
-485 | Smart RS-485 Interface, 2 or 4 wire (switch selectable) * | |
-CAN6 | Smart CAN Interface * | |
-MDM | Smart Internal Phone Modem | |
* Requires Catalog Number SM-COM6CBLTB to provide a terminal block wire connection for this port. |
Gateway License Sizes |
||||
Cat No Suffix | Ethernet/IP Connections(Bytes) | MBTCP Connections(Servers) | Discrete Inputs | Discrete Outputs |
LT | 64 | 2 | 128 | 128 |
1K | 256 | 16 | 1024 | 1024 |
2K | 512 | 32 | 2048 | 2048 |
8K | 2048 | 127 | 8192 | 8192 |
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.
Examples | |||
---|---|---|---|
SM2S-LT | Smart Gateway, LT capacity, supports user configurable mix of any serial and Ethernet protocols (up to 9 ports), the only limit being a max of 2 ModbusTCP servers |
||
SM2S-1K | Smart Gateway, up to 16 ModbusTCP Server capacity |
||
SM2S-2K-ABRIOM5-DH6 | Smart Gateway, 2K capacity (up to 16 logical A-B racks); equipped for A-B RIO Master on COM5 and DH+ on COM6 |
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:
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:
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 Sizes |
||||
Cat No Suffix | Ethernet/IP Connections(Bytes) | MBTCP Connections(Servers) | Discrete Inputs | Discrete Outputs |
LT | 64 | 2 | 128 | 128 |
1K | 256 | 16 | 1024 | 1024 |
2K | 512 | 32 | 2048 | 2048 |
8K | 2048 | 127 | 8192 | 8192 |
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:
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.
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 Sizes There are (4) Gateway sizes which determines the maximum supported number of ModbusTCP Servers or EthernetIP Adapters (connection bytes). Append the size suffix in the first column of the table below to the model number. For example, SPBBA1-1K is a Micro Gateway Assembly capable of supporting up to 64 connection bytes. If ModbusTCP/EthernetIP are not used, select the LT size. |
||
Cat No Suffix | Ethernet/IP Connections(Bytes) | MBTCP Connections(Servers) |
LT | 64 | 2 |
1K | 256 | 16 |
2K | 512 | 32 |
8K | 2048 | 127 |
Micro Gateway Options
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:
Example Applications