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 Corp. 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) or Master (Scanner)
• A-B DF1 Serial Full Duplex, Half Duplex Slave
• A-B Ethernet (CSP/PCCC) Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
• A-B RIO Master (Scanner) and 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 communication ports:

• 4-port GB managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet interfaces (MAC ID's) to support routing and firewall functions
• One stand-alone GB Ethernet port
• One RS-485 serial communications port
• Two USB 2.0 Host Ports
• Internal WiFi (requires SPO-WIFIMOD option for antenna extension and case modification)

For very low cost, up to three (3) factory installed communication option ports can be added, in any mix:

• Additional RS-485 ports
• Allen-Bradley "Blue Hose" ports, support Remote I/O Master or Slave or Data Highway Plus

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

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
• (2) USB 2.0 host ports
• Memory - 512MB RAM minimum
• Storage - 8GB onboard flash, MicroSD up to 8GB optional
• 24VDC power

For very low cost, up to two (2) factory installed communication option ports can be added, in any mix:

• Additional RS-485 ports
• Allen-Bradley "Blue Hose" ports, support Remote I/O Master or Slave or Data Highway Plus

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

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.

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.