ProSoft MVI56-BSAPS Communication Module

I. Product Overview

The MVI56-BSAPS is a Bristol Babcock BSAP protocol serial slave communication module designed by ProSoft Technology for the Rockwell ControlLogix platform. Its core function is to enable seamless data interaction between the ControlLogix PLC and the Bristol Babcock 33XX series DPCS distributed process control system, solving the integration problem between old Bristol equipment and modern Logix architecture. It is widely used in system upgrades and renovations in traditional process industries such as petrochemicals, power, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals. 

II. Model Code Analysis (MVI56-BSAPS)

MVI56: ProSoft inRAx series, ControlLogix 1756 rack single-slot communication module

BSAP: Communication protocol - Bristol Babcock Synchronous/Asynchronous Protocol (Bristol synchronous/asynchronous serial protocol)

S: Operating mode - Slave (from station), responding to master station read/write instructions as a Bristol network slave node

III. Core Technical Parameters

(1) Hardware Specifications

Compatible platform: Rockwell ControlLogix 1756 series racks (both local and remote racks are supported)

Slot occupation: Single slot (1756 standard size)

Backplane power consumption: 800mA @ 5VDC

Communication ports:

PRT1 / PRT2: 2 independent application serial ports, configurable as RS-232 / RS-485 / RS-422 via software

CFG: 1 debug configuration port (RS-232, RJ45 to DB9)

LED status indicators: Module status, backplane transmission, application status, serial port activity

Dimensions and weight: Standard 1756 module size, approximately 0.45kg

Environmental indicators:

Operating temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C

Storage temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C

Vibration: 5g @ 10~150Hz; Shock: 30g (operating) / 50g (non-operating)

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (no condensation)

Certifications: CE, UL, cURus, RoHS

(2) Communication Parameters (BSAP Protocol)

Protocol type: Bristol Babcock BSAP synchronous/asynchronous serial protocol (slave mode)

Baud rate: 110 ~ 115200 bps (software adjustable)

Data format: 5~8 data bits, 1~2 stop bits, no/odd/even parity

Network topology: Supports tree, point-to-point, and multi-point linear structures

Data capacity: Maximum 5000 words (16-bit) data buffer, bidirectionally mapped with ControlLogix

Transmission mode: Full duplex / half duplex, hardware handshake (RTS/CTS)

Address range: BSAP slave station address 1~255 (software configurable)

(3) Software and Compatibility

Configuration software: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) graphical tool

PLC programming: RSLogix 5000 V2.51+, provides Add-On Instruction (AOI) and sample ladder diagrams

Communication software: RSLinx Classic/Enterprise

Supported systems: Windows XP/2000/2003 (configuration environment)

Bristol compatibility: 3300/3310/3320/3350/336X series DPCS controllers

IV. Core Product Features

Seamless cross-platform integration

Designed specifically for ControlLogix ↔ Bristol Babcock heterogeneous systems, plug-and-play, no need to modify existing Bristol programs, and can integrate legacy systems into modern PLC architectures with zero downtime.

Dual serial ports operate independently 2-channel isolated serial port can simultaneously connect 2 Bristol devices or provide dual-network redundancy, with single-module dual-link to enhance communication reliability and deployment flexibility.

Large-capacity data mapping

5000-word bidirectional data buffer, supporting bit/word/float multiple data formats, freely mapping ControlLogix tags to Bristol registers, ensuring transparent data transmission.

Industrial-grade stability and reliability

Optical isolation, surge protection, ESD protection, wide temperature range without fans, -40~85°C storage, suitable for process industrial sites with strong electromagnetic fields, dust, and vibration, capable of stable operation 24/7.

Convenient debugging and diagnosis

Real-time status LED + PCB graphical diagnosis, supporting online monitoring, error logs, communication statistics, quick fault location, and reduced maintenance costs.

Standard programming integration

Provides ControlLogix AOI instruction library and ladder diagram examples, no additional programming required, configuration and deployment completed within 1 hour.

V. Typical application scenarios

Process industrial system upgrade: Integration of Bristol 33XX DPCS in petrochemical, natural gas, and power plants with ControlLogix

Renovation of old equipment: Retain Bristol instruments/controllers, upgrade the upper ControlLogix system

Multi-protocol hybrid network: Bristol serial network + ControlLogix EtherNet/IP hybrid architecture

Data acquisition and monitoring (SCADA): Uploading Bristol remote site data to the ControlLogix SCADA platform

Water treatment/pharmaceuticals/papermaking: Interconnection between Bristol and Rockwell systems in distributed process control

VI. Matching and selection suggestions

Matching cables: RJ45-DB9 configuration cable, RS-485 shielded twisted pair (Bristol fieldbus)

Matching controllers: ControlLogix 1756-L6x/L7x/L8x processors

Comparison selection:

MVI56-BSAPS: BSAP slave, connects to Bristol master

MVI56-BAPM: BSAP master, controls Bristol slave

MVI56-MNET: Modbus TCP alternative (not Bristol native)

VII. Summary of product advantages

MVI56-BSAPS is a ControlLogix single-slot, BSAP slave, dual-serial port, 5000-word data buffer, industrial-grade isolated, plug-and-play Bristol communication gateway. Core value: Solving the integration pain points between Bristol legacy systems and modern ControlLogix, protecting existing investments, shortening renovation cycles, stable and reliable, easy to maintain. It is the preferred communication module for system upgrades, heterogeneous interconnection, and renovation of old equipment in process industries such as petrochemicals, power, and water treatment.