ProSoft MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT Modbus TCP/IP Enhanced Communication Module
May 16, 2026

ProSoft MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT Modbus TCP/IP Enhanced Communication Module

Product Overview The MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT is a high-performance Modbus TCP/IP communication module specially designed by ProSoft Technology for the Rockwell ControlLogix platform. Its core function is to provide one independent Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet interface for the ControlLogix controller, enabling it to act as both a Modbus TCP client (Master) and server (Slave) simultaneously, achieving high-speed and stable connectivity between Rockwell systems and various Modbus TCP/IP devices, instruments, and PACs. MNET is the standard version, while MNETXT is the wide-temperature enhanced version, specifically designed for harsh industrial environments.

Description

PROSOFT9.jpg

ProSoft MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT Modbus TCP/IP Enhanced Communication Module

I. Product Overview

The MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT is a high-performance Modbus TCP/IP communication module specially designed by ProSoft Technology for the Rockwell ControlLogix platform. Its core function is to provide one independent Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet interface for the ControlLogix controller, enabling it to act as both a Modbus TCP client (Master) and server (Slave) simultaneously, achieving high-speed and stable connectivity between Rockwell systems and various Modbus TCP/IP devices, instruments, and PACs. MNET is the standard version, while MNETXT is the wide-temperature enhanced version, specifically designed for harsh industrial environments. 

II. Model Code Interpretation

MVI56E: Enhanced inRAx series, ControlLogix 1756 single-slot enhanced module

MNET: Modbus TCP/IP Network Communications, Modbus TCP/IP network communication

XT: Extreme Environment, wide temperature / enhanced version

III. Core Technical Parameters

(1) Hardware Specifications

Compatible platforms: Rockwell ControlLogix 1756 series chassis (local / remote chassis)

Slot occupation: Single slot (1756 standard size)

Backplane power consumption: 800mA @ 5VDC; 3mA @ 24VDCProSoft Technology Inc

Ethernet Port:

1 10/100 Mbps Adaptive RJ45 Port, supporting Auto-MDIX

Supporting Modbus TCP Client/Server, CIPconnect, built-in Web Server

Data Buffer: 5,000 bytes (16-bit) customizable user database

Status Indicators:

OK, APP, ERR three-color LED status lights from ProSoft Technology Inc

4-character scrolling alphanumeric LED display (displaying IP, status, error code) from ProSoft Technology Inc

Environmental Indicators from ProSoft Technology Inc:

Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C (MNET); -25°C ~ +70°C (MNETXT)

Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C

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

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (no condensation)

Special Protection (MNETXT): Full board coating, corrosion-resistant, dust-proof, moisture-proof

Certifications: CE, UL, cURus, RoHS, ATEX (MNETXT) from ProSoft Technology Inc

(II) Communication and Protocol Parameters

Supported Protocols: Modbus TCP/IP

Working Modes: Supports both Modbus TCP Client (Client) and Server (Server)

Client (Client) Performance:

Supports up to 100 command queues

Supports event triggering, periodic polling, command priority, failure retry

Server (Server) Performance:

Supports up to 20 concurrent connection sessions

Supports standard Modbus function codes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 15, 16

Data Processing: Supports floating-point, long integer data format; bit/register level data access

Data Exchange: Modbus register ↔ ControlLogix tag automatic bidirectional mapping

(III) Software and Management

Configuration Software: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) from ProSoft Technology Inc

Network Discovery: ProSoft Discovery Service (PDS), automatic search of modules from ProSoft Technology Inc

Remote Management:

CIPconnect technology, cross EtherNet/IP, ControlNet remote diagnosis, configuration, upgrade

Built-in Web Server, browser access for monitoring status, configuration parameters

PLC Integration from ProSoft Technology Inc: Add-On Instruction (AOI), ladder diagram examples, compatible with RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000

Backward Compatibility from ProSoft Technology Inc: Fully compatible with old MVI56-MNET versions, direct replacement without program modification

IV. Core Product Features

High-performance Modbus TCP Gateway The single module provides a 10/100Mbps high-speed Ethernet interface, supporting client + server dual-mode concurrency, and 100 command queues and 20 concurrent connections, meeting the requirements for large-scale, high-throughput Modbus TCP network communication.

CIPconnect + Web dual remote management

CIPconnect realizes cross-Rockwell network remote penetration access; the built-in Web server supports direct browser monitoring. Engineers can complete configuration, diagnosis, firmware upgrade without being on-site, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs.

Industrial-grade stability and adaptation to extreme environments

Standard industrial-grade design, the MNETXT version provides a wide temperature range of -25°C to +70°C and full board anti-corrosion coating, and has passed ATEX hazardous area certification, specially designed for harsh environments such as metallurgy, mining, oil and gas, and offshore platforms.

Seamless integration, plug-and-play

Standard 1756 single-slot, hot-swappable design. Provides pre-fabricated AOI instructions and ladder diagram templates, and Modbus data is automatically mapped to PLC tags. ProSoft Technology Inc. is fully compatible with the old version MVI56-MNET, and the replacement can be completed without disturbance within 2 minutes. ProSoft Technology Inc.

Comprehensive diagnosis, rapid troubleshooting

4-character LED display screen + LED status lights + PCB diagnostic tools + Web interface, providing full-dimensional real-time monitoring of modules, ports, commands, and error codes, with precise fault location and efficient troubleshooting. ProSoft Technology Inc.

V. Typical Application Scenarios

Industrial automation: ControlLogix ↔ Modbus TCP frequency converter, servo, HMI, PLC

Process control: SCADA system, DCS, intelligent instruments, analyzers Data acquisition

Energy management: Smart meters, relay protection devices, photovoltaic inverters Communication

Intelligent manufacturing: Robots, vision systems, packaging machinery Networking

Distributed systems: Remote I/O, slave PLC, field equipment centralized control

VI. Version Comparison (MNET vs MNETXT) Table

Parameters: MVI56E-MNET (Standard Edition) MVI56E-MNETXT (Enhanced Edition)

Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C -25°C ~ +70°C ProSoft Technology Inc

Coating: None Full-panel laminated coating

Safety Certification: Standard industrial certification ATEX / IECEx Zone 2 ProSoft Technology Inc

Applicable Environments: General industrial control cabinets Extreme temperature, high humidity, dust, corrosive environment

VII. Summary of Product Advantages

MVI56E-MNET/MNETXT is the most mainstream and stable Modbus TCP/IP communication solution on the ControlLogix platform. Its core value lies in high performance, dual remote management, extreme environment adaptation, and seamless backward compatibility. It perfectly solves the problem of high-speed interconnection between Rockwell controllers and various Modbus TCP devices, and is the preferred communication gateway in the fields of industrial automation, process control, and energy management.


Get a Quote