Product Description of ProSoft MVI69-GEC

MVI69-GEC (Generic ASCII Ethernet Interface Module) is a universal ASCII Ethernet communication module specially designed by ProSoft for the Rockwell CompactLogix/MicroLogix platform. Through dual 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports, it provides 5 independent client/server sessions, enabling transparent character stream data interaction between PLC and various Ethernet ASCII devices (instruments, barcode readers, printers, sensors). It is a universal gateway solution for non-standard Ethernet ASCII devices to connect to the Rockwell control system. 

I. Model Analysis

MVI69: Specialized Module for CompactLogix 1769 Platform

GEC: Generic ASCII Ethernet (General ASCII Ethernet)

Core Positioning: Dual Ethernet, General ASCII Protocol, 5 concurrent sessions, Transparent Character Transmission, Single-slot Installation, Industrial-grade Reliability

II. Core Hardware Specifications

Compatible Platforms: Full series of CompactLogix (L1x–L7x, excluding L16x/L18x/QBFC1B), MicroLogix 1500 LRP, 1769 I/O Bus, Single-slot Installation

Backplane Power Consumption: Maximum 800mA @ 5.1VDC

Ethernet Interfaces

Ports: 2 10/100Base-TX (RJ45), Auto-MDIX Adaptive

Isolation: 1500Vrms Electrical Isolation

Protocols: TCP/IP, Socket Communication

Data Buffer

Maximum 4000 Bytes Bidirectional Data Transmission

ASCII String Length: Maximum 2048 Characters

LED Status: OK, BP, CFG, ETH1, ETH2, ERR Six Sets of Indicators

Operating Environment

Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C

Storage: -40°C ~ +85°C

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (No Condensation)

Certifications: CE, UL, cURus, RoHS

III. Core Functions and Performance

1. General ASCII Ethernet Communication (Core Advantage)

5 Independent Client/Server Sessions

The module has 5 sets of completely independent Socket Sessions, which can be configured as Client (Client) or Server (Server)

Client Mode: Active connection to 5 remote ASCII server devices (such as instruments, sensors), sending/receiving ASCII strings

Server Mode: Listen to 5 local ports, accept 5 remote client connections, respond to ASCII data requests

All sessions run in parallel independently without interfering with each other

Transparent ASCII Character Transmission

Supports all ASCII characters (0x00 ~ 0x7F), including control characters (CR, LF, ETX, STX, etc.)

Custom Frame Format: Configurable Start Symbol, End Symbol, Checksum, Fixed-Length Frame, suitable for various non-standard ASCII protocols

Data Reception Mechanism: Supports three reception modes of character timeout, end character, and fixed-length, ensuring complete frame reception

Send Queue: Each session has an independent FIFO queue for sending, supporting priority transmission

Dual Network Port Redundancy and Flexible Networking

Dual Ethernet Ports: Support redundant networking (same network dual links) or dual independent networks (connecting two different network segments)

Ports are completely isolated, avoiding network interference

Support for Static IP, DHCP Automatic Address Acquisition

2. Seamless Integration with PLC System

High-speed Backplane Data Exchange

The module operates independently as a coprocessor, zeroing out the PLC CPU scanning load

4000 Byte Database Directly Mapped to PLC Controller Tag

Supports Periodic I/O Data Mirroring, Data Delay < 1ms

Studio 5000 / Logix 500 Deep Integration

Provides AOI (Add-On Instruction) and UDT (User-Defined Tag), ready to use out of the box Module status, port status, session status, receive/send count, error code are mapped in real time to PLC tags

Configuration file is automatically backed up to PLC project (ACD file)

Through ladder logic, data sending, receiving, session reset are controlled

3. Industrial-grade reliability and maintenance

Electrical isolation protection

Dual network ports, 1500Vrms electrical isolation, anti-surge, anti-static, elimination of ground potential difference

Powerful diagnostic function

Real-time monitoring of port connection status, session status, receive/send byte count, error code

Diagnostic information is grouped by session/port, quickly locating communication faults

Flexible configuration tool

ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) visual configuration

Export/import of configuration files, supporting batch deployment

Remote diagnosis, firmware upgrade

Four. Core features and advantages

1. Superb versatility

Universal ASCII protocol: compatible with all Ethernet ASCII devices, no need for dedicated drivers

5 concurrent sessions: single module connects to multiple heterogeneous ASCII devices

Dual network port design: redundant, dual network, expandable networking, flexible adaptation

Customized frame format: perfectly adapted to non-standard, dedicated ASCII protocols

2. Plug-and-play, easy development

AOI/UDT ready out of the box: no complex Socket programming required, 10 minutes to complete configuration

Transparent diagnostic information: all statuses are visible in the PLC program, simplifying debugging and maintenance

Compact single-slot design: saves cabinet space, easy installation

3. Stable and reliable in industrial sites

Full isolation dual network ports: protect PLC from electrical interference in the site

Wide temperature range, no fan: suitable for manufacturing, food, medicine, logistics, etc. harsh environments

Independent operation: module failure does not affect the PLC host system

Five. Typical application scenarios

Instrumentation integration: CompactLogix connects to Ethernet ASCII analyzers, flow meters, pH meters, balances, sensors

Logistics automation: PLC and barcode readers, RFID readers, inkjet printers, printers data interaction

Non-standard equipment communication: dedicated controllers, single-chip microcomputer systems, human-machine interfaces with ASCII Ethernet access

Renovation of old factories: traditional serial ASCII devices connect to Ethernet through serial server (Device Server)

Data acquisition system: industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) edge ASCII data acquisition

Test equipment: automated test equipment (ATE) character stream instructions and result transmission

Six. Summary

MVI69-GEC is the most versatile ASCII Ethernet communication module for CompactLogix/MicroLogix platform. With dual-channel full isolation Ethernet, 5 independent client/server sessions, 4000-byte large data buffer, customizable ASCII frame format, zero PLC load, deep integration with Studio 5000, industrial-grade reliability as core advantages, designed specifically for massive non-standard ASCII devices, multi-device concurrent connection, complex site networking, and old factory renovation. It is the preferred universal gateway solution for Rockwell PLC to connect various Ethernet ASCII instruments, sensors, and dedicated equipment.