ProSoft MVI71-GEC Product Description

MVI71-GEC (Generic ASCII Ethernet Communication Module) is a single-slot universal ASCII Ethernet communication module specially designed by ProSoft for the Rockwell PLC-5 platform. It provides 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces and supports 5 concurrent TCP/IP client/server connections, enabling high-speed Ethernet interconnection between PLC-5 and various ASCII protocol devices such as barcode scanners, weighing instruments, character terminals, and printers. It is a standard solution for upgrading old PLC-5 systems to support character-based Ethernet devices.

I. Model Interpretation

MVI71: Dedicated series for PLC-5 1771 platform

GEC: Generic ASCII Ethernet

Core Functionality: Universal ASCII protocol, Ethernet TCP/IP, 5 client/server connections, 10/100 Mbps, single-port fully isolated, 4000 bytes bidirectional data, single slot, zero PLC load

II. Core Hardware Specifications

Compatible Platforms

PLC-5: Full series of PLC-5/11, /12, /15, /20, /25, /30, /40, /40L, /60, /80, /80E

1771 backplane, single-slot installation

Support for local / remote racks

Backplane power consumption: maximum 800mA @ 5.1VDC

Ethernet Interfaces

Ports: 1 RJ45, 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing

Electrical Isolation: 1500Vrms optical isolation

Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP

Connection Count: 5 independent client/server (can be mixed configuration)

Configuration Port (CFG)

1 RS-232, DB-9M, hardware handshake

Used for module configuration, debugging, firmware upgrade

Data Buffer: 4000 bytes bidirectional shared database (2000 bytes)

ASCII Processing

Single ASCII string: maximum 2048 characters

Support for custom start characters, end characters, separators (CR/LF/STX/ETX, etc.)

Support for character filtering, data verification, timeout handling

LED Status: OK, BP, LINK, ACT, CFG, ERR status indicators Work environment

Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C

Storage: -40°C ~ +85°C

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (no condensation)

Shock resistance: 30g (during operation), 50g (when not in operation)

Certifications: CE, UL, cURus, RoHS 

III. Core Functions and Performance

1. General ASCII Ethernet Communication (Core Advantage)

5 Independent TCP/IP Connections

Client/Server Dual Mode: Each channel can be independently configured as Client or Server

Concurrent Communication: 5 devices can be connected simultaneously without interfering with each other

Support for TCP/UDP: Suitable for reliable transmission and high-speed broadcast scenarios

Powerful ASCII Protocol Processing

Custom Frame Format: Suitable for any ASCII device protocol (such as barcodes, weighing, instruments)

Ultra-long Character Support: Single frame 2048 characters, meeting the requirements for large data text transmission

Frame Check: Supports LRC, CRC, and checks to ensure data integrity

Flow Control: Supports RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, suitable for modems, radios

High-speed Data Exchange

10/100 Mbps Adaptive, far exceeding traditional serial ports (RS-232/485)

Full Electrical Isolation: 1500Vrms, anti-interference, eliminating ground potential difference

Long-distance Communication: Ethernet transmission distance up to 100m (twisted pair), breaking through the distance limitation of serial ports

2. Deep Integration with PLC-5 System

PLC Memory Mapping

4000 Byte Bidirectional Database: Directly mapped to PLC-5 files (B/N/F/T)

BTR/BTW Block Transmission: Efficient data interaction, zero PLC programming

Status, Commands, Data, Errors All mapped to PLC Tags

Configuration Tools

ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB): Visual Configuration

ASCII Frame Format, IP Address, Port Number, Connection Mode Graphical Editing

Online Diagnosis: Real-time Monitoring, Packet Capture, Event Log, Error Tracking

3. Industrial-level Reliability

Full Isolation Design

1500Vrms Isolation: Protects PLC and Field Devices

Independent Operation

Zero PLC CPU Load, Does Not Affect Scanning Cycle

Module Failure Does Not Affect PLC Host

Powerful Diagnosis

Module Status, Link Status, Connection Status, Communication Quality Real-time Monitoring

Automatic Reconnection in Case of Disconnection, Retry on Timeout, Fault Isolation

Detailed Error Codes, Event Log, Quick Troubleshooting

IV. Core Features and Advantages

1. Professional General ASCII Communication

5 Independent TCP/IP Connections: Multiple devices can be connected in parallel

10/100 Mbps, 1500V Isolation: High-speed, Safe, Stable

Custom ASCII Frame Format: Compatible with all character-type devices

Support for Ultra-long Frames (2048 Characters): Meeting the requirements for large data transmission

TCP/UDP Dual Protocol: Flexible adaptation for various devices

2. Optimized for PLC-5

1771 Slot: Compatible with all PLC-5, saves space

BTR/BTW Efficient Transmission: Native data interaction of PLC-5

4000 Byte Database: Meeting the requirements for multi-device data interaction

Zero PLC Load: Does not affect the performance of the control system

3. Easy to Use, Reliable, and Universal

PCB Visual Configuration: Quick Deployment, No Bottom-Level Programming Required

Sample Program + Ladder Diagram: Ready to use, shortens development cycle

Industrial-grade wide temperature, shock resistance, no fan: Long-term stability, no maintenance required

Global Certification, 3-Year Warranty: Investment Guarantee

V. Typical Application Scenarios

Barcode Scanning System: PLC-5 connected to Ethernet barcode scanner, automatically collecting production data

Weighing Instrument Integration: Connect to Ethernet weighing terminal, real-time obtaining weight data

Character Terminal / Display: Connect to industrial ASCII display, achieve status monitoring Printer Control: The driver is for Ethernet ticket printers, and it automatically prints production reports.

** Legacy Equipment Upgrade **: Old ASCII protocol instruments / devices are connected to PLC-5 Ethernet.

Data Acquisition System: Multiple ASCII sensors / analyzers are networked and collected centrally.

Old Factory Renovation: The PLC-5 system is connected to Ethernet ASCII devices to protect investment.

Summary

MVI71-GEC is a standard solution for general ASCII Ethernet communication on the PLC-5 platform. With 5 independent TCP/IP clients / servers, 10/100 Mbps high speed, 1500V full isolation, customizable ASCII frame format, 4000-byte bidirectional database, zero PLC load, industrial-grade reliability, and deep integration with PLC-5 as its core advantages, it is specifically designed for production automation, data acquisition, equipment integration, and old factory renovation. It is a high-performance, highly reliable, one-stop industrial-grade module for Rockwell PLC-5 to connect to various ASCII protocol Ethernet devices.