ProSoft PLX31-EIP-MBS Product Description

PLX31-EIP-MBS is an independent industrial communication gateway launched by ProSoft, enabling bidirectional data conversion between EtherNet/IP networks and Modbus serial (RTU/ASCII) devices. It is specifically designed for Rockwell Automation to integrate Modbus instruments, sensors, PLCs, etc. into the system, supporting DIN rail installation, full electrical isolation, and SD card configuration backup.

I. Model Interpretation

PLX31: Independent High-Performance Network Series

EIP: EtherNet/IP Protocol Side (Rockwell Standard Industrial Ethernet)

MBS: Modbus Serial Protocol Side (RS-232/422/485)

Core Positioning: Single-port Modbus serial port, EtherNet/IP Class 1/3, configurable master/slave stations, 4000-byte data cache, 2500V optical isolation, DIN rail, SD card backup

II. Core Hardware Specifications

Mechanical and Power Supply

Installation Method: DIN rail standard installation

Power Supply: 10~36 VDC (nominal 24 VDC), 300 mA @ 24 VDC

Size: 13.67 × 5.05 × 11.13 cm

Weight: Approximately 0.19 kg

Ethernet Interface (EtherNet/IP)

Ports: 1 × 10/100 M RJ45, full / half duplex

Isolation: 1500 Vrms electrical isolation

Protocol Support: EtherNet/IP Class 1 (implicit I/O), Class 3 (explicit messages)

Connection Number: Supports multiple Class 1 connections and concurrent access by multiple clients

ProSoft Technology Inc

Serial Interface (Modbus Serial)

Ports: 1 × Independent RS-232/422/485 (software configurable)

Isolation: 2500 Vrms optical isolation (UL 1577)

Protocol: Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII

Baud Rate: 1200 ~ 115200 bps

Mode: Configurable as Modbus master or slave

Master Capability: Supports 100 user-defined Modbus instructions

Data and Storage

Internal Database: 4000 × 16-bit words (bidirectional data exchange area)

Configuration Storage: Built-in Flash + SD card slot (configuration backup / restoration) ProSoft Technology Inc

LED Indicators: PWR, CFG, ERR, FLT, NS, MS, COM status

Environment and Certification

Operating Temperature: -25°C ~ +70°C

Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +80°C

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (no condensation)

Shock Resistance: 5G @ 10~150 Hz

Impact Resistance: 15G (operating), 30G (non-operating) ProSoft Technology Inc

Certifications: CE, UL/cUL, RoHS, DNV, ABS

III. Core Functions and Working Principle

1. Protocol Conversion Mechanism

Bidirectional Data Forwarding: EtherNet/IP ↔ Modbus Serial Automatic Mapping ProSoft Technology Inc Data buffer: 4000-word shared memory, achieving protocol decoupling and high-speed exchange

Flexible master/slave configuration

Master mode: Active polling of Modbus instruments, inverters, PLCs

Slave mode: Acting as a Modbus slave and being accessed by third-party SCADA/PLC

2. Functions on the EtherNet/IP side

Class 1 implicit I/O: Data exchange with ControlLogix/CompactLogix real-time I/O

Class 3 explicit messages: Support for MSG instruction reading and writing, program control

EDS additional configuration file: Direct integration with RSLogix/Studio 5000, no programming configuration by ProSoft Technology Inc

ProSoft Discovery Service: Cross-segment discovery module, modifying IP

3. Functions on the Modbus side (master)

100 instruction queues: Support for function codes 1/2/3/4/5/6/15/16 from ProSoft Technology Inc

Polling scheduling: Periodic / triggered / conditional polling, optimizing bus load

Error handling: Automatic retry, timeout, isolated faulty nodes

Address mapping: Free mapping of Modbus address ↔ internal database

4. Reliability and maintenance

Full electrical isolation: Ethernet, serial port, power supply three-terminal isolation, anti-interference, lightning protection

SD card backup: Configuration quick cloning, rapid fault recovery by ProSoft Technology Inc

Web diagnosis: Built-in Web server, remote status monitoring, log viewing

Hot swapping: Supports on-site maintenance, without interrupting system operation

Four, Core advantages

1. Industrial-grade stable and reliable

Wide temperature range, isolation, no fan, suitable for extreme industrial sites

2500V photoelectric isolation, completely solving ground potential difference, strong electromagnetic interference

Independent gateway: Does not occupy PLC slot, does not increase PLC scanning load

2. Rockwell deep compatibility

Native support for EtherNet/IP Class 1/3

EDS file integration: One-click configuration with RSLogix/Studio 5000

Zero PLC programming: Data automatic mapping, control logic zero modification

3. Flexible Modbus adaptation

Single-port three-in-one (RS-232/422/485), adaptable to all topologies

Master/slave dual mode, meeting dual requirements of acquisition and connection

100 instructions, 4000-word data area, meeting large-scale equipment connection

4. Easy to use and maintain

DIN rail, plug-and-play

SD card configuration backup, batch deployment, rapid replacement

LED + Web dual diagnosis, precise fault location

Five, Typical application scenarios

ControlLogix/CompactLogix accessing Modbus instruments (flow meters, pressure gauges, sensors)

PLC communicating with Modbus inverters, servo, valve controllers

Upgrade of old Modbus system to access EtherNet/IP network

SCADA system monitoring Modbus RTU devices through EtherNet/IP

Interconnection of multiple manufacturer devices (Rockwell ↔ Modbus protocol devices)

Six, Summary

PLX31-EIP-MBS is an industrial-grade standard gateway for EtherNet/IP and Modbus serial device interconnection. With the core advantages of independent DIN rail installation, single-port RS-232/422/485 switchable, Modbus master/slave dual mode, EtherNet/IP Class 1/3 dual connection, 4000-byte data cache, 2500V full optically isolated, SD card configuration backup, and wide temperature industrial-grade design, it perfectly realizes seamless data connection between Rockwell control systems and various Modbus serial devices. It is a highly reliable and high-performance solution for protocol conversion in industrial sites, upgrading of old systems, and integration of multiple devices.