DF1 to EtherNetIP

The MGate EIP3000 fieldbus gateway provides DF1 to EtherNet/IP protocol conversion for users who need to connect Allen Bradley PLCs to an EtherNet/IP network, and provide a cost-effective way to combine PLC and SCADA software into the same system.

Protocol Conversion between DF1 and EtherNet/IP

The MGate EIP3000 fieldbus gateway can be used to connect DF1 devices and EtherNet/IP devices to provide Allen Bradley PLCs with remote maintenance capability. By supporting PCCC objects on CIP, the MGate EIP3000 can communicate seamlessly with Rockwell Ethernet devices. It comes with either 1 or 2 serial ports to allow users to select a suitable gateway depending on the size of the network.

Support for Multiple EtherNet/IP Connections

The MGate EIP3000 fieldbus gateway supports up to 8 EtherNet/IP clients and 8 EtherNet/IP servers simultaneously. Each client can send up to 16 requests at one time.

Windows Utility for Easy Setup and Traffic Monitoring

Moxa provides a user-friendly Windows utility with multiple language support for use with all MGate products. The utility also supports a traffic monitoring function for EtherNet/IP and DF1 protocols.

Serial Redirector Function Provided

The MGate EIP3000 fieldbus gateway features a serial redirector function that allows additional options for DF1 network integration. The serial redirector function allows the commands of a serial master (command initiator) to be redirected to the serial slave (command executor) on another port. In addition, a serial master can operate simultaneously with EtherNet/IP Clients or other serial masters without altering the DF1 architecture or software. Using the serial redirector function, EIP3000 gateways can establish redundant backup control or EtherNet monitoring of DF1 networks that were originally designed for a single serial master.

ProCOM”Virtual Serial Port for Multiple DF1 and EtherNet/IP Device Communication

Each MGate EIP3000 gateway supports a virtual serial port. A remote PC uses a Moxa-provided Real COM or TTY driver to connect to the EIP3000's virtual serial port. RSLinx and SCADA systems can use the virtual COM port to communicate with an EIP3000 gateway. The virtual serial port function gives RSLinux or some SCADA systes the capability to connect to multiple DF1 and EtherNet/IP devices through a protocol gateway.

Pull High/Low Resistors and Terminator Selection

When using termination resistors to prevent serial signal reflection, it is important to set the pull high/low resistors correctly so that the electrical signal is not corrupted. Since no set of resistor values is universally compatible with all environments, the EIP3000 has DIP switches on the bottom panelfor setting the termination and pull high/low resistor values.

Built-in Isolation

Complex device networks that incorporate high amperage devices could be subject to electrical signal distortion from electrical discharges, magnetic noise, or common mode transients. MGate series products solve this problem by using built-in optical isolation.