Description
ProSoft MVI56-ADMNET – Application Development Module with Ethernet for ControlLogix
The ProSoft MVI56-ADMNET gives your Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix system a flexible, user-programmable gateway for custom protocols and device integrations. From my experience, it’s the go‑to card when you need to speak a proprietary TCP/UDP protocol over Ethernet, parse data from legacy serial devices, and still exchange large, deterministic data sets with the Logix controller over the backplane. You might notice that it behaves like a small embedded computer inside your chassis—run your C-based application on the module, use the supplied API to move data to/from the Logix tags, and handle Ethernet or serial sessions directly on the card without burdening the PLC’s scan.
Typical use cases include: custom socket-based drivers for plant MES, talking to weighers and scanners that don’t support standard protocols, bridging older RS‑232/422/485 equipment into ControlLogix, or implementing proprietary command/response sequences your vendors won’t open up. One thing I appreciate is how quickly you can prototype—load your app, map registers, and watch data move in the Logix project almost immediately.
Our Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty period: 365 days
- Delivery time: typically 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment terms: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- User-programmable C environment – Develop and run your own application on the module; ProSoft’s API handles shared memory and backplane data exchange.
- Ethernet TCP/UDP sockets – Implement custom client/server logic over 10/100Base‑T; ideal for proprietary protocols or lightweight message brokers.
- Dual serial ports – Typically 2x isolated RS‑232/422/485 ports (to 115.2 kbps) for legacy devices like scales, analyzers, or barcode scanners.
- High-capacity Logix data mapping – In many cases supports up to ~5000 16‑bit registers in and out, giving ample room for structured data exchange.
- Tight ControlLogix integration – Single‑slot 1756 form factor; sample ladder routines and diagnostics tags streamline commissioning.
- Diagnostics and status – You get port status, connection counters, and error codes that make troubleshooting much easier on busy lines.
- ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) – Centralized configuration/diagnostics tool; speeds up deployment and maintenance.
- Designed for industrial environments – Wide operating temperature and robust EMC immunity. Hot-swap is supported by the chassis design in most cases.
Field note: A packaging site used MVI56‑ADMNET to parse a vendor’s private TCP stream from high-speed coders and push clean recipe/status data into Logix tags. Commissioning took two days—most of it validating message framing. Once the app was loaded, the line ran stable without touching the PLC logic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | ProSoft Technology MVI56-ADMNET |
| HS Code | 8517.62.00 (Data communication apparatus) |
| Power Requirements | From ControlLogix backplane; typically 5.1 VDC at ~800 mA (24 VDC at a few mA for housekeeping) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Single-slot 1756 form factor; approx. 145 × 35 × 114 mm (5.7 × 1.4 × 4.5 in); ~0.3 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 °C; 5–95% RH non‑condensing (typical for this series) |
| Signal Input/Output Types | Ethernet TCP/UDP; dual serial RS‑232/422/485 (isolated; up to 115.2 kbps) |
| Communication Interfaces | 1 × RJ45 10/100Base‑TX; 2 × DB9 serial; ControlLogix backplane (CIP) |
| Backplane Data Capacity | Up to ~5000 16‑bit words in each direction (typical for MVI56 series) |
| Installation Method | Plugs into 1756 ControlLogix chassis; occupies one slot; tool-less latch |
| Configuration Software | ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB); sample ladder and API libraries provided |
Related or Supporting Products
- ProSoft MVI56-ADM – Application Development Module (serial only). Ideal when Ethernet sockets aren’t required; otherwise similar programming model.
- ProSoft MVI56E-MNET – Modbus TCP/IP module with built‑in Modbus stack. If you only need Modbus TCP rather than custom TCP/UDP, this is simpler and quicker to deploy.
- ProSoft MVI56E-MCM – Modbus RTU/ASCII over RS‑232/422/485. A good alternative to writing your own serial parser when Modbus is acceptable.
- Allen‑Bradley 1756-Ax Chassis & 1756-PA/ PB Power Supplies – Required ControlLogix hardware to house and power the module; size depends on your I/O count.
- Allen‑Bradley 1756-EN2T/EN4T – If you need additional controller‑level Ethernet/IP capacity for plant networks (not required for the module’s own Ethernet port).
Installation & Maintenance
- Panel & chassis – Install in a 1756 ControlLogix chassis within a clean, ventilated enclosure. Follow typical spacing for airflow; avoid mounting near high‑EMI sources.
- Wiring & grounding – Use shielded Ethernet cables for noisy areas; ground shields at one end. For serial, match RS‑232/422/485 pinouts and termination; keep runs short in RS‑232.
- Configuration – Set up the module using ProSoft Configuration Builder. Load your compiled application and map the shared memory regions to Logix tags via the supplied sample ladder.
- Safety – Observe ESD precautions during handling. Hot‑swap is supported by the chassis design, but I typically schedule changes during planned downtime.
- Routine maintenance – Periodically back up the module app and configuration, review diagnostics counters, clean dust from vents, and keep firmware/SDK versions aligned with your site standard.
- Validation – For custom protocols, log a golden trace of the socket/serial session during FAT; it saves hours when replicating behavior after upgrades.
Quality & Certifications
- CE and UL/cUL listed; RoHS compliant; FCC Class A (typical for ProSoft ControlLogix modules)
- Manufacturer warranty: typically 1 year; our supply warranty: 365 days
- Each unit is function-tested before shipment in most cases; serialized records available upon request
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