Description
ProSoft Technology PLX31-EIP-SIE
Technical Specifications
- Brand: ProSoft Technology
- Product Family: PLX30/PLX31 Series
- Model: PLX31-EIP-SIE
- Function: EtherNet/IP to Siemens Industrial Ethernet gateway
- EtherNet/IP Side: Supports Class 1 I/O and Class 3 messaging
- Siemens Side: Communicates with Siemens S7 PACs
- Supported Siemens Controllers: S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500
- Class 3 Server Connections: 5
- Ethernet Interface: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing Ethernet port
- Data Capacity: Supports substantial register and tag mapping; exact capacity depends on firmware version
- RPI Configuration: Configurable Requested Packet Interval for optimized bandwidth
- Power Supply: 10 to 36 V DC, 24 V DC nominal
- Configuration Software: ProSoft Configuration Builder
- Discovery Tool: ProSoft Discovery Service
- SD Card Slot: Supported for configuration backup depending on hardware revision
- Mounting: DIN rail
Functional Features
- Cross-Protocol Communication: Bridges EtherNet/IP and Siemens Industrial Ethernet.
- Bidirectional Data Transfer: Reads and writes data between Rockwell and Siemens controllers.
- Data Prioritization: Allows different update rates for control and status data.
- Embedded EDS File: Simplifies integration with Rockwell Automation programming software.
- Remote Configuration: Configured and monitored through Ethernet.
- ProSoft Discovery Service: Locates the gateway on the network even when the IP address is unknown.
- SD Card Backup: Stores configuration files for fast replacement when supported.
- Multi-Vendor Integration: Reduces the need for controller replacement during system upgrades.
Application Scenarios
- Mixed Rockwell and Siemens automation systems
- Automotive manufacturing lines
- Packaging and bottling plants
- Food and beverage processing
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Oil and gas production facilities
- Power generation monitoring
- Brownfield system upgrades and migrations
Performance Parameters
- Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps
- EtherNet/IP Connections: Supports Class 1 and Class 3 connections
- Class 3 Server Connections: 5
- Configurable RPI: Optimizes update rates per connection
- Power Range: 10 to 36 V DC
- Data Mapping: Tag and register mapping between EtherNet/IP and Siemens controllers
- Configuration Access: Ethernet-based configuration and diagnostics
Material Composition
- Housing: Industrial plastic enclosure
- PCB Assembly: Dual-protocol communication processor and Ethernet interfaces
- Ethernet Ports: RJ45 connectors for EtherNet/IP and Siemens network connections
- Power Terminal: Removable DC power connector
- LED Indicators: Power, network, module status, and communication indicators
- SD Card Slot: Available on supported hardware versions
Structural Features
- DIN Rail Mounting: Fits standard industrial control cabinets.
- Standalone Gateway Design: Operates independently of a PLC chassis.
- Dual Ethernet Connectivity: Separates or bridges EtherNet/IP and Siemens networks depending on configuration.
- Status LED Array: Provides quick visual diagnostics.
- Compact Industrial Enclosure: Suitable for panel mounting.
- Service-Oriented Layout: Allows easy access to power, Ethernet, and diagnostic interfaces.
Working Principle
The gateway maintains connections to both an EtherNet/IP network and a Siemens Industrial Ethernet network. Data tags from the EtherNet/IP controller are mapped to corresponding Siemens data blocks, registers, or memory areas. The gateway continuously exchanges data according to the configured update rates. Incoming data from the Siemens side is converted into EtherNet/IP I/O data or message responses for the Rockwell controller. This allows both systems to share process values, alarms, status flags, and control commands.
