MGate EIP3170/MGate EIP3270 Series

Features and Benefits 

• PCCC objects for Rockwell Automation networks supported
• Use ProCOM to implement control via COM port mapping
• 8 simultaneous EtherNet/IP client/server pairs with up to 16 queued requests
• Serial redirector keeps the original serial master and slave connection while connecting devices to the Ethernet
• EtherNet/IP and DF1 protocol analyzer for easy troubleshooting
• Redundant dual DC power inputs
• Built-in Ethernet cascading for easy wiring
• -40 to 75°C wide operating temperature models available

Overview

MGate™ EIP3000 gateways provide EtherNet/IP to DF1 protocol conversion for users who need to connect Allen Bradley PLCs to an EtherNet/IP network. With a number of innovative functions, the MGate™ series overcomes the difficulties of connecting between legacy serial devices and SCADA software. Both 1 and 2-port gateways are available for use with different sized control networks.

Protocol Conversion between DF1 and EtherNet/IP

By supporting PCCC objects on CIP, the MGate™ EIP3000 can communicate seamlessly with SCADA software such as RSLinx. For users who develop control software based on EtherNet/IP, MGate EIP3000 offers the standard interface for connection.

Support for Multiple EtherNet/IP Connections

MGate™ EIP3000 gateways support up to 16 EtherNet/IP clients and servers simultaneously. Each client can send up to 16 requests at a time, and the multiple connection capability can help establish redundancy for more complex control systems.

Windows Utility for Easy Setup and Traffic Monitoring

Moxa provides a user-friendly Windows utility with multi-language support. The utility supports a traffic monitoring function for EtherNet/IP and DF1 protocols, and not only logs events initiated by the gateway, but also records all commands and responses that pass through the gateway. The utility helps users determine the root cause of failures and performance bottlenecks.

Serial Redirector Function Provided

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 masters without changing the DF1 architecture or software. With the serial redirector function, MGate™ EIP3000 gateways can establish redundant control of legacy slave devices that were originally designed to be controlled by a single serial master.

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

Each MGate™ EIP3000 gateway supports virtual serial ports for the remote PC. You can connect to the MGate™ EIP3000 through the COM port by using Moxa’s Real COM driver, with the actual physical connection over the Ethernet. The gateway supports up to 4 virtual COM port connections and offers greater flexibility when designing redundant control systems.

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 panel for 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.

How to Architect Your Systems to Get the Most Out of Your Modbus Devices

The migration of all industrial applications to Ethernet is unquestioned. But, before network engineers can inch closer toward all-systems-go, they need to overcome several challenges. The most pressing one is to ensure that there is no breakdown in communication between serial devices and SCADA hosts. It is no secret that plenty of solutions are available on the market. The immediate question is which solution fits your network’s requirements the best.

In this white paper, we will look at four challenges that arise when linking up Modbus-supported devices to SCADA systems. We will also provide solutions for different scenarios to address your concerns.