PROSOFT AN-X2-AB-DHRIO communication component – simplifies industrial network architecture and reduces operation and maintenance costs!

Description

The Prosoft Technology AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is a sophisticated communication gateway module designed to bridge Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs with legacy Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) networks. This powerful protocol interface solution enables seamless data exchange between modern ControlLogix systems and older DH+ devices, extending the lifespan of existing equipment while facilitating system modernization. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO operates as a standalone gateway, efficiently translating protocols between EtherNet/IP and Data Highway Plus, allowing for transparent communication without requiring extensive programming changes or system reconfiguration.

This versatile module demonstrates Prosoft Technology’s expertise in industrial communication solutions, providing a critical link between newer automation architectures and legacy control systems. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO features dual DH+ channels that can operate simultaneously, supporting communication with multiple DH+ devices or networks. Its compact design and flexible mounting options make it suitable for various installation scenarios, while the web-based configuration interface simplifies setup and maintenance. The module’s robust construction ensures reliable operation in industrial environments, maintaining stable communication even in electrically noisy conditions.

The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO offers significant value by protecting investments in existing DH+ equipment while enabling integration with modern control systems. This approach allows manufacturers to implement phased modernization strategies, reducing costs and minimizing disruption to operations. The module’s transparent data bridging capability ensures that engineers can access DH+ devices from ControlLogix processors as if they were native EtherNet/IP devices, streamlining programming and maintenance activities while maintaining the reliability and performance expected in industrial automation applications.

AN-X2-AB-DHRIO PROSOFT

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO offers exceptional protocol conversion capabilities through its advanced dual-channel architecture. The module provides two independent DH+ channels that can operate at different baud rates simultaneously, enabling connection to multiple DH+ networks or devices from a single gateway. This dual-channel design significantly reduces hardware requirements and simplifies system architecture when interfacing with diverse DH+ equipment. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO supports transparent data exchange, allowing ControlLogix processors to communicate with DH+ devices as if they were native EtherNet/IP devices, eliminating the need for complex programming or special communication instructions.

Configuration flexibility and ease of use: The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO features a web-based configuration interface that simplifies setup and monitoring. The intuitive web pages provide easy access to configuration parameters, status information, and diagnostic data, reducing setup time and minimizing the learning curve for maintenance personnel. The module supports automatic device discovery and configuration tools that streamline the integration process. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO also includes extensive diagnostic capabilities, including status indicators for power, network activity, and channel status, enabling quick troubleshooting and reducing system downtime.

Reliability and integration advantages: The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is designed for robust performance in industrial environments, featuring electrical isolation on all network connections and protection against power surges and electrical noise. The module’s compact form factor and DIN rail mounting capability make it suitable for installation in control panels with limited space. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO maintains stable communication even in challenging network conditions, ensuring reliable data exchange between modern control systems and legacy DH+ equipment. This reliability, combined with Prosoft’s technical support and documentation, provides a solid foundation for long-term system operation and maintenance.

Application Field

The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO finds extensive application in industrial automation environments where modernization of control systems must accommodate legacy equipment. In manufacturing facilities, the gateway enables integration of older Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC 500, and MicroLogix controllers with modern ControlLogix systems, allowing for phased modernization without requiring immediate replacement of all existing equipment. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is particularly valuable in automotive manufacturing, food processing, and packaging industries where DH+ networks are still widely deployed and complete system replacement is cost-prohibitive or operationally disruptive.

Process industries including chemical processing, oil and gas, and water treatment facilities utilize the Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO to maintain communication with legacy DH+ equipment while upgrading to modern control architectures. The module enables integration of older distributed I/O systems, operator interfaces, and specialized field devices with new ControlLogix-based control systems, protecting investments in existing equipment while gaining the benefits of modern automation technology. The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO also supports data collection and monitoring applications, allowing historical data from DH+ devices to be incorporated into modern SCADA and MES systems for improved operational visibility and decision-making.

The Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is also deployed in infrastructure applications such as building automation, power distribution, and material handling systems where legacy DH+ equipment must communicate with modern control systems. The gateway’s ability to provide transparent data exchange enables engineers to maintain and support existing DH+ systems while gradually implementing modernization strategies, reducing risk and minimizing disruption to operations. In each application, the Prosoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for extending the life of DH+ equipment and facilitating controlled migration to modern automation platforms.

AN-X2-AB-DHRIO PROSOFT

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