Product Details

The ProSoft MVI71-GEC is a single-slot generic ASCII Ethernet communication module designed for Rockwell PLC-5 chassis platform, which is used to connect PLC-5 processors with Ethernet devices that transmit free-format ASCII strings over TCP/IP. It supports up to five configurable TCP client sockets and five TCP server sockets, users can set local port numbers, connection timeout values, close modes and message framing rules according to the communication protocol of the connected equipment. It can send custom ASCII commands and receive response messages, and supports delimiter-based packet parsing by carriage return, line feed and other custom markers to adapt to different text message formats. It is equipped with one 10/100Mbps auto-negotiation RJ45 Ethernet port for ASCII data transmission, and a dedicated RS232 configuration port for local configuration download, online message monitoring and fault diagnosis. The module maintains a local register database for buffering incoming and outgoing ASCII data, and exchanges data with the PLC-5 processor through BTR and BTW instructions over the 1771 backplane. The ASCII message sending and receiving tasks run independently and asynchronously, so the communication process will not occupy the PLC scan cycle and interfere with the real-time control logic. Sample ladder logic is provided for RSLogix 5, and ProSoft Configuration Builder software is used to configure socket parameters, data delimiters, retry rules and data mapping. This module is discontinued and only supplied as spare parts for legacy PLC-5 automation systems.

This module fits standard 1771 single-slot rack and consumes 800mA at 5VDC from the backplane. It supports hot-swappable operation for on-site replacement without shutting down the whole automation rack. LED indicators display module power status, backplane communication health, Ethernet link activity and socket connection faults for fast on-site inspection and troubleshooting. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 60°C, storage temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C, with 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity tolerance. It meets industrial shock and vibration standards and adopts reliable EMC protection against surge and electrostatic interference for factory automation and process control environments. It supports configuration file backup and firmware upgrade for routine maintenance.

This generic ASCII Ethernet module is widely used in weighing system integration, barcode data acquisition, packaging machine control, laboratory analyzer connection and legacy equipment transformation projects. It provides native ASCII over TCP/IP interface inside the PLC-5 rack without extra external protocol converters, making it suitable for instruments with custom text-based communication format. As a discontinued legacy communication module, the MVI71-GEC is mainly supplied as spare replacement parts for running automation systems. It maintains stable ASCII Ethernet data transmission, preserves the original field instruments and network wiring, and reduces the renovation cost of non-standard Ethernet device integration.