Dec
In today’s industrial facilities, communication efficiency plays a vital role in maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Many plants rely on a mix of legacy Modbus equipment and modern PLC platforms, and connecting these systems has traditionally required protocol converters, custom programming, or network restructuring. ProSoft significantly simplifies this challenge by offering Modbus communication modules designed specifically for Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix® platform.
Mounted directly in the 1756 chassis, the ProSoft Modbus modules allow seamless data exchange between ControlLogix controllers and Modbus-compatible devices. Supporting both Modbus RTU/ASCII for serial communication and Modbus TCP for Ethernet-based communication, these modules provide a versatile solution for a broad range of industrial integration needs.
Direct Integration with ControlLogix Architecture
The modules communicate through the ControlLogix backplane and appear to the controller as standard I/O data. This approach avoids the complexity of external gateways and minimizes wiring and troubleshooting requirements. The result is improved reliability, simpler application development, and faster commissioning.
Because data is mapped as I/O tags, engineers can work entirely within the ControlLogix programming environment. This fits naturally into ladder logic, function block, or structured text development without requiring external conversion software or specialized programming expertise.
Support for Serial and Ethernet Modbus Networks
Many industrial networks still run Modbus RTU/ASCII through serial ports, especially where instrumentation, power monitoring devices, analyzers, and legacy PLCs are installed. ProSoft’s solution allows these devices to communicate directly with a ControlLogix controller while maintaining consistent data accuracy and timing.
For modern systems, Modbus TCP over Ethernet enables multi-device data exchange, supervisory control connections, and integration with SCADA or DCS networks. ProSoft modules enable the ControlLogix system to operate as a Modbus TCP Client or Server, providing flexibility for complex architectures.
Suitable for Diverse Industrial Applications
A major advantage of ProSoft communication modules is their suitability for environments where equipment from multiple generations must work together. This makes them valuable in:
· Power and energy monitoring systems
· Petrochemical and refining industries
· Water and wastewater plants
· Industrial manufacturing and motion systems
· Subsystem or skid-level integration
· Factory modernization projects
In these situations, Modbus remains a widely used communication protocol. With ProSoft modules, ControlLogix platforms can interact with Modbus-based devices without redesigning existing systems.
ProSoft Modbus Module Classification
Below is an overview of the main models used for Modbus communication on the ControlLogix platform.
|
Model |
Communication Type |
Operating Role |
Application Focus |
|
Modbus RTU/ASCII |
Master/Slave |
General serial Modbus integration |
|
|
Modbus RTU/ASCII |
Enhanced/Coated |
Harsh or corrosive industrial environments |
|
|
Modbus RTU/ASCII |
Reduced Data Block |
Distributed racks or limited bandwidth |
|
|
Modbus TCP |
Client/Server |
Standard Modbus Ethernet systems |
|
|
Modbus TCP |
Multi-Client/Server |
Multi-device Ethernet communications |
|
|
Modbus TCP |
Enhanced/Coated |
Harsh-environment Modbus TCP systems |
|
|
Modbus TCP |
Reduced Data Block |
Optimized for high-load networks |
This classification allows engineers to select the appropriate module based on communication type, environmental conditions, and system capacity requirements.
Ease of Setup and Long-Term Reliability
Configuration is completed using ProSoft tools, enabling straightforward setup of Modbus network parameters and data mapping.
Diagnostic features help detect network errors, improving uptime and simplifying maintenance.
With no additional gateways or external protocol converters required, the ProSoft solution reduces complexity while increasing long-term reliability.
Enhanced versions (XT models) are available for harsh operating conditions, supporting continuous and stable performance.
Supporting Smart Industrial Connectivity
As plants continue evolving toward digitalization and connected automation, the ability to integrate legacy systems with new PLC architectures becomes increasingly important. ProSoft Modbus modules offer a dependable and scalable approach to unifying data communication, reducing project risks and installation costs.
For both retrofits and greenfield projects, these modules make Modbus integration with ControlLogix significantly easier, faster, and more robust—delivering long-term value in automation systems.
Reliable Supply from AMIKON LIMITED
For ProSoft Modbus communication modules as well as other automation spare parts, AMIKON LIMITED provides dependable global sourcing and support.
Contact: May
E-mail: sales5@amikon.cn
For quotations, availability, and inquiries on additional industrial spare parts, AMIKON LIMITED will respond quickly and professionally to support your plant requirements.