PLX32-EIP-PND | ProSoft Technology | EtherNet/IP to PROFINET Gateway

Overview

The ProSoft PLX32-EIP-PND is a standalone industrial protocol gateway engineered to exchange real-time control data between EtherNet/IP controllers and PROFINET IO systems. It is commonly deployed in mixed-vendor environments where Allen-Bradley PLCs must interface directly with Siemens PROFINET networks.

Unlike rack-mounted or backplane-dependent solutions, this gateway operates independently and mounts directly on a DIN rail, allowing flexible installation in distributed control cabinets and segmented industrial networks.

Communication Capabilities

• Enables cyclic and acyclic data transfer between EtherNet/IP and PROFINET
• Functions as a PROFINET IO Device (Class A) for seamless integration with Siemens controllers
• Supports EtherNet/IP implicit I/O connections (Class 1) and explicit messaging (Class 3)
• Maintains protocol integrity without modifying PLC logic structure
• Suitable for deterministic industrial Ethernet environments

Network Architecture

The PLX32-EIP-PND incorporates two physically separate Ethernet interfaces, each assigned to an independent IP subnet. This architecture allows protocol bridging without collapsing network domains, supporting cybersecurity zoning, traffic segmentation, and controlled data flow between automation layers.

This design is particularly valuable in regulated or high-availability systems where network isolation is mandatory.

Hardware Design and Maintenance

• DIN-rail-mounted standalone enclosure
• Integrated SD card slot for configuration storage and field replacement
• Front-panel diagnostics for power, communication status, and system health
• Fanless industrial construction for continuous operation

Technical Specifications

Protocol Support

• EtherNet/IP: Class 1 I/O, Class 3 Explicit Messaging
• PROFINET: IO Device, Class A
• Supported protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET

Ethernet Interfaces

• 2 × RJ45 ports
• 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation
• Electrically and logically isolated subnets

Electrical Characteristics

• Input voltage range: 10–36 V DC
• Typical current draw: approximately 610 mA at 24 V DC
• Industrial power protection and isolation

Mechanical and Environmental

• Mounting: DIN rail
• Cooling: Passive, fanless
• Configuration storage: Removable SD card
• Designed for industrial control cabinet environments

Application Scenarios

• Data exchange between ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLCs and Siemens S7 PROFINET systems
• Oil and gas, water and wastewater, power generation, and process manufacturing
• Segmented automation networks requiring strict subnet separation
• SCADA or DCS communication bridging
• Migration or coexistence projects involving Siemens and Rockwell platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the PLX32-EIP-PND require a PLC slot or backplane? A: No. The device operates independently and does not require installation in a PLC rack.

Q: Are the two Ethernet ports on the same network? A: No. Each port operates on a separate subnet, enabling secure and controlled protocol bridging.

Q: Can configurations be restored after hardware replacement? A: Yes. The SD card allows rapid recovery and duplication of gateway configurations.