ProSoft MVI56-DFCMR Communication Module

I. Product Overview

MVI56-DFCMR is a DF1 protocol master/slave station communication module (reduced data block version) in the inRAx series of ProSoft Technology specifically designed for the Rockwell ControlLogix platform. Its core function is to provide two independent serial communication ports for the ControlLogix controller, enabling high-speed and stable data interaction with third-party devices (such as Modicon PLC, frequency converters, HMI, instruments, SCADA systems) that support the DF1 protocol. The model suffix R indicates Reduced Data Block (reduced data block), which is optimized for remote chassis, ControlNet, EtherNet/IP and other network environments that are sensitive to data block size. 

II. Model Code Analysis (MVI56-DFCMR)

MVI56: ProSoft inRAx series, ControlLogix 1756 rack single slot communication module

DFCM: DF1 Communication Master/Slave - DF1 protocol master / slave station

R: Reduced Data Block - Compact data block, suitable for remote racks and distributed networks

III. Core Technical Parameters

(1) Hardware Specifications

Compatible platforms: Rockwell ControlLogix 1756 series (both local and remote racks are supported)

Slot occupation: Single slot (1756 standard size)

Backplane power consumption: 800mA @ 5VDC

Communication ports:

PRT1 / PRT2: 2 independent application serial ports, software configurable RS-232 / RS-485 / RS-422

CFG: 1 debugging configuration port (RS-232, RJ45 to DB9)

LED status indication: Module status, backplane transmission, application status, serial port activity

Size and weight: Standard 1756 module size (13.5cm × 13.3cm × 5.4cm), approximately 0.45kg

Environmental indicators:

Operating temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C

Storage temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C

Vibration: 5g @ 10~150Hz; Shock: 30g (running) / 50g (non-running)

Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (no condensation)

Certifications: CE, UL, cURus, RoHS

(2) Communication Parameters (DF1 Protocol)

Protocol type: Allen-Bradley DF1 full-duplex / half-duplex, asynchronous serial protocol

Working mode: Master (Master) / Slave (Slave), dual-port independent configuration

Baud rate: 110 ~ 115200 bps (software adjustable)

Data format: 7/8 data bits, 1/2 stop bits, no / odd / even parity

Data buffer: 5000 16-bit registers (reduced data block mapping)

Command length: Maximum 125 bytes / single read/write command

Master station capability: Each port supports 100 DF1 master station commands

Network topology: Point-to-point, multi-point in a straight line, modem (Modem), wireless data transmission

(3) Software and Compatibility

Configuration software: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) graphical tool

PLC programming: RSLogix 5000, provides Add-On Instruction (AOI) and example ladder diagram

Communication software: RSLinx Classic/Enterprise

Supported systems: Windows XP/7/10 (configuration environment)

Compatible devices: Modicon PLC, Allen-Bradley SLC 500, MicroLogix, frequency converter, instrument, SCADA, etc. all DF1 protocol devices

IV. Core Product Characteristics

Dual-port independent master / slave

2 isolated serial ports, each port can be independently set as a master or slave, a single module can simultaneously connect 2 DF1 devices, supports master-master, master-slave, slave-slave any combination, dual-link parallel communication, efficiency doubled.

Reduced data block (R version core advantage) Designed specifically for remote racks, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP, it optimizes the data block transmission mechanism, minimizes the data occupancy on the backplane, significantly improves the stability of remote communication, and addresses the issues of oversized data blocks, transmission delays, and packet loss in standard DFCM modules in remote networks.

Large-capacity flexible data mapping

5000-word bidirectional data buffer, supporting bit, word, floating-point, ASCII full formats, user-defined mapping rules, transparent transmission from ControlLogix tags to DF1 registers, with no need for complex programming.

Industrial-grade isolation and reliability

Optical isolation, surge protection, ESD protection, dual-port fully electrical isolation, wide temperature without fan design, suitable for harsh industrial environments with strong electromagnetic interference, dust, vibration, and 7×24-hour uninterrupted stable operation.

Convenient debugging and diagnosis

Front-panel LED real-time status + PCB graphical diagnosis, supporting online monitoring, communication statistics, error logs, fault codes, quickly locating disconnected lines, protocol errors, timeouts, etc., reducing maintenance difficulty.

Plug-and-play rapid deployment

Standard 1756 single-slot design, hot-swappable compatible, providing complete AOI instruction library and ladder diagram templates, no additional development required, configuration and debugging completed in 30 minutes.

VII. Typical Application Scenarios

Upgrade of old systems: Modicon PLC, SLC 500 connected to the ControlLogix platform, protecting original investment

Remote distributed SCADA: oil pipelines, water treatment, mines, remote site DF1 data collection

Multi-device data concentrator: frequency converters, instruments, sensors, DF1 data aggregated to ControlLogix

Remote rack communication: ControlNet/EtherNet/IP remote rack expansion of DF1 communication capability

Industrial wireless communication: DF1 protocol + wireless data transmission radio / modem remote monitoring

Interconnection of process industries such as food processing, papermaking, and mining with multiple protocol heterogeneous systems

VIII. Suggested Accessories and Selection

Cables: RJ45-DB9 configuration cables, RS-485 shielded twisted pair (up to 1200m)

Matching controllers: ControlLogix 1756-L6x/L7x/L8x full series processors

Version comparison:

MVI56-DFCM: standard data blocks, suitable for local racks

MVI56-DFCMR: reduced data blocks (R version), prioritized for remote racks / ControlNet/EtherNet/IP

Alternative solution: PLX51-DF1-ENI (Ethernet to DF1 Gateway) ProSoft Technology Inc

IX. Product Advantage Summary

MVI56-DFCMR is a high-performance serial communication module for ControlLogix single-slot, DF1 dual-port, master/slave station, reduced data blocks, industrial-grade isolation, remote rack optimization. Core value: solving the interconnection of ControlLogix and massive DF1 devices, efficient parallel dual-port operation, adapting to remote networks with reduced data blocks, stable, reliable, and easy to maintain. It is the preferred communication solution for upgrading old systems, remote data collection, distributed SCADA, and multi-device integration.