1. Product Overview

• Part Number: 5201‑DFNT‑ASCII

• Manufacturer: ProSoft Technology (ProLinx 5000 Series)

• Product Type: DIN‑rail mounted standalone protocol gateway

• Function: Bidirectional data bridge between EtherNet/IP (Explicit Messaging) and generic ASCII serial devices (RS‑232/422/485). Enables Rockwell PLCs / EtherNet/IP systems to exchange ASCII strings with serial printers, displays, scales, scanners, meters, and custom ASCII devices.

• Ports: 1 × 10/100 Ethernet (EtherNet/IP); 1 × configurable ASCII serial port (DB‑9)

2. Key Features

1. EtherNet/IP Client/Server (Explicit Messaging) – connects to Rockwell PLCs & EtherNet/IP hosts

2. Generic ASCII Serial (RS‑232/422/485 software selectable)

3. Serial baud: 1200–115.2 kbps; 8N1/8E1/8O1 configurable

4. ASCII framing control: user‑defined start/end characters, fixed length, timeout termination

5. Modes: Receive‑Only, Transmit‑Only, Transmit‑Receive

6. EtherNet/IP data mapping: ASCII strings ↔ EtherNet/IP tags (strings, bytes, words)

7. Support for RTS/CTS handshaking and RTS on/off timing

8. Swap byte order for endianness compatibility

9. Industrial isolation, surge protection, and EMC compliance

10. Wide temperature: −20 °C to +60 °C; DIN‑rail mount

11. LED status indicators for power, run, Ethernet, serial, fault

12. Configuration via ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) softwareProSoft Technology Inc

3. Technical Specifications

3.1 Power

• Voltage: 18–32 VDC (24 VDC nominal)

• Current: ≤500 mA @ 24 VDC

• Power consumption: ≤12 W

3.2 EtherNet/IP (DFNT) Interface

• Interface: 10/100Base‑T (RJ45), auto‑MDI‑X

• Protocol: EtherNet/IP Explicit Messaging (Client/Server)

• Connections: up to 32 concurrent EtherNet/IP connectionsProSoft Technology Inc

• Data types: string, byte, word, dword, float

• Function: read/write tags, unsolicited data, message routing

3.3 ASCII Serial Interface (Port 0)

• Interface: RS‑232 / RS‑422 / RS‑485 (software selectable)

• Connector: DB‑9 male

• Baud rate: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k, 115.2k

• Data/Stop/Parity: 8N1, 8E1, 8O1; 7N2 optional

• Handshaking: RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, or none

• Rx termination: fixed length, timeout, or user‑defined chars (e.g., CR/LF, ETX)

• Tx: immediate or scheduled; minimum delay between transmits

3.4 Environmental

• Operating temp: −20 °C to +60 °C

• Storage temp: −40 °C to +85 °C

• Humidity: 5–95% RH, non‑condensing

• Vibration: 5 g, 10–150 Hz

• Shock: 30 g (operational)

3.5 Physical

• Mounting: standard 35 mm DIN rail

• Dimensions: approx 125 × 80 × 30 mm

• Weight: approx 0.45 kg

• Certifications: CE, UL/cUL, Class 1 Div 2 (optional)

4. LED Indicators

• PWR: Power – steady = OK

• RUN: Module – flashing = running normally

• ETH: EtherNet/IP – flashing = link/activity

• SER: ASCII serial – flashing = data Tx/Rx

• ERR: Fault – ON = config/comm error

5. Installation & Wiring

1. Mount gateway on DIN rail in cabinet.

2. Connect 24 VDC power (observe polarity).

3. Connect Ethernet cable to RJ45 for EtherNet/IP network.

4. Wire DB‑9 serial port to ASCII device (RS‑485 recommended for multi‑drop).

5. Set serial parameters (baud, parity, handshaking) via PCB.

6. Configure EtherNet/IP IP, subnet, and tag mappings.

7. Define ASCII framing (start/end chars, length, timeout).

8. Download configuration; verify LED status and data exchange.

6. Data Mapping & Operation

• EtherNet/IP → ASCII: PLC writes string/bytes to gateway; gateway transmits over serial with defined framing.

• ASCII → EtherNet/IP: Serial data received, stripped of framing, sent to PLC as string/bytes.

• Termination examples: CR (0x0D), LF (0x0A), ETX (0x03), or 100 ms timeout.

• Handshaking: RTS/CTS for flow control; RTS on/off delays configurable.

7. Typical Applications

• Factory automation: Connect PLCs to ASCII printers, displays, and scanners

• Logistics: Integrate serial scales, barcode readers into EtherNet/IP systems

• Building automation: Bridge HVAC ASCII controllers to EtherNet/IP PLCs

• Energy: Connect serial meters, analyzers to Rockwell control systems

• Food & beverage: Serial recipe terminals and label printers on EtherNet/IP

8. Safety Notes

• Disconnect power before installation/wiring.

• Use shielded cables for Ethernet and serial ports.

• Do not exceed voltage and temperature ratings.

• Terminate RS‑485 bus at both ends.

• Configuration must be performed by qualified personnel.