PLX31-EIP-SIE | Rockwell Prosoft | EtherNet/IP Gateway Module

Product Overview

The ProSoft PLX31-EIP-SIE is an EtherNet/IP to Siemens Industrial Ethernet (S7) Gateway that enables bi-directional data exchange between Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP controllers and Siemens S7-series PLCs. Supporting S7 Communication over ISO-on-TCP (RFC1006), this gateway allows ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems to read and write data blocks, process inputs/outputs, and access markers in Siemens S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 controllers without additional middleware or OPC servers.

Key Specifications

• Part Number: PLX31-EIP-SIE
• Product Type: EtherNet/IP to Siemens S7 Communication Gateway
• Series: ProSoft PLX30 Gateway Platform
• EtherNet/IP Interface: 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ45
• Siemens S7 Interface: 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ45 (ISO-on-TCP / RFC1006)
• S7 Connections: Up to 8 concurrent S7 connections
• S7 PLC Support: S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500
• Data Areas: DB (Data Blocks), I (Inputs), Q (Outputs), M (Markers), T (Timers), C (Counters)
• Data Buffer: 4 MB shared RAM
• Configuration: ProSoft PLX50 Configuration Utility
• Power Input: 10–36 VDC
• Mounting: DIN rail
• Operating Temperature: -25°C to +70°C
• Certifications: CE, UL, cULus, RoHS

Features & Benefits

• Native S7 Protocol: Implements Siemens S7 communication directly — no OPC server or custom software required
• Multi-PLC Support: Connects to up to 8 Siemens PLCs simultaneously from one gateway
• Transparent Data Mapping: Maps S7 data blocks directly to EtherNet/IP assembly instances
• Deterministic Performance: Configurable scan intervals as low as 10 ms per connection
• Compact Design: Single-port design for simple point-to-point or switched network integration
• Web Diagnostics: Built-in HTTP server for connection status, error counters, and packet statistics

Applications

• Automotive manufacturing with Rockwell assembly lines and Siemens welding cells
• Power generation with Siemens turbine governors and Rockwell safety systems
• Water treatment integrating Siemens S7 pump stations into ControlLogix SCADA
• Pharmaceutical batch processing with Siemens reactors and Rockwell packaging

Installation Guide

1. DIN Rail Mount: Install the PLX31-EIP-SIE on a 35 mm DIN rail in a control cabinet
2. Power Connection: Apply 24VDC (10–36VDC range) to the power terminals
3. Network Connection: Connect both RJ45 ports to a common Ethernet switch or separate subnets
4. S7 PLC Setup: In TIA Portal or STEP 7, enable S7 communication and configure connection resources
5. PLX50 Configuration: Define S7 PLC IP addresses, TSAPs, and data block mappings
6. EtherNet/IP Setup: Configure assembly instance sizes to match mapped S7 data lengths
7. Studio 5000: Add the gateway as a generic EtherNet/IP module in your ControlLogix project
8. Testing: Verify data exchange by monitoring mapped tags in Studio 5000 and TIA Portal

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between PLX31-EIP-SIE and MVI56E-SIE?
A: The PLX31-EIP-SIE is a stand-alone DIN-rail gateway bridging EtherNet/IP to S7. The MVI56E-SIE is an in-chassis ControlLogix module that performs the same function within the 1756 rack.

Q: Does the Siemens PLC require special programming?
A: Only standard S7 communication must be enabled in the Siemens CPU properties. No additional function blocks or programming are required.

Q: Can I access S7-1500 optimized data blocks?
A: The gateway accesses standard (non-optimized) data blocks. For optimized DBs in S7-1500, create a non-optimized copy or use symbolic access alternatives.

Q: Is VLAN tagging supported?
A: Yes, the gateway supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging for network segmentation between IT and OT domains.

Selection Tips

• Choose PLX31 for stand-alone installations; choose MVI56E-SIE for in-chassis ControlLogix integration
• Verify your Siemens CPU has sufficient S7 connection resources (one per gateway connection)
• Use a single subnet if possible to simplify routing; dual subnets require proper gateway configuration
• Plan DB numbering carefully — document all accessed data blocks for maintenance reference
• For high-availability systems, deploy redundant gateways with managed switch failover