Prosoft PLX31-EIP-PND EtherNet/IP to PROFINET IO Device Gateway

Product Overview

The ProSoft PLX31-EIP-PND is an EtherNet/IP to PROFINET Device Gateway that enables seamless bi-directional data exchange between Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP controllers and Siemens PROFINET IO controllers. This compact single-port gateway transparently maps data between EtherNet/IP assembly instances and PROFINET IO data records, allowing ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems to communicate with Siemens ET200 distributed I/O, V90 servo drives, and other PROFINET devices without complex programming or protocol expertise.

Key Specifications

• Part Number: PLX31-EIP-PND
• Product Type: EtherNet/IP to PROFINET Device Gateway
• Series: ProSoft PLX30 Gateway Platform
• EtherNet/IP Interface: 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ45
• PROFINET Interface: 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ45
• EtherNet/IP Role: Adapter (Server)
• PROFINET Role: Device (Slave)
• Data Transfer: Bi-directional, up to 1440 bytes per direction
• 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

• Transparent Protocol Bridge: No programming required — data maps directly between EtherNet/IP and PROFINET
• Compact Single-Port Design: Cost-effective solution for simple point-to-point or switched network integration
• Dual-Role Operation: Simultaneously presents EtherNet/IP Adapter data and PROFINET Device data
• Auto-MDIX: Automatic crossover detection eliminates special Ethernet cabling requirements
• Web Diagnostics: Built-in HTTP server for real-time status monitoring and configuration backup
• Conformal Coating Option: XT variant available for harsh industrial environments

Applications

• Automotive assembly integrating Rockwell PLCs with Siemens ET200SP distributed I/O
• Food & beverage packaging with Allen-Bradley controllers and Siemens V90 servo systems
• Pharmaceutical batch processing requiring mixed-vendor control platform communication
• Material handling systems with Siemens G120C drives on PROFINET and Rockwell scanners on EtherNet/IP

Installation Guide

1. DIN Rail Mount: Secure the PLX31-EIP-PND to a 35 mm DIN rail in an IP20 control cabinet
2. Power Connection: Apply 24VDC (10–36VDC range) to the power connector
3. EtherNet/IP Side: Connect the EtherNet/IP RJ45 to your Rockwell network (Stratix switch recommended)
4. PROFINET Side: Connect the PROFINET RJ45 to your Siemens network (SCALANCE switch recommended)
5. IP Configuration: Use PLX50 Configuration Utility to assign IP addresses to both network interfaces
6. Data Mapping: Define input/output data blocks mapping EtherNet/IP assembly to PROFINET slots/subslots
7. Studio 5000: Add the gateway as a generic EtherNet/IP module in your ControlLogix project
8. TIA Portal: Import the GSDML file and add the gateway as a PROFINET device in your Siemens project

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between PLX31-EIP-PND and PLX32-EIP-PND?
A: The PLX31 has single Ethernet ports for basic point-to-point or switched connections. The PLX32 has dual Ethernet ports with embedded switches on each side, supporting daisy-chain or ring topologies.

Q: Does this gateway require programming in the PLC?
A: No, the gateway operates transparently. Once configured, data flows automatically between mapped memory areas without ladder logic.

Q: Can I use this for safety-rated (PROFIsafe) communication?
A: No, the PLX31-EIP-PND does not support PROFIsafe or CIP Safety. It is designed for standard process data exchange only.

Q: Is VLAN tagging supported?
A: Yes, the gateway supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging for network segmentation and traffic prioritization.

Selection Tips

• Choose PLX31 for simple star or switched topologies; upgrade to PLX32 for daisy-chain or device-level ring (DLR)
• Verify your EtherNet/IP scanner supports the gateway's assembly instance sizes
• Ensure your PROFINET controller (S7-1200/1500, ET200) supports the GSDML file revision
• For installations near welding or chemical processing, order the XT (extended temperature/conformal coat) variant
• Plan data block sizes carefully — larger blocks consume more PLC memory but reduce communication overhead