Rockwell Prosoft MVI56E-SIE Industrial Ethernet Client Communication Module

Product Overview

The ProSoft MVI56E-SIE is a Siemens Industrial Ethernet (S7) Communication Module for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix platform. Installing directly into a 1756 ControlLogix chassis, this module enables ControlLogix PACs to communicate natively with Siemens S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 PLCs using the S7 Communication protocol over ISO-on-TCP (RFC1006). With support for up to 20 concurrent S7 connections and 5000 registers of data mapping, it eliminates the need for OPC servers or external gateways in mixed-vendor automation environments.

Key Specifications

• Part Number: MVI56E-SIE
• Product Type: Siemens S7 Industrial Ethernet Communication Module
• Series: ProSoft MVI56E Enhanced for ControlLogix
• Platform: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5570 and later (including 5580 series)
• Protocol: Siemens S7 Communication (ISO-on-TCP, RFC1006)
• Ethernet Port: 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 (auto-MDIX)
• Max Connections: Up to 20 concurrent S7 connections
• Data Buffer: 5000 16-bit registers; 4 MB shared RAM
• Data Areas: DB, I, Q, M, T, C (timers/counters read-only)
• Scan Interval: Configurable down to 10 ms per connection
• Configuration: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB)
• Backplane Current: 800 mA @ 5VDC
• Display: 4-character alphanumeric scrolling LED
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
• Certifications: RoHS, CE, IECEx, UL/cULus

Features & Benefits

• Native S7 Protocol Execution: Full S7 protocol stack onboard — no external gateway or OPC server needed
• High Connection Density: Up to 20 simultaneous S7 connections to distributed Siemens PLCs
• Deterministic Scanning: Independent task scheduling with 10 ms minimum scan interval for real-time performance
• Deep Logix Integration: Appears as standard 1756 I/O module with UDTs and diagnostic tags in Studio 5000
• LED Diagnostics: Scrolling 4-character LED display provides real-time connection status and error codes
• Secure & Upgradeable: Supports static IP, VLAN tagging, and field firmware updates

Applications

• Automotive body-in-white integrating Siemens welding robots with Rockwell conveyors
• Power plant coordinated control between Siemens turbine governors and Rockwell safety PLCs
• Wastewater treatment plant SCADA with legacy S7-300 pump stations and new ControlLogix
• Pharmaceutical batch systems with Siemens reactor controllers and Rockwell packaging lines

Installation Guide

1. Power Down: Turn OFF ControlLogix rack power before installing the MVI56E-SIE
2. Slot Selection: Insert the module into any available non-zero slot on the 1756-Ax chassis
3. Ethernet Connection: Connect the RJ45 port to your plant network using Cat 5e or better cable
4. Studio 5000 Setup: Add the module using the ProSoft AOP or generic Ethernet module profile
5. S7 PLC Configuration: In TIA Portal/STEP 7, enable S7 communication and note the TSAP (rack/slot-based)
6. PCB Configuration: Define S7 PLC IP addresses, TSAPs, data block addresses, and scan intervals
7. Tag Mapping: Map S7 data areas to ControlLogix controller tags via the generated L5X routine
8. Diagnostics: Monitor Connection_Status, Error_Code, and Bytes_Transferred tags for health verification

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between MVI56E-SIE and PLX31-EIP-SIE?
A: The MVI56E-SIE is an in-chassis 1756 module for ControlLogix backplane integration. The PLX31-EIP-SIE is a stand-alone DIN-rail gateway for applications without ControlLogix or requiring network separation.

Q: Can I read and write S7-1500 optimized data blocks?
A: The MVI56E-SIE accesses standard (non-optimized) data blocks. For S7-1500 optimized access, use symbolic addressing alternatives or create non-optimized DB copies.

Q: How many data blocks can I access per connection?
A: You can define up to 256 mixed-type data blocks per connection, supporting BOOL, INT, DINT, REAL, and STRING data types.

Q: Does this module require a license?
A: No additional software license is required beyond the ProSoft Configuration Builder, which is included.

Selection Tips

• Verify ControlLogix chassis firmware is version 20 or higher for full MVI56E compatibility
• Ensure your 1756 power supply has sufficient 5V capacity (800 mA per MVI56E module)
• Document all TSAP configurations (typically 03.02 for rack 0, slot 2) for each S7 PLC
• Use managed Ethernet switches with IGMP snooping for multicast traffic optimization
• Stock a spare module with identical firmware revision to minimize replacement downtime