Description
Product Introduction
To be honest, the ProSoft Technology AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is a legendary problem-solver in industrial automation migrations. This gateway allows modern ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable automation controllers to talk seamlessly to legacy Data Highway Plus (DH+) networks, Remote I/O (RIO) racks, and older PanelView terminals without requiring a complete hardware rip-and-replace.
Engineered with flexible web-based configuration and robust protocol conversion engines, it handles complex message routing and I/O scanning efficiently. In our field experience, having a reliable AN-X2-AB-DHRIO on the shelf is an absolute lifesaver when upgrading a processor rack while keeping legacy drives, motor control centers, and blue-hose drops fully operational.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Gateway Type | EtherNet/IP to Data Highway Plus (DH+) & Remote I/O (RIO) |
| System Compatibility | Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5, SLC 500 |
| Ethernet Interface | 1x RJ45 connector, 10/100 Mbps, TCP/IP |
| Serial / Network Port | Phoenix 3-pin connector for DH+ / RIO blue hose network |
| Baud Rate Support | 57.6 kbaud, 115.2 kbaud, 230.4 kbaud |
| Power Supply | 12 VDC to 24 VDC nominal (via Phoenix 3-pin connector) |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 2.4 W max dissipation (~200 mA @ 12V / ~100 mA @ 24V) |
| Mounting Type | 35mm DIN Rail or Panel Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 107 mm × 126 mm × 34 mm | Weight: ~0.31 kg |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
Picture this: It’s Saturday night during a scheduled plant outage. Your team has just swapped an aging PLC-5 processor for a modern ControlLogix PAC, but the legacy remote I/O chassis and blue-hose operator interfaces across the plant floor still need another year before scheduled replacement. Without a working protocol bridge, the entire plant stays dark on Monday morning. Dropping in a configured ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO bridges the network gap instantly, letting the new controller talk to the old blue hose without rewriting thousands of I/O tags.
- Automotive & Manufacturing – Legacy PLC Upgrades: Connecting new ControlLogix PACs to existing PLC-5 and SLC 500 remote I/O drops.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – SCADA Network Expansion: Bridging modern Ethernet control nodes to legacy DH+ operator interfaces.
- Metal Processing – Mill Modernization: Preserving expensive legacy drives and blue-hose drop racks during partial control system retrofits.
AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on actual industrial automation test benches. Every unit goes through a strict verification protocol:
- Inbound Inspection: Visual check for terminal block integrity, housing clips, and authentic ProSoft manufacturing labels.
- Live Rig Testing: Powering up the unit on a regulated 24VDC bench supply to verify boot sequence and power LED stabilization.
- Ethernet & Serial Handshake: Connecting via the web configuration page and pinging the internal stack to verify Ethernet port and DH+/RIO transceiver communication.
- Firmware Baseline Check: Verifying stable firmware versions and clearing memory registers to factory defaults.
- Final QC & Anti-static Packaging: Sealing the unit in high-grade ESD shielding bags with protective terminal plugs and shock-absorbing foam.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ Blue Hose Termination Resistors: Never run a DH+ or RIO network through this gateway without verifying proper 150-ohm terminating resistors at both physical ends of the blue hose trunk line. Missing terminators cause signal reflections that corrupt packet framing and drop nodes intermittently.
❗ Node Address and Baud Rate Conflicts: Ensure the rotary switch or web-configured node address and baud rate (57.6, 115.2, or 230.4 kbaud) match your existing network exactly before connecting. Setting a duplicate node address will crash communication across the entire DH+ segment.
⚠️ Power Supply Isolation: Always use a clean, isolated 24VDC power supply for the gateway. Sharing a noisy power rail with high-inductive solenoids or large motor brakes can inject voltage spikes that lock up the gateway’s internal microprocessor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Can this gateway replace an older 1756-DHRIO module in a ControlLogix chassis?
A: Yes and no. While it provides similar protocol connectivity, the AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is a standalone DIN-rail mounted gateway connected via EtherNet/IP rather than a native ControlLogix backplane module. This makes it ideal when you want to mount the bridge remotely or use a CompactLogix controller that lacks backplane slot space for a native DHRIO card.
Q: Do I need special software to configure the AN-X2-AB-DHRIO?
A: No proprietary programming software is required for basic setup. The gateway features a built-in web server accessible via any standard browser over Ethernet for configuration and diagnostics.
Q: Does this unit come with a warranty?
A: Yes. All surplus and fully tested units include a standard 12-month replacement warranty.
Q: Why buy surplus instead of waiting for factory backorders?
A: Industrial communication gateways frequently face extended lead times from primary manufacturers. We source verified surplus and overstock inventory so you can get an immediate replacement to keep your migration project on schedule.
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