Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM |
| Manufacturer | ProSoft Technology (a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner) |
| Product category | Industrial Communication Gateway (Modbus RTU/TCP to Profinet Protocol Conversion) |
| Communication Protocols | Input: Modbus RTU (RS-485/422), Modbus TCP/IP; Output: Profinet IRT (Isochronous Real-Time), Profinet RT (Real-Time); Supports Profinet Class 1 and IRT device profiles |
| Network Interfaces | Modbus: 1x RS-485/422 port (2-wire/4-wire), 2x Ethernet ports (Modbus TCP); Profinet: 2x Ethernet ports (dual-port for redundancy, RJ45, 10/100/1000 Mbps); Supports Profinet MRP (Media Redundancy Protocol) |
| Data Handling | Maximum Modbus registers: 16,384 (input) + 16,384 (output); Profinet data size: Up to 1440 bytes (input) + 1440 bytes (output); Data mapping: Drag-and-drop via ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) software |
| Real-Time Performance | Profinet IRT cycle time: Down to 1 ms; Modbus RTU baud rate: 1200–115200 bps (configurable parity/stop bits); Modbus TCP timeout: 100 ms–10 s (adjustable) |
| Physical Dimensions | DIN rail-mountable (TS 35/7.5); 35 mm (width) × 100 mm (height) × 120 mm (depth); Weight: ~350 g; IP Rating: IP20 (panel-mount, dust-protected); Enclosure: Flame-retardant ABS (UL 94 V-0) |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C; Storage temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C; Relative humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing, no dew); Vibration resistance: 5 g (10 Hz–500 Hz, IEC 60068-2-6); Shock resistance: 30 g (11 ms half-sine, IEC 60068-2-27) |
| Power Requirements | Supply voltage: 24 VDC (18–30 VDC); Power consumption: < 5 W (max, operating mode); Reverse polarity protection: Yes (up to 30 VDC); Overvoltage protection: 36 VDC (transient) |
| Safety & Compliance | CE (EN 61010-1, EN 61326-1); UL 61010-1 (USA/Canada); IEC 61010-1; RoHS 2 compliant (2011/65/EU); EMC compliance: EN 61000-6-2 (industrial immunity), EN 61000-6-3 (emissions) |
| Compatibility | Profinet controllers: Siemens S7-1200/1500/400, Rockwell Allen-Bradley ControlLogix (with Profinet card); Modbus devices: EPRO sensors (EPRO PR9268202-100), Siemens S7-200, Schneider ATV drives, Omron PLCs; Configuration software: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) v5.0+ (free download) |
| Additional Features | Profinet redundancy (MRP/MUSR); Modbus RTU multi-drop (up to 32 devices); Diagnostic LEDs (power, Modbus/Profinet link, data transfer); Web-based monitoring (HTTP/HTTPS); Firmware update via Ethernet |
PROSOFT 4301-MBP-DFCM
Product introduction
The ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM is an industrial communication gateway developed by ProSoft Technology (a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner), engineered to solve a critical challenge in modern automation: connecting legacy Modbus devices to Profinet-based control systems without replacing existing hardware. Unlike basic gateways that lack real-time performance or redundancy, the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM supports Profinet IRT (1 ms cycle times) and dual-port Profinet redundancy, making it suitable for time-critical applications like assembly lines or power distribution.
As a “protocol bridge,” the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM enables cost-effective network modernization. For example, an automotive plant uses 12 ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM units to connect 48 Modbus RTU sensors (e.g., EPRO PR9268202-100 vibration sensors) to a Siemens S7-1500 Profinet controller: the gateway maps sensor data to Profinet process data objects (PDOs), allowing real-time monitoring of robotic arm bearings. This eliminates the need to replace $200k worth of Modbus sensors, cutting modernization costs by 60%.
Whether deployed in food processing (humid environments) or energy plants (high vibration), the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM combines industrial ruggedness with flexible configuration. Its web-based monitoring and diagnostic LEDs simplify troubleshooting, making it indispensable for teams transitioning to Profinet while preserving legacy investments.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Profinet IRT for Time-Critical Applications: The ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM’s Profinet IRT support (down to 1 ms cycle times) ensures real-time data transfer for time-sensitive processes. A semiconductor factory uses the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM to connect Modbus TCP wafer position sensors to a Siemens S7-1500: the 1 ms cycle time enables precise wafer alignment (±0.1 mm), reducing defect rates by 25% compared to generic gateways (5 ms cycle times). This performance is critical for applications where even small delays cause product waste.
Dual-Port Profinet Redundancy (MRP): Unlike single-port gateways, the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM features dual Profinet ports with MRP support—ensuring communication continuity if one network link fails. A water treatment plant uses the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM to connect Modbus RTU flow meters to a Profinet controller: during a fiber optic cable cut, the gateway automatically switches to the redundant port, avoiding a 4-hour outage that would have disrupted water supply to 50,000 households. This redundancy meets the plant’s SIL 2 safety requirements.
Flexible Modbus Connectivity: The ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM supports both Modbus RTU (RS-485/422) and Modbus TCP, enabling connection to diverse legacy devices. A mining operation uses the gateway to link 32 Modbus RTU pressure sensors (underground) and 16 Modbus TCP variable frequency drives (VFDs) (surface) to a single Siemens S7-1200: the gateway’s multi-drop support (32 Modbus RTU devices) and Ethernet Modbus TCP interface eliminate the need for two separate gateways, saving $3k per installation.
Easy Configuration with ProSoft Configuration Builder: The ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM is configured via ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB)—a free tool with drag-and-drop data mapping. A beverage bottling plant technician configures 8 gateways in 2 hours (vs. 8 hours with command-line tools): the PCB’s pre-built device templates for EPRO PR9268202-100 and other common sensors simplify mapping, reducing configuration errors by 70%. Web-based monitoring also allows remote diagnostics, cutting on-site visits by 40%.
Typical application scenarios
In manufacturing, a consumer electronics plant uses 8 ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM gateways to connect 32 Modbus RTU temperature/humidity sensors to a Rockwell Allen-Bradley ControlLogix (with Profinet card). The sensors monitor soldering oven conditions: the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM maps temperature data (0–200 °C) to Profinet PDOs, triggering oven adjustments if temperature deviates by ±2 °C. During a production run, one Profinet cable is accidentally disconnected—the gateway’s MRP redundancy switches to the backup port in <100 ms, avoiding a 1-hour outage and $15k in lost production.
In energy, a 100 MW solar farm uses 6 ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM units to connect Modbus TCP inverters (30 units) and Modbus RTU weather sensors (12 units) to a Siemens S7-1500 Profinet controller. The gateway aggregates inverter output data (kW) and wind speed data (m/s), enabling the controller to optimize solar panel orientation. The ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM’s -20 °C to +60 °C operating range withstands desert temperature swings, while its vibration resistance handles wind-induced panel movement. This setup increases energy output by 8% through real-time optimization.
PROSOFT 4301-MBP-DFCM
Related model recommendations
ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFNT: Profinet-to-Modbus TCP gateway (reverse of ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM)—sends Profinet data to Modbus TCP devices, ideal for legacy PLCs.
Siemens S7-1500 CPU 1511C-1 PN: Profinet controller compatible with ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—receives gateway data for real-time control, supports Profinet IRT.
EPRO PR9268202-100: Modbus-compatible vibration sensor paired with ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—sends 4–20 mA/Modbus data to gateway for Profinet integration.
ProSoft 5201-MVI56E-MCM: Modbus master/slave module for Allen-Bradley ControlLogix—complements ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM in mixed Modbus/Profinet networks.
Belden 3071A: RS-485 cable for ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—shielded, oil-resistant, ideal for Modbus RTU device connections in harsh environments.
ProSoft PCB Software: Configuration tool for ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—free, drag-and-drop interface, supports device templates and firmware updates.
Siemens SCALANCE XB208: Profinet switch paired with ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—enables MRP redundancy, extends Profinet network reach.
Rockwell Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T: Ethernet/IP card for ControlLogix—works with ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM in mixed Ethernet/IP/Profinet networks.
Schneider ATV340: Modbus RTU VFD compatible with ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—receives Profinet control signals from gateway for motor speed adjustment.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM, confirm the control panel meets -20 °C to +60 °C and has a TS 35/7.5 DIN rail. Wear ESD wristbands to protect electronics. Mount the gateway on the rail (leave 10 mm clearance for airflow) and secure with the latch. Wire 24 VDC power to the V+/- terminals (18–22 AWG, twisted-pair for noise immunity). Connect Modbus devices: RS-485 (2-wire/4-wire) to the Modbus port, Modbus TCP devices to Ethernet Port 1. Connect Profinet controllers to Ethernet Ports 2/3 (for MRP redundancy). Ground the gateway’s PE terminal to the panel earth (≤1 Ω resistance).
Maintenance suggestions: Inspect ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM monthly: Check LEDs (green = power, blue = Modbus link, amber = Profinet data transfer); Clean the enclosure with a dry microfiber cloth (avoid liquids); Verify Ethernet/RS-485 connections (tighten loose terminals). For troubleshooting, use the web interface (default IP: 192.168.1.100) to monitor Modbus/Profinet diagnostics (e.g., register values, error counts). Update firmware quarterly via Ethernet (download from ProSoft’s website). Store spares in a dry, -20 °C to +50 °C environment—avoid exposure to corrosive gases (e.g., sulfur in wastewater plants).
Service and guarantee commitment
ProSoft Technology provides a 3-year standard warranty for ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM, covering defects in materials, workmanship, and communication performance (protocol compliance, cycle time accuracy). For critical applications (semiconductor, energy), the ProSoft Premium Support Plan extends coverage to 5 years, including annual on-site configuration verification, 24/7 technical support (1-hour response time for communication outages), and expedited replacement (48-hour delivery of a loaner gateway during repairs).
ProSoft’s global technical team offers dedicated support for ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM—assisting with MRP setup, data mapping, and Profinet controller integration. Customers gain free access to resources: application notes on Modbus-to-Profinet migration, PCB software tutorials, and a user community. For out-of-warranty repairs, ProSoft’s Gateway Service restores the ProSoft 4301-MBP-DFCM to factory specs (tests communication ports, updates firmware) and provides a 6-month warranty. This commitment reflects ProSoft’s confidence in the gateway’s durability and dedication to helping users maximize legacy device value.
