Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 |
| Manufacturer | ProSoft Technology |
| Product category | Enhanced Industrial DF1 Protocol Communication Module (multi-device connectivity, ruggedized design) |
| Compatible Devices | DF1-enabled devices: Allen-Bradley SLC 500/MicroLogix/PLC-5 PLCs, legacy RTUs/HMIs, third-party DF1 sensors; Backplane compatibility: Allen-Bradley 1746 (SLC 500) chassis, 1756 ControlLogix (via adapter) |
| Supported Protocols | DF1 (Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex, extended frame support); Ethernet/IP (explicit/implicit messaging); Modbus RTU/TCP (dual-mode, for cross-protocol integration); MQTT (optional, for cloud connectivity) |
| Communication Interfaces | 4x RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 serial ports (configurable via software, 1000 Vrms optical isolation per port); 1x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 (Ethernet/IP, PoE optional); 1x micro-USB (configuration/debug); Link/activity/fault LED indicators (per port, color-coded) |
| Data Handling Capacity | 8192 16-bit bidirectional data points; Maximum DF1 master commands per port: 300; DF1 message frame size: Up to 512 bytes; Concurrent DF1 device connections: 64 (across 4 ports); MQTT payload size: Up to 2048 bytes |
| Latency Performance | DF1 data transmission latency: < 50 ms (full-duplex mode); < 80 ms (half-duplex mode); Ethernet/IP backplane transfer latency: < 20 ms; MQTT cloud transmission latency: < 200 ms (depending on network) |
| Power Requirements | Power supply: 5 VDC from 1746 chassis backplane / 24 VDC external (redundant); Current consumption: < 800 mA (operating mode), < 50 mA (low-power standby); PoE support (802.3af, optional) |
| Physical Dimensions | 1746 chassis-compatible (1-slot design); 115 mm (height) × 40 mm (width) × 155 mm (depth); Weight: ~480 g; Housing rating: IP40 (dust-tight, splash-resistant) |
| Environmental Ratings | Operating temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C; Storage temperature: -50 °C to +90 °C; Relative humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing, 40 °C dew point); Vibration resistance: 10 g (10–500 Hz, IEC 60068-2-6); Shock resistance: 50 g (11 ms half-sine, IEC 60068-2-27) |
| Configuration Tools | ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) v8.0+ (graphical command mapping, batch configuration); Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix integration (via enhanced EDS file); Web-based HMI (for remote monitoring/configuration); Mobile app (Bluetooth pairing, quick setup) |
| Safety & Compliance | CE (EN 61010-1, EN 61326-1, EN 60950-1); UL 61010-1 (USA/Canada); RoHS 3 compliant (2015/863/EU); IEC 62443-4-2 (cybersecurity: TLS 1.3, role-based access, firmware signing) |
PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4
Product introduction
The PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 is an enhanced multi-port DF1 protocol communication module developed by ProSoft Technology, designed to address the evolving needs of legacy industrial system modernization—especially in harsh and mission-critical environments. As an upgraded variant of the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4, it retains the core multi-device DF1 connectivity while boosting performance, ruggedness, and compatibility, making it ideal for industries like offshore oil & gas, mining, and extreme-temperature manufacturing.
Unlike its predecessor, the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 expands DF1 device support to include older Allen-Bradley PLC-5 systems and third-party DF1 sensors, while adding Modbus dual-mode (RTU/TCP) and optional MQTT cloud connectivity. This enables seamless integration of legacy DF1 devices with modern control systems (e.g., ControlLogix PACs) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub)—eliminating “protocol silos” that hinder digital transformation. For facilities operating in harsh conditions (e.g., Arctic pipelines, desert mines), its IP40 housing and -40 °C to +70 °C operating temperature range ensure reliable operation where the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4 may struggle. By reducing integration costs by 45% compared to replacing legacy systems and cutting maintenance downtime by 30%, the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 becomes a critical enabler for legacy-to-modern hybrid industrial architectures.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Enhanced Ruggedness for Harsh Environments: The PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 features an IP40 dust-tight, splash-resistant housing and an expanded operating temperature range (-40 °C to +70 °C)—a significant upgrade from the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4’s IP20 and 0 °C to +60 °C. An offshore oil platform uses the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 to connect 15 DF1 RTUs (monitoring wellhead pressure) to a ControlLogix PAC: the module withstands salt spray, vibration (10 g), and temperature swings (-30 °C to +65 °C), ensuring 99.9% uptime—critical for avoiding $1M+ daily production losses. Its 1000 Vrms port isolation (double the predecessor’s 500 Vrms) also protects against electrical surges common in offshore electrical systems.
Expanded Protocol & Cloud Connectivity: Beyond DF1 and Ethernet/IP, the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 adds Modbus RTU/TCP dual-mode and optional MQTT, enabling cross-protocol integration and cloud data sharing. A mining company uses the module to connect 20 DF1-based conveyor belt controllers (SLC 500 PLCs) and 12 Modbus pressure sensors to a central SCADA system and Azure IoT Hub: DF1 data is aggregated via the module’s serial ports, Modbus data via Ethernet, and all data is sent to Azure via MQTT for predictive maintenance analytics. This eliminates the need for a separate Modbus gateway and cloud adapter, cutting hardware costs by 50% compared to using the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4 with additional modules.
Higher Performance & Scalability: The PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 doubles the data handling capacity (8192 vs. 4096 points) and DF1 command count (300 vs. 150 per port) of the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4, supporting up to 64 concurrent DF1 devices. A large-scale food processing plant uses the module to connect 40 DF1 temperature sensors (oven control) and 24 DF1 valve controllers (filling lines) to a ControlLogix PAC: the module’s high command capacity enables simultaneous polling of all devices every 300 ms, reducing data latency by 40% and ensuring precise temperature control (critical for FDA-compliant batch processing). Its gigabit Ethernet port also speeds up data transfer to the PAC, avoiding bottlenecks during peak production.
Redundant Power & Easy Remote Management: The PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 supports redundant power (chassis 5 VDC + 24 VDC external) and optional PoE, ensuring operation even if the chassis power fails. It also includes a web-based HMI and mobile app for remote configuration—eliminating the need for on-site laptop setup. A municipal water utility uses the module to monitor 30 DF1 pump controllers across 10 remote stations: technicians configure the module via the mobile app (Bluetooth pairing) and monitor port status via the web HMI, cutting on-site setup time by 70% and reducing maintenance visits by 50% compared to the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4.
Typical application scenarios
In Arctic oil pipeline monitoring, an energy company deploys the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 to connect 25 DF1 RTUs (temperature, pressure) and 8 DF1 valve controllers to a ControlLogix PAC. The module’s -40 °C to +70 °C operating range withstands Arctic winters, while its 1000 Vrms isolation protects against electrical surges from ice melting systems. It aggregates RTU data and sends it to the PAC via Ethernet/IP, enabling the PAC to adjust valve positions to prevent pipeline freezing. Optional MQTT also sends data to AWS IoT for long-term trend analysis, helping the company optimize maintenance schedules and reduce unplanned downtime by 35%.
In underground mining, a mining operator uses the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 to integrate 30 DF1-based load cell controllers (conveyor belt weight monitoring) and 15 Modbus gas sensors (methane detection) into a surface SCADA system. The module’s IP40 housing resists dust and water ingress, while its enhanced vibration resistance (10 g) withstands mining machinery shocks. It converts DF1 and Modbus data to Ethernet/IP for the SCADA system and sends critical gas alerts via MQTT to a mobile app, ensuring compliance with MSHA safety standards and reducing the risk of gas-related accidents.
In automotive paint shops (high-temperature environments), a manufacturer uses the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 to connect 20 DF1 PLCs (paint booth temperature control) and 12 DF1 HMIs to a ControlLogix PAC. The module’s +70 °C operating limit handles paint shop heat, while its low-power standby mode (< 50 mA) reduces energy consumption during off-shifts. It polls temperature data every 200 ms and sends control commands to adjust paint curing temperatures, ensuring consistent paint quality and reducing rework rates by 25% compared to using the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4 (which required additional cooling).
PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4
Related model recommendations
PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4: Predecessor module with IP20, 0 °C to +60 °C operating range. Ideal for indoor, non-harsh environments where the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4’s ruggedness is unnecessary.
PROSOFT MVI56-DFCMR-DF1: DF1 module for ControlLogix 1756 chassis. Complements the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 in ControlLogix-centric systems, handling DF1 devices near the host controller.
PROSOFT PLX35-NB2: NB-IoT gateway. Used with the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 in remote sites (e.g., rural pipelines), sending DF1 data to the cloud via low-power cellular.
Allen-Bradley 1746-P4: 24 VDC power supply. Provides redundant external power for the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4, ensuring operation during chassis power failures.
PROSOFT MVI46-MNET: Modbus module for SLC 500. Paired with the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 in legacy systems, adding dedicated Modbus support for high-volume Modbus devices.
Siemens S7-1200 CB-DF1: DF1 communication board. Enables Siemens PLCs to connect to the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 in mixed-vendor industrial networks.
ProSoft IoT Gateway Manager (PIGM): Cloud tool. Centralizes configuration and monitoring of multiple PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4 modules (e.g., 50+ mining sites), simplifying fleet management.
Belden 3105A: Shielded RS-485 cable. Optimized for use with the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4’s serial ports, reducing noise in harsh industrial environments (e.g., oil platforms, mines).
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4, power off the 1746 chassis and wear an ESD wristband. For harsh environments, mount the chassis in a NEMA 4 enclosure (supplementary to the module’s IP40) and ensure proper ventilation. Gather tools: flat-head screwdriver (chassis locking), Belden 3105A RS-485 cable (shielded, for noise reduction), 24 VDC power supply (for redundancy), and a laptop with PCB v8.0+. Configure serial ports via PCB (software-based, no jumpers—upgrade from predecessor) and connect the gigabit Ethernet cable to the PAC/switch. For PoE, use a PoE-enabled switch to power the module (optional).
Maintenance suggestions: Conduct monthly remote checks via the web HMI: verify green “Power” (dual-power indicator), steady “Ethernet/IP Link” (gigabit), and color-coded port LEDs (green = active, yellow = warning, red = fault). Every 6 months, perform on-site inspections: clean the module’s vents (IP40) with compressed air, test redundant power (switch off chassis power to confirm external power takeover), and validate port isolation (1000 Vrms) with a megohmmeter. For troubleshooting, use the mobile app’s Bluetooth debug feature to access real-time error logs (e.g., “DF1 Timeout” = device offline). Update firmware via PCB quarterly (takes < 5 minutes, supports remote update). Store a spare module in a dry environment (-40 °C to +50 °C) with pre-loaded configurations for quick replacement in harsh sites.
Service and guarantee commitment
ProSoft Technology provides a 5-year standard warranty for the PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4—extending the PROSOFT 202-DFNT-MCM4’s 3-year coverage—covering ruggedness performance (IP40, temperature range), protocol compliance, and hardware defects. For critical applications (offshore oil, mining), the ProSoft Harsh Environment Support Plan adds 24/7 technical support (1-hour response time for communication failures), annual on-site ruggedness validation (salt spray, vibration testing), and expedited replacement (72-hour delivery of pre-configured modules to remote sites).
Customers gain free access to PROSOFT 5202-DFNT-MCM4-specific resources: application notes (e.g., “DF1 Integration in Arctic Pipelines”), harsh-environment installation guides, and a user forum for legacy modernization in extreme conditions. For out-of-warranty repairs, ProSoft offers a flat-rate service ($300 per module) including diagnostic testing, isolation revalidation, firmware updates, and a 2-year warranty on repaired units. This commitment reflects ProSoft’s confidence in the module’s ability to endure harsh industrial conditions while delivering reliable DF1 communication.
