Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO |
| Manufacturer | ProSoft Technology (a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner) |
| Product category | Industrial Communication Gateway (DeviceNet to ControlNet/RIO Protocol Conversion) |
| Communication Protocols | Input: DeviceNet (CI, DPI, Explicit Messaging); Output: ControlNet (producer/consumer, scheduled/un scheduled); RIO (Remote I/O, Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus compatible) |
| Network Interfaces | DeviceNet: 1x twisted-pair port (5-pin mini-style, 100 kbps/250 kbps/500 kbps); ControlNet/RIO: 1x coaxial port (BNC, 5 Mbps); Supports ControlNet redundancy (dual-port via optional adapter) |
| Data Handling | Maximum DeviceNet nodes: 63 (per network); ControlNet data size: Up to 4000 bytes (input) + 4000 bytes (output); RIO data size: Up to 2048 words (input) + 2048 words (output); Data mapping: Drag-and-drop via ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) v6.0+ |
| Real-Time Performance | ControlNet cycle time: Down to 1 ms (scheduled); DeviceNet polling rate: 10 ms–10 s (configurable); RIO update rate: 5 ms (max); Latency: < 10 ms (DeviceNet to ControlNet) |
| Physical Dimensions | DIN rail-mountable (TS 35/7.5); 45 mm (width) × 120 mm (height) × 115 mm (depth); Weight: ~450 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); 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: < 6 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); DeviceNet compliance: ODVA Certified |
| Compatibility | Allen-Bradley systems: ControlLogix (1756), CompactLogix (1769), SLC 500 (1747), MicroLogix (1761); DeviceNet devices: Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40, Banner sensors, Omron VFDs, Turck I/O modules; Configuration software: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) v6.0+ (free download) |
| Additional Features | ControlNet redundancy (via optional AN-X2-RED adapter); DeviceNet node auto-discovery; Diagnostic LEDs (power, DeviceNet/ControlNet link, data transfer); Web-based monitoring (HTTP); Firmware update via ControlNet/DeviceNet |
PROSOFT AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
Product introduction
The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is a DeviceNet-to-ControlNet/RIO communication gateway developed by ProSoft Technology (a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner), engineered to solve a critical challenge in Allen-Bradley ecosystems: connecting legacy DeviceNet devices to modern ControlNet/RIO-based control systems without replacing existing hardware. Unlike basic gateways that lack Allen-Bradley-native protocol support, the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is optimized for ControlNet’s producer/consumer architecture and RIO’s remote I/O functionality—ensuring seamless integration with Allen-Bradley controllers like ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
As a “legacy network bridge,” the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO enables cost-effective modernization. For example, an automotive assembly plant uses 24 ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO units to connect 144 DeviceNet devices (e.g., Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 VFDs, Banner photoeyes) to a ControlLogix 1756 system: the gateway maps DeviceNet sensor data to ControlNet scheduled messages, allowing the controller to synchronize assembly line robots with ±1 ms timing accuracy. This eliminates the need to replace $300k worth of DeviceNet hardware, cutting modernization costs by 65%.
Whether deployed in heavy machinery (high vibration) or food processing (humid environments), the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO combines industrial ruggedness with Allen-Bradley-specific compatibility. Its diagnostic tools and optional ControlNet redundancy ensure uninterrupted operation, making it indispensable for teams preserving legacy DeviceNet investments while scaling to ControlNet/RIO networks.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Allen-Bradley-Native Protocol Support: The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is designed exclusively for Allen-Bradley ecosystems, supporting ControlNet’s producer/consumer model and RIO’s remote I/O protocol—eliminating compatibility issues common with generic gateways. A heavy equipment manufacturer uses the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO to connect DeviceNet pressure sensors to a CompactLogix 1769 controller: the gateway’s native RIO support enables direct integration with the controller’s I/O scanner, avoiding custom driver development (a $15k expense) and reducing latency to <10 ms. This compatibility is critical for users relying on Allen-Bradley’s native network architectures.
Optional ControlNet Redundancy: Unlike single-port gateways, the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO supports ControlNet redundancy via the optional AN-X2-RED adapter—ensuring communication continuity if one ControlNet link fails. A chemical plant uses the gateway (with redundancy) to connect DeviceNet flow meters to a ControlLogix 1756 system: during a coaxial cable fault, the gateway switches to the redundant network in <50 ms, avoiding a 4-hour outage that would have disrupted batch processing (valued at $200k). This redundancy meets the plant’s SIL 2 safety requirements and 99.99% uptime goal.
DeviceNet Auto-Discovery & Easy Mapping: The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO auto-discovers DeviceNet nodes and uses ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB)’s drag-and-drop interface for data mapping—simplifying setup for non-experts. A food packaging plant technician configures 12 gateways in 2 hours (vs. 6 hours with command-line tools): PCB’s pre-built templates for Allen-Bradley PowerFlex VFDs and Turck I/O modules eliminate manual register mapping, reducing configuration errors by 70%. Web-based monitoring also allows remote node status checks, cutting on-site visits by 40%.
Industrial-Grade Durability for Harsh Environments: The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO’s -20 °C to +60 °C operating range and 5 g vibration resistance make it suitable for harsh industrial settings. A mining equipment supplier uses the gateway to connect DeviceNet proximity sensors (on underground conveyors) to a ControlLogix system: the gateway withstands dust, temperature swings, and conveyor-induced vibration, while generic gateways failed within 6 months. This durability extends service life to 5+ years, reducing replacement costs by 60%.
Typical application scenarios
In manufacturing, a consumer electronics plant uses 18 ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO units to connect 108 DeviceNet devices (e.g., Omron VFDs, Banner vision sensors) to a ControlLogix 1756 system. The gateway maps sensor data to ControlNet scheduled messages, enabling the controller to synchronize 6 assembly lines with 1 ms cycle times. During a production run, a DeviceNet node fails—the gateway’s diagnostic LEDs and web interface immediately identify the faulty sensor, allowing maintenance to replace it in 30 minutes (vs. 2 hours with generic gateways). This reduces unplanned downtime by 75% and preserves production targets.
In automotive, a battery manufacturing plant uses the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO (with AN-X2-RED redundancy) to connect DeviceNet temperature sensors to a ControlLogix 1756 system. The sensors monitor battery cell cooling, and the gateway’s ControlNet redundancy ensures continuous data flow to the controller. During a ControlNet cable cut, the redundant link maintains communication, preventing a 2-hour outage that would have ruined 500 battery packs (valued at $50k). The gateway’s DeviceNet auto-discovery also simplifies adding new sensors during line expansions, cutting integration time by 50%.
PROSOFT AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
Related model recommendations
ProSoft AN-X2-RED: Redundancy adapter for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—adds dual ControlNet ports for redundancy, critical for safety-critical applications.
Allen-Bradley 1756-CNB: ControlNet bridge module for ControlLogix—paired with ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO to extend ControlNet reach and integrate gateway data.
Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40: DeviceNet VFD fully compatible with ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—controlled via DeviceNet, ideal for conveyor and pump applications.
ProSoft PCB Software v6.0+: Configuration tool for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—free, includes DeviceNet auto-discovery and Allen-Bradley template libraries.
Allen-Bradley 1769-L32E: CompactLogix controller compatible with ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—uses RIO protocol to integrate DeviceNet data into small-to-medium systems.
Belden 9841: DeviceNet cable for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—twisted-pair, shielded, ODVA-certified, ideal for harsh industrial DeviceNet networks.
Turck TBEN-L-P16-16D: DeviceNet I/O module paired with ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—16 digital inputs/outputs, used for expanding DeviceNet I/O capacity.
ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DN: DeviceNet-to-Ethernet/IP gateway (sibling of ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO)—for users migrating DeviceNet to Ethernet/IP instead of ControlNet/RIO.
Allen-Bradley 1747-SN: SLC 500 DeviceNet scanner module—works with ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO to integrate ControlNet/RIO data into legacy SLC 500 systems.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO, 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 DeviceNet devices to the 5-pin mini-style port (set baud rate to 100/250/500 kbps to match the network). Connect ControlNet/RIO to the BNC port (use Belden 9472 coaxial cable for ControlNet). For redundancy, install the AN-X2-RED adapter and second ControlNet link. Ground the gateway’s PE terminal to the panel earth (≤1 Ω resistance).
Maintenance suggestions: Inspect ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO monthly: Check LEDs (green = power, blue = DeviceNet link, amber = ControlNet/RIO data, red = fault); Clean the enclosure with a dry microfiber cloth (avoid liquids); Verify DeviceNet/ControlNet connections (tighten BNC connectors and DeviceNet terminals). For troubleshooting, use PCB or the web interface (default IP: 192.168.1.200) to monitor node status and data flow. Update firmware quarterly via ControlNet (download from ProSoft’s website). Store spares in a dry, -20 °C to +50 °C environment—avoid exposure to corrosive gases (e.g., chlorine in water treatment plants).
Service and guarantee commitment
ProSoft Technology provides a 3-year standard warranty for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO, covering defects in materials, workmanship, and Allen-Bradley protocol compatibility (ControlNet/RIO/DeviceNet). For critical applications (chemical, automotive), the ProSoft Premium Allen-Bradley Support Plan extends coverage to 5 years, including annual on-site configuration verification, 24/7 technical support (1-hour response time for network outages), and expedited replacement (48-hour delivery of a loaner gateway during repairs).
ProSoft’s global technical team (specialized in Allen-Bradley ecosystems) offers dedicated support for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO—assisting with ControlNet redundancy setup, DeviceNet node troubleshooting, and Allen-Bradley controller integration. Customers gain free access to resources: application notes on DeviceNet-to-ControlNet migration, PCB software tutorials, and a user community for Allen-Bradley-specific best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, ProSoft’s Allen-Bradley Gateway Service restores the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO to factory specs (tests network ports, verifies protocol compliance) and provides a 6-month warranty. This commitment reflects ProSoft’s confidence in the gateway’s durability and dedication to helping users maximize legacy DeviceNet value in Allen-Bradley networks.
