PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-DFCM Industrial Communication Gateway
1. Product Description
The PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-DFCM is a dedicated industrial communication gateway designed to connect different industrial networks—specifically enabling data exchange between EtherNet/IP (used in Rockwell Automation systems) and Modbus TCP (a widely used open industrial protocol). It’s mainly used in industrial automation settings like manufacturing plants, oil refineries, and water treatment facilities, where multiple types of control systems or devices need to share data (e.g., connecting a Rockwell PLC to Modbus-enabled sensors or HMIs).
With a compact, rugged design, it’s easy to install in standard control cabinets and can withstand tough industrial conditions (like vibration, temperature fluctuations, and electrical interference). It requires simple configuration (via a web interface or software tool) to set up data transfer rules, making it accessible for technicians to integrate into existing systems without complex programming.
2. Technical Specifications
- Communication Protocols: Supports EtherNet/IP (server/client) and Modbus TCP (master/slave) for bidirectional data exchange
- Ethernet Ports: 2 x 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet ports (one for each network, preventing cross-network interference)
- Data Transfer Capacity: Up to 2048 bytes of input data and 2048 bytes of output data (handles typical industrial data volumes)
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C (works in extreme industrial environments, from cold storage to hot factories)
- Power Supply: 24 V DC (10–30 V DC, wide input range for industrial power stability)
- Dimensions: Compact size (approx. 120 mm × 80 mm × 35 mm) for space-saving cabinet mounting
- Protection Features: Reverse polarity protection (prevents damage from incorrect power wiring) and overvoltage protection
- Configuration: Web-based configuration interface + PROSOFT Configuration Builder software (flexible setup options)
3. System Introduction
The 5201-DFNT-DFCM is a key component of PROSOFT’s “Industrial Communication Gateway Series”—a lineup focused on solving network compatibility issues in industrial automation. This system includes various gateways (for different protocol combinations), configuration software, and technical support tools, aiming to create seamless data flow between diverse industrial control systems.
In the system, the 5201-DFNT-DFCM acts as a “data translator”: it receives data from an EtherNet/IP network (e.g., from a Rockwell PLC), converts it into a format compatible with Modbus TCP, and sends it to Modbus devices (e.g., meters or valves)—and vice versa. This ensures that all parts of the automation system can share critical data (like production status or equipment health), enabling centralized monitoring and control. The series is widely used in mixed-vendor industrial environments, where standardizing on a single network protocol is not practical.
4. Recommended Related Models in the Same Series
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-MCM: Gateway for EtherNet/IP to Modbus RTU (instead of TCP) – for connecting to Modbus devices using serial communication (e.g., old sensors with RS485 ports).
- PROSOFT 5201-PND-DFCM: Gateway for PROFINET to Modbus TCP – ideal for factories using Siemens PROFINET systems that need to connect to Modbus devices.
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-ABR: Enhanced EtherNet/IP to Modbus TCP gateway with built-in data logging (stores data locally for later analysis, e.g., production reports).
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-DFCM-R: Redundant version (two gateways work in backup) for critical systems (e.g., power plant control networks) where communication downtime is not allowed.
- PROSOFT 5201-ENET-DFCM: Entry-level EtherNet/IP to Modbus TCP gateway with fewer data points (cost-effective for small-scale applications, e.g., small packaging lines).
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-CM: Gateway for EtherNet/IP to CANopen – for connecting to CANopen-enabled devices (e.g., industrial robots or mobile equipment).
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-DFCM-EX: Intrinsically safe model (ATEX-certified) for hazardous environments (e.g., chemical plant process control networks).
- PROSOFT 5201-DFNT-DFM: Gateway for EtherNet/IP to DNP3 (a protocol used in utility systems) – suitable for water treatment plants or electrical grids.
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