MVI56-BAS ProSoft

The ProSoft MVI56-BAS is a powerful communication gateway module designed to operate within the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platform. Manufactured by ProSoft Technology, a leader in industrial connectivity solutions, this module specializes in protocol conversion, enabling seamless data exchange between Rockwell Automation controllers and devices on BACnet/IP networks, which are prevalent in building automation systems.

Application Scenarios:

In a modern pharmaceutical plant, the environmental control system for clean rooms (managing HVAC, temperature, and pressure) uses a BACnet/IP network, while the production line is controlled by a Rockwell ControlLogix PLC. The ProSoft MVI56-BAS module is installed in the ControlLogix rack, acting as a translator. It allows the PLC to directly monitor and control critical environmental parameters from the BACnet devices, ensuring compliance with stringent GMP standards without requiring a separate, expensive building management system, thus achieving seamless integration between process and facility automation.

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Technical Principles and Innovative Values:

· •Innovation Point 1: Deep ControlLogix Integration. Unlike external gateways, the MVI56-BAS resides directly in the ControlLogix rack. It communicates with the ControlLogix processor over the high-speed backplane, appearing as another module in the I/O tree. This provides superior performance, reliability, and simplified wiring compared to external serial or Ethernet gateways.

· •Innovation Point 2: Full BACnet/IP Stack Implementation. The module runs a complete, certified BACnet/IP protocol stack. It can act as both a client (to poll data from BACnet devices like VAV controllers) and a server (to expose ControlLogix data to BACnet systems), providing bidirectional data flow and full interoperability with any compliant building automation system.

· •Innovation Point 3: Independent Processor Architecture. The module features its own dedicated processor and memory. This offloads the protocol conversion workload from the main ControlLogix CPU, ensuring that the real-time control tasks of the PLC are not impacted by communication operations, guaranteeing deterministic performance.

Application Cases and Industry Value:

A large airport needed to integrate the baggage handling system (controlled by Allen-Bradley ControlLogix) with the terminal's building management system (BMS) for energy monitoring and control. The BMS used BACnet/IP. By deploying the ProSoft MVI56-BAS, the airport engineers enabled the ControlLogix system to directly report energy consumption of conveyors and motors to the BMS. Furthermore, the BMS could send commands to shut down specific baggage lines during off-peak hours, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy costs for the baggage system without compromising operational readiness.

Related Product Combination Solutions:

· •Allen-Bradley 1756-L7x ControlLogix Controller: The main processor that executes the control logic and exchanges data with the MVI56-BAS gateway via the backplane.

· •ProSoft MVI56-DFCM: A gateway for Foundation Fieldbus H1, used alongside the MVI56-BAS in plants requiring integration with both building and process field networks.

· •ProSoft MVI69-BACnet: A counterpart module for the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix platform, suitable for smaller applications.

· •ProSoft RadioLinx: Industrial wireless gateways that can provide cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access to the ControlLogix system where the MVI56-BAS is installed.

· •ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB): The essential software tool used to configure the data mapping and communication parameters for the MVI56-BAS module.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support:

Installation of the ProSoft MVI56-BAS is straightforward: it is simply inserted into an available slot in the ControlLogix chassis. The primary setup involves configuring the module using the ProSoft Configuration Builder software, where the user maps BACnet objects to tags in the ControlLogix controller. No complex wiring is needed for the data path, as it uses the chassis backplane.Routine maintenance is minimal and primarily involves monitoring the module's status via LED indicators and the controller's diagnostic tags. The module's robust industrial design ensures long-term reliability. We provide comprehensive support, from initial protocol planning and configuration file development to technical troubleshooting. Our services include ensuring you have access to genuine ProSoft MVI56-BAS modules and the latest configuration tools.