Communication : A-B DH+/RIO Gateways

Great Solutions for Allen-Bradley Migrations
SoftPLC Gateways allow you to upgrade your outdated Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems in phases - eliminating the need to obtain major project funding and scheduling a lengthy downtime for a complete replacement. Our migration solutions are suitable whether you want to continue to use Rockwell Automation products, or move to another vendor's products. SoftPLC Gateways are perfect solutions when you want to:
Replace Obsolete Components
- Replace drives (eg: 1336/1395 VFD's) on an Allen-Bradley RIO network
- Replace HMI's (eg: PanelView) or SCADA systems on Allen-Bradley RIO or DH+ networks
- Replace robots, scales or other equipment on an Allen-Bradley RIO or DH+ network
- Replace an A-B PLC, while still maintaining existing DH+ communications
- Replace an A-B PLC CPU, without changing anything else
- Replace an A-B PLC with a DCS or other brand controller, without changing the RIO
- Replace RIO/DH+ cabling without changing PLC's or RIO
Expand Existing System
- Connect new and old systems to a common network
- Communicate data between devices on different network types
- Add I/O from another vendor to an existing A-B PLC system
- Add A-B I/O to an existing A-B PLC system
The Applications tab below provides additional examples of how SoftPLC A-B RIO/DH+ Gateways can be used.
Here's a short video that describes how SoftPLC Gateways solve A-B migration challenges:
- Up to 3 "blue-hose" channels - any mix of DH+, RIO Scanner/Master, RIO Adapter/Slave
- Up to sixteen (16) different user-selectable protocols supported simultaneously
- Hundreds of thousands of data points supported in each Gateway
- Extremely fast data throughput, highly optimized drivers
- Diagnostics, real-time status monitoring on each communication network
- Supports user logic for data manipulation (eg: scaling, averaging, comparisons), scheduling, alarm handling, or many other functions
- Built-in data logging
- Compatible with all HMI/SCADA systems
- Optional embedded firewall with VPN support for secure communications (Smart & Hardbook SoftPLC models only)
- Supports our TagWell cloud platform for remote access via internet

Overview
SoftPLC Gateways are the optimal migration solution for users of Allen-Bradley PLC's - offering the most flexibility and features at the lowest cost.
SoftPLC Gateways are configured using TOPDOC NexGen - included free with your first Gateway purchase!
- Ethernet/IP Adapter (Slave or Server) and Scanner (Master or Client)
- A-B DF1 Ethernet (CSP/PCCC) Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
- Modbus TCP/UDP Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
- Enron ModbusTCP Master (Client)
- A-B DF1 Serial Full Duplex Master/Slave
- A-B DF1 Half Duplex Slave
- ASCII (COMGENIUS)
- Modbus Serial RTU/ASCII, Master and Slave
- CAN/J1939* (Smart SoftPLC v2 only)
- A-B RIO RIO Master (Scanner)
- A-B RIO Slave (Adapter)
- A-B Data Highway Plus (DH+)
Available Protocols

All SoftPLC Gateways can be user configured for up to 16 simultaneous protocols of any mix. The currently available protocols are listed below, others can be added by SoftPLC or by users with the SoftPLC Programmer's Toolkit. Please contact us for a quote if you are interested in a protocol not listed.
Protocols implemented via Ethernet Ports
Protocols implemented via Serial Port(s)
Protocols implemented via "blue hose" port(s)*
* These protocols require factory installed hardware.
SoftPLC Gateway ports and protocols are configured with TOPDOC NexGen, included free with your first Gateway purchase. Communication drivers are configured with an easy to use editor, that includes a sample template. Many drivers also report status to diagnostic registers that are available to HMI's, other connected devices, email messages/reports, etc.
COMPARE!
SoftPLC Gateways are now the only RIO/DH+ protocol converters available!

Function | SoftPLC® Smart Gateway SMG4-x |
ProSoft® AN-X2-AB-DHRIO |
Ports | - (4) GB Ethernet (managed switch) - (1) stand-alone GB Ethernet - (up to 3) A-B RIO/DH+ - (1-4) serial RS-485 - (2) USB |
- (1) 10/100 Ethernet - (1) A-B RIO/DH+ |
Protocols supported (on Drive/ HMI/PC side) |
Selection of Ethernet & serial protocols | Ethernet/IP only |
RIO Slave Support | - Up to 3 channels, 32 logical racks per channel - No limits on number of Drives or PanelViews other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP) |
- 1 channel - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews |
RIO Master Support | Up to 3 channels, 32 adapters per channel | 1 channel, 32 adapters |
DH+ Support | - Up to 3 channels, 64 nodes per channel - Supports peer-to-peer messaging and HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming |
- Limited to (8) PanelViews - Supports pass-through access over Ethernet/IP from PC/PLC/HMI, but not peer-to-peer messaging |
DF1 Support | - Up to 6 channels per Gateway, Full/Half-Duplex - Supports peer-to-peer messaging, HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming |
- N/A |
Other Functions | - Logic and I/O control (can replace the A-B PLC in future!) - Data Logging - Ethernet Switch, Firewall - Virtual HMI/Web Server - many more! |
- DH+ Gateway(replaces RIO port) |
Price | From $995 | From $1780 |
Function | SoftPLC® NeoPAC SN2-A1-x |
ProSoft® AN-X2-AB-DHRIO |
Ports | - (1) GB Ethernet - (up to 2) A-B RIO/DH+ - (up to 2) serial RS-485 - (2) USB |
- (1) 10/100 Ethernet - (1) A-B RIO/DH+ |
Protocols supported (on Drive/ HMI/PC side) |
Selection of Ethernet & serial protocols | Ethernet/IP only |
RIO Slave Support | - up to 2 channels, 32 logical racks per channel - No limit on number of Drives or PanelViews other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP) |
- 1 channel - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews |
RIO Master Support | up to 2 channels, 32 adapters per channel | 1 channel, 32 adapters |
DH+ Support | - up to 2 channels, 64 nodes per channel - Supports peer-to-peer messaging and HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming |
- Limited to (8) PanelViews - Supports pass-through access over Ethernet/IP from PC/PLC/HMI, but not peer-to-peer messaging |
DF1 Support | - 2 channels (via USB ports) - Supports peer-to-peer messaging, HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming |
- N/A |
Other Functions | - Logic and I/O control (can replace the PLC in future!) - Data Logging - Virtual HMI/Web Server - many more! |
- DH+ Gateway(replaces RIO port) |
Price | From $695 | From $1780 |
- 4-port GB managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet interfaces (MAC ID's) to support routing and firewall functions
- (1) stand-alone GB Ethernet port
- (1) RS-485 port
- (2) USB ports
- Allen-Bradley "blue-hose" (RIO Master/Scanner, RIO Slave/Adapter, or DH+
- RS-485, isolated, 2-wire (configurable protocols)
- (1) GB Ethernet port
- (2) USB ports
- Allen-Bradley "blue-hose" (RIO Master/Scanner, RIO Slave/Adapter, or DH+
- RS-485, isolated, 2-wire (configurable protocols)
SoftPLC Gateway Models
All SoftPLC Gateways provide a base set of features, the differences are primarily in the number of communication ports. Detailed information and specifications on all standard models can be found here: SoftPLC Gateways. For "bluehose" RIO/DH+ gateways, we offer 2 models - Smart Gateways and NeoPACs.
SoftPLC Gateways are, in reality, SoftPLC controllers. For more details on advanced features, additional hardware/firmware options and available accessories, refer to SoftPLC Controllers and universal SoftPLC features information.

Smart Gateways
A Smart Gateway has a base set of features, to which you can add both hardware and firmware options. Smart Gateways are factory assembled with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment.
All Smart Gateways include this base set of communication ports:
For very low cost, up to 3 factory installed communication port options can be added to support:
It's easy to choose options and price your Smart Gateway using our webstore ordering page, or you can contact us for assistance.

NeoPAC Gateways
A NeoPAC Gateway is a powerful, low cost RIO/DH+ interface. NeoPAC Gateways are factory configured with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment.
NeoPACs provide these standard communication ports:
For very low cost, up to 2 factory installed communication port options can be added to support:
It's easy to choose options and price your NeoPAC Gateway using our webstore ordering page, or you can contact us for assistance.
- No changes to PLC logic/configuration required
- Replace old HMI's and/or Drives with new equipment from nearly any vendor
- Configurable with 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full rack addressing
- Supports upgrading up to 32 RIO devices and up to 63 DH+ devices per "blue-hose" network
- Supports up to 3 "blue-hose" networks of any mix (RIO and/or DH+)
- Supports conversion to multiple serial, Ethernet and fieldbus networks
- Supports PLC-5, SLC-500, PLC-3, PLC-2/PLC, Pyramid Integrator and Logix Processors with DH/RIO interface modules
- Use other vendor's I/O with ControlLogix or CompactLogix
- Gateway can appear as up to 32 RIO adapters per network
- Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
- Supports all blue-hose RIO systems (eg: 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500), Flex)
- Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
- Supports up to 32 adapters per blue-hose network
- Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
- Also supports other devices and I/O on other networks (eg: Modbus, ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP)
- Supports all blue-hose RIO systems (eg: 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500), Flex)
- Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
- Supports up to 32 adapters of Remote I/O per network
- Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
- Optionally can support up to 2 DH+ networks
- Also supports other devices and I/O on other networks (eg: Modbus, ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP)
- Pass data from devices on multiple networks or network types to a higher level system (eg: DCS or SCADA).
- Collect data from devices on multiple networks or network types and make it available to a higher level system ("data logger/concentrator").
- Provide remote access via a single point to a variety of devices, using a SoftPLC Gateway, a modem, and optionally the TagWell cloud for IoT/M2M applications.
DH+/RIO Gateway Applications
Upgrade HMI's and/or Drives on A-B RIO or DH+
Add I/O of another bus to an A-B PAC/PLC installation (eg: ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP, SoftPLC's Tealware, Modbus serial)
Replace an A-B PLC using remote I/O with a ControlLogix or CompactLogix PAC, without having to replace existing I/O & cabling
Replace an A-B PLC with a SoftPLC/Gateway, without having to replace existing I/O & cabling
Communicate data between devices on different network types.
+ Example customer applications...
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Data Sheets
- SoftPLC Gateways Brochure Overview of all SoftPLC Gateway features, hardware options, and example applications.
- Smart Gateway Data Sheet Hardware features and specifications for the Smart Gateway.
- SoftPLC NeoPAC Data Sheet Features/specifications of SoftPLC NeoPACs.
- Available Protocols Table of available protocols/requirements for each model SoftPLC Gateway.
White Papers/Presentations
- SoftPLC Gateways Slide show highlighting features of SoftPLC Gateway products.
- Clipboards are out! Protocol Gateways help make IoT efficient, accurate and low cost. Whitepaper that describes a variety of gateway solutions to tie multi-vendor equipment into cloud-based data acquisition and analytics applications.
Manuals
- Smart Quick Start Guide Quick start communication configuration and troubleshooting guide for Smart family products.
- NeoPAC Quick Start Guide Quick start communication configuration and troubleshooting guide for NeoPAC family products.
- Smart SoftPLC A-B Remote I/O Scanner Driver TLM Describes the installation, usage, and functionality of the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) Scanner driver for Smart SoftPLC's internal SM-ABRIOM interface.
- Smart SoftPLC A-B Remote I/O Adapter Driver TLM Describes the installation, usage, and functionality of the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O Slave TLM, which enables a Smart SoftPLC to emulate remote racks on an Allen-Bradly Remote I/O network via its internal SM-ABRIOA interface.
Additional user manuals and application notes for Gateway configuration, data mapping, etc. for the various protocols can be found in the Support | Resources page.