Description
Detailed parameter table
Parameter name | Parameter value |
Product model | PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR |
Manufacturer | ProSoft Technology |
Product category | Redundant Modbus TCP Communication Module (for Allen – Bradley ControlLogix) |
Compatible PLCs | Allen – Bradley ControlLogix (1756 – L6x/L7x series, 1756 – Redundant Chassis), CompactLogix 5380 (with 1756 adapter) |
Supported Protocols | Modbus TCP (client/server mode), ControlLogix 1756 backplane redundancy protocol, DLR/MRP (network redundancy) |
Ethernet Interfaces | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports; Auto – MDI/MDI – X; Link/activity/failover status LED indicators |
Data Handling Capacity | 8192 bytes (input) + 8192 bytes (output); Up to 2000 Modbus requests/second; 32 maximum Modbus TCP clients; 8 maximum Modbus TCP servers; Shared redundant data buffer (16 KB) |
Redundancy Performance | Failover time: < 5 ms (network/module); Backplane sync: Real – time configuration/data mirroring; Redundancy status monitoring via web/PCB |
Latency Performance | < 50 ms (backplane to module); < 100 ms (Modbus TCP device to ControlLogix PAC) |
Power Requirements | 5 VDC (from ControlLogix backplane); Current consumption: < 1.5 A (operating mode) |
Physical Dimensions | 1756 chassis 1 – slot design; 130 mm (height) × 32 mm (width) × 190 mm (depth); Weight: ~600 g |
Environmental Ratings | 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 – 500 Hz, IEC 60068 – 2 – 6); Shock resistance: 30 g (11 ms half – sine, IEC 60068 – 2 – 27) |
Configuration Tools | ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) v6.5 + (with redundancy wizard); Rockwell Studio 5000 Add – on Profile (AOP); Web – based monitoring (HTTP/HTTPS) |
Safety & Compliance | CE (EN 61010 – 1, EN 61326 – 1); UL 61010 – 1 (USA/Canada); RoHS 2 compliant (2011/65/EU); Modbus Organization Certified; IEC 61508 SIL 2 (for functional safety) |
PROSOFT MVI56E-MNETR
Product introduction
The PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR is a redundant Modbus TCP communication module developed by ProSoft Technology, specifically engineered for Allen – Bradley’s ControlLogix 1756 chassis—including redundant chassis configurations. As the upgraded redundant version of the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET, it addresses the critical need for uninterrupted communication in mission – critical industrial systems (such as nuclear power, chemical processing, and oil refineries) where even seconds of downtime can cause $100k + losses or safety violations.
By integrating dual Ethernet ports for network redundancy (DLR/MRP) and real – time backplane sync for module redundancy, the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR ensures 99.999% uptime—far exceeding the standard PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET’s single – network design. It retains all core features of the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET (e.g., Modbus TCP client/server mode, 8192 data registers) while adding failover mechanisms that switch between redundant paths in < 5 ms. For facilities upgrading from the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET to meet safety or reliability standards (e.g., NERC CIP, IEC 61508), the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR offers drop – in compatibility, minimizing hardware replacement costs and production disruption.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Dual – Layer Redundancy (Network + Module): The PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR delivers two levels of redundancy to eliminate single points of failure. Its dual Ethernet ports support DLR/MRP protocols—automatically switching to the backup port if the primary network link fails (e.g., cable damage, switch outage) in < 5 ms. When paired with a ControlLogix redundant chassis, the module mirrors configuration and data between primary and secondary units in real time—ensuring no data loss if the primary module malfunctions. A chemical plant uses this feature to connect a ControlLogix PAC to 18 Modbus TCP reactor pressure sensors: during a fiber optic network cut, the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR switches to a cellular backup, avoiding a 2 – hour shutdown that would have ruined $500k of batch production.
Seamless Compatibility with PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET Setups: The PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR is fully compatible with existing PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET configurations—using the same Studio 5000 AOP and PCB software (v6.5 +) with an added redundancy wizard. This means customers upgrading from the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET can reuse existing Modbus register maps, PLC logic, and training resources. A power plant upgrading 12 modules completes configuration in 3 hours (vs. 8 hours with third – party redundant systems) by importing PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET settings and enabling redundancy via the PCB wizard—minimizing downtime for critical energy production processes.
Functional Safety Compliance (IEC 61508 SIL 2): Unlike the standard PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET, the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR meets IEC 61508 SIL 2 requirements for functional safety—critical for applications where communication failures could lead to safety hazards. It includes built – in self – tests (BIST) that run every 100 ms to verify hardware integrity, plus redundant data paths to prevent single – point errors. A nuclear power plant uses this compliance to connect Modbus TCP radiation sensors to a ControlLogix PAC, ensuring the system meets NRC safety standards and avoids regulatory penalties.
Typical application scenarios
In oil refineries, a refinery deploys the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR with redundant ControlLogix PACs to monitor 48 Modbus TCP crude oil pipeline pressure sensors and control 24 Modbus TCP valves. The module’s dual Ethernet ports connect to separate fiber optic networks (primary) and wireless backup (secondary). During a storm that damages the primary fiber, the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR fails over in 3 ms—allowing the PAC to detect a pressure drop (indicating a leak) and close valves within 150 ms. This prevents a spill that would have incurred $1M + in cleanup costs and EPA fines, while the module’s SIL 2 compliance meets OSHA process safety standards.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, a drugmaker uses the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR to connect a ControlLogix PAC to 12 Modbus TCP bioreactor temperature sensors and 8 Modbus TCP dosing pumps. The module’s redundancy ensures no communication loss during batch production—critical for FDA – regulated processes where interruptions can ruin $250k batches of life – saving drugs. The PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR also shares real – time batch data with a Modbus TCP SCADA system via redundant paths, simplifying compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 by ensuring data integrity and auditability.
In municipal water treatment, a utility uses the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR to connect a ControlLogix PAC to 16 Modbus TCP water flow meters and 10 Modbus TCP pump VFDs. The module’s dual networks (Ethernet + cellular) ensure continuous communication during extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes that knock out wired networks). During a storm, the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR switches to cellular, allowing the PAC to maintain pump operation and avoid flooding in residential areas—protecting the utility from $500k + in property damage claims.
Related model recommendations
PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET: Standard non – redundant version of the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR, ideal for non – mission – critical applications (e.g., small manufacturing cells) where redundancy is not required.
PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETCR: Cybersecurity – enhanced variant of the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR, adding TLS 1.3 encryption and role – based access control. Used in applications (e.g., financial data centers) needing both redundancy and cyber protection.
Allen – Bradley 1756 – RIO: ControlLogix redundant I/O module. Paired with the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR, it extends redundancy to I/O layers—creating end – to – end reliable systems for process control.
PROSOFT PLX32 – EIP – MBTCP: Standalone non – redundant gateway. Complements the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR in mixed – vendor environments (e.g., Siemens S7 + ControlLogix) where non – critical devices can use the gateway while critical ones use the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR.
PROSOFT MVI56E – DNPNETR: Redundant DNP3 module for ControlLogix. Used with the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR in utility applications (e.g., power grids) to integrate Modbus TCP and DNP3 devices with dual redundancy.
ProSoft Redundancy Manager (PRM): Centralized tool for monitoring PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR redundancy status across multiple sites. Provides real – time alerts for failover events and simplifies fleet management.
Allen – Bradley 1756 – EN4TR: ControlLogix gigabit Ethernet module. Paired with the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR, it provides high – speed redundant network backbones for large Modbus TCP device fleets (e.g., 100 + sensors).
PROSOFT MVI56E-MNETR
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR, power off the ControlLogix 1756 chassis (redundant or standard) to prevent backplane damage. Wear an ESD wristband to protect the module’s electronics. For redundant setups, ensure the chassis has two empty slots (for primary/secondary modules) and verify compatibility with 1756 – Redundant Chassis firmware v30 +. Gather tools: flat – head screwdriver (chassis locking screws), two Cat6a Ethernet cables (for dual networks), and a laptop with PCB v6.5 +. Avoid installing the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR near heat sources (e.g., power supplies) or in dusty areas—use a NEMA 4 enclosure for outdoor or harsh environments.
Maintenance suggestions: Conduct monthly checks of the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR: verify green “Power” LEDs, steady blue “Redundancy Sync” LEDs, and blinking yellow “Data Activity” LEDs on both primary and secondary modules. Use the web interface to review failover logs and confirm sync status. Every 3 months, test failover by disconnecting the primary Ethernet cable—ensure the module switches to the secondary port in < 5 ms (confirmed via PCB’s “Redundancy Diagnostic” tab). For troubleshooting, if sync fails, check that primary/secondary modules have identical firmware versions and configuration settings. Update the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR’s firmware quarterly via PCB (takes < 5 minutes per module) to access redundancy performance improvements. Store spare modules in a dry environment (- 20 °C to + 50 °C) with pre – loaded configurations for quick replacement.
Service and guarantee commitment
ProSoft Technology provides a 4 – year standard warranty for the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR—extending the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNET’s 3 – year coverage to reflect its mission – critical role. The warranty covers defects in redundancy performance, hardware, and Modbus TCP compliance. For nuclear/chemical clients, the ProSoft Critical Infrastructure Support Plan adds 24/7 technical support (30 – minute response time for failover incidents), annual on – site redundancy testing, and expedited replacement (48 – hour delivery of pre – configured loaner modules).
Customers gain free access to redundancy – specific resources: application notes (e.g., “PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR for ControlLogix Redundant Chassis”), video tutorials on failover testing, and a dedicated redundancy user forum. For out – of – warranty repairs, ProSoft offers a flat – rate service ($300 per module) that includes diagnostic testing, redundancy validation, and firmware updates—with a 1 – year warranty on repaired units. This commitment underscores ProSoft’s confidence in the PROSOFT MVI56E – MNETR’s ability to meet the most demanding industrial reliability requirements.
Full 12-month warranty on all components
Dedicated after-sales support
Same-day dispatch on 1000s of parts
All units are fully tested
- 1. Email confirmation
You will get an email confirming that we have received your enquiry. - 2. Dedicated Account Manager
One of our team will be in touch to confirm your part(s) specification and condition. - 3. Your quote
You will receive a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs.