Description
PROSOFT MV156-MCMR is a high-performance Modbus Communication Module designed for Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1500/5000 series PLC systems, enabling seamless integration between ControlLogix controllers and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks (master/slave modes) for industrial data exchange. As a core connectivity component of ProSoft’s ControlLogix-compatible portfolio, PROSOFT MV156-MCMR supports dual independent serial ports with flexible protocol configuration, making it essential for manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities, oil & gas pipelines, and HVAC systems that require interoperability between ControlLogix PLCs and Modbus-enabled devices. In an automotive assembly line, PROSOFT MV156-MCMR connects ControlLogix controllers to Modbus RTU sensors for conveyor speed and part tracking; in a municipal water treatment plant, PROSOFT MV156-MCMR enables data transmission between ControlLogix systems and Modbus flow meters/pumps; in an oil pipeline monitoring system, PROSOFT MV156-MCMR links ControlLogix PLCs to Modbus pressure transducers and valve controllers. Additionally, PROSOFT MV156-MCMR features hot-swappable design (ControlLogix-compatible), advanced diagnostic tools, and rugged industrial construction, ensuring reliable communication in mission-critical automation environments.
2. Product Parameters
2.1 Core Communication Specifications
- Supported Protocols: Modbus RTU (master/slave), Modbus ASCII (master/slave)
- Serial Ports: 2× independent RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 ports (configurable per port)
- Data Transfer Rates: 300 bps to 115.2 kbps (per port, user-selectable)
- Maximum Nodes: 32 nodes per RS-485 port (Modbus RTU), 1 node per RS-232 port
- Modbus Function Codes: Supports 01-06, 15-16 (coil/discrete I/O, holding/input registers)
- Memory: 512 KB non-volatile memory (configuration storage), 256 KB RAM (data buffering)
2.2 Electrical & System Parameters
- Power Supply: 5V DC (from ControlLogix backplane), power consumption ≤2W
- Backplane Interface: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 15-slot/17-slot chassis (1756 backplane), compatible with ControlLogix 5550/5560/5570 controllers
- Diagnostic Features: LED status indicators (power, port 1/2 activity, fault, Modbus master/slave mode), built-in error logging, backplane communication diagnostics
- Configuration: ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) software, or ControlLogix ladder logic via MSG instructions
- Compatibility: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, Modbus RTU/ASCII devices (sensors, meters, drives, valves) from major manufacturers
2.3 Environmental & Mechanical Parameters
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C (industrial-grade range)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing), IP20 protection (chassis-mounted)
- Vibration Resistance: 5-500Hz, 1g (IEC 60068-2-6)
- Shock Resistance: 15g (11ms half-sine wave, IEC 60068-2-27)
- Mounting: ControlLogix chassis-mounted (1756 form factor), hot-swappable (with chassis power on)
- Dimensions: 132mm (W) × 102mm (H) × 37mm (D), ControlLogix-compatible module size
2.4 Certifications & Compliance
- Industry Certifications: CE, UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2, FCC Part 15 Class A, RoHS
- Compatibility: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix systems (v16+ firmware), Modbus-compliant devices (IEC 61158-5-10)
- MTBF: ≥800,000 hours (per Telcordia SR-332 standards)
3. Advantages & Features
- Dual Independent Serial Ports: PROSOFT MV156-MCMR offers two configurable RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 ports, enabling simultaneous communication with two separate Modbus networks (e.g., one master, one slave) and eliminating the need for multiple communication modules.
- Seamless ControlLogix Integration: Native compatibility with ControlLogix backplane and ladder logic MSG instructions allows PROSOFT MV156-MCMR to be fully integrated into Rockwell Automation systems, with no custom programming required for basic data exchange.
- Flexible Protocol Support: Modbus RTU/ASCII master/slave modes make PROSOFT MV156-MCMR adaptable to diverse industrial environments—ideal for connecting ControlLogix PLCs to legacy Modbus devices or third-party systems.
- Hot-Swappable Design: PROSOFT MV156-MCMR can be replaced in a live ControlLogix chassis without powering down the system, reducing maintenance downtime and avoiding production disruptions.
- Advanced Diagnostics: LED status indicators and error logging simplify troubleshooting, allowing maintenance teams to quickly identify communication faults (e.g., port errors, Modbus frame issues) and resolve them efficiently.
4. Application Fields & Cases
4.1 Application Fields
- Manufacturing: Automotive assembly line data collection, packaging machine Modbus sensor integration, food processing line control system communication
- Water/Wastewater Treatment: ControlLogix-to-Modbus flow meter/pump communication, remote monitoring station data transmission, chemical dosing system integration
- Oil & Gas: Pipeline pressure/flow monitoring (Modbus transducers to ControlLogix), wellhead control system communication, storage tank level data exchange
- HVAC: Building automation system integration (ControlLogix to Modbus thermostats/air handlers), energy management data collection
4.2 Typical Cases
- Automotive Assembly Line Integration: A major U.S. automotive plant deployed PROSOFT MV156-MCMR modules in ControlLogix systems to connect 64 Modbus RTU conveyor speed sensors across 4 assembly lines. The dual-port design allowed simultaneous master communication with sensors and slave communication with a central SCADA system, improving production data visibility and reducing module costs by 50%.
- Water Treatment Plant Monitoring: A municipal water treatment facility used PROSOFT MV156-MCMR to link ControlLogix PLCs to 32 Modbus flow meters and 16 pump controllers. The module’s hot-swappable design enabled maintenance during peak operation, ensuring continuous water treatment and avoiding service disruptions for 200,000 residents.
- Oil Pipeline Data Exchange: A Canadian oil pipeline operator integrated PROSOFT MV156-MCMR into ControlLogix systems to transmit pressure/temperature data from Modbus RTU transducers to a central monitoring station. The module’s rugged construction withstood extreme outdoor temperatures (-40°C to +60°C), maintaining 99.9% communication uptime and complying with pipeline safety regulations.
5. Competitive Comparison
| Parameter | PROSOFT MV156-MCMR | Competitor A (Single-Port ControlLogix Modbus Module) | Competitor B (Generic Modbus Gateway) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serial Ports | 2 (configurable) | 1 | 2 (fixed protocol) |
| ControlLogix Integration | Native (backplane, MSG) | Native | External (Ethernet/serial, no backplane) |
| Hot-Swappable | Yes | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C | 0°C to +55°C | -20°C to +60°C |
| MTBF | ≥800,000 hours | ≥600,000 hours | ≥500,000 hours |
6. Selection Suggestions & Precautions
6.1 Selection Suggestions
- ControlLogix Compatibility: Choose PROSOFT MV156-MCMR for Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1500/5000 systems; generic Modbus gateways lack native backplane integration and require additional wiring/configuration.
- Multi-Network Needs: Opt for PROSOFT MV156-MCMR if dual independent Modbus networks are required (e.g., master + slave); single-port modules force network consolidation and increase latency.
- Maintenance Requirements: Select PROSOFT MV156-MCMR for applications requiring hot-swappable components (e.g., 24/7 production lines); non-hot-swappable modules require system shutdowns for replacement.
6.2 Precautions
- Installation Guidelines:
- Install PROSOFT MV156-MCMR in a ControlLogix chassis only (1756 form factor); ensure proper backplane termination and chassis ventilation to prevent overheating.
- For RS-485 networks, terminate the bus with 120Ω resistors at the first and last nodes to avoid signal reflection—critical for reliable Modbus RTU communication.
- Configuration Notes:
- Use ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) to set port protocols (RTU/ASCII), baud rates, and Modbus function codes; verify compatibility with ControlLogix firmware version (v16+ required).
- Map Modbus registers to ControlLogix tags via ladder logic MSG instructions to ensure real-time data synchronization—avoid overlapping register addresses between ports.
- Troubleshooting:
- For communication faults: Check port LED status (activity/fault), verify RS-485 termination, and use PCB software to monitor Modbus frame errors.
- For backplane communication issues: Inspect module seating in the chassis, verify ControlLogix controller firmware compatibility, and check power supply stability (5V DC from backplane).
- Maintenance:
- Inspect module connectors annually for corrosion or damage; clean with compressed air to remove dust and debris (avoid contact with backplane pins).
- Backup module configurations to non-volatile memory or PCB software to simplify replacement in case of failure—critical for reducing downtime.
- Stock spare PROSOFT MV156-MCMR modules—lead times for ControlLogix-compatible communication modules may exceed 8 weeks.

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