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ProSoft PLX31-EIP-SIE EtherNet/IP to Siemens Ethernet Gateway

The ProSoft PLX31-EIP-SIE is a communication gateway that exchanges data between EtherNet/IP-enabled controllers or devices and Siemens Industrial Ethernet systems. Part of the PLX31 gateway range, it supports read and write communication with Siemens S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers. Its EtherNet/IP interface supports both CIP and PCCC messaging, allowing the gateway to connect different controller communication environments through configured data exchange.

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Description

Core Product Summary

The ProSoft PLX31-EIP-SIE is a communication gateway that exchanges data between EtherNet/IP-enabled controllers or devices and Siemens Industrial Ethernet systems. Part of the PLX31 gateway range, it supports read and write communication with Siemens S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers. Its EtherNet/IP interface supports both CIP and PCCC messaging, allowing the gateway to connect different controller communication environments through configured data exchange.

The gateway provides two EtherNet/IP Class 1 I/O connections and supports up to 10,000 16-bit registers for data exchange. A single RJ45 Ethernet port serves the Ethernet-based protocols. Power requirements are 24 VDC nominal, with an allowable range of 10–36 VDC. An embedded EDS Add-On Profile assists controller integration, while an optional SD card can store configuration files for recovery.

 

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer ProSoft Technology
Model PLX31-EIP-SIE
Product type EtherNet/IP to Siemens Industrial Ethernet communication gateway
Product range PLX31
Data exchange Bidirectional
Supported Siemens controllers S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500
Siemens data areas DB, inputs, outputs, flags, counters and timers
EtherNet/IP message types CIP and PCCC
EtherNet/IP Class 1 I/O connections 2
EtherNet/IP Class 3 server connections 5
EtherNet/IP Class 3 client connections 2 connected; 1 unconnected
Supported CIP services 0x4C: CIP Data Table Read; 0x4D: CIP Data Table Write
EtherNet/IP client command capacity 100 commands per client
Data-exchange register capacity Up to 10,000 16-bit registers
Ethernet interface Single RJ45 port; 10/100 Mbit/s
Supply voltage 24 VDC nominal; 10–36 VDC allowable
Current consumption 300 mA at 24 VDC nominal; 610 mA maximum over the allowable supply range
Operating temperature −25°C to +70°C
Storage temperature −40°C to +80°C
Relative humidity 5–95%, non-condensing
Dimensions, H × W × D 13.67 × 5.05 × 11.13 cm
Configuration storage SD card slot; SD card optional
Supplied connection accessory J180 power connector

The electrical, protocol and environmental specifications apply to the PLX31-EIP-SIE; the single-port arrangement is the documented PLX31 architecture.

 

Engineering Selection Highlights

  • Supported S7 controller families → the gateway provides a documented communication path to S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500 systems.
  • CIP and PCCC support → select the EtherNet/IP messaging method around the controller’s supported communication services and configured data exchange.
  • Two Class 1 I/O connections → separate data groups can use different requested packet intervals, allowing status and control data to receive different update priorities.
  • Single Ethernet port → both Ethernet protocols use one physical network connection; the gateway does not provide separate Ethernet ports for the two sides.
  • Up to 10,000 16-bit registers → plan the internal data allocation alongside the controller addresses and Siemens data areas involved in each transfer.
  • 10–36 VDC supply range and −25°C to +70°C operation → assess the cabinet power source and operating environment against the stated limits.
  • Optional SD configuration storage → include an SD card when removable configuration backup is required; the card is not a standard included item.
PLX31-EIP-SIE

PLX31-EIP-SIE

PLX31-EIP-SIE

PLX31-EIP-SIE

System Compatibility & Integration Requirements

Item / Dependency Verified Compatibility or Requirement Practical Note
EtherNet/IP controller types PLC2, PLC5, SLC, CLX, CMPLX and MICROLX Match the controller and messaging method to the supported protocol services.
EtherNet/IP messaging CIP and PCCC Supports different controller data-access methods.
Cyclic EtherNet/IP exchange Two Class 1 I/O connections Allows separate connection update settings for different data groups.
Siemens controller interface Siemens Industrial Ethernet communication with S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500 Configure read/write transfers for the applicable controller.
Siemens address areas DB, inputs, outputs, flags, counters and timers Select the correct data area for each exchange.
Physical Ethernet connection One RJ45 Ethernet port Both protocol endpoints must be reachable through the single connection.
Configuration software ProSoft Configuration Builder Provides the gateway configuration environment.
Controller integration file Embedded EDS Add-On Profile Supports EtherNet/IP integration.
IP address setup ProSoft Discovery Service Can discover the gateway and change its default IP address without placing the PC on the same subnet.
Configuration security Module-switch-controlled secure configuration, version 1.04 and greater The documented feature has a version dependency.
Configuration backup Optional SD card Stores configuration files for recovery.

These relationships describe the gateway’s supported interfaces and configuration facilities; controller data transfers still require application-specific configuration.

 

Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes

Item Verified Detail
Overall dimensions, H × W × D 13.67 × 5.05 × 11.13 cm; 5.38 × 1.99 × 4.38 in
Ethernet connection Single RJ45 port, 10/100 Mbit/s
Power terminals Positive, negative and GND
Power connector supplied J180
Additional supplied item 2.5 mm screwdriver
Operating environment −25°C to +70°C; 5–95% RH, non-condensing

The supply accepts 10–36 VDC, with 24 VDC specified as nominal. Front-panel indicators provide configuration, error, power, hardware fault, network/module status and Ethernet link/activity information.

 

Detailed Product Overview

 

Match communication services, not just Ethernet connectors

The PLX31-EIP-SIE connects two different application-level communication environments over Ethernet. On the EtherNet/IP side, it supports CIP and PCCC messaging. On the Siemens side, it provides read and write access to supported S7 controller data areas. Integration therefore involves selecting controller addresses, data areas and transfer operations—not merely connecting Ethernet cables.

Its EtherNet/IP client command list supports 100 commands per client. Each command can define the command type, destination IP address, register addressing and word or bit count. This provides a structured way to specify which controller data enters or leaves the exchange. The internal capacity of up to 10,000 16-bit registers is a data-allocation resource; it is not a claim that every register transfers in a single transaction.

 

Applications & System Role

The PLX31-EIP-SIE sits between an EtherNet/IP communication environment and Siemens S7 data-access services. Its role is to exchange configured controller data across those protocol boundaries, rather than to provide physical input or output channels. Supported Siemens data areas include data blocks, inputs, outputs, flags, counters and timers.

A technical-fit scenario is an EtherNet/IP-enabled controller that needs to exchange operating values or status information with a supported Siemens S7 controller. Another is an application requiring both cyclic EtherNet/IP I/O exchange and explicit messaging services. The gateway supports two Class 1 I/O connections alongside Class 3 client and server connections, so the communication method can be selected around the data-transfer requirement.

 

Separate cyclic and explicit communication requirements

The gateway supports two Class 1 I/O connections as well as Class 3 explicit messaging connections. Multiple I/O connections allow different requested packet intervals for different data groups. This is useful when control-related data and less time-sensitive status data do not need identical update schedules. The embedded EDS Add-On Profile supports integration of the gateway into the EtherNet/IP controller environment.

For explicit communication, the supported CIP services include Data Table Read, service 0x4C, and Data Table Write, service 0x4D. PCCC support extends the available messaging options to the documented PLC families and command sets. The applicable method depends on the controller and the configured exchange.

 

Account for the single-port architecture

The PLX31 version has one Ethernet port. Both protocols therefore share the gateway’s physical Ethernet connection, which makes endpoint reachability an important network-design consideration. It should not be specified as a two-port gateway with physically separate protocol connections.

Configuration and recovery facilities include ProSoft Configuration Builder, ProSoft Discovery Service and optional SD-card storage. The discovery utility can locate the gateway and change its default IP address without requiring the PC to be on the same subnet. SD storage provides a separate means of retaining configuration files, while switch-controlled secure configuration is documented for version 1.04 and greater.

 

FAQ

 

What is the ProSoft -EIP-SIE?

The PLX31-EIP-SIE is an EtherNet/IP to Siemens Industrial Ethernet communication gateway. It provides bidirectional data exchange between EtherNet/IP-enabled controllers or devices and supported Siemens S7 controllers.

 

Which Siemens controllers does it support?

It supports read and write communication with Siemens S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers. Supported data areas include DB, inputs, outputs, flags, counters and timers.

 

Does it support both CIP and PCCC?

Yes. The EtherNet/IP interface supports CIP and PCCC message types, including CIP Data Table Read and Data Table Write services.

 

How many EtherNet/IP I/O connections are available?

The gateway supports two Class 1 I/O connections. Separate connections allow different requested packet intervals for different data groups.

 

Does each protocol have a separate Ethernet port?

No. The PLX31-EIP-SIE has one Ethernet port, shared by its Ethernet-based protocols.

 

What power supply does it require?

It requires 24 VDC nominal and accepts 10–36 VDC. Current consumption is specified as 300 mA at 24 VDC nominal, with a maximum of 610 mA over the allowable supply range.

 

Which software is used for configuration?

ProSoft Configuration Builder is the gateway configuration software. ProSoft Discovery Service provides device discovery and default IP address adjustment without requiring the PC to be on the same subnet.

 

Can the configuration be stored on an SD card?

Yes. The gateway includes an SD card slot for storing configuration files, but the SD card is optional. This storage can be used for configuration recovery.