Need wireless connectivity between your laptop and remote processors? ProSoft Technology has your solution.

ProSoft Technology’s new inRAx Wireless EtherNet/IP Communication Module (MVI56-WA-EIP) acts as a wireless bridge, enabling remote connectivity between a ControlLogix processor and 802.11 wireless devices including: PCs, Laptops, radio modems such as the RadioLinx Industrial HotspotTM, and other MVI56-WA-EIP modules. The MVI56-WA-EIP module allows programming over the backplane and acts as a server to RSLinx, allowing for multiple programs such as RSLogix5000 and/or RSView products to communicate simultaneously with the processor. What does this mean for the user? The MVI56-WA-EIP module offers four important benefits:

1. Wireless Access to Remote Processors: Interface with remote processors from a car or desktop without ever leaving the seat.
2. Expand Wireless Networking Capabilities: The MVI56-WA-EIP is compatible with any 802.11b wireless technology (including ProSoft’s RadioLinx Industrial Hotspot), enabling wireless connectivity at user-defined distances and locations for virtually unlimited applications scenarios.
3. Backplane Programmable: The module allows a user to program using RSLinx, RSLogix5000, or RSView products wirelessly.
4. Safety from Arc Flash Incidents: An arc flash is a powerful burst of radiant energy short circuits through the air, usually caused when Voltage escapes from electrified conductors. With approximately 10 arc flash explosions a day in the US, and nearly 5 severe burn victims associated with each explosion, the substantial medical and equipment costs saved by the avoidance of these incidents can be invaluable to a user. The MVI56-WA-EIP can enable access to needed data without having to enter mandated flash boundary zones, and without having to touch the processor.

According to ARC Research Director Craig Resnick, "As manufacturers pursue flexibility in manufacturing configurations the benefits of wireless technology are critical. Plants with a large installation of industrial machinery such as CNC Machine Tools, Material Handling Control Systems, and Packaging Machines benefit substantially from the wireless connectivity to PLCs. The growing use of laptop computers and PDAs on the plant floor will further drive automation suppliers to seek the benefits of no tethered connections to PLCs installed in electric cabinets as well as integrated into inaccessible locations within a machine. Thus, the process of configuration, programming, and commissioning PLCs, as well as maintenance, will see benefits from wireless technology."

Features & Specifications

• Functions as a wireless Ethernet bridge to a ControlLogix processor
• Single Slot – 1756 backplane compatible / programmable
• Two modes of communication: PC-to-Wireless Router (infrastructure), PC-to-PC (Adhoc, RSLinx)
• Configuration data obtained from configuration text file downloaded to the module. Sample configuration file included.
• 2.4 GHz, 802.11b wireless, up to 14 channels
• WEP 64/128 encryption with key rollover management using up to 4 WEP keys for additional security