ASCII Serial Communication Solution – ProSoft MVI56-GSC | MVI56 Series
The ProSoft MVI56-GSC (Enhanced Generic ASCII Serial Communication Module) bridges Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PLCs with legacy ASCII-based serial devices — enabling seamless data exchange across RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 networks at up to 115,200 bps. Engineered for demanding industrial environments, this module is the go-to choice for engineers integrating barcode scanners, weigh scales, printers, RFID readers, and custom serial instruments into ControlLogix-based control systems.
Where This Product Is Used
The MVI56-GSC is deployed across a wide range of industries and applications where ControlLogix PLCs must communicate with ASCII serial peripherals:
- Manufacturing & Assembly Lines — Integrating barcode scanners and label printers for traceability and WIP tracking
- Food & Beverage Processing — Connecting checkweighers, filling machines, and batch controllers via RS-232/485
- Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences — Linking serialization printers and vision inspection systems to ControlLogix for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance workflows
- Warehousing & Logistics — RFID reader integration and conveyor sortation control with ASCII-protocol scanners
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Communicating with analytical instruments (pH, turbidity, flow meters) over RS-485 multi-drop networks
- Oil & Gas / Petrochemical — Serial interface to flow computers, gas chromatographs, and RTUs in hazardous-area control panels
- Building Automation & HVAC — Connecting legacy serial HVAC controllers and energy meters to modern ControlLogix systems
Technical Specifications
- Model: MVI56-GSC (Enhanced Generic ASCII Serial Communication Module)
- Series: MVI56
- Compatible Backplane: Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 1756 series
- Serial Ports: 2 × configurable (RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485)
- Baud Rates: 110 bps – 115,200 bps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Parity: None, Even, Odd
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Flow Control: RTS/CTS hardware handshaking; XON/XOFF software
- Max Message Length: 4096 bytes per message
- Backplane Data Transfer: Up to 5,000 words per scan
- Power Consumption: 800 mA @ 5 VDC (from ControlLogix backplane)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C (32°F to 140°F)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Weight: 230 g
- Certifications: UL Listed, CE Marked, RoHS Compliant
- Firmware: Field-upgradeable via ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB)
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- Dual Independent Ports — Two fully independent serial ports allow simultaneous communication with two different ASCII devices, eliminating the need for a second module
- Flexible Message Termination — Configurable end-of-message detection by character count, timeout, or specific termination character sequences — adapts to virtually any ASCII protocol
- ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) — Free Windows-based software simplifies port configuration, message mapping, and live diagnostics without custom ladder logic
- Pass-Through Messaging — Supports both solicited (master) and unsolicited (slave) communication modes, enabling bidirectional data flow
- Robust Error Handling — Built-in diagnostics counters and error flags accessible directly from the ControlLogix tag database for rapid fault isolation
- Drop-In ControlLogix Compatibility — Installs in any 1756 chassis slot; Add-On Instructions (AOI) available for Studio 5000 Logix Designer
Complete System Bill of Materials
- ProSoft MVI56-GSC module × 1
- Rockwell Automation 1756 ControlLogix chassis (1756-A4, A7, A10, A13, or A17)
- Rockwell Automation 1756-L series ControlLogix processor (L61, L71, L83E, etc.)
- Rockwell Automation 1756-PA72 or 1756-PB72 power supply
- ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) software — free download from ProSoft website
- RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485 serial cable (application-dependent; DB9 or terminal block)
- Studio 5000 Logix Designer (v21 or later recommended)
- MVI56-GSC Add-On Instruction (AOI) — available from ProSoft support portal
Compliance & Industry Standards
- UL 508 — Industrial Control Equipment
- CE Marking — EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
- RoHS — Directive 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- ATEX / IECEx — Suitable for use in control panels serving Zone 2 / Class I Div 2 areas (verify with panel builder)
- IEC 61131-2 — Programmable Controllers: Equipment Requirements and Tests
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Every ProSoft MVI56-GSC unit supplied by Konmask.com is sourced through verified industrial distribution channels. Each module undergoes incoming inspection including visual examination, label verification, and functional power-on testing prior to dispatch. We supply both new-in-box (NIB) and factory-reconditioned units — clearly identified at time of quotation. All units ship with original ProSoft documentation and are backed by our 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects.
How to Source This Part
Submit your RFQ directly via [email protected] or call +0086 19859288691. Please include your required quantity, delivery timeline, and preferred condition (new / reconditioned). We respond to all industrial RFQs within 1 business day. Volume pricing and OEM blanket orders are available. Global shipping to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the MVI56-GSC communicate with a Zebra barcode printer using ZPL commands?
A: Yes. Configure Port 0 as RS-232 master, set the baud rate to match the printer (typically 9600 or 19200 bps), and use the write message blocks to send ZPL command strings from the ControlLogix tag database.
Q: Is the MVI56-GSC compatible with Studio 5000 v32 and later?
A: Yes. ProSoft provides updated AOI files compatible with Studio 5000 v21 through v36+. Download the latest AOI package from the ProSoft support portal.
Q: Can both ports operate simultaneously in different modes (e.g., Port 0 as master, Port 1 as slave)?
A: Yes. Each port is independently configurable for master or slave operation, baud rate, parity, and message termination — allowing two completely different ASCII devices to be served concurrently.
Q: What is the maximum cable length for RS-485 multi-drop?
A: RS-485 supports up to 1,200 m (4,000 ft) at lower baud rates. For 115,200 bps, limit cable runs to approximately 100 m and use shielded twisted-pair cable with proper termination resistors.
Q: Does Konmask.com offer technical support for integration?
A: Yes. Our engineering team provides pre-sales configuration guidance and post-sales integration support. Contact us at [email protected] with your application details.
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Contact: [email protected] | +0086 19859288691
