PROSOFT PLX32-EIP-SIE | EtherNet/IP to Siemens S7 Protocol Gateway | Active Product Selection Guide

  • Model: PLX32-EIP-SIE
  • Brand: ProSoft Technology
  • Core Positioning: High-performance protocol gateway enabling real-time data exchange between Rockwell Automation (EtherNet/IP) and Siemens S7 (S7-300/400/1200/1500) controllers
  • Lifecycle Status: Active (In Production)
  • Selection Advantages: Low-latency data transfer, native support for both ecosystems, embedded diagnostics, no PC or middleware required
  • Suitable For: Greenfield integration projects, brownfield modernization with mixed PLC brands, MES connectivity layers requiring unified data access
Category: SKU: PROSOFT PLX32-EIP-SIE

Description

Key Technical Specifications

  • Product Model: PLX32-EIP-SIE
  • Manufacturer: ProSoft Technology (a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ product)
  • System Platform: Standalone industrial protocol gateway
  • Primary Protocols: EtherNet/IP (Client/Adapter) on Port 1; Siemens S7 Communication (Client/Server) on Port 2
  • Supported Siemens CPUs: S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500 (via ISO-on-TCP or S7 protocol)
  • Data Capacity: Up to 4,000 tags per direction; configurable read/write blocks
  • Network Interfaces: Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports with independent IP stacks
  • Configuration Tool: ProSoft Configuration Builder (free Windows-based software)
  • Diagnostics: Embedded web server for real-time status, error logging, and traffic monitoring
  • Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
  • Certifications: UL, CE, FCC, RoHS

Core Performance and Selection Advantages

The PLX32-EIP-SIE delivers significant value in multi-vendor automation environments by eliminating the need for custom programming, OPC servers, or intermediate PCs to bridge Rockwell and Siemens control systems. Its performance advantage lies in hardware-accelerated protocol handling, achieving sub-100ms update cycles even with hundreds of tags—far outpacing software-based solutions that introduce latency and single points of failure. Unlike generic Modbus gateways, it supports native S7 communication, enabling direct access to DB blocks, M memory, and I/Q areas without requiring Siemens-side logic modifications. A key functional highlight is its dual independent Ethernet ports with isolated IP stacks, allowing seamless integration into segmented networks (e.g., plant floor vs. enterprise) while maintaining security boundaries. From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, this gateway reduces engineering effort by up to 70% compared to custom driver development, eliminates ongoing PC maintenance costs, and avoids licensing fees associated with third-party OPC middleware. Its plug-and-play nature also shortens commissioning time, accelerating project timelines.

PROSOFT PLX32-EIP-SIE

PROSOFT PLX32-EIP-SIE

System Integration and Scalability

Configuration is performed via ProSoft’s intuitive Configuration Builder software, which provides drag-and-drop tag mapping, automatic address validation, and one-click firmware updates. This tool integrates smoothly into standard engineering workflows and requires no specialized networking expertise. On the communication front, the gateway natively supports EtherNet/IP implicit messaging (I/O connections) and explicit messaging (CIP), while on the Siemens side, it uses the robust S7 protocol over ISO-on-TCP—ensuring compatibility with all modern TIA Portal and STEP 7 projects. For higher-level integration, the embedded web server exposes diagnostic data via HTTP, and the device can be monitored through SNMP, enabling easy incorporation into SCADA or IT asset management systems. Although it does not support MQTT or OPC UA natively, it can feed data to an upstream OPC UA server (e.g., Kepware) for cloud or MES connectivity. In terms of scalability, the PLX32-EIP-SIE is designed for point-to-point bridging but can be deployed in parallel for larger architectures. It supports redundant power input and can be DIN-rail mounted alongside PLCs, making it suitable for both compact panels and large control rooms. For future expansion, ProSoft’s modular platform allows migration to more advanced models (e.g., PLX32-MBTCP-SIE for Modbus TCP inclusion) without re-architecting the entire network.