Description
⚙️ Product Overview
The PROSOFT MVI69-MNET is a Modbus TCP/IP communication module designed for Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and supported MicroLogix 1500 control platforms. It occupies a single 1769 bus slot and provides a practical communication bridge between the controller backplane and Modbus TCP/IP networks.
The module can operate as both a Modbus TCP/IP Client and Server, allowing a CompactLogix controller to exchange data with Modbus-compatible PLCs, remote I/O, drives, meters, instruments, SCADA systems, and other Ethernet-based devices.
A 5000-word register data space is available for exchanging information between the processor and the Modbus network. The Ethernet application port supports 10/100 Base-T communication, while the configuration port provides an RS-232 interface.
🔧 Key Features
- Modbus TCP/IP Client and Server functionality
- Designed for Allen-Bradley CompactLogix / MicroLogix platforms
- Standard 1769 single-slot backplane compatibility
- 10/100 Base-T Ethernet application port
- 5000-word internal register data space
- Up to 100 Client commands
- Modbus Server connections supported on TCP service ports
- Supports common Modbus read/write function codes
- RS-232 configuration port
- ProSoft Configuration Builder support
- Diagnostic data, communication counters, and port status
- Electrical isolation on Ethernet interface
- Suitable for PLC-to-PLC and PLC-to-device communication
📋 Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | ProSoft Technology |
| Model | MVI69-MNET |
| Product Type | Modbus TCP/IP Communication Module |
| Product Family | MVI69 Series |
| Platform | Allen-Bradley CompactLogix / MicroLogix 1500 |
| Backplane | 1769 single-slot |
| Ethernet Interface | 10/100 Base-T |
| Ethernet Protocol | Modbus TCP/IP |
| Operating Modes | Client / Server |
| Data Space | 5000 words / registers |
| Client Commands | Up to 100 |
| Server Connections | Up to 5 Clients on Service Port 502 |
| Configuration Port | RS-232 |
| Configuration Connector | RJ45 with supplied DB-9M cable |
| Current Load | 800 mA max. @ 5 VDC |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 85°C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95%, non-condensing |
| Electrical Isolation | 1500 Vrms |
| Product Condition | New Surplus |
🔄 Communication Function
The MVI69-MNET works as a communication interface between the 1769 backplane and Modbus TCP/IP equipment.
In Client mode, the module actively sends Modbus commands to external devices. Up to 100 commands can be configured for reading and writing data, making it useful when one CompactLogix system needs to poll multiple Modbus devices.
In Server mode, external Modbus TCP clients can access the data made available by the module. This allows SCADA systems, HMIs, supervisory controllers, or other Modbus clients to exchange information with the CompactLogix system.
Supported Modbus functions include common operations such as reading coils, reading input and holding registers, writing single or multiple coils/registers, diagnostics, mask writing, and read/write operations.
🧩 CompactLogix Integration
The module is installed as a single-slot module on the 1769 bus. Data exchanged between the MVI69-MNET and the processor is mapped through the CompactLogix/MicroLogix backplane data structure.
The application typically requires configuration of:
- Module slot position
- Input and output data sizes
- Modbus Client command list
- Destination IP addresses
- Modbus TCP service ports
- Register addresses
- Polling intervals
- Data type and word/byte swapping
- Communication timeout parameters
- Client or Server operating mode
ProSoft Configuration Builder can be used for module and network configuration. Sample ladder logic and configuration examples are also available for supported applications.
🏭 Typical Applications
- CompactLogix to Modbus TCP communication
- PLC-to-PLC data exchange
- VFD and motor controller integration
- Flow meter and process instrument communication
- Remote I/O communication
- SCADA data acquisition
- HMI-to-PLC applications
- Energy and power monitoring
- Water and wastewater systems
- Oil & gas process equipment
- Packaging and manufacturing machinery
- Process automation systems
🔌 Installation & Configuration Notes
Before installation, confirm that the PLC rack has an available 1769 slot and sufficient 5 VDC backplane capacity. The MVI69-MNET requires up to 800 mA at 5 VDC.
After mounting the module, connect the Ethernet application port to the Modbus TCP/IP network. The configuration port can be used for initial setup and troubleshooting.
For a replacement installation, do not simply copy the old module’s IP address. Check the complete configuration, including the Modbus command list, register mapping, device IP addresses, service ports, polling intervals, and data-swap settings.
A typical commissioning sequence is:
- Power down the 1769 rack.
- Install the module in the correct slot.
- Connect the module to the Ethernet network.
- Configure the module parameters.
- Set the required Modbus Client/Server mode.
- Configure IP addresses and register mappings.
- Download or apply the configuration.
- Transfer the required ladder logic to the controller.
- Check module status LEDs.
- Verify read/write data with the connected Modbus devices.
⚠️ Compatibility Reminder
MVI69-MNET is a legacy MVI69-series module. It should not be confused with newer ProSoft MVI69E-series communication modules.
When replacing an existing unit, verify the exact part number MVI69-MNET, PLC platform, firmware/software environment, backplane arrangement, and existing application configuration before ordering.
The MVI69-MNET is also different from MVI69-MNETC. The latter is a related Modbus TCP/IP module with different Client/Server configuration characteristics, so the two part numbers should not be treated as automatically interchangeable.
❓ Common Questions & Answers
Q: What is the main function of MVI69-MNET?
A: It provides Modbus TCP/IP communication between Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or supported MicroLogix controllers and Modbus-compatible Ethernet devices.
Q: Does MVI69-MNET support both Client and Server modes?
A: Yes. It can actively poll external Modbus devices as a Client or provide data to external Modbus Clients as a Server.
Q: How many Modbus commands can the Client support?
A: The Client driver supports up to 100 commands.
Q: What Ethernet speed does it support?
A: The Ethernet application port supports 10/100 Base-T communication.
Q: How much backplane current does it require?
A: The specified maximum current load is 800 mA at 5 VDC.
Q: How much data can the module exchange?
A: The module provides a 5000-word register data space for processor and Modbus network data exchange.
Q: Can it communicate with a Modbus TCP VFD?
A: Yes. It can be used to exchange control and status data with compatible Modbus TCP drives, provided the drive’s register map and communication parameters are correctly configured.
Q: Does MVI69-MNET use an Ethernet port for Modbus communication?
A: Yes. The application port is a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet interface.
Q: Is MVI69-MNET compatible with a standard 1769 rack?
A: Yes. It is designed as a standard 1769 single-slot module, subject to the specific PLC and rack configuration.
Q: Is MVI69-MNET the same as MVI69-MNETC?
A: No. They are different ProSoft part numbers. Confirm the exact model before replacement.
🔧 Recommended ProSoft Models
- PROSOFT MVI69-MNET — Modbus TCP/IP Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-MNETC — Modbus TCP/IP Client Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-DFNT — EtherNet/IP Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-DNP — DNP3 Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-ADM — Application Development Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-ADMNET — Application Development Module with Ethernet
- PROSOFT MVI69-PDPMV1 — PROFIBUS DP Master Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI69-GSC — Generic Serial Communication Module
- PROSOFT MVI56-MNET — Modbus TCP/IP Communication Module for ControlLogix
- PROSOFT MVI56E-MNET — Enhanced Modbus TCP/IP Communication Module
📦 Product Selection Reminder
For replacement projects, the most important checks are MVI69-MNET part number, 1769 backplane compatibility, PLC model, Ethernet configuration, Modbus register mapping, Client/Server mode, and existing application logic.
The physical module may look similar to other MVI69 communication modules, but the communication protocol and configuration are different. Confirm the complete model number before installation.
Product Condition: New Surplus. Serial number, label condition, revision, accessories, and actual physical condition should be confirmed against the available unit before shipment.
