The DH485 Router/B provides intelligent data routing between EtherNet/IP and DH485 which can help simplify the migration from MicroLogix and SLC systems to ControlLogix or CompactLogix platforms, where a DH485 interface is required.
The DH485 Router/B can also be used to program Allen-Bradley SLC5/03 PLCs via Ethernet. This is especially useful with certain legacy controllers that do not support Ethernet.
In addition, the DH485 Router/B can be used to connect newer PanelView Plus and PanelView 800 devices to a range of Rockwell Automation controllers. This is especially useful where newer PanelView Plus devices (supporting only Ethernet) are required to connect to controllers (new and old) via DH485.
The DH485 Router/B is able to transfer data from a DH485 device to a maximum of eight Logix controllers. The module operates in one of four modes, simplifying the configuration for all applications.
| Mode | Description | Message Initiator |
| Transparent PCCC | The DH485 Router/B will redirect DH485 PCCC messages to a Logix controller at a preconfigured EtherNet/IP path. Logix PLC Mapping configuration may also be required. This mode also enables remote programming using RSLogix 500. | Remote Device |
| Reactive Tag | The DH485 Router/B will convert DH485 messages to Logix controller tag reads or tag writes. No Logix PLC Mapping configuration is required. | Remote Device |
| Scheduled Tag | The DH485 Router/B transfers data between a DH485 device and a number of Logix tags, using a preconfigured scheduled. No Logix or remote device configuration is required. |
DH485 Router/B |
| Unscheduled | The DH485 Router/B transfers messages received from a Logix Message Instruction. | Logix (Msg) |
| AIC | This will allow the user to connect a RS232 device (e.g. MicroLogix 1400) to a the DH485 network via the isolated RS485 port of the DH485 Router/B. This can be used as a direct replacement for the discontinued NET-AIC module. | N/A |
The DH485R/B Router is configured using the Aparian Slate application. Slate offers various configuration methods, including a controller tag browser.
The module can operate in both a Logix “owned” and standalone mode. The module can operate in both a Logix “owned” and standalone mode. With a Logix connection the input and output assemblies will provide additional diagnostics information which will be available in the Logix controller environment.
The module also provides a range of statistics and traffic analyser to help fault find anyproblems.
The router uses isolated RS232 or isolated RS485 for DH485 serial communication providing better noise immunity. The RS232 and RS485 ports use a terminal block for convenient installation.
A built-in webserver provides detailed diagnostics of system configuration and operation, including the display of received DH485 communication packets, without the need for any additional software.