Real Time Automation, Inc. (RTA) announces the release of the new 435NBX-S2E hardware module, a single-serial-ASCII and single-Ethernet-port protocol gateway that directly communicates with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including CompactLogix, ControlLogix, FlexLogix, MicroLogix, SLC 5/05, PLC-5E, Micro820, Micro850, and Micro870 PLCs.
“Integrators can jump straight in with the familiar 435NBX configuration workflow they already trust, moving raw ASCII data from a scanner, scale, printer or RFID reader straight into the PLC with minimal PLC code,” said John Rinaldi, RTA CEO. “What’s new under the hood is native Micro800 support and automatic PLC discovery built right into the browser configuration page, so you can find your controller, map your data, and walk away without extra hardware.”
Key Benefits:
- Saves Engineering Time: Built-in PLC discovery and zero required ladder logic (no MSG instructions, no EDS/AOP configuration) cut commissioning from hours of custom coding to a five-minute browser setup.
- Reduces Hardware & BOM Costs: Native Micro800 support eliminates the need for external serial plug-in modules, extra protocol converters, or paying for unused secondary ports.
- Eliminates Training Curves: By utilizing the identical tag-handshake architecture field engineers already know, existing standard code templates remain completely intact with zero retraining required.
What’s New:
- Micro800 Support: Manufacturers can leverage serial ASCII data in small-scale applications without having to write tedious custom messaging logic or buy expensive, complex communication cards.
- Cost-Effective Design: A streamlined hardware footprint and single-port design offer a cost-effective option for high-volume and OEM customers.
- Automatic PLC Discovery: Automatically discover networked Allen-Bradley PLCs using the built-in browser-based configuration page, eliminating the need for engineers to know the IP address of their PLCs or purchase any extra hardware that would enable discovery.
Trusted ASCII Functionality
The S2E carries the same 435NBX functionality that controls engineers, integrators, and OEMs already trust onto a new hardware platform that expands functionality while keeping core ASCII string manipulation unchanged. The 435NBX provides:
- Full serial ASCII handling on RS-232 and RS-485
- Flexible message parsing by character length, bus idle time, or custom delimiters
- Configurable leading and trailing delimiters for outbound strings
- Simple browser-based web interface that matches the classic 435NBX workflow
Availability
The 435NBX-S2E is now RTA’s standard single-port ASCII gateway, succeeding the 435NBX-NNA1, which has officially transitioned to end-of-sale status. The 435NBX-S2E is available to order immediately.
Real Time Automation (RTA) builds industrial connectivity products that move machine data between serial devices, PLCs, networks, historians, and higher-level systems. Founded in 1989 and based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, RTA supplies protocol gateways, edge historians, and embedded connectivity source code that system integrators, OEMs, and manufacturers use.
