Why choose the Automation Networks ANC-120, USB to DH+
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Modernizing a manufacturing facility doesn’t always require a "rip-and-replace" of every legacy component. For many plants in the USA and Mexico, the Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) network remains a reliable, deterministic backbone for mission-critical PLC-5 and SLC-5/04 systems. However, the hardware used to interface with these networks has reached a critical crossroads.
Today, the ANC-120e USB to DH+ Adapter from Automation Networks has emerged not just as an alternative, but as a superior solution in both cost-effectiveness and data throughput.
This article explores why switching to the ANC-120e is the most logical move for your facility's maintenance and engineering teams.
The Financial Reality
In the world of industrial automation, "discontinued" often translates to "expensive." The 1784-U2DHP has faced significant supply chain pressures and price hikes over the last few years.
Upfront Savings: The ANC-120e typically enters the market at a significantly lower price point than the Rockwell equivalent. For a large facility or an integration firm needing multiple kits for field engineers, this cost difference can save thousands of dollars in annual CAPEX.
Lifetime Replacement Warranty: Unlike standard 1-year warranties often found on legacy hardware, the ANC-120e is backed by a commitment to longevity. In the high-vibration, high-heat environments of Mexican automotive plants or US chemical facilities, having a "lifetime" safety net drastically reduces the long-term total cost of ownership (TCO).
Superior Performance
Cost is only one half of the equation; performance is the other. In 2026, time is the most expensive commodity on the factory floor. When a PLC-5 crashes, every minute spent waiting for a program to upload or a "Who" window to populate is lost revenue.
Faster Uploads and Downloads:
The ANC-120e is engineered for high-speed data exchange. While it maintains full compatibility with the 230.4 Kbps DH+ standard, its internal processing architecture minimizes the latency between the USB port and the "Blue Hose" network.
Reduced RSLinx Overhead: A common frustration with the older 1784-U2DHP is the "lag" during browsing.
The ANC-120e utilizes a "Remote Devices via Linx Gateway" driver structure. This allows RSLinx to treat the adapter as a high-speed Ethernet bridge, resulting in a much snappier response when navigating through complex backplanes and DH+ nodes.
One of the most significant advantages found in the ANC-120e application notes is its "Auto-Everything" capability. Legacy DH+ communication often required engineers to manually set dip switches or software bits to avoid node collisions.
Auto-Baud Detection: The ANC-120e automatically detects the DH+ network speed (57.6, 115.2, or 230.4 Kbps). This eliminates the trial-and-error phase of connecting to a legacy system where the baud rate might not be documented.
Auto-Node Discovery: To prevent crashing a live network, the ANC-120e can automatically find a free DH+ node number to use as its own address.
Polarity Irrelevance: In a major win for field technicians working in dimly lit cabinets, the ANC-120e auto-detects polarity. You can connect the DH+ "Blue Hose" without worrying about which wire is clear and which is blue.
Setup and RSLinx Integration
The ANC-120e was designed to feel "invisible" to your existing software. If you know how to use RSLinx, you already know how to use this adapter.
Driver Setup: Instead of proprietary drivers that conflict with modern Windows updates, the ANC-120e uses the "Remote Devices via Linx Gateway" driver.
IP-Based Access: The adapter essentially acts as a localized server (defaulting to 192.168.137.2). This means your PC communicates with the DH+ network through a high-speed virtual Ethernet link, providing a level of stability that direct USB-to-Serial drivers often lack.
Visual Feedback: The onboard LEDs provide immediate diagnostics. A rapid blink indicates active data exchange, while a slow blink confirms the device is correctly associated with the network.
he ANC-120e provides two primary ways to connect, ensuring you are never locked out of a processor:
3-Pin Phoenix Connector: Ideal for permanent or semi-permanent "daisy chain" connections directly to the processor's DH+ port.
Mini-Din Programming Cable: Perfect for field engineers who need to plug directly into the front "Programming Terminal" of a PLC-5/04 or SLC-5/04 without disturbing existing wiring.
The ANC-120e is an economical and high performance USB-to-Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus converter interfacing major HMI, SCADA, PLC Programming packages to Devices on DH+. Its features significantly outperform the Allen-Bradley 1784-U2DHP PLC Programming Cable operating at 12 Mg USB speed with the Controllogix Ethernet/IP Driver.
The ANC-120e works with all SCADA, MMI, PLC programming packages installed on your PC with USB direct access to the Allen-Bradley DH+ network and stations such as PLC-5 and SLC 5/04s. These packages include RSLINX/LOGIX Classic & Enterprise with RSLOGIX 5/500, Wonderware DAServer & TCP/IO Server, Citect, and Kepware using Controllogix Ethernet/IP Drivers.
$995 USD
January 1,2026
