ANC-100e: Data Highway Plus (DH+) to Ethernet Converter

The ANC-100e allows you to use standard Rockwell Ethernet drivers without installing third-party software or virtual COM ports.

Quick Setup in RSLinx Classic:

1. Open RSLinx Classic and go to Communications → Configure Drivers.
2. From the “Available Driver Types” dropdown, select Ethernet devices (AB_ETH) or EtherNet/IP Driver (AB_ETHIP) and click Add New.
3. Enter the IP address assigned to your ANC-100e.
4. Open RSWho, expand the new driver, and drill down through the virtual backplane (Slot 1 → DH+ channel).
5. All active PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 nodes will populate automatically. You can now go online, upload, download, and monitor programs in RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500.

The ANC-100e connects your Ethernet-based KEPServerEX directly to all nodes on your Allen-Bradley DH+ network without requiring third-party drivers or RSLogix software. By emulating a standard ControlLogix Gateway, KEPServerEX routes messages directly to legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 processors.

Note: All read/write message instructions must originate from the Ethernet side and be directed toward target DH+ node addresses. For visual walkthroughs, download the complete KEPServerEX Application Note (PDF).

Pre-Requisites:

• ANC-100e is powered and connected to the Ethernet LAN and DH+ network (no PC driver installation required).
• Host PC network adapter configured on the same IP subnet as the ANC-100e.

Configuration Steps:

1. Open KEPServerEX, right-click in the channel window, and select New Channel.
2. Name the channel (e.g., DHPlus_Bridge) and click Next.
3. Under “Device Driver”, select Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Ethernet and click Next.
4. Select your host network adapter from the dropdown and click Next through default optimization screens to Finish.
5. Select the new channel and click Click to add a device.
6. Under “Device Model”, select DH+ Gateway: SLC 5/04 (or DH+ Gateway: PLC-5) and click Next.
7. Under “Device ID”, enter the routing path: <ANC100e_IP_Address>, 1, 1. A. <Target_DH+_Node_Octal> (e.g., 192.168.0.10, 1, 1. A. 02).
8. Keep default timing/scan settings and click Finish.
9. Add a static tag (e.g., Name: Tag1, Address: N7:0, Data Type: Short/Word) and test communication via Tools → OPC Quick Client.

The ANC-100e serves as a direct, standalone alternative for Ethernet-to-DH+ communication without requiring expensive surplus ControlLogix hardware or paying high premiums for unused Remote I/O (RIO) drive features.

Key ANC-100e Advantages:

• Upfront Cost: Priced at $1,195 USD vs. $2,500+ for ProSoft modules and $3,500+ for 1756-DHRIO / 1756-ENBT chassis setups.
• Zero Chassis Footprint: Compact DIN-rail mount unit replaces multi-slot racks, power supplies, and bridge cards.
• Smart Triple Auto-Detection: Auto DH+ Baud Rate (57.6k, 115.2k, 230.4k), Auto-Polarity correction, and automatic free node assignment.
• Extreme Temperature Range: Rated for industrial environments from -40°C to +85°C (vs. standard 0°C to 60°C).
• HMI Migration: Supports up to 5 concurrent EtherNet/IP PanelView Plus 6/7 terminals messaging legacy PLC-5s and SLC 5/04s.
• Warranty & Availability: Backed by an industry-exclusive Lifetime Warranty, 30-day trial (zero restocking fees), and in-stock overnight delivery.

Watch 20-Min Setup Video Review

While RTA 460ETCDHM gateways require creating and maintaining extensive internal tag-mapping tables to exchange data between Ethernet/IP and DH+, the ANC-100e operates as a true transparent bridge.

Key Differences:

• No Tag Mapping Tables: ANC-100e uses native Allen-Bradley ControlLogix drivers in RSLinx, FactoryTalk Linx, Kepware, and Ignition. You address PLC registers (e.g., N7:0, F8:0) directly from your client software.
• Native PLC Programming: Allows direct program upload/download and online monitoring with RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500 over Ethernet.
• Plug-and-Play Wiring: Automatic baud rate and polarity detection eliminate manual DIP switch troubleshooting.
• Complete Package: Includes both the 3-pin Phoenix connector and an 8-pin mini-DIN programming port cable in the box.

No. Zero ladder logic modifications are required.

The ANC-100e acts as a transparent network bridge. Your legacy processors continue executing their existing control programs without changes to communication rungs, MSG instructions, or memory mapping.

• Direct Register Access: External SCADA, HMIs, and PCs poll integer (N), binary (B), and floating point (F) data tables directly over Ethernet.
• Peer-to-Peer Integrity: Existing DH+ communications between legacy PLCs continue running simultaneously without interruption.

Yes. The ANC-100e is designed specifically to bridge modern EtherNet/IP PanelView Plus 6 and PanelView Plus 7 terminals to legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 processors on Data Highway Plus.

• Multi-HMI Capacity: Supports up to 5 concurrent HMI lines communicating simultaneously through a single ANC-100e converter.
• FactoryTalk View ME: In your FactoryTalk View ME project communication setup (RSLinx Enterprise / FactoryTalk Linx), configure the shortcut to point to the ANC-100e IP address and route to the target DH+ node address.