RSLogix 5 is the dedicated programming software required to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot legacy Allen-Bradley PLC-5 (1785 series) controllers documented by Rockwell Automation. While the processors themselves are legacy, modern engineering workstations can still communicate seamlessly over Data Highway Plus (DH+) using standard Ethernet or USB hardware interfaces.

RSLogix 5 vs. RSLogix 500 vs. Studio 5000 Architecture

A key point of confusion in plant environments is software compatibility. The ANC devices provide the physical communication path; they do not replace the correct Rockwell programming software.

Programming Software	Target PLC Family	Works with ANC-100e?	Works with ANC-120e?
RSLogix 5	PLC-5	Yes	Yes
RSLogix 500	SLC 500 (incl. SLC 5/04)	Yes	Yes
RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000	ControlLogix & CompactLogix	Not for programming PLC-5	Not for programming PLC-5

ControlLogix Messaging & Studio 5000 Integration Boundaries

RSLogix 5000 (now called Studio 5000 Logix Designer) programs modern GuardLogix, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix families. It cannot open or edit PLC-5 programs (which requires RSLogix 5) or SLC 500 programs.

However, a ControlLogix programmed with Studio 5000 can use message instructions to communicate with PLC-5 data through the ANC-100e gateway. In this specific scenario:

• Studio 5000 programs the ControlLogix.
• The ANC-100e provides the EtherNet/IP-to-DH+ routing path.
• The PLC-5 remains programmed entirely by RSLogix 5.

Configuring the ANC-100e Ethernet-to-DH+ Gateway

The ANC-100e is normally installed permanently (requiring external DC power) between the plant Ethernet network and the existing DH+ network, serving as an Ethernet-to-DH+ gateway.

  Engineering PC (Running RSLogix 5)
          │
      [Ethernet]
          │
      ANC-100e Gateway
          │
        [DH+]
          │
  PLC-5 Controller
    

1. Configure an AB_ETHIP (EtherNet/IP) or AB_ETH (Ethernet Devices) driver.
2. Enter or browse to the ANC-100e's static IP address.
3. In RSWho, expand the ANC-100e's virtual ControlLogix-style backplane. (Note: The ANC-100e emulates a ControlLogix Ethernet/DH+ bridge, which is why RSLinx sees it via an EtherNet/IP route. This does not mean Studio 5000 programs the PLC-5).
4. Open the DH+ channel and select the target PLC-5 node.
5. RSLogix 5 can now upload, download, go online, and monitor the PLC.

Beyond RSLogix 5 programming, the ANC-100e is also highly suitable for FactoryTalk View, PanelView Plus communications, Ignition, Kepware, AVEVA/Wonderware, and providing permanent access to an entire DH+ network for multiple HMI clients.

Field Programming with the ANC-120e USB Cable for RSLogix 5

The ANC-120e is primarily a technician’s portable programming interface, connecting modern laptops directly to the DH+ processor. It serves as a direct drop-in alternative to discontinued hardware such as the 1784-U2DHP, 1784-PCMK, 1784-PKTX, and 1784-KTX.

  Laptop (Running RSLogix 5)
          │
        [USB]
          │
      ANC-120e Cable
          │
        [DH+]
          │
  PLC-5 Controller
    

Although physically connected via USB, the ANC-120e is configured in RSLinx using the ControlLogix EtherNet/IP driver, completely eliminating the need for the obsolete 1784-U2DHP driver or unstable serial COM-port configurations. It fully supports PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 programming over DH+ at 57.6, 115.2, and 230.4 kbps baud rates.