Ignition SCADA to PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 over DH+: Setup Guide

This technical guide explains how to connect Ignition SCADA to PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 controllers over an Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) network using the ANC-100e Ethernet converter (or the ANC-120e USB cable).

Ignition by Inductive Automation is an industry-leading software platform for modern SCADA, MES, and IIoT applications. Integrating legacy hardware via the ANC-100e gateway allows plants to collect real-time data without costly processor replacements or complex rack-mounted bridging modules.

Pre-Configuration Checklist for Ignition SCADA to PLC-5

• ANC-100e Gateway: Connected to your local Ethernet network (or PC directly) and wired to the DH+ network via 3-pin Phoenix or 8-pin mini-DIN.
• Network Settings: Ensure your computer network adapter is configured on the same subnet as the ANC-100e (Default IP: 192.168.0.230).
• Target DH+ Node: Identify your DH+ PLC station number (e.g., Node = 03).

Step-by-Step Setup: Ignition SCADA to PLC-5 over DH+

Step 1: Open Gateway Utility for Ignition SCADA to PLC-5

Launch the Ignition Gateway Control Utility on your server or workstation and click on “Go to webpage” to access the web configuration portal.

Step 2: Open Device Connections

Log in to the Ignition Configuration page. In the left navigation menu, open the device connections page (Devices).

Step 3: Create a Device for Ignition SCADA to PLC-5

On the Devices management page, scroll down and click the blue link: “Create New Device…”.

Step 4: Select Allen-Bradley Driver Type

In the device type selection list, choose Allen-Bradley PLC5 (or Allen-Bradley SLC) and click Next.

Step 5: Configure Hostname and DH+ Routing Path

Keep default parameters and enter the following communication settings:

• Name: PLC5 (or your preferred tag prefix).
• Hostname: Enter the IP address of the ANC-100e (Default: 192.168.0.230). If you use the ANC-120e, enter 192.168.137.2.
• Connection Path: Enter 1,1,2,NN (where NN is the DH+ node address, e.g., 1,1,2,3).

Click Create New Device at the bottom of the page to save.

Step 6: Verify Device Connectivity

The Devices table will show your newly added controller. The status will momentarily display Disconnected while establishing the handshake, and then shift to Connected.

Step 7: Real-Time Tag Verification via Quick Client

To verify active communication, navigate to OPC Connections > Quick Client on the left panel. Expand the Devices tree, browse to your configured PLC, and click [r] next to any data table address (e.g., N7, B3, F8) to execute a live read.

A successful read confirms that your Ignition SCADA to PLC-5 system is actively communicating with legacy Allen-Bradley hardware through the ANC-100e gateway.

Performance tip: DH+ is a token-passing network, so every extra DH+ node and Ethernet client adds wait time. For time-sensitive SCADA applications, plan on no more than 1 EtherNet/IP device and 4 DH+ devices per ANC-100e.

Setup guides: ANC-100e User’s Guide · ANC-120e User’s Guide. Related application notes: Kepware KEPServerEX · Wonderware · PanelView Plus · Which DH+ converter do you need?