ProSoftAN-X2-AB-DHRIO A-B Remote I/O Adapter Module

Because of the variety of uses for the products described in this publication, those 

responsible for the application and use of these products must satisfy themselves that all 

necessary steps have been taken to assure that each application and use meets all 

performance and safety requirements, including any applicable laws, regulations, codes 

and standards. In no event will Quest Technical Solutions be responsible or liable for 

indirect or consequential damage resulting from the use or application of these products. 

Any illustrations, charts, sample programs, and layout examples shown in this publication 

are intended solely for purposes of example. Since there are many variables and 

requirements associated with any particular installation, Quest Technical Solutions does 

not assume responsibility or liability (to include intellectual property liability) for actual 

use based upon the examples shown in this publication.

Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.

WARNING!

Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to 

personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.

These warnings help to:

• identify a hazard

• avoid the hazard

• recognize the consequences

IMPORTANT! Identifies information that is especially important for successful 

application and understanding of the product.

TIP Identifies information that explains the best way to use the 

AN-X2-AB-DHRIO Gateway

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

ControlLogix, RSLinx and RSLogix 5000 are trademarks of the Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.

The RIO-ADPT communications module connects a ControlLogix PLC or other device 

to an Allen-Bradley remote I/O network.

As an adapter, the module:

· has one remote I/O channel

· emulates one or more racks

· supports all remote I/O baud rates: 57.6, 115.2, 230.4 kbaud

· supports rack numbers from 0 to 76 octal

· supports all combinations of partial racks

· supports block transfers at all possible locations

· monitors discrete I/O and block transfer reads and writes on the same remote 

I/O network

· updates all I/O via scheduled connections

The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO module is supplied with a Windows utility, AnxAbRioCfgAdpt, 

for configuring and monitoring the remote I/O network and mapping the remote I/O data 

to ControlLogix scheduled data.

The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO communicates with the ControlLogix processor using scheduled 

connections over Ethernet. Remote I/O data is mapped into the scheduled input and 

output data by the configuration program.

On monitored racks, a ControlLogix processor reads remote I/O inputs and outputs, and 

data from block transfer reads and writes on the remote I/O network. All remote I/O data 

is mapped to scheduled inputs in the ControlLogix.

On emulated (active) racks, a ControlLogix processor writes remote I/O inputs and block 

transfer read data and reads remote I/O outputs and block transfer write data.

The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO module has a web interface for monitoring logs and performing 

administrative functions. You can communicate with the module using any standard web 

browser such as Internet Explorer.

The module firmware can be selected and updated using the web interface. Refer to page 

57 for details

The module has:

• two LEDs to indicate the status of the connection to the Ethernet (100 and 

Link/Act)

• a LED to indicate the module’s internal state and the state of communication with 

the ControlLogix (SYS)

• a LED to indicate the state of communications on the Remote I/O network (NET)

• an Ethernet connector

• a power connector

• a 3-pin Phoenix connector to connect to the remote I/O network

A watchdog timer is implemented in the module’s hardware. If the firmware does not 

kick the watchdog within the timeout period the watchdog times out and places the 

module into a safe fatal failure state.

A jabber inhibit timer is implemented in the module’s hardware. If the network 

transmitter is on longer than 150% of the longest network frame time, the transmitter is 

forced off and the module is placed into a safe fatal failure state.

Package Contents

• AN-X2-AB-DHRIO module

• microSD to SD card adapter

• CD containing software and documentation

• rubber feet for desktop use

Identifying the AN-X2 versus the Original AN-X

The label on the bottom toward the front says AN-X2.

There is a slot at the back for the microSD card.

When initially powered up:

· AN-X2 railroads (alternates) SYS and NET LEDs green as it starts up

· without the Ethernet cable attached, the Ethernet 10/100 (upper) LED is on for ANX2 (both Ethernet LEDs are off for the original AN-X)

Differences from the Original AN-X

AN-X2 modules have a microSD card for storage of firmware and configuration data.

You no longer need AnxInit; everything can be done from the web interface or by editing 

files on the microSD card.

Operation is simplified, there are production and maintenance modes only.

The AN-X2 requires firmware version 4 and above.

The AN-X2 uses the same hardware interface to the automation networks.

Differences in Remote I/O Operation 

The diagnostic counters are slightly different. The diagnostic tags for the AN-X2 are 

different to match the diagnostic counters.

The module uses listen only connections instead of input only connections. You can now

have more than one listen only connection. Listen only connections require an owning 

connection (input only connections do not).

The AN-X2 module now supports unicast as well as multicast connections.

Using the MicroSD Card

The AN-X2 microSD card stores configuration data and firmware.

The are no restrictions on the size or speed of the card. The format must be FAT-16 or 

FAT-32.

An adapter is provided so you can insert the microSD card in an SD slot in your 

computer.

The card must be present while the AN-X2 is running.

WARNING! Do not remove the card while the AN-X2 is powered on! 

If the AN-X2 is inaccessible from Ethernet because of its settings, you can remove the 

card and edit the file config.txt. Refer to page 14 for details.

Reinsert the card in the slot at the back of the AN-X2, with the pins facing up.

WARNING!

If you remove the card to edit the configuration file, push the card in 

straight or the card might fall inside the case and you will have to 

disassemble the AN-X2 to retrieve it .

AN-X2 Modes of Operation

There are two AN-X2 modes of operation:

• Maintenance mode. The AN-X2 runs the maintenance firmware at startup. 

It performs diagnostics (memory tests, etc), copies any changes from the 

microSD card. If there are no errors, it starts the AN-X2 in production mode.

• Production mode. This is the normal runtime mode of operation.

Prevent Electrostatic Discharge

The module is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

WARNING! Electrostatic discharge can damage integrated circuits or semiconductors. Follow these 

guidelines when you handle the module:

• Touch a grounded object to discharge static potential

• Do not touch the connector pins

Power

AN-X requires a DC power input of anywhere from 12 to 24 VDC.

Left to right the pins on the power connector are chassis ground, negative voltage and 

positive voltage.

The chassis ground should be connected.

Power consumption is 200 mA @ 12VDC or 100mA @ 24VDC.

The part number for the power connector is Phoenix MSTB 2.5/3-ST-5.08

Contact us if you need a suitable wall adapter.

Cabling and Termination

Follow Allen-Bradley cabling recommendations for remote I/O. Refer to Approved 

Vendor List for DH, DH+, DH-485, and Remote I/O Cables, publication ICCG-2.2, 

February 1996.

On the AN-X module, the connections are line 1, shield, line 2.

Line 1 on the AN-X is closest to the power connector. 

Check the wiring to ensure that line 1 on the AN-X is connected to line 1 on the PLC, and 

so on.

Terminate both ends of a remote I/O network by using external resistors attached to the 

physical ends of the network. There should be two and only two terminators on the 

network.

Use 82 ohm resistors if the network operates at 230.4 kbps or if the network operates at 

57.6 kbps or 115.2 kbps and none of the devices in the table below are present. The

maximum number of physical devices on the network is 32.

Use 150 ohm resistors if the network contains any of the devices in the table below, or if 

the network operates at 57.6 kbps or 115.2 kbps and you do not require the network to 

support more than 16 physical devices.

Software Installation

You must uninstall any previous version of the software before you can install a new 

version. Use the Windows Control Panel Add and Remove Programs or Programs and 

Features to remove the old version.

Run the program AnxAbRioSetup.msi in the ABRIO folder to install the configuration 

and monitoring software.

CE Installations

If you are installing the AN-X2 in a location which requires CE, install the following 

ferrites or their equivalents on the cables:

Steward 28A2024-0A2 on Ethernet cable close to module, one loop

Steward 28A2024-0A2 on power cable

Steward 28A2025-0A2 on DH+/RIO Cable