Allen‑Bradley 1788‑EN2DN EtherNet/IP to DeviceNet Gateway

The Allen‑Bradley 1788‑EN2DN is a bi‑directional gateway that connects an EtherNet/IP network (standard industrial Ethernet) to a DeviceNet network (open fieldbus). It allows a ControlLogix, CompactLogix, or any EtherNet/IP scanner to access DeviceNet slaves (e.g., 1794 Flex I/O, PowerFlex drives, 1734 Point I/O) without requiring a DeviceNet scanner card in the PLC rack. The gateway behaves as a DeviceNet master on one side and an EtherNet/IP adapter on the other.

EtherNet/IP Interface

The gateway has a dual‑port Ethernet switch (two RJ45 ports) supporting 10/100 Mbps, half/full duplex, and auto‑MDI. Protocols supported: EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, UDP, and SNMP. The 1788‑EN2DN appears as an EtherNet/IP adapter (target device) with an IP address assigned via DHCP or static configuration. It supports up to 32 implicit (I/O) connections and 128 explicit (messaging) connections. The I/O data size is up to 500 bytes input and 500 bytes output. The gateway supports both unicast and multicast communication.

DeviceNet Interface

The DeviceNet side provides a 5‑pin open style connector (V‑, CAN_L, SHIELD, CAN_H, V+). The device operates as a DeviceNet master (scanner) with configurable baud rates of 125 kbps, 250 kbps, or 500 kbps. It can manage up to 63 DeviceNet slaves, each with a maximum of 128 bytes input and 128 bytes output. The gateway performs automatic device scanning and parameter download using EDS files. It supports the full DeviceNet object model, including explicit messaging and UCMM (Unconnected Message Manager).

Configuration and Diagnostics

Configuration is done via RSLinx Classic and RSLogix 5000 (Studio 5000) using the Add‑On Profile (AOP) for the 1788‑EN2DN. The gateway includes a built‑in web server for diagnostics and statistics. LEDs on the front panel indicate EtherNet/IP link status (MOD, NET) and DeviceNet status (DRV, MS, NS). A USB port (type B) is provided for local configuration using the Drive Executive or the gateway’s built‑in configuration tool. The device also supports a DHCP/BOOTP server for automatic IP assignment.

Electrical and Environmental

Power supply: 24 V DC (11‑25 V DC), 150 mA typical, 200 mA maximum. The power is drawn from the DeviceNet network (V+ and V‑ pins). The gateway isolates the Ethernet and DeviceNet sides with 1500 V rms. Operating temperature: 0‑60 °C; humidity: 5‑95% non‑condensing. Dimensions: 125 × 75 × 55 mm, DIN rail mountable (35 mm). Weight 0.3 kg. Certifications: CE, UL, cUL, ATEX (hazardous location).

Installation Example

Connect the 1788‑EN2DN to an Ethernet switch using standard CAT5e cable. On the DeviceNet side, connect the network cable (thick or thin) with terminating resistors at both ends. In RSLogix 5000, add the gateway as a generic EtherNet/IP module and specify the input/output sizes. Then configure the DeviceNet scanner parameters (baud rate, slave node addresses). All I/O data will appear as tags in the PLC controller.

Applications

This gateway is ideal for integrating legacy DeviceNet devices into a new EtherNet/IP control system, or for extending the reach of a PLC to remote DeviceNet networks without adding a dedicated scanner card. Common uses include automotive assembly lines, material handling, and packaging machinery.