Allen-Bradley 2002-NX70-MWLINK Communication Interface Module for PLC Systems

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 2002-NX70-MWLINK is a communication interface module designed for use with Rockwell Automation PLC systems, providing connectivity between controllers and network devices. This module facilitates data exchange over proprietary or standard industrial protocols, enabling integration of PLCs with HMIs, drives, and other automation components. The 2002-NX70-MWLINK is typically deployed in ControlLogix, CompactLogix, or legacy PLC-5/SLC environments, depending on the specific system architecture. It is built to withstand harsh industrial conditions and offers reliable performance for continuous operation.

Key Features of Allen-Bradley 2002-NX70-MWLINK

The module supports multiple communication modes including point-to-point, multi-drop, and network bridging. It includes an isolated serial port (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485) or Ethernet interface depending on the variant, allowing connection to a wide range of field devices. The 2002-NX70-MWLINK features LED status indicators for power, transmit, receive, and network activity, simplifying diagnostics. Configuration is performed using Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix or Studio 5000 software, with automatic recognition of the module via the backplane. The module includes non-volatile memory to store configuration parameters, and it supports hot-swappable replacement on certain backplanes. It is designed with electrical isolation to protect the PLC from ground loops and voltage transients.

The 2002-NX70-MWLINK supports baud rates up to 115.2 kbps for serial interfaces, and 10/100 Mbps for Ethernet versions. It can handle multiple client connections simultaneously when acting as a server. The module also supports message fragmentation and reassembly for large data blocks. It is compliant with industrial certifications such as CE, UL, and C-Tick.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)

• Part Number: 2002-NX70-MWLINK

• Product Type: Communication Interface Module

• Compatibility: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5 (with adapter)

• Communication Ports: 1 x RS-232/422/485 (selectable) or Ethernet

• Baud Rates: 300 to 115200 bps (serial)

• Isolation: 500 V RMS (serial port to backplane)

• Indicators: Power, TX, RX, network status LEDs

• Configuration Software: RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000

• Power Supply: 5 V DC from backplane (250 mA max)

• Operating Temperature: 0 to +60 °C

• Storage Temperature: -40 to +85 °C

• Degree of Protection: IP20

• Certifications: CE, UL, C-Tick

Functional Description

The 2002-NX70-MWLINK module acts as a gateway between the PLC backplane and external devices. It receives messages from the PLC processor via the backplane, converts them to the appropriate serial or Ethernet protocol, and transmits them to the target device. Conversely, incoming messages from external devices are buffered and made available to the PLC processor. The module handles protocol framing, error checking, and retry logic. Users configure the communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits, etc.) using the software, and the module stores these settings in non-volatile memory. Diagnostic counters track communication errors, timeout events, and buffer overruns, which can be read by the PLC program to manage network health.

Applications

The 2002-NX70-MWLINK is used to connect PLCs to legacy serial devices such as barcode scanners, weigh scales, printers, and third-party drives that do not support native Ethernet/IP. It also enables bridging between different network types within a Rockwell Automation system.