Get now 1788-EN2DNR to seamlessly bridge your legacy DeviceNet hardware with modern EtherNet/IP control architectures. The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DNR is a high-performance Linking Device designed to function as a gateway between an EtherNet/IP network and a DeviceNet sub-network. This module allows modern Logix-based controllers (like ControlLogix or CompactLogix) to treat remote DeviceNet devices as if they were native EtherNet/IP nodes. In many brownfield industrial sites, replacing every individual DeviceNet motor starter and sensor is cost-prohibitive. The 1788-EN2DNR provides a sophisticated migration path, allowing for the centralized management, configuration, and diagnostics of up to 63 DeviceNet nodes over a single high-speed Ethernet connection. By utilizing this genuine OEM linking device, facilities can implement advanced Industrial IoT strategies while protecting their existing investment in validated field-level hardware.
What Is the 1788-EN2DNR?
The 1788-EN2DNR is a standalone network gateway that acts as a DeviceNet Master and an EtherNet/IP Adapter simultaneously. It effectively «translates» the producer/consumer data model of EtherNet/IP into the CAN-based messaging required for DeviceNet. Unlike older bridge modules, the 1788-EN2DNR supports «CIP Routing,» which allows technicians to use RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000 to «go through» the Ethernet port and configure the remote DeviceNet nodes directly using RSNetWorx for DeviceNet. This significantly simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for a physical connection to the DeviceNet trunk via a separate 1784-U2DN interface. Its compact, DIN-rail mounted housing includes two Ethernet ports (supporting DLR – Device Level Ring) and a standard 5-pin open style DeviceNet connector.
Key Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 1788-EN2DNR
- Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- Network Ports: 2x RJ-45 EtherNet/IP (10/100 Mbps)
- DeviceNet Interface: 5-Pin Open Style Plug
- DLR Support: Supports Device Level Ring for Ethernet redundancy
- Node Capacity: Up to 63 DeviceNet slave devices
- Power Requirements: 24V DC for logic; DeviceNet bus power for transceiver
- Mounting: 35mm DIN-rail
- Configuration: Via Studio 5000 AOP (Add-On Profile)
Advanced Migration and DLR Redundancy
One of the most powerful features of the 1788-EN2DNR is its support for Device Level Ring (DLR) technology. This allows the linking device to be part of a resilient Ethernet ring that can withstand a single cable failure without losing connection to the PLC. On the DeviceNet side, the module handles all the complex scanning logic, freeing up the main PLC CPU from the task of managing low-level CAN frames. This is an ideal solution for automotive paint shops, mining conveyors, and food processing lines where high availability and centralized diagnostic visibility are paramount.
Installation Advice
When installing the 1788-EN2DNR, the most critical step is ensuring the DeviceNet bus power is correctly isolated from the linking device’s logic power if different sources are used. DeviceNet requires 24V DC on its V+ and V- lines to power the transceivers in each node; the 1788-EN2DNR monitors this voltage and will report a fault if bus power drops below 11V. An expert installation tip: always ensure you have the latest Add-On Profile (AOP) installed in your Studio 5000 environment before adding the 1788-EN2DNR to your I/O tree. This allows for the «Auto-Configure» feature to work correctly, which can save hours of manual memory mapping when dealing with large numbers of remote I/O blocks or variable frequency drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 1788-EN2DNR replace the 1788-EN2DN?
A: Yes, the «R» in the part number stands for Redundancy/DLR support. The 1788-EN2DNR is the enhanced version that supports Device Level Ring topologies, which the older non-R model did not.
Q: Can I use the 1788-EN2DNR to bridge two different PLCs together?
A: No, the primary purpose is to link a Logix-based EtherNet/IP scanner to remote DeviceNet slaves. For PLC-to-PLC communication, a standard Ethernet bridge or Produce/Consume messaging over a native network is preferred.
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