ProSoft Technology AN-X4-AB-DHRIO User manual

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO
Data Highway Plus
Communication
User Manual

Page 2 AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Nov 2022
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-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+)
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
ControlLogix, RSLinx and RSLogix 5000 are trademarks of the Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO DATA HIGHWAY PLUS MODULE 6
Hardware Features 7
Package Contents 8
Using the MicroSD Card 8
Comparison with the AN-X2 9
INSTALLATION 10
Prevent Electrostatic Discharge 10
Power 10
Data Highway Plus Cabling and Termination 10
Ethernet Cabling 11
Hazardous Location Considerations 11
CONFIGURATION 12
Initial Ethernet Configuration 12
DHCP 13
Static IP Address 13
Factory Default Setting 13
Hostname 13
Submitting the Configuration 14
Reconfiguring an AN-X from an Unknown State 14
The Configuration File IPCfg\IPConfig.txt 14
Data Highway Plus Firmware to Run 15
Data Highway Plus Configuration 16
USING PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE 18
Configuring the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) in RSLinx 18
EtherNet/IP Driver 18
Remote Devices via Linx Gateway Driver 19
Ethernet Devices Driver 21
Using the Programming Software 22

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Multiple Programmer Access 22
USING DDE/OPC AND UNSCHEDULED MESSAGES 23
DDE/OPC 23
Sending Unscheduled Messages 23
Message Queues 26
USING DHP-HMI IP ALIASING 27
Overview 27
Ethernet/IP on Aliased Addresses 27
Alias Configuration File 28
Configure Aliases 28
Accessing Data 29
Example: PanelView RSLinx Enterprise 29
Example: RSLinx 29
ROUTING MESSAGES FROM DATA HIGHWAY PLUS 30
Local LinkID 30
Routing Definitions 30
Examples: 31
Sample AN-X Router Configuration File 33
Configuring the Router Function on the AN-X 34
Viewing the Current Router Configuration 34
Sending Remote Messages Using AN-X Routing 35
USING THE WEB INTERFACE 39
Data Highway Plus Configuration 39
Monitor Diagnostic Counters 41
Configure DH+ HMI IP Aliasing 42
View IP Alias File 42
Configure DH+ Router 43

Log Files 44
Ethernet/IP Log 44
Ethernet AB/CSP/HMI Log 44
DH+ Router Log 44
DH+ Traffic Logs 44
System Info Log 46
View All Logs 46
Administration Menu 46
AN-X IP Configuration 46
AN-X Firmware Select 48
AN-X Firmware Upload 48
AN-X Firmware Remove 48
AN-X Archive 48
AN-X Kernel Page 48
AN-X Module REBOOT 49
Support Menu 49
Contact Information 49
TROUBLESHOOTING 50
LEDs 50
Ethernet LEDs 50
MS LED 50
Data Highway Plus Diagnostic Counters 52
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE 54
SPECIFICATIONS 55
SUPPORT 56
WARRANTY 57

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO Data Highway Plus Module
The AN-X4-AB-DHRIO module running Data Highway Plus (DH+) firmware connects a computer
or other device on Ethernet to an Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus network.
The AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module:
• can act as any valid Data Highway Plus station number, from 0 to 77 octal
• supports all Data Highway Plus baud rates, 57.6, 115.2 and 230.4 Kbaud
• maintains Data Highway Plus diagnostic counters
• can route messages from Ethernet to Data Highway Plus, using IP aliasing
• can route messages from Data Highway Plus to destinations on Ethernet, using the router function
You can use the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module with Rockwell programming software to
communicate with PLCs such as the PLC-5 over Data Highway Plus from a computer on Ethernet.
Refer to page 18 for details.
You can use a DDE or OPC server, for example RSLinx, on Ethernet to access Data Highway Plus
using the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+). Refer to page 23 for details.
The AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module has a web interface for configuration of the Data Highway
Plus station number and baud rate and for monitoring diagnostic counters and the active station list.
You can communicate with the module using any standard web browser.
The AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module monitors the Data Highway Plus network traffic and
displays usage statistics such as:
overall network loading

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 7
the percentage of network time used for the commands from each station plus the percentage
of network time used by responses to those commands, to identify the stations creating the
most network traffic
the amount of network time used by each station in sending responses to other stations, to
identify heavily loaded stations
Refer to page 44 for details.
You use the web interface to send various configuration files to the AN-X and to retrieve them, and to
update the AN-X firmware.
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.
Hardware Features
The module has:
• LEDs to indicate the status of the connection to the Ethernet, its own internal state, and the
state of the connection to the Data Highway Plus network
• an Ethernet connector
• a 3-pin Phoenix connector to connect to the Data Highway Plus network
• a power connector
• a microSD card for storage of configuration data and firmware
The pinouts on the power and the Data Highway Plus connectors match those on the AN-
X2.
Cables for the AN-X2 can be connected to the AN-X4 without change, though they may need to
be rotated 180 degrees.

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Package Contents
• AN-X4-AB-DHRIO module
• Phoenix Power and Data Highway Plus connectors
Using the MicroSD Card
The AN-X4 microSD card stores configuration data and firmware.
There are no restrictions on the size or speed of the card. The format must be FAT-16 or FAT-32.
The microSD card must be present while the AN-X4 is running.
WARNING! Do not remove the microSD card while the AN-X4 is powered on!
There are several configuration files on the SD card.
Function File
Ethernet configuration IPCfg\IPConfig.txt
Data Highway Plus Configuration Dhp\AnxDhpCfg.txt
Alias Configuration Dhp\AnxDhpCfgHmiAlias.txt
Router Configuration Dhp\AnxDhpCfgRouter.txt
Firmware to run Firmware\FirmwareCfg.txt
All files should be created and editied with a plain text editor such as Windows Notepad.
If the AN-X4 is inaccessible from Ethernet because of its settings, or is in an unknown state, you can
power down the AN-X4, remove the microSD card and edit the file IPConfig.txt. Refer to page 14
for details.
When you have finished editing the file, reinsert the card in the slot at the back of the AN-X4 and
restart the AN-X4.
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-X4 to retrieve it .

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 9
Comparison with the AN-X2
If you are familiar with the AN-X2, or are replacing an AN-X2 with an AN-X4, you should be
aware of the following:
The power and Data Highway Plus cables are the same, but may need to be rotated 180
degrees.
The configuration files are similar but are saved in different locations on the microSD
card
The web interface is improved
The errors displayed on the LEDs have changed
You can run different versions of the same firmware, e.g., Data Highway Plus firmware,
for example for debugging
As shipped, searches for a DHCP IP address at startup for 10 seconds, then reverts to
static IP address 192.168.0.246
Case is smaller

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Installation
Prevent Electrostatic Discharge
The module is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
WARNING!
Electrostatic discharge can damage integrated circuits and
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 DC power input of anywhere from 12 to 24 VDC
The pins on the power connector are chassis ground, negative voltage and positive voltage. Pin 1 is
closest to the Ethernet connector.
Power consumption is 240 mA @ 12VDC or 120 mA @ 24VDC.
The part number for the power connector is Phoenix MSTB 2.5/3-ST-5.08 (1757022)
Data Highway Plus Cabling and Termination
Follow Allen-Bradley cabling recommendations for Data Highway Plus. Refer to Approved Vendor
List for DH, DH+, DH-485, and Remote I/O Cables, publication ICCG-2.2, February 1996.
The network cable must be terminated with terminating resistors attached to the physical ends of the
network, usually 82 ohm, but refer to Allen-Bradley documentation since some devices require 150
ohm terminators. There should be two and only two terminators on the Data Highway Plus network.
On the AN-X module, the Data Highway Plus connections should be line 1, shield, line 2.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 11
Line 2 on the AN-X is closest to the Ethernet connector and the NS LED.
Check the wiring to ensure that line 1 on the AN-X is connected to line 1 on the PLCs, and other
devices.
The part number for the connector is Phoenix MSTB 2.5/3-ST-5.08 (1757022)
The most common causes of Data Highway Plus connection errors are:
wiring reversed (lines 1 and 2)
incorrect baud rate
other cabling and termination problems
terminating resistors shorted to shield wires
duplicate stations
Usually, but not always, the wire colors are:
Data Highway Plus Remote I/O
Line 1 Clear Blue
Line 2 Blue Clear
Ethernet Cabling
AN-X has a standard RJ-45 connector for connecting to Ethernet.
If you are connecting AN-X to an existing network through a router or switch, use a standard Ethernet
cable.
Hazardous Location Considerations
This equipment is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D OR non-hazardous
locations.
Device is to be mounted inside an environmentally suitable enclosure that requires a tool to access.
Device is for indoor use only.

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Configuration
The AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module connects a computer or other device on Ethernet to a Data
Highway Plus network.
Before you can use the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+), you must configure its network properties, on
Ethernet and on Data Highway Plus.
Initial Ethernet Configuration
AN-X can be configured:
to use a static (unchanging) IP address
to obtain its IP address from a DHCP server
to use the factory default setting, where AN-X waits for 10 seconds for a DHCP server to assign
it an IP address. If it does not obtain an IP address within 10 seconds, it reverts to a static address
of 192.168.0.246.
AN-X4 modules are shipped with the factory default setting.
Unless you have control of the DHCP server, in most applications you will assign the AN-X a static
IP address. Otherwise the DHCP server may assign a different IP address each time AN-X powers
up, and any software that accesses the AN-X module would have to be reconfigured.
If you are using multiple AN-X modules, connect and configure them one at a time.
IMPORTANT!
If you are connecting AN-X to an existing Ethernet network, consult the
network administrator to obtain information about how you should configure
AN-X or to obtain a static IP address for AN-X.
You configure the Ethernet properties either by:
using the web interface
editing files on the microSD card
To use the web interface, you must know the IP address of the AN-X, either the address assigned by
the DHCP server or the default address of 192.168.0.246
Enter the IP address in the address bar of your browser.
Select Administration/AN-X IP Configuration. The AN-X IP Configuration page appears.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 13
At the top the screen shows the serial number and MAC address of the AN-X being configured.
Check either DHCP or Static.
DHCP
If the AN-X4 finds a DHCP server on the network, it obtains an IP address and other network
parameters (netmask and default gateway) from the DHCP server.
To find the address assigned, look at the DHCP server or use a network tool that displays devices on
the network.
If the AN-X has been configured for DHCP and it does not find a DHCP server, it waits forever for a
DHCP server and repeatedly flashes the MS LED yellow 2 times followed by a pause. The NS LED
will be solid red.
Static IP Address
If you select static IP address, enter:
• the IP address for the AN-X.
• the netmask for the AN-X
• the default gateway for your network.
You must enter a valid default gateway address even if there is no device at the gateway address on
the network.
Factory Default Setting
The AN-X is shipped with a factory default setting that looks for a DHCP server for 10 seconds, then
reverts to an IP address of 192.168.0.246. Note that if the AN-X is later able to obtain an IP address
from a DHCP server, it will take the DHCP assigned address.
Hostname
Enter a Hostname for the AN-X4. This name is used internally by AN-X and may be used to identify
the AN-X if you have a DNS server on your network. The name can be from 1 to 30 characters long.

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Submitting the Configuration
Once you have entered all required parameters, click SUBMIT to write the configuration to the file
config.txt on the microSD card. The changes do not take effect until the AN-X restarts.
The following page appears when you click SUBMIT.
Wait until the AN-X has completely restarted, then click Continue.
If you have changed the IP address, enter the new IP address in the browser’s address field.
Reconfiguring an AN-X from an Unknown State
It sometimes happens that an AN-X has been previously configured with an IP address that causes it
to be inaccessible on the current Ethernet network or that the IP address is unknown.
Remove the microSD card and edit the file IPCfg\IPConfig.txt, using a text editor such as Windows
Notepad, to set the AN-X4 to the desired Ethernet configuration.
The Configuration File IPCfg\IPConfig.txt
The Ethernet configuration is stored in the file IPCfg\IPConfig.txt on the microSD card.
When you perform the Administration/AN-X Configuration command from the web interface, it
writes the results to that file.
Each line consists of a keyword followed by a colon and then a value.
Example:
IP: 192.168.1.12
Anything after a semicolon on a line is treated as a comment.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 15
Keyword Possible Values
IP Factory
DHCP
static IP address, e.g., 192.168.1.187
Netmask Ethernet netmask, used only if IP is a static IP address
DefGtwy default gateway, used only if IP is a static IP address
Hostname Ethernet host name, from 1 to 30 characters
If you edit the file and AN-X finds an error in the file contents during startup, it flashes an error code
on the MS LED, see page 50.
Example IPCfg\IPConfig.txt files
Example: Factory default
IP: Factory
Hostname: ANX4
Example: DHCP
IP: DHCP
Hostname: ANX4
Example: Static IP address
IP: 192.168.1.14
NetMask: 255.255.255.0
DefGtwy: 192.168.1.1
HostName: ANX4
Firmware to Run
In addition to the Ethernet configuration, you will also need to edit the file
Firmware\FirmwareCfg.txt to select the firmware file to run. The contents of the file must exactly
match the name of one of the fimware files on the AN-X or the AN-X will not start up.
Example:
AN-X4-AB-DHP.v4.12.52.qtf

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Data Highway Plus Configuration
Use the web interface to set the AN-X baud rate, station number, and how much data the AN-X can
send when it gets the Data Highway Plus token.
The baud rate can be one of 57.6, 115.2 or 230.4 kbits/second.
The station number can be from 0 to 77 octal.
AN-X can send multiple messages when it gets the Data Highway Plus token.
When AN-X gets the Data Highway Plus token, it always sends at least one message if it has
any messages in its queue.
If there any more messages in the queue after it sends the first message, it can send up to
a maximum of the number of bytes configured in Token Bytes (less the number of bytes in the first
message).
For example, if Token Bytes is set to 250, when AN-X gets the token, it can send the first message in
its queue, for example, a write message that is 100 bytes long. It can then send further messages from
its queue up to a maximum of 150 bytes in total (250 – 100 bytes). It takes the messages in the order
in which they are found in the queue.
The range of Token Bytes is 0 to 300 bytes. The default is 250. A value of 0 disables sending
additional messages on the token.
Setting Token Bytes can improve the performance of AN-X on the Data Highway Plus network but it
can also load the destination station if AN-X is sending many messages to the same destination.
Monitor the No Memory NAKs diagnostic counter. If this counter is incrementing, it indicates that
some destination is receiving more messages than it can process. In that case, reduce the value of
Token Bytes to limit how many messages AN-X is sending.
To configure the Data Highway Plus properties of AN-X:
1. Start your web browser and enter the AN-X IP address as the web address.
2. Select Automation Network/DH+ Configure.
3. Select the baud rate.
4. Enter the Data Highway Plus station number, in octal.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 17
5. Set the value for Token Bytes or accept the default value of 250.
6. Click the SUBMIT button to send the values to AN-X.
As shipped, AN-X defaults to a station address of 20 octal, a baud rate of 57.6 Kbaud and Token
Bytes of 250..
Select Automation Network/DH+ Monitor to view the active station list and confirm that you can see
other stations on the network.
If you duplicate the station number of another station on the Data Highway Plus network, the AN-X
will not go online. The NS LED will alternate yellow and red and the AN-X will return status error 3
to any messages sent to it from Ethernet.
If another station comes online with the same Data Highway Plus address as the AN-X, AN-X will
take itself offline. The NS LED will alternate yellow and red and the AN-X will return status error 3
to any messages sent to it from Ethernet.

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Using Programming Software
AN-X emulates a 4-slot ControlLogix rack with a 1756-ENET in Slot 0 and a 1756-DHRIO in slot 1.
The emulated DHRIO has only channel A since the AN-X has only one Data Highway Plus network
port. A computer running programming software such as RSLogix 5 can connect to a PLC-5 or other
PLC on Data Highway Plus through the AN-X , just as you would with a real 1756-ENET or
equivalent Ethernet module and a 1756-DHRIO.
Configuring the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) in RSLinx
To use an AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) module with Rockwell programming software such as
RSLogix 5, you must first configure a driver in RSLinx to access the AN-X module.
The following instructions assume that:
• AN-X has been configured and is active on the Ethernet network
• AN-X has been connected to the Data Highway Plus network
• the AN-X Data Highway Plus station number and baud rate have been assigned and are
compatible with the existing Data Highway Plus network
EtherNet/IP Driver
In most cases, this driver is the one you will find most convenient. Note that this driver may already
have been added to your RSLinx configuration. You don’t need to add another instance for the
AN-X.
This driver works for the AN-X base IP address but not for aliased IP addresses. For aliased IP
addresses, use the Ethernet Devices driver.
Use the following steps to configure the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) in RSLinx.
1. Select Communications/Configure Drivers…
2. From the list of Available Driver Types:, select EtherNet/IP Driver and click Add New…
3. Give the driver a name
4. Select the adapter that connects the computer to the subnet on which the AN-X is found.
Click Close.
The AN-X will now appear when you expand the driver in RSLinx.

AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Page 19
Remote Devices via Linx Gateway Driver
This driver will work for the AN-X base IP address but not for aliased IP addresses (see page 27).
For aliased IP addresses, use the Ethernet Devices driver.
Use the following steps to configure the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) in RSLinx.
1. Select Communications/Configure Drivers…
2. From the list of Available Driver Types:, select Remote Devices via Linx Gateway and click
Add New…
3. Give the driver a name.
4. For Server’s IP Address or hostname: enter the IP address of the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+)
and click OK.

Page 20 AN-X4-AB-DHRIO (DH+) Nov 2022
5. Check that the driver has status Running
6. Click Close.
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