Moxa’s new MGate 5216 and MGate 5216-T are two-port industrial gateways that provide data conversion between Modbus RTU/ASCII and EtherCAT protocols, as well as proprietary serial protocols (using Micro Python programming). All models are designed in a robust metal chassis, supporting installation on a DIN rail or wall mounting using special fasteners that are included in the kit.
Why EtherCAT?
EtherCAT — is a protocol that provides high-speed data transfer with minimal latency, making it an ideal choice for use in manufacturing systems. The MGate 5216 operates in EtherCAT slave mode, allowing Modbus-enabled and proprietary devices to be integrated into EtherCAT networks without complex configuration.
Technical features
- Protocol support: The MGate 5216 supports operation as an EtherCAT slave as well as master on the Modbus RTU/ASCII side. The device also supports Micro Python programming for working with proprietary serial protocols.
- Data volume: the maximum size of input and output data is 512 bytes
- Protection of RS-232/422/485 serial ports: built-in 2 kV isolation provides reliable protection.
- Easy configuration: the gateway comes with a convenient WEB interface. Web console support allows remote control of the device, and encryption functions, including HTTPS, increase network security. For configuration via the CLI interface, a serial protocol connection is also provided.
- Easy service: MGate 5216 supports protocol diagnostics and traffic monitoring, which is especially useful during the installation phase. The diagnostic functions allow you to identify problems caused by incorrect software parameters, such as invalid slave IDs or register addresses.
The new MGate 5216 has a microSD card slot for storing system logs and device configurations. This simplifies backup and restore of configurations, as well as facilitates mass configuration and replacement of devices. If the MicroSD card contains configuration files, they are automatically applied when the gateway is turned on, ensuring minimal time spent on configuration.
How the gateway works (I/O data mapping)
MGate 5216 supports I/O data mapping to manage the data flow between Modbus and EtherCAT. Users can choose between automatic or manual address allocation. In automatic mode, the gateway automatically organizes internal addresses, starting with Modbus commands, followed by commands of proprietary serial protocols. This ensures smooth and transparent data exchange on the network.
DoS defence support
MGate 5216 comes with a protection function against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The protection measures include Null Scan, Xmas Scan, SYN/FIN Scan and other methods that may threaten the stability of the system. This function helps to ensure the security of the network and maintain the smooth operation of the device.
Auto warning, email alert and SNMP (trap)
The MGate 5216 gateway supports automatic alerting, email notifications and SNMP (SNMP-Trap). These features provide monitoring and timely notification of the operator about critical events, such as network failures or connection problems. Alerts can be sent to specified email addresses or via SNMP-trap for further analysis and diagnostics.
Modbus and EtherCAT diagnostic functions
MGate 5216 supports Modbus and EtherCAT protocol diagnostic functions, allowing you to monitor the data transfer status and analyze the information to troubleshoot problems. Users can view the data status, check packet counters, and analyze them to identify potential failures. The traffic monitoring function helps in identifying errors and incorrect settings in the configuration.
Find out more on the EtherCAT protocol in our article Overview of the EtherCAT protocol and devices based on it
