A common scenario where protocol conversion is used is in the case of an HMI software (e.g.x., WonderWare, Intellution, and Linx/RSView) that needs to be able to monitor or collect data from a PLC. Most common industrial applications support ModbusTCP, EthernetIP, or AB Ethernet. Therefore enabling communications from an HMI supporting one of these IP protocols to a PLC speaking the serial equivalent can be quite easysimple.

In the case of the Digi One IAP, setup takes just a few short steps. First, give the device server an IP address, launch a Wweb browser, enter the IP address to access the industrial protocol wizard, and finally choose the correct settings for the appropriate protocol. Now the HMI software can communicate with the serial PLC as if it were a native industrial Ethernet enabled device.