3100-mda4_prosoft_mda_scientific_cm4_master_module

Brand ABB

Model 3100-mda4_prosoft_mda_scientific_cm4_master_module

Product Overview

The 3100-MDA4 is a ProSoft Technology communication module designed to act as a master interface between Allen-Bradley 1771 and 1746 I/O compatible processors and MDA Scientific CM4 gas monitoring hardware. As part of the 3100/3150-MDA-4 product family, the 3100-MDA4 enables legacy PLC and SLC control systems to communicate directly with CM4 gas detection instruments without requiring external protocol converters or gateways. This capability is particularly valuable in facilities that maintain MDA Scientific gas monitoring infrastructure alongside older Allen-Bradley control platforms.

The 3100-MDA4 operates as a single-slot module that installs directly into the PLC or SLC chassis, communicating with the host processor via Block Transfer Write (BTW) and Block Transfer Read (BTR) commands. Two fully configurable serial ports, each equipped with DB25 female connectors, support CM4 Master functionality and connect directly to CM4 units using RS-485 at baud rates from 300 to 9,600. The module’s internal memory mapping is pre-defined to simplify ladder program implementation, and all communication parameters are configured through the host processor rather than requiring separate configuration software.

The 3100-MDA4 supports comprehensive data exchange with CM4 gas monitoring hardware, including binary, integer, ASCII, and floating-point data types. The module handles up to 125 word reads and writes, with a maximum of 4,000 registers available for user data. Optical isolation rated at 500V protects the backplane from field-side transients, and the module draws 0.65 A from the backplane power supply. As a discontinued product, the 3100-MDA4 serves as a sustainment solution for existing installations where replacing the CM4 communication interface would otherwise require control system migration.

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Description

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	3100-MDA4
Manufacturer	ProSoft Technology
Product Type	CM4 Master Communication Module
Compatible Platforms	Allen-Bradley 1771 and 1746 I/O
Serial Ports	2 (DB25 Female Connectors)
Serial Protocol	RS-485 to CM4 units
Baud Rate	300 to 9,600
Character Size	8 bits (fixed)
Parity	None (fixed)
Stop Bits	1 (fixed)
Slave Address Range	0 to 31
Command List Entries	125
Maximum Registers	4,000
Backplane Current Load	0.65 A
Optical Isolation	500V
Data Types Supported	Binary, Integer, ASCII, Floating Point
Operating Temperature	0 to 60 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 to 85 °C
Dimensions	3 cm x 15 cm x 27.2 cm
Weight	0.52 kg
Lifecycle Status	Discontinued by Manufacturer

Main Features and Advantages

Direct CM4 integration for legacy control systems: The 3100-MDA4 eliminates the need for external protocol gateways by providing native communication between Allen-Bradley 1771 and 1746 processors and MDA Scientific CM4 gas monitoring instruments. This direct interface preserves existing control architectures and avoids the cost and complexity of migrating to newer platforms solely for gas monitoring connectivity.

Dual configurable serial ports: The 3100-MDA4 includes two independent serial ports, each capable of supporting CM4 Master functionality. This dual-port architecture allows a single 3100-MDA4 module to communicate with multiple CM4 units across two separate RS-485 networks, maximizing coverage while minimizing slot usage in the host chassis.

Comprehensive command support: The 3100-MDA4 implements the full range of CM4 protocol commands, including system information retrieval (0x30), unit status polling (0x31), alarm history access (0x36), current point status (0x37), and point configuration reads (0x35). Write and control commands include fault/alarm reset (0x51), keyboard lock (0x53), and point lock-on functions (0x60, 0x61). This command set enables complete monitoring and control of CM4 gas detection systems from the host PLC.

Software configuration from ladder logic: All communication parameters for the 3100-MDA4, including slave addresses, commands, and baud rates, are configured through the host processor’s ladder program rather than requiring external software tools. This approach simplifies commissioning and maintains configuration consistency within the existing PLC project environment.