Generic ASCII Serial Enhanced Communication Module

MVI56E-GSC/GSCXT

The Generic ASCII Serial Enhanced Communication Modules allow Rockwell Automation ControlLogix Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) to easily interface with serial devices using non-specific ASCII character text string or byte value serial communication protocols.

MVI56E-GSC enhancements include local and remote diagnostics through the module's Ethernet port, CIPconnect technology for bridging through Rockwell Automation ControlNet and EtherNet/IP networks, and an on-board web server containing status information, module documentation, and sample program files.

The MVI56E-GSC module is a fast and easy way to add two fully configurable serial communication ports to the ControlLogix platform, eliminating the need to use the front port of the processor or to consume valuable processing time sending and receiving serial messages.

The module is a single-slot, backplane-compatible solution. Each port is capable of sending and receiving large ASCII character strings or byte streams of up to 4096 characters or bytes. Many different serial communication devices can be integrated into the ControlLogix platform by building upon the sample ladder logic provided for this module.

Architectures
Features and Benefits
Specifications
Hardware
Downloads
Videos
Certifications

Architectures

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Features and Benefits

Features	Benefits
Backward-Compatible	MVI56E products are backward-compatible with existing ladder logic, allowing for a smooth transition when upgrading from the earlier version MVI56-GSC product.
RSLogix 5000 Integrated	Module communication is integrated within RSLogix 5000 using a sample Add-On Instruction (AOI), or sample ladder logic file The module is configured with the sample ladder logic controller tags
ProSoft Configuration Builder Graphical User Interface Software	Provides online diagnostics using the high-speed Ethernet port CIPconnect-enabled, allows remote diagnostic access across multiple bridged EtherNet/IP and ControlNet networks using Rockwell Automation 1756-ENxT and 1756-CNB network interface modules
Web-enabled Ethernet port with Discovery Service	Module's built-in Ethernet port provides a web server for local access to documentation, module status, and firmware updates ProSoft Discovery Service, a software utility to locate MVI56E modules on the network and assign a temporary IP address for easy configuration

Specifications

Backward-compatible with previous MVI56-GSC version
Single Slot - 1756 ControlLogix backplane compatible
10/100 MB Ethernet port for network configuration and diagnostics with Auto Cable Crossover Detection
User-definable module data memory mapping of up to 5000 16-bit registers
CIPconnect-enabled network diagnostics and monitoring using ControlLogix 1756-ENxT modules and EtherNet/IP pass-thru communications
Sample Ladder Logic or Add-On Instruction (AOI) used for data transfers between module and processor and for module configuration
Internal web page providing access to product documentation, module status, and firmware update software
4-character, scrolling LED display of status and diagnostic data in plain English
ProSoft Discovery Service (PDS) software finds the module on the network and assigns a temporary IP address to facilitate module access

Hardware

Specification	Description
Backplane Current Load	800 mA @ 5 V DC3 mA @ 24 Vdc
Operating Temperature	0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) -25°C to 70°C (-13°F to 158°F)
Storage Temperature	-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Shock:	30g Operational 50g non-operational Vibration: 5 g from 10 to 150 Hz
Relative Humidity	5 to 95% (without condensing)
LED Indicators	Application Status (APP) Module Status (OK)
4-Character, Scrolling, Alpha-Numeric LED Display	Shows Module, Version, IP, Port Master/SlaveSetting, Port Status, and Error Information
Debug/Configuration Ethernet port (E1 - Config)
Ethernet Port	10/100 Base-T, RJ45 Connector, for CAT5 cable Link and Activity LED indicators Auto-crossover cable detection
Serial Application ports (P1 & P2) Full hardware handshaking control, providing radio, modem, and multi-drop support
Software configurable communication parameters	Baud rate: 110 baud to 115.2kbps RS-232, 485 and 422 Parity: none, odd or even Data bits: 5, 6, 7, 8 Stop bits: 1 or 2 RTS on/off delay: 0 to 65535 milliseconds
Serial Applications Ports (P1, P2)	RJ45 (DB-9M with supplied adapter cable) Configurable RS-232 hardware handshaking 500V Optical isolation from backplane RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 jumper-select, each port RX (Receive) and TX (Transmit) LEDs, each port
Shipped with Unit	RJ45 to DB-9M cables for each serial port

Downloads

MVI56E-GSC Datasheet	315.53 kB	Last Modified 12/23/2024
MVI56E-GSC User Manual	2.98 MB	Last Modified 10/23/2025
MVI56(E) Add-On Profile v1.16	107.49 kB	Last Modified 07/07/2023
MVI56E-GSC EDS File	1.12 kB	Last Modified 05/05/2010
MVI56E-GSC Sample Ladder	1.36 MB	Last Modified 09/15/2017
ProSoft Configuration Builder
MVI56E CAD Drawings (STEP)	11.16 MB	Last Modified 09/15/2023
LifeCycle Letter MVI56E Series	150.72 kB	Last Modified 04/01/2026

Videos

Data Organization in ProSoft Modules and Gateways

Guide to bit-level data addressing in ProSoft Modbus modules

Guide to 32-bit data types in ProSoft Modbus modules

Certifications

CB Safety	504.75 kB	Last Modified 10/06/2021
Country Approval - Eurasian Customs Union Conformity (EAC) (Wired)	1.92 MB	Last Modified 07/10/2020
IECEx	162.02 kB	Last Modified 05/25/2016
Declaration of Conformity (RoHS/CE)	136.60 kB	Last Modified 01/20/2023
ATEX Letter of Conformity	101.65 kB	Last Modified 05/12/2022
UL CoC	83.45 kB	Last Modified 06/23/2020
Korean KC Registration	586.65 kB	Last Modified 09/11/2020
Declaration of REACH Compliance	388.80 kB	Last Modified 12/18/2025