Ethernet/IP plugin for Data Loggers

Latest version: 5.0.1 build 1126. November 28, 2025.

This parser plugin reads tag values from ControlLogix, PLC-5, SLC-500, and MicroLogix controllers over EtherNet/IP. It uses Unconnected Messages with PCCC-style commands to request data. The plugin supports symbolic addressing and class/instance/attribute addressing. It recognizes many basic and structured types and can detect returned data types automatically. Use this add-on when you need simple and reliable read access of PLC data for logging, monitoring, or downstream processing.

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How it works: address, types, and bit access

Specify the device path to reach the target PLC. Use an empty value or 0 for a direct connection, or list slot numbers for multi-chassis paths (example device path: 2,1,4). The value address field accepts tag names, array indexes, or class/instance/attribute syntax (for example, VALUE1, VALUE1[2], @22/1/1). Supported data types include INT, DINT, REAL, STRING, BOOL, TIMER, and DATETIME, among others. The plugin also reads arrays and user-defined structured types (the parser can interpret a structured value as a string if you set Data type to String).

Polling mode

Requests can run in the polling mode. The program sends requests periodically at the interval you set. The effective read frequency depends on network speed and the number of queued requests. The plugin executes requests sequentially. Each request has the "Request timeout" parameter; when the timeout is reached, the plugin cancels the current request and moves on.

Examples of use

Grouped read for higher throughput: Combine several tags of the same simple type (e.g., DINT;MASS_DINT) into a single request. This reduces packet overhead and increases read rate. Example exported line:

DATE_TIME_STAMP[7]=2025-11-28 08:00:00;EIP_REQ[8]="Group1";DINT[3]=19582;MASS_DINT[3]=123

The "EtherNet/IP" plugin pairs well with Advanced TCP/IP Data Logger and Data Logger Suite because they support the TCP/IP interface.

Key features

• Read ControlLogix, PLC-5, SLC-500, and MicroLogix via EtherNet/IP.
• Symbolic and class/instance/attribute addressing.
• Automatic data-type detection and support for arrays and structures.
• Bitmask extraction and boolean bit access.
• Polling and one-shot request modes with configurable timeouts.
• Scale, default value, and custom export name options.

Summary

This EtherNet/IP parser plugin provides flexible, efficient reads from Allen-Bradley PLCs. Use Advanced TCP/IP Data Logger / Data Logger Suite to collect and export tag values, arrays, and bit fields for logging and monitoring.

Download  | PDF manual

How to enable this plugin

The figure below shows how to select the plugin on the "Modules" page.

How to configure the plugin

The figure below shows how to configure the plugin to poll the device every 15 seconds. Of course, you may change the poll interval as you want.