The MVI56-BAS is a BASIC Communication Module manufactured by Prosoft Technology. It is a single-slot module that is built to convert the large installed base of legacy BASIC programs used on 1747-BAS and 1771-DB modules to the ControlLogix systems. Its user interface consists of three ports – DH-485, PRT1, and PRT2. These ports are used to conduct communication, BASIC program transfer, ASCII communication, programming, or DF1 communication. The MVI56-BAS has a Compact Flash disk slot. You can use the CF card to store BASIC programs. These BASIC programs can be also exported to another or to a local PC. The device has 24065 Bytes of RAM available.

The main functions that can be operated through this communication module are the creation of BASIC programs to allow data transfer with the ControlLogix processor and creation or external device interface for special applications. The module can also be used to interface devices that use ASCII coding to a ControlLogix backplane. This would be the case with printers, barcode readers, or modems. The MVI56-BAS can be configured as a DF1 half-duplex slave or as a DF1 full-duplex module. To transfer data between this module and processor, the programmer will have to use ladder logic. Sample ladder file is delivered with the device. The device can be operated at 0 to 60 degree Celsius (32 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. It has four LED status indicators for module operation, backplane transfer, application, and serial activity.