MPI Converter

Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade my older PG laptop. I'm planning on replacing the PG laptop with a newer thinkpad W520. The plan is to image the old laptop and use VMWare moving forward.

However, I'll now need an MPI port on the laptop. What solutions have you found best? I was looking at the Siemens 6ES7972-0CA23-0XA0, but quotes came back around $800.

Are there any USB/MPI adapters that people would recommend and know work? I've seen some knockoff solutions, but am always skeptical to use them. Or, do people have other solutions?

Thanks in Advance.

The units we use, are called IBH link S7 PLus and cost about 400€.
We have 5 units and they work great.

http://www.ibhsoftec-sps.de/english/IBH_Link_S7_Plus.htm

I personally have never had any issues with the PC Adapter USB.

Siemens Simatic S7
6ES7 972-0CB20-0XA0

Works well for MPI and Profi-Bus.

See link below

http://www.ind-concepts.com/Siemens_PLC_Programming_Cables.htm