Yes, that's correct.
We have several machines using SEW MOVIMOT drives communicating with 1769-L32E CompactLogix controllers, but they each have a fieldbus MFD module attached, which use the DeviceNet protocol. They are slaves to a 1769-SDN at each CompactLogix. However, before we got the DeviceNet modules, we had investigated using the built-in RS-485 ports to talk directly to the controllers, but were advised against it by SEW, as they reckoned it was substandard to the fieldbus modules option - something we had thought ourselves before contacting them.
The MOVILINK protocol is indeed proprietary to SEW. Page 58 in your linked PDF only shows the wiring between the MOVIMOT and any controlling device that supports RS-485, but the controller must also be able to "talk" MOVILINK, which of course the CompactLogix cannot.
If you read Chapter 7: "Easy" startup with RS485 interface/fieldbus, it goes into great detail about the communication setup between the MOVIMOT and the Master. Specifically, on page 125, you will see the note that dginbuffalo kindly posted up, stating how the Master must comply with the MOVILINK protocol.
Once such compliant fieldbus interface is the MOVIFIT-MC. This acts as an interface between the MOVIMOT drives and the controller. You can wire 3 x MOVIMOT drives to 1 x MOVIFIT-MC, using RS-485 and the MOVILINK protocol. You use the interface in "Transparent Mode". The MOVIFIT-MC can then be connected to the controller using Ethernet and the EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP protocol.
The MOVIFIT interface is available with three function levels: Classic, Technology or System. You need the Technology level minimum to use Ethernet.
Here is the manual:
MOVIFIT Function Level "Technology" with EtherNet/IP or Modbus/TCP interface
Chapter 11 - pages 99-102 outline the data that is passed between the MOVIMOT drives and the MOVIFIT-MC interface.
Chapter 6 describes in detail how to add the MOVIFIT interface into your RSLogix 5000 project for a 1769-L32E CompactLogix controller, using the Generic Ethernet Module.
You would need 4 x MOVIFIT-MC interfaces for the 12 MOVIMOT drives.
This is probably going to be the second best option available to you, with the direct fieldbus interfaces being the best option.
I've no experience with the Redlion gateway that dginbuffalo and jstolaruk have mentioned, but that could be a viable option as well?
Regards,
George