The part 1TGE120021R0610 is listed as an MLink Communication Gateway / Gateway Module from ABB.
It is described as a module used to interface and bridge different communication protocols in industrial automation and control systems — enabling data exchange between networks, field devices, DCS/PLCs, and supervisory/control systems.
In some vendor descriptions, it belongs to the product family for switchgear / motor control center systems (especially ABB’s “MNS iS” system) as a digital gateway between field devices and higher-level control.
In essence: 1TGE120021R0610 is not a simple I/O or protection relay — it is a communication/interface gateway used to integrate heterogeneous devices and protocols.
From available datasheets and vendor listings, the module’s main specifications and features include:
| Feature / Parameter | Description / Value |
|---|---|
| Function | MLink communication gateway / protocol converter / data-bridge module. |
| Supported Protocols / Interfaces | Support for common industrial protocols such as Modbus (RTU/TCP), PROFINET IO, possibly others depending on configuration (gateway is described as multi-protocol) |
| Network Interfaces | Typically Ethernet (industrial Ethernet) and possibly serial / fieldbus interfaces internally — enabling bridging between fieldbus/serial and Ethernet-based systems. |
| Mounting / Form Factor | DIN-rail / modular installation — designed for integration into control panels / switchgear / automation cabinets. |
| Environmental Rating | IP20 (internal-use enclosure), industrial operating range as per some listings: can operate over wide environmental conditions (some vendors state wide temperature range). |
| Application / Scope | Data acquisition, remote monitoring, protocol translation, bridging between legacy and modern devices, integration in power distribution / motor-control center environments (e.g. ABB MNS iS), process automation, building automation, SCADA / DCS interfacing, etc. |
Protocol conversion / gateway function: Allows devices using one communication protocol (e.g. Modbus RTU/serial, legacy fieldbus) to communicate with devices or control systems using other protocols (e.g. Ethernet-based, PROFINET), effectively bridging heterogeneous systems.
Data acquisition & monitoring: Aggregates data from field devices (sensors, controllers, I/O modules) and makes them available to higher-level control, SCADA, or remote monitoring systems.
System integration in switchgear / MNS / motor-control centers: Especially in ABB’s MNS iS switchgear / motor-control center product line, the gateway enables integration of digital controls and monitoring in LV/MV switchboards.
Flexible control architecture: Helps implement modular, scalable, and mixed-protocol automation systems — useful when upgrading legacy systems or mixing old and new equipment. 
The 1TGE120021R0610 module is suited to a variety of industrial and infrastructure scenarios:
Power distribution & switchgear automation — within LV/MV switchgear, motor control centers, or distribution boards, enabling digital monitoring and control across multiple devices and bus-bars.
Process plants / industrial automation — bridging legacy fieldbus or serial devices (e.g. older sensors, PLCs) to modern control/SCADA systems using Ethernet or PROFINET, facilitating phased upgrades.
Mixed-protocol environments — where different subsystems use different communication standards; the gateway harmonizes communications and enables centralized control.
Remote monitoring / SCADA integration — collecting data from field devices and forwarding to central control, data logging, trending, or remote supervision systems.
Retrofits and upgrades — especially where existing installation cannot be completely replaced; the gateway allows integrating older equipment into a modern automation architecture without full overhaul.
Because of its role as a gateway, 1TGE120021R0610 is more “infrastructure / backbone” than device-specific (e.g. relay, I/O, sensor): it supports connectivity and communication across a system.
When specifying or deploying 1TGE120021R0610, keep these points in mind:
Gateway, not a protection / I/O module: It does not itself provide protection, measurement, or I/O functions — its job is communication/integration. For protection, I/O, or control logic, separate modules/devices are still needed.
Compatibility & Protocol Support Depend on Configuration: Vendor listings show support for protocols like Modbus RTU/TCP and PROFINET IO — but actual support may depend on firmware/hardware revision; always verify with datasheet or supplier.
Network / System Design Required: As a gateway, its effectiveness depends on correct network design, addressing, and possibly additional modules (fieldbus interface modules, termination modules, power supply, etc.).
Environmental / Enclosure Requirements: With IP20 rating — likely not suitable for harsh outdoor or heavy-industrial environments without appropriate enclosure (dust / moisture protection).
Lifecycle & Spare Parts: As with many specialized gateway modules, verify long-term support and spare availability, especially in large plants with long operational lifetimes.
Licensing / Configuration Tools (if any): In some ABB-related systems, gateways like this may require configuration via specific software (especially if part of a larger system like ABB MNS iS), so confirm software versions and licensing when installing.
Suppose you have an older motor control center (MCC) with legacy Modbus-RTU devices (meters, sensors, protection relays) but want to upgrade to a modern automation architecture using PROFINET and a centralized SCADA / PLC system. By installing 1TGE120021R0610 as a gateway in the switchgear:
The gateway converts Modbus-RTU data to PROFINET (or other Ethernet protocol) in real time.
All legacy devices become visible to the central PL C / SCADA without replacing each device.
You enable centralized monitoring, logging, alarm handling, and data acquisition — while minimizing hardware depreciation and retrofit cost.
This kind of hybrid upgrade path (legacy + modern) is a typical use case for such communication gateways.
