CDL Gateway
WHAT IS CDL Gateway?
CDL Gateway for Caterpillar® Engine and Genset Monitoring
CDL Gateway is a pre-configured solution that provides a customer communications interface to the Caterpillar® line of Industrial Engines and Generator Sets via different protocols and data maps.
The CDL Gateway™ is a simple solution for monitoring any Caterpillar® engine or genset. It is much more than just a protocol converter, it is a pre-configured solution that provides a customer communications interface to the Caterpillar® line of products by communicating directly over Cat Data Link, or CDL. This Gateway can be used to set up an efficient and effective CAT® monitoring system.
Features such as the availability of over 400 pre-configured registers, automatic engine detection and configuration, the pulling of parameters at a rate of approximately 20-60 parameters per second and a built-in USB user interface showing all available parameters on a specific installation make this Gateway an essential part of any Caterpillar® engine monitoring system.
More about Caterpillar® Engine Monitoring
The CDL Gateway™ supports over a hundred different protocols, and has three host ports to choose from including two RS-232 ports, one RS-485 2-wire or 4-wire, and one Ethernet port. In addition, it can accommodate optional input/output modules that allow the user to input bearing temperatures, winding temperatures, fuel level and digital inputs from ancillary equipment. Analog digital outputs allow for remote start/stop on generators and provide analog signals to other control equipment to create a more complete Caterpillar® engine monitoring system to fit your needs.
Benefits & Features
- Over 400 pre-configured solutions
- C-IL approved for Class I Div II groups A-D locations
- 0-15 times faster than other customer communications products
- Automatic engine detection and configuration
- Built-in USB interface shows all available parameters on a specific installation
- Gather data from other assets through available ports
- LED indication lights for communication and power confirmation
- Full diagnostic and fault code support with text descriptions
- Pulls parameters at a rate of approximately 20-60 parameters per second
The convenient USB user interface allows each customer to configure the ports and assign device addresses and IP addresses. Installing a USB driver on a computer in the office or in the field and plugging into the USB port causes the user interface to appear and provides a clear view of each port and the configuration parameters. The user interface also shows you exactly which parameters are responding on your particular installation and the raw value in that parameter.
The CDL Gateway™ currently offers 407 parameters that are available in many industrial engines, marine engines, and generator sets. If you have special parameters that need to be monitored we can easily add those to our Gateway’s capabilities.
Unlike competitive products, the CDL Gateway™ requires virtually no setup. It pre-configures all parameters with pre-assigned mapping allowing the integrator to know from the very start exactly how to program the host device before going into the field for installation. Since there is virtually no setup required, it can be installed and integrated in a matter of minutes.
The CDL Gateway™ is an incredibly flexible product. If your application needs different address assignments, different protocols, or you have different contollers on the network you need to aggregate into our registers, we can quickly and efficiently accommodate your needs using our free software, MonicoView.
Download Datasheet →
Specifics for your CAT® Monitoring System
The CDL Gateway™ supports over a hundred different protocols and special parameters that need to be monitored can quickly and easily be added to complete your CAT® monitoring system.
Temperature Ranges:
- Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 50 ºC
- Storage Temperature Range: -30 to +70 ºC
Compatible CAT® Engines and Gensets:
- 3400
- 3500
- G3400
- G3500
- G3600
- G3250
- GCM34
- ITSM
- ICSM
- EMCP II
- EMCP II+
- EMCP II+P
Optional Input/Output Modules:
- (8) Digital Inputs & (6) Digital Outputs
- (8) Thermocouple Inputs-Any type
- (6) RTD Inputs-100 ohm Platinum
- (8) Analog Voltage Inputs – 0-10V
- (8) Analog Current Inputs – 0-20 mA
- (4) Analog Outputs – Voltage or Current
Pre Configured Versions:
- Allen Bradley
- BACnet
- GE Fanuc
- Modbus
- Omron
- Siemens
- SNMP
Future-proof your monitoring system
Looking for the Next Generation of Industrial Monitoring?
Monico’s mCore® SDR is the powerful evolution of our trusted gateway technology — combining protocol conversion, edge processing, and remote connectivity in one intelligent device. With onboard analytics, flexible I/O, and seamless integration to the cloud or MonicoLive™, mCore® SDR gives you more visibility, control, and scalability than ever before.
How to Choose The Right Gateway
Monico Gateway Product Comparison – Gateways vs. mCore® SDR
CDL Gateway™ |  CPC Gateway™ |  J1939 Gateway™ |  mCore® SDR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Caterpillar® engine/genset monitoring via Cat Data Link | Multi-device protocol conversion for varied industrial systems | Monitoring J1939 CAN-based engines and mobile equipment | Edge data acquisition, protocol conversion, analytics, and remote connectivity |
| Supported Protocols | CDL (Cat Data Link) + output protocols | 100+ protocols (Modbus, Siemens, BACnet, DeviceNet, etc.) | J1939 + supported outputs | 100+ protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, BACnet, etc.) |
| Automatic Equipment Detection | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Edge Processing / Local Analytics | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✔ Yes – built-in logic engine, thresholding, event handling |
| Cloud Connectivity | ❌ No (requires additional integration) | ❌ No (requires integration) | ❌ No | ✔ Yes – native support for MonicoLive™, MQTT, and other cloud protocols |
| Pre-configured Parameters | 400+ CDL-based registers | 400+ across multiple protocols | 100+ J1939-based parameters | ✔ Preloaded templates + customizable mapping |
| Real-Time Data Polling Speed | 20–60 parameters/sec | 20–60 parameters/sec | ~20 parameters/sec | ✔ High-speed, multi-threaded polling |
| Custom Logic & Alerting | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✔ Yes – programmable conditions, alerts, and outputs |
| USB Interface for Diagnostics | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Built-in I/O Capability | Optional modules | Optional modules | Optional modules | ✔ Native I/O: analog, digital, RTD, thermocouple, and relay options |
| Ideal Equipment Type | CAT® engines, gensets (EMCP, 3400, 3500, etc.) | Engines, gensets, PLCs, drives, sensors from multiple vendors | Mobile equipment with J1939 CAN protocol | Any industrial asset requiring smart monitoring, data forwarding, and local intelligence |
| Simultaneous Protocol Support | 1 input (CDL) + configurable output | Up to 9 protocols simultaneously | 1 input (J1939) + configurable output | ✔ Supports multiple simultaneous protocols, both field and cloud-side |
| Installation Time | Minutes (plug-and-play) | Fast setup, custom config available | Quick install | ✔ Easy setup with intuitive interface + remote provisioning support |
| Target User | CAT® equipment operators | System integrators with mixed-protocol environments | Fleet managers using J1939-based systems | Maintenance teams, OEMs, and industrial operators modernizing toward edge/cloud monitoring |
| Hazardous Location Approval | ✔ Class I, Div II Groups A-D | ✔ Class I, Div II Groups A-D | ✔ Class I, Div II Groups A-D | ✔ Available in hazardous-location rated configurations |
Why Monico
Key advantages that set us apart
Your Data is Yours
Your data is securely collected and stored, always remaining under your control, so you can make informed decisions without concerns about data accessibility or third-party restrictions. We’re here to empower you with the insights you need, not limit how you use your data.
Preconfigured, No Coding Required
Our solutions come preconfigured and ready to deploy without the need for complex coding or development. This plug-and-play approach gets you up and running faster, no coding or data analysis required.
Modern Intuitive Platform
Our platform is designed with you in mind, combining modern functionality with an intuitive interface that simplifies data monitoring and visualization. With Monico, you’ll experience an easy-to-navigate system that makes it simple to access, interpret, and act on your data.
OEM-Agnostic, Multi-Protocol Support
Our gateways are preconfigured for your specific equipment and work seamlessly with most major industrial OEMs. With broad protocol support, they easily integrate into mixed fleets—no custom coding or complex setup required.
EASY AS 1,2,3
The Shortest Path to Real-Time
Actionable Intelligence™
1
Schedule a Demo
We’ll walk you through the process and share examples grounded in real data. No big sales pitch. We’ll discuss the problems you’re trying to solve, identify your needs and address your questions about ROI, security, the implementation process, and more.
2
Let Us Configure Your Solution
We won’t just sell you a gateway and wish you luck. Our powerful solutions are simplified for each customer by being pre-configured, down to the serial number of each asset. You’ll easily access data and gain insights from day one, without struggling with siloed data or differing protocols.
3
Count On Us for Support
Our job isn’t done until implementation is successful and you’re getting data exactly the way you want it, where you want it. We’ll provide installation, training and support. In addition, our online resource library is available 24/7.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the CDL gateway different from a standard protocol converter?
Unlike basic protocol converters, the CDL Gateway™ comes preloaded with over 400 data parameters, includes automatic engine detection, and provides a full USB user interface for diagnostics and setup. It’s designed to get you up and running in minutes — not hours.
How fast does the CDL Gateway™ pull data?
It collects data at a rate of approximately 20–60 parameters per second, which is up to 15x faster than many alternative solutions on the market.
Can I integrate additional sensor data into the system?
Yes. Optional I/O modules allow you to input data from other systems such as bearing or winding temperatures, fuel levels, digital status signals, and even initiate remote start/stop commands.
Does it support fault codes and diagnostics?
Absolutely. The Gateway offers full fault code support with descriptive text, allowing operators and technicians to quickly diagnose and respond to equipment issues.
What types of Caterpillar® equipment are supported?
The CDL Gateway™ supports a wide range of Caterpillar® engines and gensets, including the 3400, 3500, G3400, G3500, G3600, G3250, GCM34, EMCP II, II+, II+P, ITSM, and ICSM.
How is the CDL Gateway™ configured?
Configuration is simple. The built-in USB interface allows users to view available parameters and adjust settings like IP addresses or port assignments. Monico’s free MonicoView™ software can also be used for deeper customization if needed.
Is this product rated for industrial environments?
Yes. The CDL Gateway™ is C-IL approved for Class I Div II Groups A-D hazardous locations and operates in temperatures from 0–50 °C (operating) and -30 to +70 °C (storage).
Can the CDL Gateway™ connect to my existing control system?
Yes. Whether you’re using PLCs, SCADA systems, or other industrial control equipment, the CDL Gateway™ is designed to integrate seamlessly with your infrastructure using your preferred protocol.
