Allen Bradley ControlLogix Communication Modules
Available options include EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O, Foundation Fieldbus, Serial, DH-485, and SynchLink. Multiple communication modules can be installed in the ControlLogix system to allow control and/or sharing of data over different networks.
After determining the networks you will be using you will be able to select the communication modules your system will require and the necessary cables and network equipment. Remember to plan for extra modules and cables if you are designing a redundant system. It is possible to route a message through up to 4 different chassis (8 communication hops). A ControlLogix controller is not required in each chassis to accomplish this. The following tables list the various communication modules available to interface with your system. The first table lists normal usage applications for the industry protocol communications networks.
Communication Network Applications
Communication Network |
Standard Applications |
EtherNet/IP |
Plant Management (Material Handling) Configuration,Data Collection & Control/Single High Speed Network Time Critical Applications/No Established Schedule Inclusion of Commercial Technologies (Video over IP, etc.) Internet/Intranet Connection Integrated CIP Motion & Safety |
ControlNet |
High Speed Transfer of Time Critical Data Between Controllers and I/O Devices Deterministic & Repeatable Data Delivery Media Redundancy Intrinsic Safety Redundant Controller Systems |
DeviceNet |
Connection of Low-Level Devices to Controllers w/o Interfacing Through I/O Modules Data Sent As Needed More Diagnostics for Improved Data Collection & Fault Detection Less Wiring & Reduced Start-Up Time than Traditional Hard-Wired System |
Data Highway Plus |
Plant Wide and Cell Level Data Sharing With Program Maintenance Data Sent on Regular Basis Transferring Information Between Controllers |
Remote I/O |
Connections Between Controllers & I/O Adapters Data Sent on Regular Basis Distributed Control/Each Controller Has I/O & Communicates with Supervisory Controller |
Foundation Fieldbus |
Fieldbus Transmitters & Actuators Closed Loop Control Process Automation |
EtherNet/IP Communication Modules
The EtherNet Industrial Protocol Network (EtherNet/IP) is an industry standard open network which supports both real time input/output messaging and message exchange. EtherNet/IP uses readily available standard EtherNet communication chips and/or physical media.
Part Number |
EtherNet/IP Application |
Media |
Communication Rate |
CIP Motion Axes (Max) |
TCP/IP Connections |
Logix Connections |
1756-EN2F |
Bridge, Fiber |
Fiber |
100 Mbps |
8 |
128 |
256 |
1756-EN2T |
Bridge, Copper |
Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
8 |
128 |
256 |
1756-EN2TR |
Bridge, Copper, Embedded Switch |
Dual Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
8 |
128 |
256 |
1756-EN3TR |
Bridge, Copper, Embedded Switch |
Dual Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
128 |
128 |
256 |
1756-ENBT |
Bridge, Copper |
Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
– |
64 |
128 |
1756-EWEB |
Web Server Module |
Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
– |
64 |
128 |
1756-EN2TXT |
ControlLogix-XT Bridge, Copper, Extreme Environments |
Copper |
10/100 Mbps |
8 |
128 |
256 |
EtherNet/IP Network Accessories
Part Number |
EtherNet/IP Application |
Specifications |
1585J-M8PBJM-x |
RJ45 Patchcord; x = 2 (2m), x = 5 (5m), or x = 10 (10m) |
8 Conductor, Teal Riser PVC Cable (Flex Rated Cable Available) |
1585J-M8CC-H |
RJ45 Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) |
0.128... 0.325 mm2 (26... 22 AWG), Cat. 6, IDC, No Tool Required |
1585J-M8CC-C |
RJ45 Crimp Connector With Boot, Quantity: 50 Pieces |
0.128... 0.205 mm2 (26... 24 AWG), Cat 5e, Crimp Tool Required |
1585Jcrimp |
Crimp Tool |
Use With 1585J-M8CC-C |
9300-RADES |
Remote Access Dial-In Kit |
56 Kbps Modem Connection With: Pre-Configured Modem, Communication Module, DIN Rail Mounting Hardware, and Associated Cables |
ControlNet Communication Modules
The ControlNet network provides high speed capabilities by combining the best aspects of an input/output network and a peer-to-peer network. ControlNet features deterministic, repeatable transfers of critical control data. The modules with 128 Logix connections also have an additional 3 connections reserved for redundant control. For the modules with 64 Logix connections it is recommended to use only 40 to 48 of these for input/output connections.
Part Number |
ControlNet Application |
Communication Rate |
Logix Connections |
Number of Nodes |
1756-CN2/B |
Standard Media Bridge |
5 Mbps |
128 (+3) |
99 |
1756-CN2R/B |
Redundant Media Bridge |
5 Mbps |
128 (+3) |
99 |
1756-CNB |
Standard Media Bridge |
5 Mbps |
64 |
99 |
1756-CNBR |
Redundant Media Bridge |
5 Mbps |
64 |
99 |
1756-CN2RXT |
ControlLogix-XT Redundant Media Bridge |
5 Mbps |
128 (+3) |
99 |
DeviceNet Communication Module and Accessories
The DeviceNet network, as its name implies, provides communication connections between system devices. The devices can be as simple as sensors and actuators or more complex devices, such as controllers and computers.
Part Number |
DeviceNet Application |
1756-DNB |
DeviceNet Bridge Module Communication Rates: 125 Kbps (500 m max); 250 Kbps (250 m max); 500 Kbps (100 m max) Number of Nodes: 64 |
KwikLink Lite Flat Media |
Newer, ODVA approved for wiring DeviceNet networks. Supports intermixing of DeviceNet cable types, such as round with flat. KwikLink Lite connectors provide insulation displacement. |
KwikLink Flat Media |
Modular cabling with flat 4-wire cable and insulation displacement connectors (IDCs). System Nodes can be added without cutting or stripping trunkline. Eliminates need for predetermined cable lengths. |
Round Media |
Round trunk cable is available in bulk spools or as pre-molded cable sets of various lengths. Round cable supports rugged and durable DeviceNet components, including stainless steel versions: 1. Thick trunk round cable provides maximum length DeviceNet trunk lines. 2. Thin trunk cable reduces maximum trunk line distances with a more compact installation. Thin cable outer jacket is TPE for added chemical resistance. |
Data Highway Plus and Remote Input/Output Communication Modules and Accessories
Part Number |
Description |
Communication Rate |
DH+ Connections |
RIO Connections |
Logix Connections |
1756-DHRIO |
DH+/Remote I/O |
57.6 Kbps, 115.2 Kbps, 230.4 Kbps |
32 DH+ messages per DH+ Module |
Remote I/O Scanner: 32 logical rack /channel; 16 block-transfer/channel |
32 |
1756-RIO |
Remote I/O |
57.6 Kbps, 115.2 Kbps, 230.4 Kbps |
-- |
Remote I/O Scanner/Adapter: 32 physical racks (0... 76), any rack size and/or block transfers |
10 Scheduled Input/Output |
1756-DHRIOXT |
Extended Temperature DH+/Remote I/O |
57.6 Kbps, 115.2 Kbps, 230.4 Kbps |
32 DH+ messages per DH+ Module |
Remote I/O Scanner: 32 logical rack/channel; 16 block-transfer/channel |
32 |
1770-CD |
Belden 9463 twin axial cable; connects communication module to DH+ Network |
9300-RADKIT |
Remote access dial-in kit: 56 Kbps modem connection to DH+ Network devices. Kit includes: Pre-configured Modem, Communication Module, DIN rail mounting hardware, and associated cables. |
FOUNDATION Fieldbus Linking Devices
FOUNDATION Fieldbus networks are designed for distributed control of process applications. The Fieldbus network is linked to other plant networks with the following bridge devices. Although these linking devices can accommodate up to 16 devices per H1 link, 8 to 10 devices per link is recommended.
Part Number |
Fieldbus Application |
Communication Rate |
H1 Ports |
Devices per H1 Link |
Total Device Links Available |
1757FFLD2 |
EtherNet/IP Network Bridge |
Fieldbus: 31.25 Kbps EtherNet/IP: 10/100 Mbps |
2 |
16 |
32 |
1757-FFLD4 |
EtherNet/IP Network Bridge |
Fieldbus: 31.25 Kbps EtherNet/IP: 10/100 Mbps |
4 |
16 |
64 |
1757-FFLDC2 |
ControlNet Network Bridge |
Fieldbus: 31.25 Kbps ControlNet: 5 Mbps |
2 |
16 |
32 |
1757-FFLDC4 |
ControlNet Network Bridge |
Fieldbus: 31.25 Kbps ControlNet: 5 Mbps |
4 |
16 |
64 |