SLC 500 Selection Guide
The SLC 500 is a series of small, chassis-based modular programmable controllers (PLCs) and I/O modules. This control platform is designed and built by Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation for industrial environments. It is capable of handling extremes in mechanical shock and vibration, as well as withstanding a wide range of humidity and temperature conditions.
The SLC 500 is available with a maximum of 64K of program/configurable data memory. Hence, the SLC 500 processors can provide power, flexibility, and expanded I/O options to take on a wide range of control applications that previously required larger and more expensive control solutions. Also, SLC 500 modular I/O systems provide more than 60 types of I/O modules, which you can use to customize your control application with a broad selection of I/O options, including discrete, analog, and numerous specialty I/O modules from Rockwell Automation and third-party partners.
Overall, an SLC 500 control system can address high-speed processes and discrete control applications from a single control platform. As either a Stand-Alone control system with a processor and I/O modules connected in a single 1746 chassis having a power supply, or as a Distributed control system that can utilize distributed I/O, multiple controllers connected across networks, or I/O in multiple control platforms connected over multiple I/O links and distributed in many locations. This makes the system ideal for fast-paced control operations like packaging machines and bottling lines.
All the aforementioned features have helped to make the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 the premier small logic control system available in the market today. More than a decade after its introduction, the SLC 500 system is still a gold standard of small-size, full-featured programmable logic control systems that are currently in use. Therefore, whenever you’re selecting an SLC 500 system, you must specify the right components to get the most out of its features. This article will provide you with a checklist to use as a guide to completing the specifications of your SLC 500 system.
Selection Criteria
With SLC 500 modular control systems you select the appropriate I/O modules, Communication Modules, Processor, Chassis, and Power Supply selections to fit your application. You can use the following selection checklist for SLC 500 Systems as a guide to completing your control system specification, depending on your application requirements.
Select I/O Modules
SLC 500 I/O Modules are available in a variety of voltage options and densities. Some modules have individually isolated inputs/outputs, diagnostic features, or electronic fuses for protection. You can choose from over 60 digital, analog, and specialty SLC 500 I/O modules to control discrete, analog, and temperature signals. Moreover, you can select any of the available specialty modules for your high-speed counting, temperature, hydraulic, motion and positioning, or press control applications. Note, that the selected specialty module should fit directly into the 1746 chassis.
This complete and varied assortment of I/O modules will provide you with the flexibility and speed you need to create and configure a custom solution for your SLC 500 control application. Select the SLC 500 I/O modules that exactly match your application requirements. You can also include combination modules that will allow you to have inputs and outputs in a single slot for optimal use of the available chassis space.
Some of the SLC 500 I/O modules provided by Rockwell Automation are available in the following categories:
- 1746 Digital I/O Modules: These modules are available in a broad range of densities including 4-, 8-, 16-, and 32-points. They can interface to an assortment of AC (alternating current), DC (direct current), and Transistor–Transistor Logic (TTL) voltage levels. The 1746 digital output modules are available with solid-state AC/DC and relay contact type outputs. For added flexibility, combination digital I/O modules with 6 inputs/6 outputs, 4 inputs/4 outputs, and 2 inputs/2 outputs are also available. Generally, 1746 digital I/O are high-quality modules designed and tested for industrial applications; you can thus use them in a variety of harsh industrial environments. For example, fast response DC inputs and high-density 32-point DC I/O modules allow SLC 500 systems to be applied in a broader spectrum of industrial control applications.
- 1746 Analog I/O Modules: These modules feature user-selectable current or voltage inputs, diagnostic feedback, backplane isolation, and Removable Terminal Blocks (RTBs). The input channels of the 1746-NI4, 1746-NIO4I, and 1746-NIO4V analog modules are filtered to eliminate high-frequency noise and provide a high resolution of 14- to 16-bit that is range-dependent. Also, all 4-channel analog output modules (1746-NO4I, 1746-NO4V) provide 14-bit resolution and a conversion rate of 2.5 milliseconds.
- SLC 500 Thermocouple/mV Input Modules: They include the 1746-NT4, 1746-NT8, and 1746-INT4 modules. All these modules accept millivolt analog signals which cannot be detected by standard 1746 analog modules. Also, all the modules in this category interface to different thermocouple types, including J, K, T, E, R, S, B, and N.
- RTD Resistance Input Modules: They include 1746-NR4 and 1746-NR8 RTD modules. These modules provide four filter frequency options, allowing you to select the level of input noise filtering that is appropriate for your application and the surrounding environment.
- High-Speed Counter Modules: The 1746-HSCE module provides bidirectional counting of high-speed inputs from various high-speed switches and quadrature encoders.
- Blow Molding Modules: The 1746-BLM module is an intelligent I/O module that is used on most types of blow molding machines to provide up to 4 axes of closed-loop parison control.
- Stepper Control Modules: The 1746-HSTP1 is a single-axis, single-slot stepper module capable of providing a maximum of 250 kHz pulse train outputs to be used in micro-stepping applications. It operates with a variety of SLC 500 processors.
I/O Wiring Systems
After you have selected the type of SLC 500 I/O modules that will meet your precise control needs, check their wiring requirements. Some SLC 500 I/O modules require Interface Modules (IFMs) and/or pre-wired 1492 cables.
Select Communication Modules/Devices
Rockwell Automation offers a variety of SLC 500 communication modules and devices which support different communication networks, including DeviceNet, ControlNet, EtherNet/IP, DH-485, DH+, Universal Remote I/O, and Serial Networks. You should determine the communication network requirements for your application and select the necessary SLC 500 communication modules/devices. Also, include the appropriate communication cables to interface the selected communication modules to the controller and other devices.
- EtherNet/IP: This is an open industrial networking standard that uses commercial, off-the-shelf physical media and Ethernet equipment. The Ethernet network is well-suited for high-speed transfer of data between information systems and/or multiple controllers, program maintenance, and Intranet/Internet connections. Hence, an Ethernet network will provide you with many possibilities because you can maximize communication between a great variety of equipment from multiple vendors. Please take note that for an Internet connection, you will need the TCP/IP protocol. In the SLC 500 family, EtherNet/IP connectivity is provided by the SLC 5/05 processors. Ethernet communications in SLC 5/05 processors take place at 10Mbps or 100Mbps, providing you with a high-speed network for data acquisition, operator interface, peer-to-peer messaging, program upload/download, and online editing.
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ControlNet: This network enables intelligent, high-speed control devices to exchange information required for programming, remote device configuration, operator interface, work-cell coordination, supervisory control, and troubleshooting. ControlNet connectivity in SLC 500 systems is provided by the following interfaces:
- ControlNet Messaging Module (1747-KFC15): It provides unscheduled ControlNet network connectivity for SLC 5/03 and higher processors. With unscheduled messaging, you can access and edit your SLC 500 controller program or send peer-to-peer messages over the ControlNet network.
- ControlNet Scanner (1747-SCNR): This module provides scheduled ControlNet connectivity for SLC 5/03 and higher processors. With scheduled messaging, you can use the SLC processor to control real-time I/O events on the ControlNet network.
- ControlNet Adapters (1747-ACN15 and 1747-ACNR15): These adapter modules provide both unscheduled and scheduled ControlNet connections for 1746 I/O modules. They enable SLC 500 systems to control up to three 1746 Chassis (with 30 slots) of analog, discrete, and specialty I/O modules over a ControlNet network.
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DeviceNet: This network provides a significant reduction in wiring and high-speed access to plant-floor devices and data. The following interfaces provide DeviceNet connectivity for SLC 500 control systems:
- DeviceNet Scanner Module (1747-SDN): This module acts as an interface between SLC 5/02 or higher processors and DeviceNet devices. Through the DeviceNet network, the module can monitor the operational status, download configuration data, read inputs, and write outputs.
- DeviceNet Interface Device (1761-NET-DNI): The DNI (DeviceNet Interface) gets the full-duplex DF1 commands and bundles them up in the DeviceNet protocol before sending them over to a target DNI. The target DNI acts as an interface for DF1 end devices to the DeviceNet network. When removing the DeviceNet information, it passes the DF1 commands to the end device.
- Data Highway Plus (DH+): This network supports data acquisition and remote programming for plant-floor control applications. You can use DH+ communication modules if you want to implement a peer-to-peer network for your SLC 500 system.
- DH-485 Network: This communication network enables plant-floor devices to share information. Through the DH-485 network, SLC 500 application programs can perform data acquisition, monitor device and process parameters and statuses, including alarm and fault detection, download/upload PLC programs over the network, and perform supervisory control functions.
- Universal Remote I/O: This is a control network that provides connections between SLC 500 controllers and remote or built-in remote I/O adapters. Its typical applications range is from simple I/O links with 1746 I/O and SLC 500 controllers to distributed control systems with a variety of other devices and multiple I/O controllers that communicate with a supervisory controller. In SLC 500 systems, Universal Remote I/O connectivity is provided by the following interfaces: the 1747-SN remote I/O scanner, the 1747-BSN backup remote I/O scanner, the 1747-ASB remote I/O adapter module, and the 1747-DCM direct communication module.
- Serial Network: SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, and SLC 5/05 processors have a built-in serial port that is configurable for RS-422A, RS-423, or RS-232 compatible communications via a serial network. You can use the serial port to connect devices that communicate using the DF1 protocol, such as programming workstations, communication modules, modems, or other Encompass partner devices, as well as devices that send and receive ASCII characters, such as bar-code readers, printers, and ASCII terminals.
Select an SLC Processor
Select the most appropriate SLC 500 processor for your application based on memory, speed (performance), number of supported I/O, communication options, and programming requirements.
The available Allen-Bradley SLC 500 Processors from which you can choose include:
- SLC 5/01 Processors (1747-L511 and 1747-L514): These processors provide a comprehensive set of 51 Ladder Logic programming instructions in a modular hardware configuration, with the choice of 1K or 4K program memory size. They support DH-485 communication channels, for peer-to-peer response only. An SLC 5/01 processor can control from 4 I/O points up to 3940 I/O points. In modular 1746 I/O systems, you can configure such a processor with a maximum of three chassis (30 slots in total). Note that the 1747-L511 processor requires a capacitor backup (battery backup is optional), while the standard for the 1747-L514 processor is a battery backup.
- SLC 5/02 Processors (1747-L524): These processors provide increased processor speed over the SLC 5/01 with additional instructions, additional peer-to-peer communication options, and increased diagnostics. They provide a program memory size of 4K instructions, a PID feature for closed-loop process control, index addressing, an Interrupt capability of a 10-millisecond Selectable Timed Interrupt (STI), user fault routines, and battery-backed RAM. SLC 5/02 Processors support DH-485 communication channels for both initial and response peer-to-peer communication. They also have the capability of solving 32-bit signed math functions.
- SLC 5/03 Processors (1747-L531 and 1747-L532): These are high-performance processors, as they provide faster throughput times of 1 millisecond for a typical 1K user-defined program. SLC 5/03 Processors can provide 32K, 16K, or 8K of user memory. With these processors, you can connect to external intelligent devices without the need for additional interface modules, as they offer an inbuilt RS-232 channel. Modular I/O systems with SLC 5/03 processors can control a maximum of 4096 I/O points and they can be configured with a maximum of 3 chassis (30 slots in total).
- SLC 5/04 Processors (1747-L541, 1747-L542, and 1747-L543): These processors provide DH+ communications in addition to the baseline functionality of the SLC 5/03 processors. As the standard DH-485 port is replaced with a DH+ port, communications through the DH+ network are 3 to 12 times faster than DH-485 communications. This provides high-speed SLC 5/04-to-SLC 5/04 communications with increased performance levels and direct connection to PLC-5 controllers. In addition, the SLC 5/04 processors provide program memory options of 16K, 32K, or 64K. They can control up to 4096 I/O points with up to 3 chassis (30 slots in total). A key feature of these processors is an SLC 5/04P option, which contains algorithms specifically designed for the control of Plastics Machinery.
- SLC 5/05 Processors (1747-L551, 1747-L552, and 1747-L553): These provide similar control functionality as the SLC 5/04 processors but use standard Ethernet communications instead of DH+ communications. They support Ethernet communications at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, providing you with a high-performance network for data acquisition, peer-to-peer messaging, operator interface, program upload/download, and online editing. These controllers offer a variety of program memory sizes (16K, 32K, or 64K), allowing you to closely match your SLC 500 application needs. Also, you can configure modular I/O systems with SLC 5/05 Processors with up to 3 chassis (30 slots in total), as well as a maximum of 4096 I/O points.
Select an SLC Chassis
The SLC 500 chassis hosts the I/O modules and the processor. Each chassis in your system should have a power supply. The power supply is mounted on the left side of the 1746 chassis. While the first slot in the first chassis (in case of 3 or 2 chassis) is set aside for the SLC 500 processor or any of the following adapter modules: 1747-ASB, 1747-ACNR15, or 1747-ACN15.
Modular style SLC 500 chassis provide flexibility in system configuration. You can choose any of the following four sizes of chassis: the 1746-A4 (4-slot chassis), the 1746-A7 (7-slot chassis), the 1746-A10 (10-slot chassis), and the 1746-A13 (13-slot chassis).
Note, that tools are not required to insert or remove the SLC 500 processor or I/O modules as all of the components of your SLC 500 system should slide easily into the chassis along with the provided guides. You can connect several chassis to form a chassis system (with a maximum of 3 chassis) using interconnect cables. Therefore, ensure that you select the right sizes of chassis to interconnect cables.
Select an SLC 500 Power Supply
When configuring an SLC 500 modular system, every 1746 chassis requires a power supply to power the I/O modules and the processor. Ensure you use the available power supply loading worksheet to provide sufficient power to your SLC 500 system. Careful power supply selection results in the best performance. However, excessive loading of the power supply outputs can lead to power supply shutdown or premature failure of the entire SLC 500 system. Also, whenever you’re selecting a power supply, make sure that you account for the future expansion needs of your SLC 500 system.
Allen-Bradley provides seven different SLC 500 power supplies: three AC and four DC. You can configure the AC power supplies to operate between 120 and 240 volts AC. No special wiring is required for AC power supplies since you can easily select either 120 or 240 volts AC with a jumper wire.
SLC 500 Power Supplies
- 1746-P1: This power supply has a line voltage of 85 to 132 volts AC and 170 to 265 volts AC at a frequency of 47 to 63 hertz. The internal current capacity is rated at 2 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.46 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P2: This power supply has a line voltage of 85 to 132 volts AC and 170 to 265 volts AC at a frequency of 47 to 63 hertz. The internal current capacity is rated at 5 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.96 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P3: This power supply has a line voltage of 19.2 to 28.8 volts DC. The internal current capacity is rated at 3.6 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.87 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P4: This power supply has a line voltage of 85 to 132 volts AC and 170 to 265 volts AC at a frequency of 47 to 63 hertz. The internal current capacity is rated at 10.0 amperes at 5 volts DC and 2.88 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P5: This power supply has a line voltage of 90 to 140 volts DC. The internal current capacity is rated at 5 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.96 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P6: This power supply has a line voltage of 30 to 60 volts DC. The internal current capacity is rated at 5 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.96 amperes at 24 volts DC.
- 1746-P7: This power supply has a line voltage of 10 to 30 volts DC. The internal current capacity for a 12-volt DC input is 2 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.46 amperes at 24 volts DC. Additionally, the internal current capacity for a 24-volt DC input is 3.6 amperes at 5 volts DC and 0.87 amperes at 24 volts DC.
Select a Lithium Battery Assembly
You should also select a replaceable 1747-BA Lithium Battery to provide backup power for the processor RAM. If you’re using SLC 5/01 Processors, the selected battery should provide backup power for at least 5 years for the 1747-L511 processor and 2 years for the 1747-L514 processor. In case you’re using either SLC 5/02, SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, or SLC 5/05 processors, select a Lithium battery that can provide backup power for approximately two years.