CompactLogix (1769) Processor Selection Guide

CompactLogix (1769) Processors Overview 

1769 CompactLogix Processors are CompactLogix 5370 Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) from Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley. These controllers provide advanced control, communication, and I/O elements in a distributed compact package.

The CompactLogix system is designed to bring together the benefits of a Logix platform- common programming, common control engine, and common network protocols- a system referred to as the Integrated Rockwell Architecture. Combined with Compact I/O modules, the CompactLogix 5370 processors are perfect for handling small to mid-size machine-level control applications with unprecedented power and scalability. Thus, end-users and machine builders can take advantage of the benefits of an Integrated Architecture platform to provide a common development environment for a variety of control applications, in a low-cost system.

A simple CompactLogix platform can consist of a standalone CompactLogix (1769) processor with a set of I/O modules and DeviceNet communication. While a more complex system would add other communication networks, safety and motion control. Standard CompactLogix 5370 controllers are available in three series, namely:

A) CompactLogix 5370 L1 Processors

Expanding on the scalability of the Logix family, the CompactLogix 5370 L1 processors are designed to meet the increasing demands for high performance controllers in a compact, and more cost-effective package. They combine the power of the Logix Integrated Architecture with the flexibility of POINT I/O™ modules. In addition, these controllers offer a small form factor for reduced panel space usage.

All CompactLogix 5370 L1 controllers include the following features: 

• An embedded, non-isolated or isolated 24V DC power supply. Series A power supply modules are not isolated whereas Series B power supplies are isolated. This built-in power supply eliminates the need for Lithium-ion batteries. 
• Dual (2) EtherNet/IP ports for Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) network topologies 
• A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for fast firmware download and programming. 
• Can include up to 2-GB Secure Digital (SD) cards for faster saving and restoring of programs. Each CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller is available with a 1-GB SD card (1784-SD1), while the 2-GB SD card (1784-SD2) is ordered separately.   
• User memory options of up to 1 MB (Megabytes) 

Rockwell Automation provides the following Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5370 L1 processors: 

• 1769-L16ER-BB1B: 384 KB (Kilobytes) of user memory 
• 1769-L18ER-BB1B: 512 KB user memory 
• 1769-L18ERM-BB1B; 1769-L18ERM-BB1BK: 512 KB user memory 
• 1769-L19ER-BB1B; 1769-L19ER-BB1BK: 1 MB user memory 

B) CompactLogix 5370 L2 Processors

CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers deliver scalable control solutions in a space-saving form factor, with a 40% reduction of the required panel space. Also, as part of Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture, these controllers use the same programming software, information capabilities, and network protocols as other Logix controllers, thereby providing a common development environment for all control solutions. This allows users to build high performance and affordable machine controls.

CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers are characterized by the following features:  

• An integral 24V DC power supply module that eliminates the need for a backup battery. 
• Two (2) built-in Ethernet ports for Linear and DLR EtherNet/IP communications 
• One (1) USB port for downloading firmware and programming 
• A removable 1-GB secure digital (SD) card (Cat. No. 1784-SD1), improves data integrity. A 2-GB SD card can also be added to the CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers 
• A right-end cap whose catalog number is 1769-ECR 
• Flexible user memory options of up to 1MB 

The available Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers include: 

• 1769-L24ER-QB1B: 0.75 MB user memory 
• 1769-L24ER-QBFC1B; 1769-L24ER-QBFC1BK: 0.75 MB user memory 
• 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B: 1.0 MB user memory 

C) CompactLogix 5370 L3 Processors

To expand the scalability of the Logix controller family, the CompactLogix 5370 L3 Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) are designed to meet the growing demands for higher performance processors in a compact, scalable and affordable package. These controllers include the following advanced and cost-saving features: 

• A built-in energy storage system that eliminates the need for Lithium-ion batteries 
• External 24V DC 1769 power supply modules. A single 1769 power supply is sufficient for an L3 controller and local I/O modules. If an additional bank of expansion I/O modules is included, then a 1769 expansion power supply will be needed. 
• A wider range of user memory options of up to 5MB 
• A removable 1-GB SD card (1784-SD1) is included with these controllers, with the option to add a 2-GB SD card (1784-SD2). These SD cards are used to improve data integrity. 
• A USB port for firmware updates and controller programming 
• Additional features on the NSE (No Stored Energy) controller versions for operating in hazardous environments 

Allen-Bradley provides the following standard CompactLogix 5370 L3 controllers: 

• 1769-L30ER; 1769-L30ERK: 1 MB user memory 
• 1769-L30ERM; 1769-L30ERMK: 1 MB user memory 
• 1769-L30ER-NSE: 1 MB user memory without a capacitor for memory power backup 
• 1769-L33ER; 1769-L33ERK: 2 MB user memory 
• 1769-L33ERM; 1769-L33ERMK: 2 MB user memory 
• 1769-L36ERM: 3 MB user memory 
• 1769-L37ERM; 1769-L37ERMK: 4 MB user memory 
• 1769-L38ERM; 1769-L38ERMK: 5 MB user memory 

The CompactLogix 5370 L3 series also includes safety enhanced controllers, called Compact GuardLogix 5370 Controllers.

Compact GuardLogix 5370 Controllers 

Also known as CompactLogix 5370 L3S controllers, these processors provide safety control up to and including SIL 3 as per the IEC 61508/ EN 61511-1/ EN62061 standards, and PL(e) according to EN ISO 13849-1 requirements. They are available with two (2) EtherNet/IP ports for Device Level Ring (DLR) network topologies, a USB port, and a 1-GB SD card. 

The available Allen-Bradley controllers within this category include: 

• 1769-L30ERMS: 1 MB user memory + 0.5 MB (safety) 
• 1769-L33ERMS; 1769-L33ERMSK: 2 MB user memory + 1 MB (safety) 
• 1769-L36ERMS: 3 MB user memory + 1.5 MB (safety) 
• 1769-L37ERMS; 1769-L37ERMSK: 4 MB user memory + 1.5 MB (safety) 
• 1769-L38ERMS; 1769-L38ERMSK: 5 MB user memory + 1.5 MB (safety) 

Armor CompactLogix and Armor Compact GuardLogix Controllers 

These controllers also belong to the CompactLogix 5370 L3 series but they deliver standard, motion, and safety control for On-Machine operations. With Armor™ Compact GuardLogix® you can achieve SIL 3, CAT 4, and PL(e) integrated safety control, and with Armor™ CompactLogix™ you can obtain standard control. These On-Machine processors deliver global certifications, and Ingress Protection (IP67) ratings for dust and wash-down protection if immersed between 15 cm (centimeter) … 1 m (meter) in harsh environments.

Allen-Bradley Armor CompactLogix 5370 L3 processors include:  

• 1769-L33ERMO: 2 MB user memory 
• 1769-L36ERMO: 3 MB user memory 
• 1769-L37ERMO: 4 MB user memory 
• 1769-L38ERMO: 5 MB user memory 

Allen-Bradley Armor Compact GuardLogix 5370 L3 processors include:  

• 1769-L33ERMOS: 2 MB user memory + 1 MB for safety 
• 1769-L36ERMOS: 3 MB user memory + 1.5 MB for safety 
• 1769-L37ERMOS: 4 MB user memory + 1.5 MB for safety 
• 1769-L38ERMOS: 5 MB user memory + 1.5 MB for safety 

Selecting a CompactLogix (1769) Processor 

When selecting any of the three CompactLogix 5370 controller series, consider the following: 

A) Application Requirements

Select a CompactLogix (1769) processor that will best meet the demands of your application. The application capabilities of each of the three CompactLogix 5370 controllers are as outlined below:

CompactLogix 5370 L1 controllers are ideal for small to mid-size machine control applications, which require fewer I/O point counts and a low axis of motion. They are valuable to users looking for the benefits of the Integrated Logix Architecture and flexible POINT I/O modules, in a cost-effective control system.

CompactLogix 5370 L2 processors combine the power of the Logix Integrated Architecture with the flexibility of Compact I/O modules. They can be used in a wide variety of applications from controlling small standalone equipment/machinery to higher performance applications. These controllers function best in hoisting systems, process skids, packaging, indexing tables, and assembly machines.

CompactLogix 5370 L3 is a series of high-performance and diverse controllers, which deliver scalable and affordable control solutions for numerous applications. They are a perfect match for controlling small standalone equipment and high-performance process skids, indexing tables, erectors, and case packers, as well as packaging machinery. In addition, these controllers provide a precise integrated motion solution.

B) Communication Options

You can configure a CompactLogix 5370 system for information exchange between a broad range of computing platforms, operating systems, and field devices. Thus, select a CompactLogix (1769) processor with the appropriate integrated communication protocols or communication modules.

CompactLogix 5370 L2 and L3 processors support DeviceNet connectivity, while the CompactLogix 5370 L1 series does not support DeviceNet communications. DeviceNet is an open, low-level network, which enables connections between simple factory-level devices (actuators and sensors) and higher-level industrial devices (like computers and controllers).

In addition, all CompactLogix 5370 controller series (L1, L2, and L3) support Ethernet Industrial Network Protocol (EtherNet/IP). This is an open industrial-networking protocol, which allows message exchange and real-time I/O messaging. Besides, every 1769 CompactLogix processor includes two (2) Ethernet ports and an integral Ethernet switch technology. So, the controller can operate on Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) EtherNet/IP topologies.

Device Level Ring connectivity simplifies the integration of components in your CompactLogix system and increases network resiliency in case one network connection is lost. It also allows the replacement of individual devices without halting production. Also, the daisy chain configuration of DLR topologies helps reduce the number of Ethernet switches required in the CompactLogix system. Overall, DLR connectivity helps produce a cost-effective control system.

Moreover, CompactLogix (1769) processors also support various serial communication options. Ensure that you select a processor that can support the serial communications required by your application.

C) I/O Compatibility

Select a CompactLogix (1769) processor that’s compatible with your local and expansion I/O modules. CompactLogix 5370 L1 processors include embedded digital I/O modules, with 16 sinking 24V DC discrete input points and 16 sourcing 24V DC discrete output points. These controllers also support an additional 1734 POINT I/O as local expansion modules. The 1734 POINT I/O modules are best suited for applications that require high flexibility in a low-cost control system.

On the hand, CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers include a combination of built-in analog, digital, and high-speed counter I/O modules. With 1769-L24ER-QB1B16 controller having (16) sourcing/sinking 24V DC discrete input points and (16) 24V DC sourcing digital output points. While 1769-L24ER-QBFC1B; 1769-L24ER-QBFC1BK and 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B controllers include: (16) 24V DC sinking/ sourcing digital input points; (16) 24V DC sourcing discrete output points; four(4) universal analog input points; two(2) analog output points, and four(4) High-Speed Counter (HSC) modules. Note: CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers also support 1769 Compact I/O™ modules as local I/O modules.

Conversely, CompactLogix 5370 L3 controllers do not include embedded I/O modules. Instead, these controllers support 1769 Compact I/O™ modules as local I/O modules, and as remote I/O modules are accessible over an EtherNet/IP network using a 1769-AENTR EtherNet/IP adapter. In a CompactLogix 5370 L3 control system, the 1769 Compact I/O™ modules are placed to the right and the left side of the power supply. You can place as many as eight I/O modules on each side of the 24V DC power supply.

D) CompactLogix Integrated Motion

The safety and standard CompactLogix 5370 processors support motion control components, which can function in an extensive variety of machine architectures. These motion control components include: 

• Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP networks, which allows connection to Ethernet drives. 
• Integrated Kinetix motion solution that uses a SERCOS (Serial Real-Time Communication System) interface module, for carrying out multi-axis, synchronized motion. 
• Logix integrated motion that enables the analog class of servo modules to control actuators/drives. 
• Networked motion that allows DeviceNet connectivity to a single-axis drive, for high-performance point-to-point indexing. 

Some CompactLogix 5370 controllers offer cost-effective, competitive, and scalable motion solutions together with the Kinetix® 350 servo drives. While others support the integrated motion on EtherNet/IP networks. Therefore, select the CompactLogix (1769) processor that has sufficient motion axis support to meet your application requirements. For example: 

In the CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller series, the 1769-L18ERM-BB1B and 1769-L18ERM-BB1BK processors support up to 2 axes of CIP integrated motion on an EtherNet/IP network. EtherNet/IP™ with CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) Motion™ technology brings together real-time, deterministic, closed-loop control with unmodified, standard Ethernet that offers full compliance to Ethernet standards including TCP/IP and IEEE 802.3. Thus, combined EtherNet/IP and CIP Motion technologies deliver open, high-performance, high bandwidth solutions for multi-axis and distributed motion control. CIP Motion achieves this through application profiles, which are designed to allow speed, position, and torque control loops to be set within a motion-control drive.

For the CompactLogix 5370 L2 series, the 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B processor supports up to 4 CIP drive axes of integrated motion on an EtherNet/IP network for position loop control. On the other hand, CompactLogix 5370 L3 controllers support up to 16 CIP motion-position loop axes for integrated motion over EtherNet/IP. With 1769-L30ERM and 1769-L30ERMK processors supporting 4 CIP axes. While 1769-L33ERM and 1769-L33ERMK support 8 axes of CIP motion. With 1769-L36ERM; 1769-L37ERM; 1769-L37ERMK; 1769-L38ERM and 1769-L38ERMK supporting 16 axes of CIP motion.

E) Considerations for Hazardous Environments

If you are considering using a CompactLogix (1769) processor in hazardous environments, the No Stored Energy (NSE) version of the CompactLogix 5370 L3 series would be the best option. This controller version provides additional features for reliable operations in hazardous environments common in oil & gas and mining industries.

For mining applications, consider selecting the 1769-L30ER-NSE processor. Because it’s possible to safely transport this controller into and out of the mines; since it can be powered down to less than 200 μJ (microjoules) of its residual energy. Hence, there will be no consequences of spark or arc that can cause an explosion in gaseous environments. Also, the 1769-L30ER-NSE processor does not maintain a real-time clock on a given power cycle.

This entry was posted on May 9th, 2022 and is filed under Allen-Bradley, Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.