CompactLogix 5371 vs 5380

CompactLogix System Overview 

The Allen-Bradley CompactLogix system is designed and built by Rockwell Automation to provide a Logix control solution for different sized applications. A CompactLogix platform combines the benefits of a common programming environment, common communication networks, as well as a common high-performance control engine in a small footprint. CompactLogix controllers provide higher performance, increased I/O capacity, improved productivity, and enhanced safety to help meet the growing demands for smart industrial machinery and equipment.

For instance, when you combine a CompactLogix control system with either Compact 5000 I/O or 1734 I/O modules, it supports simple to more complex motion, with unprecedented control power and scalability. Most of the available CompactLogix controllers are well suited for small, mid-size, and large machine-level control in manufacturing applications. Some of these controllers include CompactLogix 5371 (or rather CompactLogix 5370 L1) and standard CompactLogix 5380.

You might have an application that requires the use of CompactLogix controllers, in which both CompactLogix 5371 and 5380 platforms are capable. But you find that CompactLogix 5380 is actually less expensive than 5371 since they don’t have onboard I/O. What could be more confusing is that 5371 still has its key benefits but 5380 is the newer product. So, which controller platform between the two can best meet your needs? In this article, we’ll compare the new CompactLogix 5380 with the previously released CompactLogix 5370 L1 line of Allen-Bradley standard controllers.

CompactLogix 5371 Controllers 

CompactLogix 5370 L1 (5371) is a series of Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), which expands the scalability of the Logix family of controllers. It provides a wider variety of consistent features and tools, allowing users to cut down on engineering investment costs (installation and operation costs), and ease diagnostics and troubleshooting.  

Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5371 series is available under Bulletin 1769. The controllers within this series include (i) 1769-L16ER-BB1B (ii) 1769-L18ER-BB1B (iii) 1769-L18ERM-BB1B (iv) 1769-L19ER-BB1B. Note, CompactLogix 5371 systems can either be mounted on a DIN rail or using the available cabinet options. This maximizes the design flexibility of such systems.

A typical CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller provides the following functionalities: 

• An integrated 24V DC isolated Power Supply module. Note, series A power supply modules are not isolated but Series B power supply modules are isolated.  
• Two dual EtherNet™/IP ports for Linear and Ring network topologies. These Ethernet ports connect to an EtherNet/IP network. They carry similar network traffic as part of the built-in switch of the controller, but each 5371 controller uses only one IP address. 
• One USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for high-speed programming and firmware updates. The USB port is only for a temporary connection. 
• Secure Digital (SD) card which provides external non-volatile memory for faster program save and restore. The available SD cards include (i) 1-GB 1784-SD1(comes with the controller). (ii) 2-GB 1784-SD2(ordered separately). 
• Embedded digital I/O (16 sinking 24V DC inputs, 16 sourcing 24V DC outputs). 
• Support for 1734 POINT I/O modules as local expansion modules. 
• Control of both local and distributed I/O modules 
• Integrated Ethernet switch which provides support for Device Level Ring (DLR) network connectivity. DRL topologies help to increase network resiliency, which simplifies the integration of components in your CompactLogix 5371 control system  
• No battery is required. Because the controller uses an internal energy-solution to power the internal non-volatile memory to store programs during a shutdown. 
• They support Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP networks. This increases the scalability of the CompactLogix 5371 platform. Note, not all CompactLogix 5371 have this feature. 
• Provides open socket capability which enables Modbus TCP/IP connectivity, and connection to devices such as servers, printers and barcode readers. Up to 32 sockets are available. 

Note, unlike CompactLogix 5370 L2 and L3 controllers, CompactLogix 5370 L1 does not support DeviceNet connectivity. Also, they don’t require a 1769-ECR right-end cap like CompactLogix 5370 L2.

CompactLogix 5380 Controllers

CompactLogix™ 5380 controllers are the first Logix 5000™ controllers to offer configurable EtherNet/IP modes, that is Linear/DLR mode or Dual-IP mode. For instance, with CompactLogix 5380 firmware revision 29.011 or higher, you can configure the built-in Ethernet ports to connect to separate networks, i.e., a device-level network, and an enterprise-level EtherNet/IP network. Note, whenever a controller is operating in Dual-IP mode, each Ethernet port will require a unique IP address for network configuration. But when the controller is operating in Linear/DLR mode, it will require only one IP address. 

CompactLogix 5380 controllers provide a scalable controller solution that is ideal for a variety of applications. These applications can either be standalone control systems or more complex systems in which devices are connected to the CompactLogix 5380 controller through an EtherNet/IP™ network. These complex systems are mainly used in high-performance indexing tables, case packers and erectors, process skids, and packaging applications. Also, CompactLogix 5380 controllers are known to provide a truly integrated motion solution.  

CompactLogix 5380 standard controllers from Allen-Bradley are provided under Bulletin 5069. The available controllers in this series include: (i) 5069-L306ER; (ii) 5069-L306ERM; (iii) 5069-L310ER; (iv) 5069-L310ERM; (v) 5069-L310ER-NSE; (vi) 5069-L320ER; (vii) 5069-L320ERM; (viii) 5069-L320ERMK; (ix) 5069-L330ER; (x) 5069-L330ERM; (xi) 5069-L330ERMK; (xii) 5069-L340ER; (xiii) 5069-L340ERM; (xiv) 5069-L350ERM; (xv) 5069-L350ERMK; (xvi) 5069-L380ERM; (xvii) 5069-L3100ERM. These controllers are mounted on a DIN rail, which increases their flexibility to operate in different control applications. 

Standard CompactLogix 5380 controllers support the following functionalities: 

• Two configurable embedded EtherNet/IP ports with the option to use Linear/DLR mode or Dual-IP mode. The Dual-IP mode enables the use of two IP addresses for network separation between enterprise level and machine level networks. 
• One USB port for easy programming, configuration, firmware updates and online edits only. 
• Optional Secure Digital (SD) card for external non-volatile memory. Available SD cards include: (i) 1GB 1784-SD1 card; (ii) 2GB 1784-SD2 card (shipped with the controller). 
• Support for Integrated Motion over an EtherNet/IP network; but not all CompactLogix 5380 controllers have this feature. 
• Use of 5069 Compact 5000™ I/O modules) as local I/O and remote I/O modules. 
• Monitoring and control of remote and local 5069 Compact I/O modules, and other devices connected to the system via an EtherNet/IP network. 
• 5069-ECR protective end cap 
• Enhanced Security: This is achieved through controller-based change detection, digitally-signed controller firmware, and role-based access control. 
• Built-in Energy Storage module: They thus don’t require a battery. 
• External power supply installed on the controller, which provides power through Removable Terminal Blocks (RTBs). 

Comparison Between CompactLogix 5371 and CompactLogix 5380 

To compare the two controllers, let’s consider several key features of CompactLogix controllers. These include: 

1. Physical Anatomy

The hardware features of features of CompactLogix 5371 and 5380 are slightly different.

CompactLogix 5370 L1 Controllers

The included hardware features are: 

• LED Indicators: They show the immediate I/O activity, module health and status communications. 
• IP & MAC address label 
• Reset Switch 
• SD Card Door Mode  
• Embedded Power Supply and I/O: This provides smaller form factor allowing for maximized cabinet space. 
• Three-Position Mode Switch: Allows mode selection between RUN, PROG, and REM modes for easier operation. 
• Two Dual Ethernet Ports: Supporting use of EtherNet/IP mode (-CIP motion) or DLR networks. 

CompactLogix 5380 Controllers 

The included hardware features are: 

• LED Status Indicators: These show the real-time status of communications, I/O activity and module health, without the need to open the Logix Designer Application. 
• Run switch 
• Controller Catalog No. indicator 
• Three-position mode switch, which adds a physical layer of controller security 
• USB Port 
• Four Digit Digital Status Display 
• SD card slot 
• Two Configurable Ethernet Ports 
• MOD-Power RTB (Removable Terminal Block): This provides system-side power which powers the controller system and allows the connected I/O modules to transfer data and execute logic.  
• SA(Sensor/Actuator)-Power RTB: This provides field-side power (or SA power) for powering some of the 5069 Compact™ I/O modules and other field devices connected to the controller.  
• Power Status Indicator: Shows the status of SA and MOD power. 

2. I/O Module Support  

CompactLogix 5370 L1 Controllers 

The CompactLogix 5371 controllers offer onboard I/O modules, with the option of using 1734 POINT I/O as local expansion modules. The available embedded local I/O modules provide the following: 

• 16, 24V DC sinking digital input points, 
• 16, 24V DC sourcing digital output points 

The 1734 POINT I/O modules should be installed in the same platform as the CompactLogix 5371 controller. The modules are installed on the right side of the controller. The maximum number of local expansion modules used depends on the controller model (Catalog No.) used in that particular system.  The table below outlines the maximum number of 1734 POINT I/O modules supported by each CompactLogix 5371 controller. 

Table 1.1 Maximum number of supported 1734 POINT I/O modules

CompactLogix 5380 Controllers 

Standard CompactLogix 5380 controller systems support Compact 5000 I/O modules with Bulletin 5069. These modules are installed to the right of a CompactLogix 5380 controller as local I/O modules. The right-most 5069 Compact I/O module in the CompactLogix 5380 system requires a 5069-ECR end cap. You can install as many as 31 Compact 5000 I/O modules in the system.

The 5069 Compact I/O provides a broad range of input and output modules to handle a variety of applications, from high-speed discrete to process control. This architecture uses Producer/Consumer technology, a communication model that allows sharing of input information and output status among multiple CompactLogix 5380 controllers.

The 5069 Compact I/O modules are powered from the system backplane using system-side/Module (MOD) power, and field-side/SA(Sensor/Actuator) power as needed. They then pass the residual power to the next module in the CompactLogix system. These I/O modules require Removable Terminal Blocks (RTBs) to connect to field devices. So, ensure that you order the RTB separately, as they are not shipped with the controller.

The Compact 5000 Standard I/O modules for use with CompactLogix 5380 standard Controllers are available as Analog inputs or outputs, isolated and non-isolated Relay outputs, AC inputs/outputs, sinking Digital inputs or sourcing Digital outputs, DC inputs/outputs, High-speed counter (5069-HSC2xOB4 Module), Resistance and Temperature modules, Address Reserve Module (5069-ARM Module), Serial module (5069-SERIAL), Field Potential Distributor (5069-FPD).

There are also Compact 5000 I/O EtherNet/IP Modules. These modules support distributed I/O modules for CompactLogix 5380, through an EtherNet/IP network. They include 5069-AENTR and 5069-AEN2TR modules.

Note, the Compact 5000 I/O Safety Modules support local safety connectivity with Compact GuardLogix 5380 safety controllers only. They cannot be used with the standard CompactLogix 5380 controllers discussed in this article.

3. EtherNet/IP Communications Capabilities 

In both CompactLogix 5371 and 5380, the EtherNet/IP network supports real-time I/O messaging and information exchange. The two-controller series also support Dual-EtherNet/IP ports which use embedded switch technology, allowing the controllers to operate on Linear, Star, or DLR Ethernet/IP topologies.

But the Dual Ethernet Ports in CompactLogix 5371 controllers provide a communication rate of 10/100 Mbps. The embedded Ethernet switch in CompactLogix 5371 supports DLR, allowing users to connect to an Ethernet network in a ring topology. On the other hand, CompactLogix 5380 Controllers provide multiple EtherNet/IP Modes. They achieve this through two configurable 1GB embedded EtherNet/IP ports, which support DLR/Linear mode or Dual-IP mode.

Note, in a CompactLogix 5380 system, the performance of an EtherNet/IP network is optimal using the 1 Gbps communication rate. However, most Ethernet devices are not capable of the 1 Gbps network communication rate. Therefore, when you’re designing your CompactLogix 5380 control system, you should consider how different maximum network communication rates will impact the system. It is also worth noting that the 1GB embedded EtherNet/IP ports also enable CIP safety connections, for I/O and safety devices.

The table below compares the EtherNet/IP capabilities of CompactLogix 5371 and 5380.

Table 1.2 CompactLogix 5371 and 5380 EtherNet/IP Communication Options

4. CompactLogix Integrated Motion

The Logix architecture supports Integrated motion on EtherNet/IP networks which allows connection to Ethernet drives. Also, these platforms support Kinetix integrated-motion solution using SERCOS (Serial Real-Time Communication System) interface modules to achieve multi-axis, synchronized motion. 

In CompactLogix 5370 L1 series, Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP is supported only by the ERM controller models. These controllers support up to 2 axes CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) motion position loop axis. They also offer a scalable motion solution with the Kinetix^® 350. Moreover, they support all motion instructions including Kinematics, offering a maximum of 2 Kinematics axes for simple articulated robotic applications. 

 
CompactLogix 5380 controllers offer up to 32 axes of Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP. But similar to CompactLogix 5371, not all CompactLogix 5380 controllers support motion Integration on EtherNet/IP. However, all standard controllers in the CompactLogix 5380 series support single-axis motor control with PowerFlex VFD (Variable Frequency Drives) over EtherNet/IP networks. This functionality is available even on 5380 controllers that don’t support other aspects of Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP. 

The table below provides a comparison of Integrated Motion capabilities between CompactLogix 5371 and 5380. 

CompactLogix 5380 Controllers supporting Integrated Motion Over EtherNet/IP

CompactLogix 5371 Controllers

Table 1.3 Integrated Motion Capabilities over EtherNet/IP networks

5. Controller Memory Capacity

CompactLogix 5380 controllers provide a wide range of memory options, ranging from 0.6 MB to 10 MB. The memory and I/O capabilities of these controllers are as follows: 

• 5069-L306ER; 5069-L306ERM: They offer 0.6MB of user memory. Support up to 8 Compact 5000 I/O modules as local I/O. 
• 5069-L310ER; 5069-L310ER-NSE; 5069-L310ERM: Provide 1MB of user memory and support up to 8 local I/O modules. 
• 5069-L320ER; 5069-L320ERM; 5069-L320ERMK; 5069-L320ERP: Offer 2MB of user memory and support up to 16 local I/O modules. 
• 5069-L330ER; 5069-L330ERM; 5069-L330ERMK: They provide 3MB of user memory. Support up to 31 Compact 5000 I/O modules as local I/O. Note, when these controllers are used with the Studio 5000 Logix Designer software, version 29.00.00, the number of local I/O modules in the application’s project is limited to 16. 
• 5069-L340ER; 5069-L340ERM; 5069-L340ERP: 4MB Memory, up to 31 local I/O modules. 
• 5069-L350ERM; 5069-L350ERMK: 5MB Memory, up to 31 local I/O modules. 
• 5069-L380ERM: 8MB Memory, up to 31 local I/O modules. 
• 5069-L3100ERM: 10MB Memory, up to 31 local I/O modules. 

The memory capabilities of CompactLogix 5371 controllers’ range between 384 KB to 1MB. All controllers in this category support 1734 POINT I/O™ as local expansion modules. The available memory options are distributed as follows: 

• 1769-L16ER -BB1B: 0.375 MB (384 KB) of user memory. 
• 1769-L18ER-BB1B; 1769-L18ERM-BB1B: 512 KB (0.5 MB) of user memory. 
• 1769-L19ER-BB1B: 1 MB of user memory. 

Thus, CompactLogix 5380 controllers have more memory capabilities compared to CompactLogix 5371. But both controller series support optional external non-volatile memory provided by either 1784-SD1 card(1GB) or 1784-SD2(2GB). In CompactLogix 5380 the 2GB SD card is shipped with the controller, but in CompactLogix 5371 it’s the 1GB SD card that is shipped with the controller. Also, CompactLogix 5380 controllers support other external non-volatile memory options including: (i)1784-SDHC8 (8 GB); (ii) 1784-SDHC32 (32 GB); (iii) 4 GB Codemeter CmCard card with Catalog No.9509-CMSDCD4.

6. Controller tasks and Applications

All CompactLogix 5370 L1 controllers support 32 Controller tasks, with 100 programs being supported per task. The supported controller tasks include Continuous, Periodic and Event tasks. Supported Event tasks are Consumed tag, Motion triggers, and EVENT instructions. These controllers are well-suited for small, to mid-size control applications which require less I/O point counts and low axis motion.  

All standard CompactLogix 5380 controllers support 32 controller tasks, with 1000 programs being supported per task. The supported controller tasks include Continuous, Periodic and Event tasks. Supported Event tasks are Consumed tag, all EVENT instruction triggers, Motion events, and Module Input Data Change. These controllers are highly suitable for applications which require high-performance communications, I/O modules and motion control for up to 32 axes. They are ideal for small to large control applications requiring fewer I/O counts and low axis motion.

7. Programming Requirements

CompactLogix 5371 and CompactLogix 5380 controllers are programmed using either RSLogix 5000 Programming Software or Studio 5000 Logix Designer^® software. The supported versions of RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000 Logix Designer^® programming software vary between different controller models. This is because the controller firmware revision must be compatible with the Programming Software version. 

For CompactLogix 5371, controller models 1769-L16ER-BB1B; 1769-L18ER-BB1B, and 1769-L18ERM-BB1B use Firmware revision 20.1xx or higher; they thus support RSLogix 5000^® software version 20.xx.xx and RSLinx^® Classic software version 2.59.xx or later. The 1769-L19ER-BB1B controllers use Firmware revision 28.xxx or higher, hence, they support Studio 5000 Logix Designer software version 28.00.00 and RSLinx version 2.59.xx or later.  

Note, CompactLogix 5371 controllers do not support any version of RSNetWorx™ for DeviceNet software, as they don’t provide DeviceNet connectivity. 

The Programming Software versions supported by each of the CompactLogix 5380 controllers discussed in this article, is as outlined in the table below.

Table 1.4: Programming Software versions supported by Standard CompactLogix 5380

In addition, all CompactLogix 5371 and CompactLogix 5380 standard controllers support the following programming languages: (i)Ladder Diagram (LD). (ii)Structured Text (ST). (iii)Function Block Diagram (FBD). (iv)Sequential Function Chart (SFC). 

This entry was posted on February 1st, 2022 and is filed under Allen-Bradley, Automation, Hardware Comparison, Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.