The Allen-Bradley 1785-L20B acts as the central computational engine for medium-scale industrial automation and process control systems. This hardware assembly executing complex control logic directly belongs to the legacy Rockwell Automation PLC-5 product platform. It drives continuous machine automation by orchestrating up to 1024 total inputs and outputs across modern industrial networks. While plant engineers widely deploy this processing unit in existing legacy panels, this specific offering delivers 100% brand new and original hardware in factory packing to secure critical system longevity and prevent unplanned facility downtime.
| Parameter | Specification Details |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Model Identifier | 1785-L20B |
| Firmware / Series | Enhanced Series (Includes Series A, B, C, D, and E revisions) |
| Controller Type | PLC-5/20 Processor Module |
| Volatile Memory Capacity | 16 Kilowords SRAM |
| Non-Volatile Memory Expansion | Supports 1785-ME16, 1785-ME32, and 1785-ME64 cartridges |
| Total I/O Capacity | 1024 total points (512 inputs and 512 outputs) |
| Local Rack Capacity | Coordinates up to 12 local I/O chassis |
| Dedicated Networking Ports | 1 x Data Highway Plus (DH+), 1 x Remote I/O (RIO) |
| Local Interface Connection | 1 x RS-232 / RS-422A / RS-423 Serial Port |
| Nominal Execution Speed | 1 millisecond per Kiloword of bit instructions |
| Data Protection Backup | 1770-XYC Lithium Battery |
| Operational Thermal Range | 0 to 60 degrees Celsius |
| Module Dimensions | 237.5 x 183.0 x 55.0 mm |
| Shipping Weight | 3.00 kg |
This processor module resolves typical industrial communication bottlenecks by integrating multiple native networks directly onto the front face of the module. Plant upgrade projects utilize the concurrent Data Highway Plus and Remote I/O configurations to bridge legacy instrumentation networks with modern supervisory controls without adding complex interface converters. The high-density processing architecture allows system builders to install this unit directly into standard PLC-5 chassis slots, which speeds up component replacement during emergency maintenance windows.
To combat severe electrical noise common in heavy manufacturing environments, the module incorporates robust internal isolation barriers across its communication channels. This protective hardware design keeps high-voltage transients from degrading control loop stability or causing processor faults. Furthermore, the firmware handles expandable non-volatile memory cartridges smoothly, allowing maintenance technicians to store exact control logic backups locally on the hardware and recover quickly from localized facility power disruptions.
Can this 1785-L20B module replace older Series A or Series B hardware revisions directly?
Yes. This processor module maintains full backward compatibility across all preceding series letters (A, B, C, and D). You can slide this card directly into the existing PLC-5 slot and download your original application file through RSLogix 5 software without needing any ladder logic alterations.
What specific procedure prevents memory loss during a backup battery replacement?
You must change the 1770-XYC lithium battery while the PLC-5 chassis remains powered ON. Removing the old battery while the chassis lacks system power interrupts the SRAM hold-voltage, which immediately erases the active user program and data tables stored on the module.
Does this unit support remote I/O scanning alongside its standard peer-to-peer data transfers?
Yes. The built-in communication ports allow you to configure one channel as a Remote I/O scanner to poll distributed field chassis while simultaneously utilizing the Data Highway Plus network to pass operational metrics back to human-machine interfaces.
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