Product Short Description
Product Name: ControlLogix AutoMax DCSNet / RE RIO Communication Module (1756-AMXN)
Product Introduction: A communication bridge module that connects an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC backplane to legacy Reliance Electric AutoMax DCSNet or AutoMax Remote I/O (RIO) networks, enabling data exchange between modern ControlLogix systems and existing AutoMax infrastructure.
Description
Technical Specifications:
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Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
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Type: AutoMax DCSNet / RE RIO Communication Module
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Compatible platform: ControlLogix backplane (1756 chassis)
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Processor: 100 MHz IDT MIPS
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Memory: 1 MB Flash, 1 MB local RAM, 512 KB shared RAM
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Backplane power: 5.1 VDC ≤ 650 mA; 24 VDC ≤ 75 mA
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Max power dissipation: 5 W
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Interface: 1 × DB9 (DCSNet / RIO network)
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Display: 4-character scrolling LED display
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Indicators: NET, CLX, OK LEDs
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Configuration: DIP switches for network type, node address, depth
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Operating temperature: 0 °C to 60 °C
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Storage temperature: −40 °C to 85 °C
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Shock resistance: 30 g operating
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Dimensions: 4.5 × 6.5 × 2.0 inches
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Weight: 1.36 kg
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Certifications: UL, CE
Functional Features:
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Tri-mode operation:
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DCS Master: scans up to 55 slave drops, 32 input + 32 output words per drop, 8-word global broadcast every 2.8 ms, up to 8 scheduled connections.
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DCS Slave: acts as any drop 1–55 with depth 1–55, monitors other drops.
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RIO Master: scans up to 7 Remote I/O slave drops; 248 words output, 250 words input scheduled data.
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Scheduled data capacity: 250 words input, 248 words output, 250 words status.
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RPI (Requested Packet Interval) range: 0.2–750 ms.
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Firmware updatable via ControlFlash.
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Real-time diagnostics: CRC error counters, network status, fault codes.
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Can route AutoMax programming messages from RSLinx via CIP routing.
Application Scenarios: Legacy system migration—connecting modern ControlLogix PLCs to existing AutoMax DCS/Remote I/O networks; integrating old AutoMax I/O, MMI/HMI stations, and drives into a unified ControlLogix architecture.
Working Principle: The module sits in a ControlLogix chassis and translates between the ControlLogix backplane protocol and the AutoMax DCSNet or RIO serial network protocol. In DCS Master mode it polls AutoMax drops and maps their I/O data into the ControlLogix processor’s memory. In DCS Slave mode it presents itself as an AutoMax drop to an existing AutoMax master. The DB9 port provides the physical network connection.
Installation Requirements:
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Install in a standard ControlLogix 1756 chassis slot.
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Connect the DB9 port to the AutoMax network via a Reliance passive tap or gateway.
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Set DIP switches to define the mode (DCS Master/Slave, RIO Master), node address, and depth.
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Configure the module in RSLogix 5000 as a generic module.
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Ensure proper backplane power and grounding.
Usage Precautions:
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Verify the DIP switch settings match the intended network role before power-up.
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Respect the scheduled data limits (250/248/250 words) to avoid communication bottlenecks.
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Do not exceed the RPI lower bound of 0.2 ms unless the network can sustain it.
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Monitor the module’s diagnostic LEDs and 4-character display for network health.
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When used as a gateway, no ControlLogix processor is required for data mapping between DCS networks.
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