ALLEN BRADLEY 1784-PKTX Network Interface

Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX Network Interface Card

The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX is a highly reliable network interface card developed by Rockwell Automation for use in industrial automation systems. Belonging to the Allen Bradley PLC 5 series, this card enables seamless communication between industrial controllers using multiple protocols. It supports Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO), and DH-485, making it a versatile solution for a variety of legacy and modern systems.

This interface card is PCI 2.3 compliant, allowing it to be easily installed into most industrial computer systems without the need for external power. It is equipped with two communication channels—Channel 1A (DH+ or RIO) and Channel 1C (DH-485). These allow the module to communicate efficiently with multiple controllers including PLC-5, PLC-5/250, and SLC 5/04. It is also compatible with SLC 5/01, 5/02, and 5/03 through the use of a 1785-KA5 interface.

The communication range for the DH+ and RIO channels reaches up to 10,000 feet (3048 m) at 57.6K bps, 5,000 feet (1524 m) at 115.2K bps, and 2,500 feet (762 m) at 230.4K bps. For DH-485, the communication distance extends up to 4,000 feet (1219 m) at various standard bit rates up to 19,200 bps. This allows the card to operate efficiently across a wide range of industrial environments.

Each communication channel features its own diagnostic/status LED, providing quick visual feedback for troubleshooting and system monitoring. Up to four cards can be installed per system, ensuring flexibility and scalability for larger control networks.

With no external power required, lightweight construction (0.3 lbs / 0.1 kg), and a conformal coating for added durability, the 1784-PKTX is a compact, robust solution for communication in Allen-Bradley control systems. It’s designed to operate reliably in demanding industrial conditions while supporting both Soft Control and Embedded Control applications.