Allen-Bradley 1738-ACNR DeviceNet Adapter | Rugged Network Interface Module

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Ruggedized Industrial Design: The foremost advantage of the Allen-Bradley 1738-ACNR​ is its rugged construction. With an IP67/NEMA 6P enclosure rating, it is sealed against dust and temporary immersion, allowing it to be mounted directly on a machine in washdown areas, near cutting fluids, or in outdoor locations. This eliminates the need for an expensive protective cabinet, saving cost and space. Its robust housing and connectors are designed to withstand high levels of vibration and mechanical shock, ensuring reliable network communication in the most demanding factory environments. This durability makes the 1738-ACNR​ a cornerstone for implementing control right at the point of operation.Simplified Network Configuration and Diagnostics: The adapter simplifies DeviceNet network setup and management. The node address is easily set via rotary switches on the unit. It supports auto-baud detection, which simplifies startup by automatically configuring itself to the network’s data rate. Once configured in the controller’s software (such as RSLogix 5000 with the DeviceNet scanner configuration tool), the Allen-Bradley 1738-ACNR​ handles all complex network management tasks transparently. Its LED indicators provide clear, at-a-glance diagnostics for module health, network status, and scanner activity, enabling quick fault identification. The adapter also supports DeviceNet’s built-in diagnostic capabilities, allowing network problems to be pinpointed from the controller’s programming software, drastically reducing troubleshooting time.Seamless Integration with Logix Platform: The 1738-ACNR​ provides deep integration with Allen-Bradley’s Logix control architecture. It appears as a standard scanner module in the controller’s I/O configuration tree within Studio 5000 or RSLogix 5000. The I/O data from the entire network of remote ArmorBlock modules is mapped directly into the controller’s tags, making it as easy to program as local chassis-based I/O. This native integration streamlines the engineering process, reduces programming complexity, and ensures optimal performance. The adapter also supports explicit messaging for device configuration and data collection from smart devices on the same network, making it a versatile gateway for device-level data. The combination of rugged hardware and seamless software integration makes the Allen-Bradley ArmorPoint 1738-ACNR​ a highly efficient solution for distributed control.

Application Field

The Allen-Bradley 1738-ACNR​ network adapter is specifically designed for applications requiring robust, distributed I/O in harsh operating conditions where centralized control cabinets are impractical or expensive. A primary application is on mobile equipment and heavy machinery, such as in forestry, agriculture, and mining, where the adapter and its associated ArmorBlock I/O can be mounted directly on the vehicle frame to control hydraulic valves, read sensor inputs, and monitor conditions, surviving constant vibration, moisture, and temperature extremes.In industrial manufacturing, it is extensively used on machinery subjected to washdowns, such as in food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical plants. Here, the IP67-rated 1738-ACNR​ and ArmorBlock I/O can be mounted directly on mixers, fillers, conveyors, and packaging machines, withstanding high-pressure cleaning with caustic chemicals. This application drastically reduces the number of conduits and seals needed to bring wiring into a central panel. The Allen-Bradley 1738-ACNR​ is also ideal for material handling systems in warehouses and distribution centers, controlling network I/O for sortation conveyors, palletizers, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in dusty environments. Essentially, any application that benefits from placing I/O close to sensors and actuators to reduce wiring, and where those I/O points are exposed to environmental challenges, is an ideal candidate for a distributed system built around the rugged and reliable 1738-ACNR​ DeviceNet scanner.