Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 1746-A13B |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Product Type | Modular Chassis / Backplane |
| Controller System | SLC 500 Series |
| Number of Slots | 13 Total (Slot 0 for Processor, Slots 1-12 for I/O) |
| Backplane Communication | Parallel, proprietary SLC 500 backplane |
| Backplane Current (5V DC) | 4.0 Amps maximum (supplied to modules by power supply) |
| Processor Compatibility | SLC 5/01, SLC 5/02, SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, SLC 5/05 |
| Power Supply Requirement | Requires a separate 1746-P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, or P7 power supply |
| Power Supply Connection | Via a 4-pin connector on the chassis |
| Chassis Dimensions (H x W x D) | Approximately 432 x 300 x 121 mm (17.0″ x 11.8″ x 4.75″) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail (DIN/TS35) or direct panel mount |
| Weight | Approximately 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 60°C (32 – 140°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5 – 95% (non-condensing) |
| Agency Certifications | UL, CSA, CE, C-Tick |
Main Features and Advantages
High-Capacity, Scalable Platform: The most significant feature of the ALLEN-BRADLEY 1746-A13B is its 13-slot capacity, offering the highest standard module density in the SLC 500 line. This allows for the consolidation of a large number of I/O points—potentially hundreds—into a single, centralized chassis. This scalability reduces the need for multiple, distributed chassis and remote I/O networks for many applications, simplifying system architecture, reducing communication overhead, and centralizing maintenance. It provides ample room for a mix of digital I/O, analog I/O, and special function modules (like motion, communication, or high-speed counters) all in one location.Robust and Reliable Industrial Design: The chassis is built with a heavy-gauge steel frame and a protective finish to withstand the vibrations, electrical noise, and environmental conditions typical of industrial settings. The card-edge backplane connector system ensures a secure, gas-tight connection for each module, preventing communication faults due to poor connections. The backplane itself is designed for high-speed, deterministic data transfer between the processor and I/O, which is critical for real-time control performance. The ALLEN-BRADLEY 1746-A13B also provides excellent isolation between the backplane logic and field-side I/O circuits, enhancing system stability and noise immunity.Simplified System Integration and Serviceability: The chassis is designed for ease of use. Modules slide in and are secured with captive screws, and a removable power supply connector facilitates easy installation of the system power supply. The slot numbering is clearly marked, and the chassis includes a keying/bussing assembly that allows for proper configuration of the I/O rack address when used in multi-rack systems with a 1747-SN scanner module. For maintenance, the modular nature of the system means a failed I/O module can be individually replaced without disturbing the rest of the system. The large capacity of the ALLEN-BRADLEY 1746-A13B often means the entire control logic and I/O for a machine or process unit can be housed in one panel, making documentation, troubleshooting, and spare parts management more straightforward.
