Allen-Bradley 1794-ASB/E – Remote I/O Adapter Module | FLEX I/O Platform
Engineering Background
The Allen-Bradley 1794-ASB/E is a Remote I/O (RIO) adapter module designed for the Rockwell Automation FLEX I/O platform. It enables distributed I/O nodes to communicate with a host PLC controller over the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O network — a proven, deterministic communication architecture widely deployed in discrete manufacturing, process control, and material handling systems.
Product Positioning
Targeted at procurement engineers and system integrators maintaining or expanding legacy Allen-Bradley RIO networks, the 1794-ASB/E provides a cost-effective, drop-in-compatible adapter solution. It bridges FLEX I/O modules to existing RIO backbones without requiring a full migration to newer network architectures, protecting capital investment in installed infrastructure.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | 1794-ASB/E |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Series / Platform | FLEX I/O – 1794 Series |
| Module Type | Remote I/O (RIO) Adapter |
| Network Protocol | Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (Blue Hose / Belden 9463) |
| Data Rate | 57.6 Kbps / 115.2 Kbps / 230.4 Kbps (switch-selectable) |
| Max I/O Modules per Node | Up to 8 FLEX I/O modules |
| Rack Size Emulation | Quarter, Half, Three-Quarter, Full rack |
| Starting Quarter | 0, 1, 2, 3 (switch-selectable) |
| Node Address | 0–31 (switch-selectable) |
| Supply Voltage | 24V DC (via FLEX I/O power supply) |
| Current Consumption | 200 mA @ 5V DC (backplane) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C (32 °F to 131 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Vibration | 2g @ 10–500 Hz (IEC 68-2-6) |
| Shock | 30g operational (IEC 68-2-27) |
| Enclosure Rating | Open-style (IP20); requires panel or enclosure mounting |
| Mounting | DIN rail or panel mount via FLEX I/O terminal base |
| Certifications | UL Listed, CE Marked, CSA Certified |
| Product Weight | 1,160 g (approx.) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Proven Application Environments
- Automotive Assembly Lines – Distributed I/O nodes on conveyor and body-in-white systems controlled by PLC-5 or SLC 500 processors via RIO backbone.
- Food & Beverage Processing – Hygienic panel installations requiring deterministic scan-time I/O updates across multiple remote stations.
- Material Handling & Warehousing – Sorter and palletizer systems with long cable runs leveraging RIO’s noise-immune twisted-pair topology.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – Remote pump station monitoring where RIO network reliability and low maintenance overhead are critical.
- Legacy System Maintenance & Expansion – Adding I/O capacity to existing RIO networks without controller replacement or network migration.
Engineering Advantages
- Deterministic Communication – RIO protocol delivers fixed, predictable scan times essential for motion-critical and safety-adjacent applications.
- Flexible Rack Emulation – Quarter-rack granularity allows precise I/O map allocation, minimizing wasted address space in the host controller.
- Hot-Swap Compatible – FLEX I/O terminal base design allows module replacement without disturbing field wiring.
- Broad Module Compatibility – Supports the full 1794 FLEX I/O module library: digital, analog, specialty, and safety I/O.
- Noise Immunity – Differential signaling over shielded twisted-pair cable provides robust performance in high-EMI industrial environments.
- Compact Form Factor – DIN-rail mountable; minimizes panel footprint in space-constrained enclosures.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 1794-ASB/E connects to the host PLC (PLC-5, SLC 500, or compatible) via the Remote I/O blue-hose cable (Belden 9463 or equivalent). The adapter decodes RIO scan packets from the host scanner and maps I/O data to the FLEX I/O backplane. Up to 8 FLEX I/O modules occupy the local backplane, with their I/O data mapped into the host controller’s I/O image table as a standard rack/group/slot address. Node address and rack size are configured via onboard DIP switches prior to installation.
Typical Topology: Host PLC Scanner → RIO Trunk Cable → 1794-ASB/E Adapter → FLEX I/O Backplane → Field Devices (sensors, actuators, drives)
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- All units sourced through verified industrial automation supply channels with documented chain of custody.
- Pre-shipment inspection includes: visual inspection, firmware revision verification, and functional power-on test.
- Original Rockwell Automation labeling, catalog number, and series revision markings intact and verified.
- Packaging: anti-static bag, foam-lined carton; suitable for international air and sea freight.
- Certificates of conformance available upon request for regulated industries.
Procurement Process
- Submit your RFQ via Konmask.com or email support@konmask.com.
- Receive a formal quotation with lead time, unit price, and shipping options within 1 business day.
- Confirm purchase order; payment via T/T, PayPal, or trade terms as agreed.
- Shipment with tracking number and commercial invoice / packing list provided.
- Post-delivery technical support available for integration and commissioning queries.
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the 1794-ASB/E compatible with ControlLogix or CompactLogix controllers?
A: The 1794-ASB/E uses the legacy Remote I/O protocol, not EtherNet/IP or ControlNet. ControlLogix/CompactLogix systems require a 1756-DHRIO or 1747-SN scanner module to interface with RIO networks.
Q: What is the maximum cable length for the RIO network?
A: Maximum trunk cable length depends on baud rate — up to 3,048 m (10,000 ft) at 57.6 Kbps, 1,524 m at 115.2 Kbps, and 762 m at 230.4 Kbps.
Q: Can I mix 1794-ASB/E nodes with other RIO adapter types on the same network?
A: Yes. Multiple adapter types (e.g., 1747-ASB, 1794-ASB) can coexist on the same RIO trunk provided each has a unique node address and the host scanner supports the configured rack sizes.
Q: What firmware revision is supplied?
A: Firmware revision is verified at inspection. Please specify any revision requirements in your RFQ if your application has constraints.
Q: Do you provide a warranty?
A: Yes. Konmask.com provides a 90-day functional warranty on all verified units. Extended warranty options available — contact us for details.
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