Allen-Bradley 1746-OB16E – Isolated Sourcing DC Output Module | SLC 500 Platform
Engineering Background
The Allen-Bradley 1746-OB16E is a 16-point isolated sourcing (PNP) DC output module designed for the SLC 500 modular I/O chassis. Developed by Rockwell Automation under the SLC 500 family, this module addresses demanding industrial environments where electrical isolation between output groups is critical for protecting field devices and control circuitry from cross-channel interference and ground faults.
Product Positioning
Targeted at OEM machine builders, system integrators, and plant maintenance engineers operating SLC 500-based control architectures, the 1746-OB16E delivers deterministic, high-current DC switching with per-group isolation — making it the preferred choice for multi-zone actuator control, solenoid valve banks, and mixed-voltage field device panels.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 1746-OB16E |
| Series | Allen-Bradley SLC 500 |
| Module Type | Isolated Sourcing (PNP) DC Output |
| Number of Output Points | 16 |
| Output Voltage Range | 10 – 50 VDC |
| Output Current per Point | 1.0 A (max) |
| Output Current per Group | 4.0 A (max, 4 points per group) |
| Number of Isolated Groups | 4 (4 points per group) |
| Isolation Voltage (Group-to-Group) | 250 VAC continuous |
| Isolation Voltage (Group-to-Backplane) | 250 VAC continuous |
| Output Type | Transistor (sourcing / PNP) |
| ON-State Voltage Drop | ≤ 1.0 VDC @ rated current |
| OFF-State Leakage Current | ≤ 1.0 mA |
| Output Delay (OFF→ON) | ≤ 0.5 ms |
| Output Delay (ON→OFF) | ≤ 1.0 ms |
| Short-Circuit Protection | Electronic (self-resetting) |
| Backplane Current Draw (5 VDC) | 185 mA |
| Backplane Current Draw (24 VDC) | 0 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 – 95% (non-condensing) |
| Wiring Style | Removable terminal block (RTB) |
| Indicators | Per-point LED output status |
| Module Weight | Approx. 300 g |
| Certifications | UL, CSA, CE, C-Tick |
| Compatible Chassis | 1746-A4, 1746-A7, 1746-A10, 1746-A13 |
Proven Application Environments
- Solenoid Valve Control: Multi-zone pneumatic and hydraulic valve banks requiring isolated commons to prevent ground loops across machine sections.
- Conveyor & Material Handling: Discrete actuator control for diverters, stops, and lift tables in high-cycle-rate logistics systems.
- Packaging Machinery: OEM machine builders using SLC 500 platforms for form-fill-seal, labeling, and case-erecting equipment.
- Process Plant I/O Expansion: Supplementary output capacity in DCS-adjacent SLC 500 panels controlling pumps, agitators, and damper actuators.
- Automotive Assembly: Fixture control and tooling interlock circuits where cross-channel isolation is a safety requirement.
- Water & Wastewater: Pump station and valve control in corrosive environments leveraging the module’s robust isolation architecture.
Engineering Advantages
- True Group Isolation: Four independently isolated output groups eliminate common-mode interference and simplify multi-voltage field wiring without external isolation relays.
- Electronic Short-Circuit Protection: Self-resetting overcurrent protection prevents module damage and eliminates fuse replacement downtime.
- High Current Density: 1 A per point / 4 A per group supports direct drive of solenoids and contactors without intermediate relay layers.
- Fast Switching: Sub-millisecond ON response enables precise timing control in high-speed machine sequences.
- Per-Point LED Diagnostics: Instant visual field-device status verification accelerates commissioning and fault isolation.
- Removable Terminal Block: RTB wiring allows module swap without rewiring, minimizing MTTR in production environments.
- Wide Voltage Compatibility: 10–50 VDC output range accommodates 12 VDC and 24 VDC field device standards within a single module.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 1746-OB16E occupies a single slot in any SLC 500 modular chassis (1746-Axxx). The SLC 500 processor writes output data to the module’s output image table via the backplane. The module’s internal logic drives 16 transistor output channels, organized into four galvanically isolated groups of four points each. Each group requires its own DC supply common (–VDC), allowing independent voltage rails or commons per group. Field device loads connect between the output terminal and the positive supply rail; the sourcing transistor completes the circuit to the load’s negative terminal. Electronic protection circuitry monitors each channel for overcurrent conditions and latches off the affected point, resetting automatically once the fault clears.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Authorized Supply Chain: All 1746-OB16E units offered through Konmask.com are sourced from verified industrial distributors and OEM decommission channels with documented chain of custody.
- Pre-Shipment Inspection: Each module undergoes visual inspection for physical integrity, label authenticity, and connector condition prior to dispatch.
- Firmware & Revision Verification: Series revision and firmware revision are documented and disclosed upon request to ensure compatibility with your existing SLC 500 system revision.
- Packaging: Shipped in anti-static packaging with foam cushioning to IEC 61340-5-1 ESD protection standards.
- Warranty: 90-day functional warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty available upon request.
Procurement Process
- Confirm Compatibility: Verify your SLC 500 chassis model (1746-Axxx) and processor series. Contact our technical team if cross-referencing is required.
- Request a Quote: Submit your quantity and delivery requirements via support@konmask.com or +0086 19859288691 for volume pricing.
- Order Placement: Orders accepted via the Konmask.com storefront, purchase order (PO), or direct bank transfer for qualified accounts.
- Lead Time: In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days. Out-of-stock units subject to sourcing lead time — contact us for current availability.
- Documentation: Certificate of conformance, test report, and datasheet available upon request at no additional charge.
Technical FAQ
Q: Can the 1746-OB16E replace a 1746-OB16?
A: The 1746-OB16E adds group isolation not present in the standard 1746-OB16. It is a drop-in physical replacement but provides enhanced isolation — verify your wiring scheme accommodates separate group commons before substitution.
Q: What is the maximum inrush current for solenoid loads?
A: The electronic protection circuit tolerates brief inrush currents typical of solenoid coils. For loads with inrush exceeding 10× rated current, consult Rockwell Automation publication 1746-UM009 for derating guidance.
Q: Is this module compatible with SLC 5/05 processors?
A: Yes. The 1746-OB16E is compatible with all SLC 500 processors (SLC 5/01 through SLC 5/05) in any 1746-series modular chassis.
Q: Can outputs be used with 12 VDC and 24 VDC loads simultaneously?
A: Yes. Because each group of four outputs has an isolated common, different groups can be wired to different supply voltages (within the 10–50 VDC range) simultaneously.
Q: What happens when a short circuit occurs?
A: The affected output channel’s electronic protection latches it off. The LED indicator for that point extinguishes. The channel resets automatically once the fault is cleared — no fuse replacement required.
Q: Is a removable terminal block included?
A: RTB availability varies by unit sourcing. Please confirm RTB inclusion requirement at time of order. Compatible RTBs: 1746-RT25, 1746-RT34.
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