Allen-Bradley 1747-OCPCM2 Open Controller PCMCIA Interface Module | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The Allen-Bradley 1747-OCPCM2 is a PCMCIA (PC Card) interface module designed for the SLC 500 Open Controller platform. It enables laptop or PC-based programming and communication via a standard Type II PCMCIA slot, serving as the physical bridge between portable computing devices and the SLC 500 control system backplane.
Selection Background
Buyers searching for the 1747-OCPCM2 frequently need a direct replacement or functional equivalent due to product discontinuation, long lead times, or budget constraints. Understanding compatible substitute models is critical before committing to a sourcing decision — this guide covers all viable alternatives, their prerequisites, and key caveats to ensure a safe swap in your control system.
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | 1747-OCPCM2 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Series | SLC 500 Open Controller |
| Interface Type | PCMCIA Type II (PC Card) |
| Communication Protocol | DH-485 / DF1 |
| Host Compatibility | SLC 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 Open Controller variants |
| Form Factor | Standard PCMCIA Type II card |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Power Supply | Bus-powered via PCMCIA slot (3.3V / 5V) |
| Weight | ~300 g (module + packaging) |
| Firmware | Compatible with RSLogix 500 / RSLinx Classic |
| Condition Available | New, Refurbished, Tested |
⚠ Key parameters affecting replacement decisions: Interface type (PCMCIA Type II), protocol (DH-485/DF1), and host controller variant (Open Controller only).
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
1. Direct Drop-in Replacements
These are pin-compatible, protocol-identical substitutes that can replace the 1747-OCPCM2 without any configuration changes:
- 1747-OCPCM2 (Refurbished / Tested) — Same OEM part, fully tested to factory spec. Ideal when original form factor is mandatory.
- 1747-OCPCM2 (New Old Stock / NOS) — Unused original inventory from authorized distributors or surplus channels.
2. Functional Equivalents
These models provide equivalent communication functionality with minor configuration or cabling differences:
- 1747-PIC — Serial (RS-232 to DH-485) interface; requires a standard COM port instead of PCMCIA. Suitable when the host PC lacks a PCMCIA slot. Prerequisite: Available RS-232 port on programming device.
- 1747-UIC — USB to DH-485 converter; modern equivalent for laptops without legacy ports. Prerequisite: RSLinx Classic driver installation required.
- 1784-PCMK — PCMCIA Data Highway Plus card; supports DH+ networks. Note: Protocol differs — only equivalent if your SLC Open Controller uses DH+ rather than DH-485.
3. Cross-Brand Alternatives
Third-party or cross-brand substitutes for cost-sensitive or legacy-unsupported scenarios:
- Prosoft Technology MVI46-series gateways — Protocol conversion modules; suitable for bridging SLC 500 to modern Ethernet networks as a functional substitute in communication-only roles.
- Moxa NPort / Serial Device Servers — Can replicate DH-485 serial communication over Ethernet in non-critical monitoring applications. Caveat: Not a direct hardware replacement; requires network infrastructure changes.
⚠ Always verify firmware version compatibility and consult your system integrator before substituting any module in a live control environment.
Why Choose the Original Model
- Precision Compatibility: Factory-validated for SLC 500 Open Controller backplane — no driver conflicts or timing issues.
- Certifications: UL Listed, CE Marked, and compliant with IEC 61131-2 for industrial control environments.
- Seamless RSLogix 500 Integration: Recognized natively by RSLinx Classic without additional configuration or third-party drivers.
- Technical Support: Full Rockwell Automation TechConnect support available for original part numbers.
- Warranty Coverage: Eligible for Rockwell Automation standard warranty and extended service agreements.
- Long-Term Reliability: OEM-grade components rated for industrial duty cycles — critical for 24/7 manufacturing environments.
Typical Applications
- Automotive Manufacturing: Programming and diagnostics of SLC 500 controllers on assembly line PLCs via laptop.
- Food & Beverage Processing: On-site configuration of Open Controller nodes in hygienic production environments.
- Water Treatment Plants: Remote programming access to SLC 500 systems in distributed SCADA architectures.
- Oil & Gas Facilities: Field commissioning of SLC-based control panels in hazardous-area enclosures.
- Pharmaceutical Production: Validated programming interface for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant SLC 500 systems.
- Building Automation & HVAC: Integration and troubleshooting of legacy SLC 500 Open Controller installations in commercial facilities.
System Compatibility
- 1747-L531 / L532 / L533 — SLC 5/03 Open Controller CPUs (host processor)
- 1747-L541 / L542 / L543 — SLC 5/04 Open Controller CPUs
- 1747-L551 / L552 / L553 — SLC 5/05 Open Controller CPUs
- 1746-A4 / A7 / A10 / A13 — SLC 500 chassis (backplane housing)
- RSLogix 500 — Programming software (v5.0 and above recommended)
- RSLinx Classic — Communication driver software (v2.5 and above)
- 1747-SDN — DeviceNet Scanner Module (co-installed in same chassis)
Selection Guide
Answer these three questions to confirm the 1747-OCPCM2 — or its equivalent — is right for your application:
- Does your programming laptop have a PCMCIA Type II slot? If yes, the 1747-OCPCM2 is your direct fit. If no, consider the 1747-UIC (USB) or 1747-PIC (RS-232) as functional equivalents.
- Is your SLC controller an Open Controller variant? The 1747-OCPCM2 is specifically designed for Open Controller CPUs. Standard SLC 5/03–5/05 CPUs use different communication modules.
- What communication protocol does your network use — DH-485 or DH+? The 1747-OCPCM2 supports DH-485/DF1. For DH+ networks, the 1784-PCMK is the correct substitute.
Not sure? Contact Konmask with your CPU part number and we’ll confirm compatibility within 24 hours.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Sourcing Channels: Konmask sources the 1747-OCPCM2 from authorized distributors, certified surplus dealers, and factory-refurbished stock. All units are traceable to original manufacturer documentation.
4-Step Inspection Process:
- Visual Inspection: Check for physical damage, corrosion, and counterfeit indicators (label alignment, PCB markings).
- Functional Test: Power-on test with SLC 500 Open Controller chassis to verify PCMCIA enumeration and DH-485 communication.
- Firmware Verification: Confirm firmware revision matches Rockwell Automation release notes for the applicable RSLinx version.
- Burn-In Test: 48-hour operational test under load conditions before shipment.
Documentation Available: Test reports, certificate of conformance (CoC), material traceability records, and original Rockwell Automation datasheets upon request.
How to Order
- Submit Your Inquiry: Email support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691 with your part number (1747-OCPCM2), required quantity, and preferred condition (new / refurbished / tested).
- Receive Quote & Availability: Konmask will respond within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and available stock details.
- Confirm & Ship: Approve the quote, complete payment, and your order ships with full documentation and tracking.
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q1: What is a direct replacement for the Allen-Bradley 1747-OCPCM2?
A: The closest direct replacement is a tested or refurbished 1747-OCPCM2 from a verified surplus source. For a functional equivalent without PCMCIA, the 1747-UIC (USB to DH-485) is the most widely used modern substitute, compatible with the same SLC 500 Open Controller systems.
Q2: Is the 1747-OCPCM2 compatible with standard SLC 5/03 or 5/04 CPUs (non-Open Controller)?
A: No. The 1747-OCPCM2 is specifically designed for Open Controller variants of the SLC 500 CPU. Standard SLC 5/03–5/05 CPUs use different communication interfaces. Using this module with a non-Open Controller CPU is not supported and may cause communication failures.
Q3: Can the 1747-PIC substitute for the 1747-OCPCM2 in all scenarios?
A: The 1747-PIC is a functional equivalent for DH-485 programming tasks but requires an RS-232 serial port on the host PC — a port that most modern laptops no longer include. In such cases, the 1747-UIC is a better equivalent. Neither the 1747-PIC nor 1747-UIC are drop-in hardware substitutes; they require different physical connections and driver configurations.
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