Allen-Bradley 1784-KTCX15 – ControlNet Communication Interface Card | 1784 Series Platform
Engineering Background
The Allen-Bradley 1784-KTCX15 is a legacy ISA-bus ControlNet interface card developed by Rockwell Automation as part of the 1784 Series communication platform. Designed for integration into industrial PC workstations running RSLinx Classic, this card provides direct, deterministic access to ControlNet networks — the backbone of time-critical motion, I/O, and peer-to-peer messaging in Allen-Bradley control architectures. It remains a critical spare and replacement component for facilities operating legacy DCS/PLC infrastructure built on ControlNet topology.
Product Positioning
The 1784-KTCX15 is the preferred interface solution for engineering workstations and HMI PCs that require direct ControlNet node participation. It is widely deployed in automotive, oil & gas, food & beverage, and water treatment facilities where ControlNet-based PLC-5, SLC 500, and early ControlLogix systems remain in active production service. Konmask.com supplies verified, tested units to procurement engineers requiring reliable drop-in replacements with full traceability.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | 1784-KTCX15 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Series | 1784 Communication Interface |
| Bus Type | ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) 16-bit |
| Network Protocol | ControlNet (IEC 61158 / ODVA) |
| Network Speed | 5 Mbps |
| Media Ports | Dual BNC (coaxial), supports redundant media |
| Node Address Range | 1–99 (configurable via RSLinx) |
| Scheduled Connections | Up to 64 scheduled connections |
| Unscheduled Connections | Up to 64 unscheduled connections |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Power Consumption | +5 VDC @ 1.0 A (typical) |
| Form Factor | Half-length ISA card |
| Weight | Approx. 200 g |
| Compatible OS | Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP (32-bit) |
| Required Software | RSLinx Classic (Rockwell Automation) |
| Firmware | Field-upgradeable via RSLinx |
| Certifications | UL Listed, CE Marked, ODVA Conformance Tested |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Proven Application Environments
- Automotive Manufacturing: Body-in-white welding lines and paint shop conveyors using PLC-5 and ControlLogix over ControlNet backbone.
- Oil & Gas: Upstream SCADA and compressor control stations with legacy ControlNet I/O racks requiring workstation-level diagnostics.
- Food & Beverage: Batch processing and CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems where deterministic ControlNet scheduling is mandatory for safety interlocks.
- Water & Wastewater: SCADA workstations interfacing with ControlNet-based remote I/O in pump stations and treatment facilities.
- Discrete Manufacturing: Assembly line HMI PCs requiring direct ControlNet node access for real-time diagnostics and program uploads/downloads.
- Maintenance & Engineering Laptops: Field service ISA-equipped laptops used for on-site ControlNet network commissioning and troubleshooting.
Engineering Advantages
- Deterministic Scheduling: ControlNet’s CTDMA (Concurrent Time Domain Multiple Access) protocol guarantees bandwidth allocation — critical for motion and safety applications.
- Redundant Media Support: Dual BNC ports allow simultaneous connection to both ControlNet cable runs, providing automatic failover without software intervention.
- Direct Node Participation: Unlike gateway-based solutions, the 1784-KTCX15 makes the host PC a full ControlNet node, enabling scheduled I/O and peer messaging.
- RSLinx Integration: Native driver support in RSLinx Classic provides seamless access to RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, and RSLogix 5000 programming environments.
- Low Latency: ISA bus direct memory access minimizes communication overhead for high-frequency polling applications.
- Field-Proven Reliability: Deployed in continuous-process industries for 20+ years with documented MTBF exceeding 100,000 hours in controlled environments.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 1784-KTCX15 installs into an ISA slot of the host PC and is recognized by RSLinx Classic as a ControlNet driver node. The card’s onboard ASIC handles all ControlNet MAC-layer scheduling, freeing the host CPU from real-time network management. Signal flow is as follows:
- Host Application (RSLogix / SCADA / OPC Server) issues a data request via RSLinx Classic API.
- RSLinx Driver queues the request and passes it to the 1784-KTCX15 card driver over the ISA bus.
- Card ASIC schedules the transaction within the ControlNet CTDMA time slot.
- BNC Port transmits/receives the encoded ControlNet frame over RG-6 coaxial cable.
- Target Device (PLC-5, SLC 500, ControlLogix, Flex I/O, etc.) responds within the scheduled interval.
- Response data is returned to the host application with deterministic latency.
Redundant media operation: both BNC ports monitor network health simultaneously. If the primary cable degrades below threshold, the card automatically switches to the secondary cable with no data loss.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Source: Procured from authorized distributors, OEM decommissions, and certified refurbishers with full chain-of-custody documentation.
- Inspection: Each unit undergoes visual inspection for PCB damage, component integrity, BNC port condition, and ISA edge connector cleanliness.
- Functional Test: Cards are bench-tested in a live ControlNet environment using RSLinx Classic to verify node registration, scheduled connection establishment, and data throughput at 5 Mbps.
- Firmware Verification: Onboard firmware version is confirmed and documented prior to shipment.
- Packaging: Anti-static bag + foam-lined carton with humidity indicator card. ESD-safe handling throughout.
- Documentation: Test report and inspection checklist available upon request for regulated industries.
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ — Contact support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691 with your required quantity and delivery timeline.
- Quotation — Receive a formal quotation within 1 business day including unit price, lead time, and shipping options (DHL / FedEx / sea freight).
- Order Confirmation — Purchase order accepted via email. Pro-forma invoice issued for prepayment or net-terms accounts.
- Quality Hold — Unit reserved and re-inspected against your PO specifications before dispatch.
- Shipment — Dispatched with tracking number, commercial invoice, and packing list. Export documentation available for cross-border shipments.
- After-Sales Support — 90-day warranty on functionality. Technical support available for installation and RSLinx driver configuration.
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the 1784-KTCX15 compatible with Windows 10 or Windows 11?
A: No. This card requires a 32-bit ISA slot and ISA-compatible drivers. It is only supported on Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP (32-bit). For modern OS environments, consider the 1784-PCICS (PCI) or 1784-U2CN (USB-to-ControlNet) alternatives.
Q: Can this card be used with ControlLogix systems?
A: Yes. The 1784-KTCX15 can communicate with ControlLogix controllers that have a ControlNet bridge module (e.g., 1756-CNB or 1756-CNBR) installed in the chassis.
Q: What is the maximum ControlNet network length supported?
A: ControlNet supports up to 1,000 meters per segment with RG-6 coaxial cable, and up to 5,000 meters with repeaters. The 1784-KTCX15 operates within these standard ControlNet physical layer limits.
Q: Do you provide a test report with the unit?
A: Yes, a functional test report is available upon request. Please specify this requirement when submitting your RFQ.
Q: What is the lead time for this part?
A: Typically 3–7 business days for in-stock units. For bulk orders or specific firmware versions, lead time may extend to 2–3 weeks. Contact us for current availability.
Q: Can Konmask provide export documentation for international shipments?
A: Yes. We provide commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and can assist with HS code classification for customs clearance.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
