EtherNet/IP Distributed I/O Solution — Allen-Bradley 1794-AENT | FLEX I/O Series
Where This Product Is Used
The Allen-Bradley 1794-AENT is a FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapter module designed for distributed control architectures where standard Ethernet infrastructure replaces dedicated fieldbus wiring. It is widely deployed in the following industrial environments:
- Automotive Assembly Lines — Connecting remote I/O racks to Logix controllers across plant-floor Ethernet switches without additional gateway hardware.
- Food & Beverage Processing — Enabling hygienic-zone I/O drops on standard Cat5e/Cat6 cabling, reducing installation cost and simplifying network topology.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Providing reliable remote I/O communication in harsh, electrically noisy environments where EtherNet/IP’s implicit messaging ensures deterministic scan times.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — Supporting validated control systems where a single Ethernet backbone carries both I/O data and HMI traffic, simplifying cabling audits.
- Material Handling & Conveyor Systems — Distributing I/O nodes along conveyor lines, reducing home-run wiring runs and enabling modular zone control.
- Machine Tool & OEM Equipment — Integrating into compact panel designs where FLEX I/O’s slim form factor and EtherNet/IP connectivity reduce panel footprint.
Technical Specifications
| Catalog Number | 1794-AENT |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Series | FLEX I/O |
| Communication Protocol | EtherNet/IP (IEEE 802.3) |
| Network Speed | 10/100 Mbps, auto-negotiate, full/half duplex |
| IP Address Configuration | BOOTP, DHCP, or rotary switch (node address) |
| Max I/O Modules per Adapter | Up to 8 FLEX I/O modules |
| Backplane Current (5 VDC) | 1.0 A max supplied to I/O modules |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC (18–31.2 VDC operating range) |
| Power Consumption | 3.5 W typical |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C (32 °F to 131 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95% non-condensing |
| Enclosure Rating | Open type (IP20); mount in rated enclosure |
| Ethernet Connector | RJ-45 (single port) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 94 mm × 30 mm × 87 mm (approx.) |
| Weight | ~0.18 kg |
| Agency Certifications | UL, CE, C-Tick, ATEX Zone 2 (consult datasheet) |
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- Single-cable simplicity: One RJ-45 connection carries all I/O data, eliminating dedicated fieldbus cabling (DeviceNet, ControlNet) and associated media hardware.
- Logix-native integration: Fully supported in Studio 5000 Logix Designer with pre-built Add-On Profiles (AOPs), enabling drag-and-drop I/O configuration and automatic tag generation.
- Implicit & explicit messaging: Supports both cyclic I/O (Class 1) and on-demand messaging (Class 3/UCMM) for flexible data exchange strategies.
- Scalable node density: Up to 8 FLEX I/O modules per adapter allows high channel counts in a compact DIN-rail footprint without additional adapters.
- Proven field reliability: Deployed globally across millions of I/O points in continuous-process and discrete manufacturing environments.
- Firmware upgradability: Flash-upgradeable firmware via RSLinx or BootP/DHCP server ensures long-term supportability without hardware replacement.
Complete System Bill of Materials
A typical 1794-AENT distributed I/O node requires the following components:
- 1794-AENT — EtherNet/IP Adapter (this item)
- 1794-TB3 / 1794-TB3S / 1794-TB32 — Terminal base (one per I/O module)
- 1794-IB16 / 1794-OB16 / 1794-IE8 / 1794-OE4 — Digital or analog I/O modules (application-dependent)
- 1794-PS13 or 1794-PS1 — Power supply module (if local 24 VDC rail not used)
- 1794-END — End cap (required to terminate the backplane)
- Standard Cat5e/Cat6 patch cable — RJ-45 to managed Ethernet switch port
- Managed Ethernet switch (e.g., Stratix 5700) — For IGMP snooping and QoS on EtherNet/IP multicast traffic
Contact Konmask for bundle pricing on complete FLEX I/O node assemblies.
Compliance & Industry Standards
- EtherNet/IP: ODVA EtherNet/IP conformance tested
- Safety: UL Listed (UL 508); CE Marked (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU)
- Hazardous Locations: ATEX II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc (Zone 2) — verify with current Rockwell publication 1794-TD001
- RoHS: Compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
- Industrial Protocols: CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) compliant per ODVA specification
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Konmask.com sources Allen-Bradley 1794-AENT modules through verified industrial distribution channels. Every unit offered is subject to the following quality controls:
- Visual & physical inspection: Label integrity, connector condition, housing markings, and firmware revision verification.
- Functional power-on test: Module is powered and network link confirmed prior to shipment where test infrastructure permits.
- Traceability documentation: Purchase records and supply-chain documentation retained for audit purposes.
- Packaging: Anti-static bag, foam-lined carton, and moisture barrier for international shipments.
We do not represent this listing as factory-new unless explicitly stated. Condition (new surplus, refurbished, or used-tested) is disclosed per order. Contact us for condition-specific availability.
How to Source This Part
- Add to cart for in-stock units with listed price.
- Request a quote via support@konmask.com for volume orders, alternate conditions, or expedited delivery.
- Call or WhatsApp +0086 19859288691 for urgent procurement or technical pre-sales questions.
- Provide your delivery address for accurate freight cost calculation — we ship globally via DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the 1794-AENT communicate with non-Rockwell PLCs?
A: Yes. Any EtherNet/IP scanner (e.g., Omron NJ/NX, Mitsubishi iQ-R with EtherNet/IP option, Siemens via third-party gateway) can communicate with the 1794-AENT using standard CIP explicit or implicit messaging, provided the scanner supports Class 1 connections and the correct electronic data sheet (EDS) is imported.
Q: What is the maximum cable distance from switch to adapter?
A: Standard IEEE 802.3 100BASE-TX limit of 100 m (328 ft) per segment applies. Use fiber media converters for longer runs.
Q: How many 1794-AENT adapters can a single ControlLogix controller support?
A: Limited by the controller’s connection count (e.g., 1756-L73 supports up to 500 CIP connections). Each 1794-AENT consumes one connection plus one per I/O module in the rack. Plan accordingly using Rockwell’s connection calculator.
Q: Is the 1794-AENT compatible with the 1794-AENTR (redundant media version)?
A: They share the same I/O module backplane and terminal bases but are not interchangeable as adapters. The 1794-AENTR adds a second RJ-45 port for Device Level Ring (DLR) topology. Confirm your network topology before ordering.
Q: What firmware version should I use?
A: Rockwell recommends the latest available firmware. Download from the Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) using the catalog number 1794-AENT. Firmware updates require RSLinx Classic or FactoryTalk Linx.
Q: Can Konmask supply the full FLEX I/O node (adapter + bases + modules)?
A: Yes. Contact us with your I/O list and we will provide a complete BOM quote including terminal bases, I/O modules, end cap, and power supply.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
