Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX/B – PCI ControlNet Network Interface Card | ControlNet Series B
Engineering Background
The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX/B is a PCI-bus ControlNet Network Interface Card (NIC) designed by Rockwell Automation for seamless integration of PC-based workstations into ControlNet industrial networks. As a Series B revision, it incorporates enhanced firmware stability and improved driver compatibility over the original Series A release. This card enables engineering workstations running RSLogix 5000, RSNetWorx for ControlNet, and FactoryTalk software suites to communicate directly with ControlNet-connected PLCs, drives, and I/O modules.
Product Positioning
Targeted at systems integrators, OEM machine builders, and plant maintenance engineers who require a reliable, hardware-verified ControlNet interface for programming, diagnostics, and real-time data acquisition. The 1784-PKTX/B occupies a critical role in legacy and active ControlNet architectures where PCI-slot workstations serve as the primary HMI or programming terminal. Konmask.com supplies this module from verified surplus and authorized distribution channels, ensuring traceability and functional integrity.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 1784-PKTX/B |
| Series | B |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Form Factor | PCI Bus Card (Half-length) |
| Network Protocol | ControlNet (IEEE 802.4 token-passing) |
| ControlNet Ports | 2 × BNC (coaxial, redundant media support) |
| Data Rate | 5 Mbps |
| Node Address Range | 1–99 |
| Max Nodes per Network | 99 |
| Scheduled Bandwidth | Configurable via RSNetWorx for ControlNet |
| Unscheduled Bandwidth | Configurable (messaging, programming) |
| Bus Interface | 32-bit PCI, 33 MHz, 5V/3.3V universal |
| Operating System Support | Windows XP, Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows 10 (with driver) |
| Compatible Software | RSLinx Classic, RSNetWorx for ControlNet, RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 5W (from PCI slot) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Weight | Approx. 200 g |
| Certifications | UL, CE, cUL |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Proven Application Environments
- Automotive Assembly Lines — PC-based programming terminals connected to ControlNet backbone for real-time PLC program uploads/downloads and diagnostics.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — SCADA workstations interfacing with ControlLogix PLCs over ControlNet for process monitoring and control.
- Oil & Gas Upstream/Midstream — Remote terminal units and DCS integration nodes requiring deterministic ControlNet communication.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — 21 CFR Part 11-compliant systems where validated ControlNet topologies demand stable, certified NIC hardware.
- Power Generation & Distribution — Substation automation and turbine control systems using ControlNet for high-speed I/O scanning.
- Food & Beverage Processing — Hygienic-zone control panels with PC-based HMI stations requiring ControlNet connectivity to remote I/O racks.
Engineering Advantages
- Redundant Media Support — Dual BNC ports enable coaxial cable redundancy, eliminating single points of failure on the ControlNet trunk.
- Deterministic Communication — ControlNet’s scheduled service guarantees fixed update rates for I/O data, critical for motion and safety applications.
- Series B Reliability — Revised hardware and firmware address known Series A errata, improving stability under high-node-count and high-traffic conditions.
- Broad Software Ecosystem — Native support for the full Rockwell Automation software suite without third-party drivers or middleware.
- PCI Universal Compatibility — 32-bit PCI interface fits standard industrial workstations and panel PCs with PCI slots, no proprietary backplane required.
- Low Latency Programming — Direct hardware-level access to ControlNet eliminates USB/Ethernet adapter latency for time-sensitive firmware downloads.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 1784-PKTX/B installs into any available 32-bit PCI slot in the host PC. The RSLinx Classic driver stack enumerates the card as a ControlNet communication path, assigning it a configurable node address (default: 1). The card’s onboard FPGA manages the ControlNet MAC layer, handling token passing, frame encoding/decoding, and CRC validation independently of the host CPU.
Signal Flow: Host Application (RSLogix 5000 / FactoryTalk) → RSLinx Classic Driver → 1784-PKTX/B PCI Card → BNC Coaxial Trunk → ControlNet Tap → Target Device (ControlLogix PLC / 1794-ACN15 Flex I/O Adapter / PowerFlex Drive)
Scheduled connections are configured in RSNetWorx for ControlNet, which programs the Network Update Time (NUT) and allocates bandwidth slots. Unscheduled bandwidth handles explicit messaging for program uploads, tag reads, and diagnostic queries without impacting scheduled I/O performance.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
All 1784-PKTX/B units supplied by Konmask.com undergo the following verification process before shipment:
- Visual inspection for physical damage, corrosion, and counterfeit indicators
- Firmware version verification against Rockwell Automation published release notes
- Functional bench test: PCI enumeration, ControlNet node acquisition, and loopback communication test
- Anti-static packaging with humidity indicator card
- Serial number and date code documentation provided upon request
Stock is sourced from decommissioned OEM systems, authorized distributors, and factory-surplus channels. Konmask.com does not supply counterfeit, remarked, or refurbished-without-disclosure units.
Procurement Process
- Inquiry — Submit your BOM or catalog number via email to support@konmask.com or WhatsApp +0086 19859288691. Include required quantity, delivery timeline, and destination country.
- Quotation — Receive a formal quotation within 1 business day including unit price (HKD/USD), lead time, and shipping options (DHL Express / FedEx International Priority).
- Order Confirmation — Issue a Purchase Order or confirm via email. Pro-forma invoice issued immediately.
- Payment — T/T (Bank Wire), PayPal, or Western Union accepted. Payment terms: 100% advance for standard orders; NET 30 available for approved accounts.
- Shipment — Units dispatched within 1–3 business days of payment clearance. Tracking number provided same day as shipment.
- After-Sales — 90-day functional warranty. DOA replacement or full refund policy. Technical support available for installation and driver configuration.
Technical FAQ
- Q: Is the 1784-PKTX/B compatible with Windows 10 64-bit?
- A: Yes, with the appropriate Rockwell Automation RSLinx Classic driver (v3.90 or later). Unsigned driver installation may require disabling driver signature enforcement on Windows 10. Contact us for driver guidance.
- Q: Can this card be used in a PCIe slot?
- A: No. The 1784-PKTX/B uses the legacy 32-bit PCI bus. It is not compatible with PCIe slots. For PCIe-based systems, consider the 1784-PCICS or a USB-to-ControlNet adapter such as the 1784-U2CN.
- Q: What is the maximum cable length on a ControlNet segment?
- A: Per ControlNet specification, maximum trunk cable length is 1,000 m (RG-6 coaxial) with up to 48 taps, or 250 m with 99 taps. Repeaters extend the network beyond these limits.
- Q: Does the card support ControlNet redundant media?
- A: Yes. Both BNC ports (Channel A and Channel B) must be connected to separate coaxial trunks for redundant media operation. RSNetWorx automatically manages failover.
- Q: What is the difference between Series A and Series B?
- A: Series B incorporates revised onboard firmware addressing intermittent node-loss issues observed in high-traffic networks with Series A hardware. Series B is the recommended revision for all new installations.
- Q: Can I use this card for ControlNet I/O scanning (scheduled connections)?
- A: Yes. The 1784-PKTX/B supports both scheduled (I/O) and unscheduled (explicit messaging) ControlNet connections when configured via RSNetWorx for ControlNet.
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