Allen Bradley 1785-KA PLC-5 Data Highway Communication Adapter Module
Allen Bradley 1785-KA PLC-5 Data Highway Communication Adapter Module
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Brand:Allen Bradley PLC Item No.:1785-KA Product Origin:USA Product Dimensions:115 x 317 x 160 mm Product Weight:0.88 kg Payment:T/T, Western Union, Credit Card Goods_stock:15 Shipping Port:Xiamen, China Lead Time:1-3 Days Condition:Brand New And Original Warranty:1 Year Certificate:COO
The Allen-Bradley 1785-KA PLC-5 Data Highway Communication Adapter Module is a legacy industrial communication component used in PLC-5 control systems. It provides connectivity between PLC-5 processors and Data Highway / Data Highway Plus networks, enabling structured data exchange across industrial automation systems.
Installed in a 1771 chassis, the module allows PLC-5 controllers to communicate within plant-wide network architectures commonly found in older industrial facilities. It is an essential component for maintaining interoperability between distributed PLC-5 systems and supervisory control networks.
Although largely replaced by modern Ethernet-based communication modules, the 1785-KA remains critical in facilities that still operate PLC-5 infrastructure, ensuring continued reliability and system longevity in legacy automation environments.
Technical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Product Model
1785-KA
Product Type
PLC-5 Communication Adapter Module
System
Allen-Bradley PLC-5 (1771 chassis)
Network Support
Data Highway (DH), Data Highway Plus (DH+)
Function
Communication bridging / messaging
Power Source
PLC backplane powered
Installation
1771 I/O chassis slot
Communication Role
PLC-5 network interface
Dimensions
115 × 317 × 160 mm
Weight
0.88 kg (1.94 lb)
Industrial Applications
The Allen-Bradley 1785-KA is a PLC-5 communication adapter module designed to connect PLC-5 controllers to Data Highway (DH) and Data Highway Plus (DH+) networks. It is used in legacy industrial automation systems where PLC-5 racks communicate across serial industrial networks for supervisory control and data exchange.
Typical applications include:
PLC-5 legacy automation systems
Data Highway / Data Highway Plus network bridging
Industrial plant-wide communication networks
Machine-to-machine data exchange in older control systems
Process control systems in power and manufacturing plants
Integration of PLC-5 racks into distributed control architectures
Upgrading or maintaining legacy Rockwell Automation systems
Product Advantages
Enables communication between PLC-5 systems and DH/DH+ networks
Supports industrial Data Highway protocol communication
Designed for robust operation in legacy control environments
Backplane-powered module (no external power supply required)
Supports multi-module system expansion in PLC-5 chassis
Stable communication for time-critical industrial messaging
Proven reliability in long-life industrial installations
Essential for maintaining legacy Rockwell Automation infrastructure
Technical FAQs
1. What is the main function of this module?
It connects PLC-5 processors to Data Highway and Data Highway Plus communication networks.
2. What networks does it support?
It supports:
Data Highway (DH)
Data Highway Plus (DH+)
3. What system is it used with?
It is used with Allen-Bradley PLC-5 systems in 1771 I/O chassis environments.
4. Is it still used today?
Yes, but mainly in legacy industrial systems that have not been migrated to Ethernet-based PLC platforms.
5. Does it require external power?
No, it is powered directly from the PLC-5 backplane.
6. What is its role in a system?
It acts as a communication bridge between PLC-5 processors and industrial networks.
7. What industries still use it?
Power generation, heavy manufacturing, oil & gas, and legacy process industries.
8. Can it connect to modern Ethernet networks directly?
No, it is designed for DH/DH+ networks, not native Ethernet communication.
9. Why is it important?
It allows continued operation of legacy PLC-5 systems without full system replacement.
10. Is it part of a control system or just communication?
