The Allen-Bradley 1756-A13 is a ControlLogix chassis from Rockwell Automation used in the ControlLogix PLC system. It provides the physical rack, backplane communication, and power distribution framework for ControlLogix controller modules, I/O modules, and communication modules.
This chassis does not perform control logic itself—it acts as the hardware backbone that connects and powers all installed modules, enabling high-speed communication across the system backplane.
It is widely used in industrial automation applications such as manufacturing, power plants, oil & gas, and process control systems.
Key Features
- 13-slot ControlLogix chassis
- High-speed backplane communication between modules
- Horizontal rack mounting design
- Supports mixed ControlLogix modules in any slot
- Distributed power via backplane
- Slot fillers required for empty positions
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | ControlLogix Chassis |
| Model | 1756-A13 |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) |
| Number of Slots | 13 |
| Mounting Orientation | Horizontal only |
| Backplane Function | Power + communication bus |
| Power Dissipation | ~5.4 W |
| Backplane Voltage Levels | 1.2 V / 3.3 V / 5.1 V / 24 V DC |
| Isolation | Depends on installed modules |
| Enclosure Type | Open style (panel installation) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (standard) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
Physical Dimensions & Weight
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | ~169 mm × 588 mm × 145 mm |
| Minimum Cabinet Size | ~609 × 762 × 203 mm |
| Weight | ~1.9 kg (chassis only) |
Some commercial listings may show higher shipping weight depending on packaging (up to ~4 kg or more).
Function in ControlLogix System
The 1756-A13 chassis serves as:
- Mechanical housing for PLC modules
- Backplane communication bus (high-speed data exchange)
- Power distribution plane for modules
- Slot-based modular expansion system
Each slot is electrically connected, allowing controllers and I/O modules to communicate without external wiring between modules.
Typical Installed Modules
In a full system, the chassis may contain:
- ControlLogix CPU (1756-L7x / L8x series)
- Digital input modules
- Digital output modules
- Analog input/output modules
- Communication modules (EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, etc.)
- Safety modules (in safety systems)
