Order now 1794-CE1 to maximize the spatial efficiency and architectural flexibility of your Allen-Bradley Flex I/O configurations. The 1794-CE1 is a high-reliability, 1-foot (0.3 meter) backplane extender cable designed specifically for the 1794 Flex I/O platform. This essential component allows automation engineers to split a single I/O rack across two separate DIN rails within an electrical enclosure, effectively overcoming the physical length limitations of a standard side-by-side terminal base installation. By utilizing this genuine OEM extender cable, you maintain the electrical integrity of the Flexbus data and power signals while adapting your hardware layout to fit shallow or narrow control cabinets. The 1794-CE1 is engineered to provide a secure, low-impedance connection that ensures deterministic I/O response times are maintained across the extended backplane.
What Is the 1794-CE1?
The 1794-CE1 is a specialized ribbon cable assembly with ruggedized connectors that bridges the internal bus between two 1794 terminal bases. In a standard Flex I/O setup, terminal bases plug into each other to form a continuous backplane. However, when cabinet space is restricted, the 1794-CE1 enables a «staggered» or «multi-row» layout. It transmits all critical logic power and data signals from the adapter-side terminal base to the downstream modules. This cable is manufactured with high-grade industrial shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from corrupting the high-speed logic pulses traveling between the adapter and the I/O points.
Key Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 1794-CE1
- Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- Cable Length: 1 foot (0.3 meters)
- Compatible Series: 1794 Flex I/O
- Function: Backplane / Flexbus extension
- Connector Type: Multi-pin proprietary Flexbus connectors
- Max Extension: One cable per I/O rack recommended
- Operating Temperature: -20 to +70 Celsius (-4 to 158 Fahrenheit)
Backplane Architecture and Layout Efficiency
The 1794-CE1 is vital for maintaining high I/O density. In many retrofit applications, older PLC racks are replaced with Flex I/O, but the new terminal bases may be longer than the available horizontal space. By using the 1794-CE1, you can mount four modules on the top rail and four modules on the bottom rail while still using a single 1794-AENT or 1794-ASB adapter. This reduces the need for additional network adapters and IP addresses, simplifying the overall control system architecture and lowering hardware costs.
Expert Tips
When installing the 1794-CE1, ensure the cable is not pinched by the enclosure door or stretched beyond its 1-foot limit. An expert tip: always secure both ends of the cable with the integrated locking clips to prevent the backplane from disconnecting due to industrial vibration. If the cable is loose, the CPU may report a «Module Slot Fault» or a complete I/O rack failure. Furthermore, avoid routing the 1794-CE1 near high-voltage AC cables or VFD output wires, as the ribbon cable’s shielding is optimized for low-voltage logic and can pick up induced noise if placed too close to power lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple 1794-CE1 cables to reach 2 or 3 feet?
A: No. Rockwell Automation strictly advises against using more than one extender cable per I/O rack. Increasing the cable length beyond the specified limit can cause signal attenuation and timing errors on the Flexbus.
Q: Does the 1794-CE1 carry field power to the modules?
A: The 1794-CE1 carries the logic power (+5V DC) for the modules’ internal circuitry. However, field power for sensors and actuators must still be wired to the terminal bases on the second row separately.
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