Purchase now: Allen-Bradley 1756-L73 ControlLogix Controller
Purchase now: Atlantechdrives provides you the 1756-L73, a premium, exceptionally powerful programmable automation controller (PAC) from the acclaimed ControlLogix 5570 series, engineered by the global industrial automation experts at Rockwell Automation. Designed specifically to manage massive, plant-wide automation architectures, the 1756-L73 boasts a formidable 8 Megabytes of dedicated user memory and 0.98 Megabytes of dedicated I/O data memory. This massive memory capacity allows it to easily handle vast data arrays, extensive PlantPAx distributed control system (DCS) implementations, and highly complex batching logic that would instantly overwhelm smaller processors. Capable of executing sophisticated multi-axis CIP Motion control across massive Ethernet/IP networks, it serves as the ultimate «Grandmaster» brain for large-scale pharmaceutical production facilities, heavy-duty steel manufacturing, petrochemical refineries, and sprawling water treatment plants where extreme computational bandwidth and unwavering reliability are non-negotiable.
Technical Specifications of the 1756-L73
By utilizing an advanced dual-core processing architecture, the 1756-L73 guarantees that background tasks like HMI updates and SCADA data collection will never steal CPU cycles from the critical machine logic execution, ensuring deterministic, ultra-fast response times.
- Part Number: 1756-L73
- Controller Family: ControlLogix 5570
- User Memory Capacity: 8 MB (Ideal for extensive data arrays and PlantPAx)
- I/O Memory Capacity: 0.98 MB
- Programming Port: USB 2.0 (Type B) for rapid local connectivity
- Non-Volatile Storage: 1 GB Secure Digital (SD) Card included
- Energy Storage: Energy Storage Module (ESM) – Capacitor-based
- Supported Software: RSLogix 5000 (v20+) or Studio 5000 Logix Designer
Expert Tips: Migrating from Legacy L6 Controllers
If you are upgrading an older manufacturing facility, the 1756-L73 is the premier choice for replacing legacy ControlLogix L63 processors. Expert Tip: When migrating from an older L6 to an L7 series processor, engineers often notice a massive leap in processing speed—often cutting scan times in half. However, you must carefully evaluate your communication infrastructure. The L6 processors featured a built-in 9-pin RS-232 serial port, which many plants used for legacy ASCII communication or older Modbus networks. The 1756-L73 completely removes this serial port in favor of a modern USB 2.0 port. If your application still strictly requires RS-232/ASCII communication to interface with older barcode scanners, weigh scales, or legacy drives, you must purchase and install a separate serial communication module (such as a ProSoft Technology module) in the chassis alongside your new L73 processor.
Maintenance: Chassis Placement and Thermal Dissipation
Because the 1756-L73 is a high-performance computational engine, thermal management within the industrial control cabinet is absolutely vital. While standard practice allows the CPU to be placed in any available slot within the 1756 chassis, the absolute best engineering practice is to install the processor in Slot 0 (the leftmost slot, immediately next to the power supply). Furthermore, never install heavy heat-generating modules (like isolated relay output cards or third-party communication modules) directly adjacent to the CPU if it can be avoided. Always use blank 1756-N2 slot filler modules in any empty chassis slots to ensure the forced convection air currents flow correctly through the L73’s internal heat sinks, preventing thermal throttling and extending the lifespan of the electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the 1756-L73 require a lithium battery to retain its program during a power outage?
A: No. The entire L7 series eliminates the need for lithium batteries. It uses an Energy Storage Module (ESM) packed with supercapacitors. Upon power loss, the ESM keeps the processor alive just long enough to safely copy the volatile RAM program directly to the included non-volatile SD Card.
Q: What is the maximum number of CIP Motion axes the 1756-L73 can support?
A: The 1756-L73 is an absolute powerhouse for motion control, capable of supporting up to 100 simultaneous axes of CIP Motion over an EtherNet/IP network, making it perfect for massive, highly synchronized packaging and converting lines.
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