Procure now the Allen-Bradley 1784-PCD — the professional PCMCIA communication card engineered for laptop-based programming and diagnostics on Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) and ControlNet networks.
What Is the Allen-Bradley 1784-PCD?
The 1784-PCD is a Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) communication interface card manufactured by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation). It is designed for use in laptops equipped with a PCMCIA slot, providing direct network access to both Data Highway Plus (DH+) and ControlNet networks from a single card. This dual-network capability makes the 1784-PCD one of the most versatile portable communication tools in the Allen-Bradley ecosystem, ideal for field engineers and commissioning specialists who work across multiple network types.
Key Technical Specifications
- Form factor: PCMCIA Type II (PC Card)
- Supported networks: Data Highway Plus (DH+) and ControlNet
- Compatible software: RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSNetWorx for ControlNet, RSLinx Classic
- Operating systems: Windows (driver required, legacy OS support)
- DH+ connector: 6-pin mini-DIN
- ControlNet connector: BNC coaxial
- Power supply: Powered via PCMCIA slot (3.3V / 5V)
- Isolation: Optical isolation on both network interfaces
Dual Network Capability: DH+ and ControlNet
One of the defining features of the 1784-PCD is its ability to interface with two distinct Allen-Bradley networks using a single PCMCIA card:
- DH+ port: Used for programming and monitoring PLC-5, SLC 500, and MicroLogix 1500 controllers
- ControlNet port: Used for configuring ControlNet networks, uploading/downloading controller configurations, and performing network diagnostics via RSNetWorx for ControlNet
This dual capability eliminates the need to carry separate communication tools for different network types on the same site.
Expert Tips
- The 1784-PCD requires specific legacy drivers that may not be available for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you are using a modern laptop, consider using a Windows 7 virtual machine with PCMCIA passthrough, or evaluate migrating to a USB-based solution such as the 1784-U2DHP for DH+ and a separate ControlNet USB adapter.
- When switching between DH+ and ControlNet sessions within the same RSLinx session, always deactivate the active driver before switching network connections to avoid RSLinx driver conflicts.
- Ensure PCMCIA slot power management is disabled in the laptop BIOS/UEFI settings — power-saving features that cut PCMCIA slot power can cause unexpected communication drops during long programming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1784-PCD still supported by Rockwell Automation?
A: The 1784-PCD is a mature/legacy product. While Rockwell Automation no longer actively markets it, replacement parts and technical documentation remain available. For new installations, Rockwell recommends evaluating USB-based communication solutions. However, for existing systems requiring PCMCIA connectivity, the 1784-PCD remains a valid and functional option.
Q: Can the 1784-PCD be used simultaneously on DH+ and ControlNet?
A: No. Although the card has physical connectors for both networks, only one network interface can be active at a time within RSLinx Classic. You must configure and activate the appropriate driver for each network separately.
Q: What laptops are compatible with the 1784-PCD?
A: Any laptop with a Type II PCMCIA slot is physically compatible. However, due to driver limitations, practical compatibility is generally restricted to laptops running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. Newer laptops typically do not include PCMCIA slots.
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