Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC USB Converter for RSLinx Classic and DH-485 UIC Driver

The Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC is a USB-to-DH-485 interface converter designed to bridge modern computers with legacy Rockwell Automation controllers and terminals that communicate over the DH-485 network protocol. As a member of the SLC 500 accessory family, the 1747-UIC allows a PC equipped only with USB ports to connect directly to DH-485 ports on SLC 500, MicroLogix, and ControlLogix controllers, as well as PanelView terminals and 1747-AIC or 1761-NET-AIC isolators, enabling programming, data collection, and monitoring of plant-floor equipment . The converter is powered entirely from the USB port and requires no external power supply, simplifying field use where a convenient outlet may not be available.

In practical deployment, the 1747-UIC provides two switch-selectable communication ports to accommodate different controller generations and connection types. One port is an RJ-45 connector for direct connection to DH-485 ports on SLC 5/01, 5/02, and 5/03 processors, as well as AIC link couplers and PanelView terminals with DH-485 interfaces. The second port is an RS-232 DB9 connector for connection to Channel 0 on SLC 5/03 and higher processors, MicroLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, ControlLogix, and PanelView products with RS-232 ports . This dual-port design means a single 1747-UIC can serve multiple controller families across a facility, reducing the number of specialized cables and adapters needed in a maintenance toolkit.

The 1747-UIC interfaces with RSLinx Classic through the dedicated DH-485 UIC driver, which appears in the driver selection list when the device is connected and recognized by the operating system . The converter operates at a DH-485 baud rate of 19.2 Kbps and draws less than 100 mA from the USB port, making it compatible with standard USB 1.1 or higher host controllers . Rockwell Automation discontinued the 1747-UIC on September 30, 2024, with no planned direct replacement, making verified working units increasingly important for maintaining the large installed base of SLC 500 and MicroLogix systems that rely on DH-485 connectivity .

Category: A-B

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Description

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	1747-UIC
Manufacturer	Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
Product Type	USB to DH-485 Interface Converter
USB Interface	USB 1.1 (12 Mbps)
USB Power Consumption	<100 mA (low power, bus-powered)
DH-485 Baud Rate	19.2 Kbps
DH-485 Ports	2, switch-selectable (RJ-45 and RS-232 DB9)
RJ-45 Port Compatibility	SLC 5/01, 5/02, 5/03 (Channel 1), 1747-AIC, PanelView with DH-485
RS-232 Port Compatibility	SLC 5/03/5/04/5/05 (Channel 0), MicroLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, ControlLogix, PanelView, AIC+
RSLinx Driver	DH-485 UIC Driver (RSLinx Classic)
Status Indicators	3 LEDs (power, operation, data activity)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
Relative Humidity	5% to 95% non-condensing
Isolation	500V DC (circuit isolation)
USB Cable Length	12 inches (included)
Mounting	DIN rail compatible
Lifecycle Status	Discontinued September 30, 2024

Main Features and Advantages

Dual-Port Flexibility for Multi-Platform Connectivity: The 1747-UIC eliminates the need for multiple proprietary programming cables by providing both an RJ-45 DH-485 port and an RS-232 DB9 port in a single converter. The RJ-45 port connects directly to the DH-485 network through SLC 5/01 and 5/02 processors, 1747-AIC isolators, or PanelView terminals, while the RS-232 port serves newer SLC 5/03 and higher processors through their Channel 0 serial port, as well as MicroLogix and Logix-family controllers . This dual-port architecture means a technician can carry one 1747-UIC to service an entire facility’s mixed controller population, rather than stocking separate interface adapters for each controller generation.

Native RSLinx Integration with Dedicated Driver: The 1747-UIC is recognized by RSLinx Classic through the DH-485 UIC driver, which is purpose-built for this converter and appears automatically in the driver configuration list when the device is connected . This native driver integration avoids the complexity of configuring generic serial drivers or manually specifying communication parameters, reducing setup time during commissioning and troubleshooting. Once the driver is configured, the 1747-UIC presents the connected DH-485 network to RSLinx just as a 1747-PCMCIA card or built-in serial port would, allowing existing RSLinx workflows, tag browsing, and programming software connections to function without modification.

Bus-Powered Operation with Status Indicators: The 1747-UIC draws all required power from the host computer’s USB port, consuming less than 100 mA in normal operation . This bus-powered design eliminates the need for a separate wall adapter or external supply, which is particularly valuable in field service scenarios where a technician may be working at a remote panel with limited power access. Three LED indicators on the converter provide real-time status for power, operational readiness, and data activity, allowing quick visual diagnosis of connection problems without opening RSLinx or a programming terminal. If the data LED does not flash during a browse attempt, the issue is likely at the USB or driver level rather than on the DH-485 network itself.

Gold-Plated USB Interface for Signal Integrity: The gold plating on the 1747-UIC USB connector serves a practical function beyond cosmetic appearance: it resists oxidation and corrosion that can degrade signal integrity over repeated connect-disconnect cycles. In industrial maintenance environments where the converter may be plugged and unplugged dozens of times per week across different computers, gold-plated contacts maintain reliable USB enumeration and data transfer where base-metal connectors might develop intermittent faults. This durability consideration is particularly relevant given the 1747-UIC’s role as a shared maintenance tool that moves between computers and control cabinets.