Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is a plug-in memory and real-time clock (RTC) expansion module designed exclusively for Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series of programmable logic controllers, including the Micro820 (2080-LC20-xxx), Micro830 (2080-L30-xxx), Micro850 (2080-L50-xxx), Micro870 (2080-L70-xxx), and Micro890 (2080-L90-xxx) CPU models equipped with an option slot. The primary function of the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is twofold: it provides battery-backed retention of the user application program and retained variable data across power cycles, and it adds a battery-backed real-time clock/calendar that can be read by the Micro800 logic for time-stamping events, scheduling timed operations, and generating audit trails. Without the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ (or the non-RTC version 2080-MEMNOBAT), standard Micro800 CPUs store the program in volatile memory that is lost on power-down unless downloaded again after each restart—making the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ an essential accessory for stand-alone machines expected to survive power interruptions and resume automatic operation.The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ plugs directly into the dedicated expansion slot on the right side of supported Micro800 CPUs (or into the option slot of the base unit) and is secured with a retaining screw. It contains a socket for a standard 3 V lithium coin cell (CR2032, user-replaceable) that backs up both the SRAM program image and the RTC registers; the typical battery life is 2–5 years depending on ambient temperature and how frequently the controller is powered down. The module’s non-volatile flash memory also stores a copy of the application project for auto-load on power-up. Configuration in Connected Components Workbench (CCW) software is minimal—once the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is added to the hardware tree, the user enables “Store Project to Memory Module” and optionally maps RTC system variables. With its compact footprint and plug-and-play recognition, the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ transforms a basic Micro800 CPU into a self-contained, auto-restarting controller with time-awareness suitable for OEM machinery, small process skids, and building automation subsystems.

 

Technical Specifications

Product Model | 2080-MEMBAK-RTC (also 2080-MEMBAK-RTC/A, 2080-MEMBAK-RTC/B)Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell AutomationProduct Type | Micro800 Series Plug-In Memory Module with Battery-Backed Real-Time Clock (RTC)Compatible Controllers | 2080-LC20-xxx (Micro820), 2080-L30-xxx (Micro830), 2080-L50-xxx (Micro850), 2080-L70-xxx (Micro870), 2080-L90-xxx (Micro890) with option slotMemory Function | Stores user project (logic + retained tags) in on-board flash; battery-backed SRAM for warm retain across brief outagesReal-Time Clock | Yes – battery-backed RTC/calendar (YY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS), accessible via CCW system RTC instructionsBattery Type | 1 × CR2032 3 V Lithium Coin Cell (user-replaceable, included with new module)Battery Life (typical) | 2–5 years @ 25 °C (dependent on temperature and duration of power-off periods)Backup Time (program + RTC) | > 5 years with good battery; RTC drifts < ±4 min/year uncompensated typicalInterface | Direct edge connector to Micro800 CPU option slotIndicators | None (status reported via CCW software / CPU error LED behavior)Mounting | Plugs into Micro800 CPU option slot; secured with captive mounting screwOperating Temperature | 0 … +60 °C (+32 … +140 °F)Storage Temperature | -40 … +85 °CHumidity (non-condensing) | 5 % – 95 % RHDimensions (L × W × D) | Approx. 58 mm × 35 mm × 18 mm (module only)Weight | Approx. 25 g (excluding battery)Enclosure Rating | IP20 (install inside control cabinet)Certifications | UL Listed, cULus, CE Marked, RoHS CompliantSoftware Requirement | Rockwell Automation Connected Components Workbench (CCW) v8.x or later recommended

 

Main Features and Advantages

Program retention across power cycles: The core value of the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is that it eliminates the need to re-download the application after every power loss. When the project is stored to the module from CCW (or via the CPU’s on-board menu on select models), the Micro800 processor automatically loads the program from the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ on the next power-up and transitions to Run mode if configured to do so (Auto-Run setting). This enables truly autonomous machine operation—critical for OEM equipment shipped without a permanently attached programming PC.Battery-backed real-time clock: Many small machines need time-stamped alarm logs, daily schedule triggers, or hours-of-operation tracking. The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ supplies a continuously running RTC that survives power outages as long as the CR2032 cell is good. The Micro800 instruction set in CCW provides GET_RTC and SET_RTC system functions to read and (occasionally) write the clock, allowing the controller logic to act on time-of-day, day-of-week, or date comparisons directly. This avoids the need for an external time-source or operator-entered clock setting after each restart.User-replaceable coin cell & low-battery detection: The CR2032 battery in the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is field-replaceable without tools—slide open the battery door, swap the cell, close. CCW and the CPU can flag a low-battery condition (via system status bit or LED behavior on some CPUs), prompting preventive replacement before program/RTC data is lost. Keeping a spare CR2032 on-site is standard practice wherever the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is deployed.Simple CCW integration: After physically installing the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC, add it to the CCW project’s hardware tree under the CPU. The software automatically exposes memory-module properties—Store Project, Erase Module, View Battery Status. No DIP switches, no addressing. The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is detected at power-up and its presence confirmed in the controller’s I/O status. Projects can be optionally set to auto-store to the module on every successful download or manually stored on demand.Differentiation from 2080-MEMNOBAT: The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ adds the RTC function over the 2080-MEMNOBAT (which provides battery-backed program retention only). If your application requires time-stamping or scheduled operations, specify the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC; if only program retention is needed and RTC is irrelevant, the less-expensive 2080-MEMNOBAT suffices—but many OEMs standardize on the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ to cover both needs universally.

 

Application Field

The Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is used wherever a Micro800-based controller must survive uncontrolled power interruptions and resume operation automatically, and/or where the control logic requires knowledge of the current date and time. In OEM packaging machinery—horizontal wrappers, vertical form-fill-seal machines, case erectors—the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ ensures the machine powers up in Run mode after a shift-end shutdown or brief utility outage, resuming the last recipe and state (if retentive variables are also configured). Time-of-day scheduling—for example, initiating a self-clean cycle at 2:00 AM on a bottling line—is driven by RTC values read from the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC.In small process skids such as water treatment boost stations, chemical dosing units, and HVAC plant rooms controlled by a Micro850 or Micro870, the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ timestamps alarm events (pump failure, high/low level) written to the controller’s retained string arrays or passed to a connected HMI/SCADA, creating a rudimentary event log even without a full historian. Building automation sub-panels (lighting control, AHU local logic) use the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ to trigger time-based setback schedules and holiday calendars. Agricultural and irrigation controllers based on Micro820 often rely on the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ for both sunrise/sunset-relative watering schedules and guaranteed program recovery after seasonal power-down. Because the module draws no external power and adds negligible panel depth, the Allen-Bradley 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ is equally at home in compact NEMA/UL 508A enclosures on stand-alone machines and in larger multi-bay control rooms where Micro800 CPUs serve as distributed intelligence nodes communicating over EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP to a supervisory system.

 

Related Products

• 2080-MEMNOBAT​ — Micro800 memory module with battery-backed program retention but NO real-time clock; lower-cost alternative if RTC is not required—compare features before ordering vs. 2080-MEMBAK-RTC.
• 2080-L50-24QBB / 2080-L50-24QWB​ — Example Micro850 CPUs (24 DC In / 16 DC Out, with/without analog) that accept the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC​ in their option slot.
• 2080-L30-24QBB​ — Micro830 24 V DC CPU with option slot for the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC; popular for small machine control.
• 2080-L70-24QBB​ — Micro870 expandable CPU accepting the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC; used in larger I/O count applications still within the Micro800 family.
• 2080-LC20-20QBB​ — Micro820 compact CPU with embedded I/O and option slot for the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC; often used in remote/standalone applications.
• CR2032​ — 3 V lithium coin cell battery (user-replaceable); the same type used in the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC—recommend keeping spares on-site.
• 2080-TERM / 2080-TB3 / 2080-TB5​ — Removable terminal blocks / expansion I/O modules sometimes mounted adjacent to Micro800 CPUs also equipped with the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC.
• CCW (Connected Components Workbench)​ — Rockwell Automation programming software used to configure the 2080-MEMBAK-RTC, store/erase projects to the module, and read/write RTC values via ladder/structured text.