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Description
Application Scenarios
In a paper mill retrofit project, engineers needed to integrate legacy 1336 PLUS II drives into a modern ControlLogix control architecture without replacing the existing motor control centers. The hardwired I/O approach would have required hundreds of new cable runs and additional PLC I/O modules, driving up both material costs and installation complexity.
By installing 1203-CN1 modules in each drive enclosure, the project team established ControlNet communication between the drives and the ControlLogix processor. The modules converted ControlNet scheduled I/O messages into SCANport signals, enabling logic commands, speed references, and drive status data to flow over a single network cable. The retrofit eliminated approximately 80% of the planned hardwired connections, reduced cabinet space requirements, and provided deterministic 5 Mbps data exchange for real-time drive control.
Parameter
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 1203-CN1 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Product Category | ControlNet Communications Module |
| Compatible Devices | SCANport-equipped drives (1336 series, 1394, SMC Dialog Plus) |
| Network Protocol | ControlNet |
| Communication Rate | 5 Mbps |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC |
| Current Consumption | 250 mA (maximum) |
| ControlNet Interface | Dual coaxial ports (Channel A/B, redundant media support) |
| SCANport Interface | 8-pin circular mini DIN connector |
| Configuration Port | RS-232 serial (9-pin) |
| Node Address | 0–99 (pushbutton switches, power cycle required) |
| Status Indicators | Bi-color LEDs (Module, Network A/B, SCANport) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Mounting Method | 35mm DIN rail |
| Dimensions | 3.920 in × 3.540 in × 2.690 in (approx.) |
| Weight | 0.52 lbs (0.24 kg) |
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
- Innovation Point 1: Deterministic ControlNet Communication. The 1203-CN1 leverages ControlNet’s time-division multiplexing architecture to deliver scheduled, deterministic I/O data alongside unscheduled messaging. This dual-mode capability allows logic commands and speed references to arrive at precise intervals while parameter reads, fault queries, and configuration changes occur without disrupting the control schedule.
- Innovation Point 2: SCANport-to-ControlNet Protocol Bridge. The module functions as a dedicated protocol converter, translating ControlNet messages into signals that SCANport products recognize. It supports both scheduled I/O data (logic commands, analog references) and non-scheduled messages (parameter read/write, fault diagnostics), providing comprehensive access to drive parameters without additional hardware.
- Innovation Point 3: Redundant Media Support. The 1203-CN1 features dual coaxial ControlNet ports (Channel A and Channel B), enabling redundant network configurations. In applications where network availability is critical, such as continuous process lines, the second channel provides automatic failover if the primary media path is disrupted.
- Innovation Point 4: Integrated RS-232 Configuration Interface. A dedicated RS-232 serial port enables module configuration through HyperTerminal or VT100-compatible terminal software. Parameters including logic command/reference enable, datalink transmission, serial port speed, and fault behavior can be modified without network access, simplifying commissioning in isolated or restricted environments.
- Innovation Point 5: Fault-Configurable Drive Behavior. The 1203-CN1 includes parameters that define how the connected drive responds when the PLC goes idle or the ControlNet connection times out. Users can configure the module to fault the drive, send specific safe-state commands, or continue operation, providing flexibility for fail-safe strategies tailored to each application.
