Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1784-CF128 is an industrial CompactFlash memory card used with compatible ControlLogix programmable automation controllers. It provides 128 MB of nonvolatile storage for retaining user programs and controller data.

The card is primarily associated with the ControlLogix 5560 controller platform, including compatible 1756-L6 series controllers. It is installed in the designated CompactFlash memory socket and provides additional storage for controller applications without requiring a separate external storage device.

The 1784-CF128 is particularly useful for applications where a controller must retain its user program and tag data independently of normal operating power. Through RSLogix 5000 programming software, engineers can save controller data to the memory card, restore stored information, or configure the controller to load an application from nonvolatile memory during startup.

Unlike ordinary removable storage intended for office computers, this card belongs to an industrial controller memory system. Its compatibility depends on the controller generation, firmware, and programming software requirements.

For maintenance engineers, the 1784-CF128 serves as a practical storage medium for controller backup, program recovery, and application management in compatible ControlLogix installations.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

1. 128 MB Storage Capacity

The card provides 128 MB of storage for retaining controller user programs and associated data. This capacity supports application backup and recovery operations on compatible ControlLogix systems.

2. Nonvolatile Memory Storage

The memory retains stored information without continuous electrical power. This allows application data to remain available when the controller is shut down or disconnected from its supply.

3. ControlLogix 5560 Compatibility

The 1784-CF128 is intended for compatible ControlLogix 5560 controllers, including supported 1756-L6 and 1756-L6S models. Controller compatibility should be verified before replacement.

4. Program Backup and Recovery

Through RSLogix 5000, engineers can transfer controller programs and tag data between the controller and CompactFlash card. This supports maintenance and restoration procedures.

5. Automatic Program Loading

Compatible controllers can be configured to load an application from nonvolatile memory during startup. This is useful when a predefined controller recovery procedure is required.

6. Industrial Environmental Performance

The card supports an operating temperature range of -25 to 70 °C and specified industrial vibration and shock conditions, making it suitable for its intended controller installation environment.

7. Removable Storage Design

The CompactFlash format allows the memory card to be removed from its controller socket for supported backup and maintenance operations.

8. Controller Data Retention

The card provides a separate nonvolatile storage location for user programs and tag data, helping maintenance teams preserve application information during controller servicing.

Working Principle

The 1784-CF128 operates as a nonvolatile storage device within a compatible ControlLogix controller.

During normal operation, the controller executes its application program using its internal processing and memory resources. When a save operation is initiated through RSLogix 5000, the controller transfers the selected user program and associated tag data to the CompactFlash card.

The stored application remains available on the card without continuous power. When required, the controller can retrieve the stored information and restore the application according to the configured recovery procedure.

The card also supports automatic loading configurations on compatible controllers. Depending on the selected controller settings, the application stored on the card can be loaded during startup.

Typical Operating Sequence:

1. The 1784-CF128 is installed in the designated CompactFlash socket of a compatible controller.
2. The PLC executes its user program during normal operation.
3. An engineer initiates a memory save operation through RSLogix 5000.
4. The controller transfers the selected user program and tag data to the CompactFlash card.
5. The card retains the stored application in nonvolatile memory.
6. During maintenance or recovery, the controller accesses the stored application.
7. The saved program can be restored or loaded according to the configured controller settings.

Role in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Control Architecture

Within the ControlLogix architecture, the 1784-CF128 provides additional nonvolatile storage for compatible controller applications.

The ControlLogix processor performs logic execution, manages I/O data, and communicates with other automation devices. The CompactFlash card provides a separate storage location for retaining user programs and tag data.

This separation is useful during controller maintenance. If the processor requires replacement or application recovery, the stored program can be retrieved through the supported controller and software procedures.

The 1784-CF128 is specifically associated with the ControlLogix 5560 generation. It should not be confused with the Secure Digital memory cards used by later ControlLogix controller generations.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify Part Number: Confirm that the replacement memory card is Allen-Bradley 1784-CF128 with 128 MB capacity.
2. Check Controller Compatibility: Verify that the target processor belongs to the supported ControlLogix 5560 family, including compatible 1756-L6 or 1756-L6S models.
3. Check Software Requirements: Confirm that the controller firmware and RSLogix 5000 software versions support the selected memory card and required operations.
4. Back Up Existing Programs: Save the current controller application and important tag data before carrying out memory card replacement or maintenance.
5. Prepare the Controller: Follow the applicable Rockwell Automation procedure for accessing the CompactFlash socket and handling removable memory.
6. Inspect the Memory Card: Check the card for physical damage, contamination, or damaged electrical contacts before installation.
7. Install the Card: Insert the CompactFlash card into the designated controller socket according to the correct orientation.
8. Verify Card Recognition: Confirm that the controller recognizes the installed memory card and that the storage operation is available.
9. Configure Storage Settings: Set the required program save and load behavior through the supported RSLogix 5000 configuration.
10. Test Backup Operations: Perform a controlled save operation and verify that the application information is stored correctly.
11. Verify Recovery Configuration: Check the configured startup loading behavior when automatic application recovery is required.
12. Document Maintenance Records: Record the memory card part number, controller model, stored application version, installation date, and backup verification results.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• 128 MB nonvolatile CompactFlash storage.
• Designed for compatible ControlLogix 5560 controllers.
• Supports user program and tag data storage.
• Provides a separate location for controller application backups.
• Supports program restoration through RSLogix 5000.
• Allows configured application loading during controller startup.
• Removable memory format for supported maintenance operations.
• Suitable for industrial controller backup and recovery procedures.

Technical FAQs

1. Which ControlLogix controllers support the 1784-CF128?

The 1784-CF128 is specified for compatible ControlLogix 5560 controllers, including the 1756-L6 and 1756-L6S families. Compatibility should be checked against the processor model, firmware, and programming software version.

2. What information can the 1784-CF128 store?

The card provides 128 MB of nonvolatile storage for user programs and controller tag data. It can be used for application backup and supported program restoration operations.

3. Can the controller automatically load a program from the 1784-CF128?

Yes. Compatible ControlLogix controllers can be configured to load an application from nonvolatile memory during startup. The required loading behavior must be configured through the supported programming software.

4. Is the 1784-CF128 interchangeable with the 1784-SD1 memory card?

No. The 1784-CF128 uses CompactFlash technology and is intended for compatible ControlLogix 5560 controllers. The 1784-SD1 uses Secure Digital technology and is associated with later controller generations. Their physical interfaces and controller compatibility requirements are different.