Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1784-SDHC32 is a 32 GB high-capacity Secure Digital (SD) memory card designed for compatible ControlLogix and GuardLogix controller applications. It provides nonvolatile storage for user programs and controller data, allowing important application information to be retained independently of the controller’s normal operating power.

The card belongs to the ControlLogix 1756 accessory family and uses SDHC memory technology. It can be installed in the designated memory card socket of supported controllers, providing an additional storage location for application backup and recovery.

One of its primary functions is preserving a copy of the controller project. Through the Logix Designer programming environment, supported controllers can save user programs and tag data to nonvolatile memory. Engineers can also configure compatible controllers to load stored information during powerup.

The 1784-SDHC32 is particularly relevant to industrial installations using newer ControlLogix and GuardLogix controller platforms. Its 32 GB capacity provides substantially more storage than the 1 GB and 2 GB memory card variants in the same product family.

For automation maintenance teams, this memory card is useful for controller application management, program restoration, and maintaining stored project information during equipment servicing.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

1. 32 GB High-Capacity Storage

The card provides 32 GB of storage capacity for controller application information. Its larger storage capacity distinguishes it from the 1 GB, 2 GB, and 8 GB memory card variants in the ControlLogix accessory family.

2. Secure Digital High-Capacity Technology

The 1784-SDHC32 uses SDHC memory technology, providing removable flash storage for compatible industrial controllers.

3. Nonvolatile Program Storage

Stored user programs and tag data remain available without continuous controller power. This supports application retention during shutdown and maintenance operations.

4. ControlLogix Integration

The memory card is part of the ControlLogix controller accessory range and supports compatible controller configurations.

5. GuardLogix Compatibility

The 1784-SDHC32 is also listed among the memory card options for compatible GuardLogix 5580 controller configurations.

6. Program Backup and Recovery

The card provides a storage location for controller project information. Engineers can use supported programming operations to save and retrieve application data.

7. Configurable Startup Loading

Compatible controller configurations can load stored information from nonvolatile memory during powerup. This supports predefined application recovery procedures.

8. Industrial Environmental Performance

The memory card family supports specified industrial temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock conditions for its intended controller installation environment.

Working Principle

The 1784-SDHC32 operates as a nonvolatile flash memory device within a compatible ControlLogix or GuardLogix controller.

During normal operation, the controller executes its application using its internal processing and memory resources. The SDHC card provides a separate storage location for retaining user programs and tag data.

When an engineer initiates a save operation through the supported Logix programming environment, the controller transfers the selected application information to the installed memory card. The stored information remains available when the controller is powered down.

During maintenance or recovery, the controller can retrieve the saved application from the card. Depending on the processor configuration, the memory card can also be configured as the source for application loading during startup.

The memory card does not execute PLC logic or perform controller processing. Its role is limited to storing and supplying application information through the controller’s supported nonvolatile memory functions.

Typical Operating Sequence:

1. Install the 1784-SDHC32 in the designated memory card socket.
2. The controller detects and accesses the installed SDHC card.
3. The PLC executes its application during normal operation.
4. An engineer initiates a supported save operation through the programming software.
5. The controller transfers the selected user program and tag data to the memory card.
6. The card retains the stored information without continuous controller power.
7. During maintenance, the stored application can be accessed for recovery.
8. Compatible controller configurations can load the saved application during powerup.

Role in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Control Architecture

Within the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix architecture, the 1784-SDHC32 provides additional nonvolatile storage for controller applications and data.

The ControlLogix processor performs logic execution, manages I/O communication, and exchanges data with other automation equipment. The SDHC memory card operates as a separate storage resource, allowing important application information to be retained independently of normal controller operation.

In compatible ControlLogix 5580 and GuardLogix 5580 systems, the memory card can be used for application storage and supported recovery procedures. Its use should follow the specific processor and firmware compatibility requirements.

The card is especially useful in installations where engineers need to maintain an additional copy of the controller project for maintenance, replacement, or restoration work.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify Part Number: Confirm that the memory card is Allen-Bradley 1784-SDHC32 with a storage capacity of 32 GB.
2. Check Controller Compatibility: Verify that the target processor belongs to a supported ControlLogix or GuardLogix controller configuration.
3. Check Firmware Requirements: Confirm that the controller firmware and programming software support the intended SDHC memory card operations.
4. Back Up Existing Applications: Save the current controller project and important tag data before replacing or servicing the memory card.
5. Inspect the Card: Examine the memory card for physical damage, contamination, or damaged electrical contacts.
6. Prepare the Controller: Follow the applicable Rockwell Automation instructions for accessing the processor’s SD card socket.
7. Install the Memory Card: Insert the 1784-SDHC32 into the designated socket according to the correct orientation.
8. Verify Card Recognition: Check that the controller recognizes the installed memory card and that the required storage functions are available.
9. Configure Memory Operations: Set the required application save and load behavior through the supported Logix programming software.
10. Test Backup Functions: Perform a controlled save operation and verify that the required application information has been stored correctly.
11. Verify Recovery Settings: Check the configured startup loading behavior when automatic application recovery is required.
12. Document Maintenance Results: Record the memory card part number, controller model, firmware version, stored application information, and maintenance date.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• 32 GB high-capacity Secure Digital memory.
• Nonvolatile storage for controller user programs and tag data.
• Supports compatible ControlLogix controller configurations.
• Listed among memory card options for GuardLogix 5580 controllers.
• Supports application backup and restoration.
• Allows configured program loading during controller startup.
• Provides additional storage capacity compared with smaller SD card variants.
• Suitable for industrial controller maintenance and recovery operations.

Technical FAQs

1. What is the storage capacity of the 1784-SDHC32?

The 1784-SDHC32 provides 32 GB of Secure Digital High Capacity storage. It is the highest-capacity model in the standard 1784-SD memory card group listed in Rockwell Automation’s controller technical documentation.

2. Which controllers support the 1784-SDHC32?

Rockwell Automation lists the 1784-SDHC32 among the supported memory card options for compatible ControlLogix 5580 and GuardLogix 5580 controller configurations. The exact processor and firmware combination should be checked before installation.

3. Can the 1784-SDHC32 store a complete controller project?

The card can store user programs and tag data through supported nonvolatile memory operations. The specific content saved depends on the controller configuration and programming software settings.

4. What is the difference between the 1784-SDHC8 and 1784-SDHC32?

Both models belong to the ControlLogix SDHC memory card family. The 1784-SDHC8 provides 8 GB of storage, while the 1784-SDHC32 provides 32 GB. The appropriate model should be selected according to the controller’s supported memory configuration and application storage requirements.