SLC 500 PLC System Overview
The SLC 500 is a classic medium-sized legacy PLC from Rockwell Automation, consisting of two subseries: 1747 (processor & communication modules) and 1746 (I/O chassis & input/output modules). Engineered for continuous production and discrete control applications in industrial environments, it features a compact footprint with robust expandability. The series seamlessly integrates with traditional production line sensors and actuators while supporting mainstream industrial communication protocols including DH-485 and EtherNet/IP. Perfectly tailored for upgrading, retrofitting, maintaining, and replacing aging factory systems, the SLC 500 has decades of proven application in automotive components, food & beverage packaging, material handling, and other sectors, renowned for exceptional stability and longevity.
Key Features & Capabilities
Robust Modular Design & Flexible Expansion
- Modular architecture splits into 1747 (processors/communication) and 1746 (I/O chassis/modules) subseries for tailored configurations
- Supports up to 7 expansion chassis and over 60 types of I/O modules (digital, analog, temperature, counting)
- High-density options like 16AI/8AO modules for space-efficient monitoring
- Scales from 256 I/O points (entry-level) to 4096 points for small-to-medium automation projects
Superior Reliability for Harsh Industrial Environments
- Engineered to withstand vibration, electromagnetic interference, and extreme temperatures (0°C ~ 60°C)
- Hardware redundancy options and comprehensive diagnostic functions
- Front-panel LED indicators for quick fault identification
- Proven track record of decades of stable operation across industries
Versatile Communication & Compatibility
- Multiple built-in communication ports (DH-485, DH+, RS-232)
- Supports protocols including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, and Modbus RTU
- Seamlessly connects to legacy systems and new-generation Allen-Bradley PLCs
- Reduces wiring costs with remote I/O compatibility for factory-wide integration
Powerful Performance & User-Friendly Operation
- Processors with 1KB to 64KB program memory (up to 160KB max)
- Efficient control core minimizes memory usage (50% less than competitors)
- Supports Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Structured Text programming via RSLogix 500
- Fast scan times (as low as 0.9ms/k instructions) for high-speed control applications
Cost-Effective Legacy Solution
- Balances performance and affordability for upgrading aging industrial systems
- Continued access to official technical support, spare parts, and third-party services
- Wide industry adoption validates practicality and versatility
Core Specifications
| Specification Category |
Description |
| Processor Models (1747 Series) |
1747-L511 (Compact), 1747-L524 (Medium), 1747-L551 (Large) |
| I/O Expansion Capability (1746 Series) |
Supports up to 7 expansion chassis; 16 I/O modules configurable per chassis |
| Program Memory Capacity |
Max 160KB user program memory |
| Communication Protocols |
DH-485, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, RS-232 |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C ~ 60°C |
| Protection Rating |
IP20 (Chassis) |
| Power Input |
120/240V AC, 24V DC |
| Programming Languages |
Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST) |
Product Model Listing
Processors (1747 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1747-L511 |
SLC 5/01 processor, entry-level model with basic control capability for small-scale discrete control tasks |
| 1747-L524 |
SLC 5/02 processor, medium-performance model with moderate memory for mid-sized control applications |
| 1747-L541 |
SLC 5/04 processor, 16K-word memory, supports DH+ and RS-232 communication |
| 1747-L542 |
SLC 5/04 processor, 32K-word memory, suitable for complex sequential control with enhanced data storage |
| 1747-L543 |
SLC 5/04 processor, 64K-word memory, ideal for large-scale control tasks requiring abundant program space |
| 1747-L551 |
SLC 5/05 processor, 16K-word memory, supports Ethernet and RS-232 communication, enables networked control |
| 1747-L552 |
SLC 5/05 processor, 32K-word memory, balances processing performance and network connectivity |
| 1747-L553/B |
SLC 5/05 Controller (Series B), featured with stable Ethernet communication for industrial network integration |
| 1747-L553/C |
SLC 5/05 Controller, optimized for data transmission in distributed control environments |
| 1747-L553/D |
SLC 5/05 Controller, compatible with multiple industrial protocols for versatile system connection |
Communication & Storage Modules (1747 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1747-SDN |
DeviceNet scanner module, enables connection and control of DeviceNet-based distributed I/O devices |
| 1747-BSN |
Backup scanner module, provides redundant communication support for stable data transmission |
| 1747-UIC |
USB to DH-485 interface converter, facilitates quick connection between PC and SLC 500 system |
| 1747-PCIL/A |
PCI interface module, allows PCI-equipped computers to establish communication with SLC 500 system |
| 1747-M1 |
1K EEPROM memory module for storing small-scale program data and system configurations |
| 1747-M2 |
4K EEPROM memory module for program backup and parameter storage |
| 1747-M11 |
32K flash memory module for reliable non-volatile storage of control programs |
| 1747-M12 |
64K flash memory module for storing large-volume program files and historical data |
| 1747-M13 |
64K flash EPROM memory module for high-stability storage of critical system programs |
| 1747-PSD |
Program storage device for secure storage and quick retrieval of control programs |
I/O Chassis (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-A2 |
Fixed 2-slot I/O expansion chassis for small-scale I/O configuration with limited space |
| 1746-A4 |
4-slot chassis, compact rack for basic I/O modules in small automation projects |
| 1746-A7 |
7-slot I/O chassis, mainstream choice for medium-scale control systems |
| 1746-A10 |
10-slot I/O chassis for large-scale I/O expansion in complex industrial control |
| 1746-A13 |
13-slot I/O chassis for maximum I/O module expansion in high-density applications |
Digital Input Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-IA4 |
4-point digital input module, 100/120V AC, for basic AC signal collection |
| 1746-IA8 |
8-point digital input module, 100/120V AC, for small-batch AC input signal monitoring |
| 1746-IA16 |
16-point digital input module, 100/120V AC, high-density input for AC-powered sensors |
| 1746-IB8 |
8-point digital input module, 24V DC, for collecting signals from DC sensors |
| 1746-IB16 |
16-point digital input module, 24V DC, common choice for high-density DC input |
| 1746-IB32 |
32-point digital input module, 24V DC, for large-scale DC input scenarios |
| 1746-IM4 |
4-point digital input module, 200/240V AC, for high-voltage AC signal collection |
| 1746-IM8 |
8-point digital input module, 200/240V AC, for monitoring high-voltage AC equipment |
| 1746-IM16 |
16-point digital input module, 200/240V AC, high-density high-voltage input |
Digital Output Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-OA8 |
8-point digital output module, AC voltage, for controlling AC-powered actuators |
| 1746-OA16 |
16-point digital output module, AC voltage, high-density control for multiple AC devices |
| 1746-OB8 |
8-point digital output module, 24V DC, for driving small-power DC components |
| 1746-OB16 |
16-point digital output module, 24V DC, mainstream module for batch DC equipment control |
| 1746-OB16E |
Enhanced 16-point DC digital output module with improved stability |
| 1746-OB32 |
32-point digital output module, 24V DC, for large-scale DC actuator control |
| 1746-OW4 |
4-channel relay output module for controlling high-voltage equipment |
| 1746-OW8 |
8-channel relay output module for medium-quantity high-voltage device control |
| 1746-OW16 |
16-channel relay output module for centralized control of multiple high-voltage devices |
| 1746-OVP16 |
16-channel high-current DC output module (sink type) for driving high-current DC loads |
Analog Input Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-NI4 |
4-point analog input module for current/voltage signals and basic analog monitoring |
| 1746-NI8 |
8-point analog input module for multiple analog signals like temperature and pressure |
| 1746-NI16I |
16-point analog input module (current type) for 4-20mA current signals from transmitters |
| 1746-NI16V |
16-point analog input module (voltage type) for 0-10V voltage signal acquisition |
Analog Output Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-NO4I |
4-point analog output module (current type) for 4-20mA signals to control actuators |
| 1746-NO4V |
4-point analog output module (voltage type) for 0-10V signals to analog-controlled equipment |
| 1746-NO8I |
8-point analog output module (current type) for large-scale current-based analog control |
| 1746-NO8V |
8-point analog output module (voltage type) for multiple voltage-controlled analog devices |
Motion & Special Control Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-HSRV |
Servo control module, compatible with SLC 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 processors |
| 1746-QS |
Synchronized axes control module for precise synchronization of multiple motion axes |
| 1746-QV |
Open-loop velocity control module for velocity control of open-loop motion systems |
| 1746-SC-CTR4 |
4-channel 50kHz counter/flow meter input module for flow measurement and high-speed counting |
| 1746-SC-CTR8 |
8-channel 50kHz counter/flow meter input module for multi-channel high-speed counting |
Power Modules (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-P1 |
Rack-mount power supply, 120/240V AC input, 2A output for small-scale I/O chassis |
| 1746-P2 |
Rack-mount power supply, 120/240V AC input, 5A output for medium-sized I/O configurations |
| 1746-P3 |
Rack-mount power supply, 24V DC input, 3.6A output for DC-powered environments |
| 1746-P4 |
Rack-mount power supply, 120/240V AC input, 10A output for large-scale I/O chassis |
| 1746-P5 |
Rack-mount power supply, 125V DC input, 5A output for special DC power scenarios |
| 1746-P7 |
Rack-mount power supply, 12/24V DC input, 2/3.6A output for low-voltage DC environments |
Accessories (1746 Series)
| Model |
Description |
| 1746-R10 ~ 1746-R17 |
Replacement covers for dust and moisture protection |
| 1746-RL35 ~ 1746-RL71 |
Specialized replacement parts for maintaining I/O module integrity |
| 1746-RT25B |
Blue replacement terminal block for DC I/O modules |
| 1746-RT25C |
Orange relay contact module terminal block for relay-type I/O modules |
| 1746-RT25G |
Green terminal block for specialty I/O modules |
| 1746-RT25R |
Red replacement terminal block for AC I/O modules |
Application Scenarios
| Industry Sector |
Application Scenarios |
| Automotive Components Manufacturing |
Stamping production line control, component assembly process automation, equipment interlock protection |
| Food & Beverage Packaging |
Filling equipment control, packaging line speed synchronization, finished product counting and sorting |
| Material Handling |
Conveyor start-stop control, lifting platform positioning, warehouse shelf material sorting |
| Water Treatment |
Pump station motor control, water quality parameter monitoring, sedimentation tank automatic sludge discharge |
| Machine Tool Processing |
CNC machine tool auxiliary process control, tool change automation, machining process monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: As a legacy product, is technical support still available for the AB SLC 500?
Rockwell Automation and authorized distributors continue to provide original factory technical support, spare parts supply, and maintenance services for the SLC 500 series. Additionally, there is a wealth of third-party programming and debugging service resources in the market to meet the maintenance and upgrade needs of legacy systems.
Q2: How to match 1747 series processors with 1746 series I/O modules?
All 1747 series processors can directly connect to 1746 series I/O chassis, realizing data interaction via the backplane bus. During model selection, match the 1746 I/O chassis and modules with corresponding slots based on the processor's maximum I/O point limit and communication requirements. For example, the 1747-L524 processor can support up to 3 1746 expansion chassis.
Q3: Can the SLC 500 achieve data interaction with the latest generation of Allen-Bradley PLCs (e.g., ControlLogix)?
Yes. Through the EtherNet/IP communication module (e.g., 1747-ENET), the SLC 500 can establish Ethernet communication with ControlLogix series PLCs, realizing data sharing between legacy systems and new-generation systems, and facilitating phased upgrade and retrofitting of factories.
Q4: What is the programming software for the SLC 500? Is it compatible with the latest operating systems?
The official programming software is RSLogix 500, which supports mainstream operating systems such as Windows 7/10 (note the software version compatibility). In addition, the software can export program files for subsequent system backup and debugging.