Description
Allen‑Bradley SST-PFB-SLC PROFIBUS DP Module for SLC 500 — Seamless PROFIBUS Connectivity for Legacy SLC Systems
The SST-PFB-SLC is a dedicated PROFIBUS DP communication module designed for the Allen‑Bradley SLC 500 (1746) platform. From my experience, it’s a practical way to keep proven SLC systems talking to modern drives, remote I/O, and instrumentation over PROFIBUS without adding gateways or extra rack space. You might notice that it behaves like a native SLC module: it pulls power from the 1746 backplane, maps I/O efficiently (typically via M0/M1 files), and provides clear front‑panel diagnostics to speed up commissioning.
Typical use cases include linking an SLC to Siemens ET 200 remote I/O, integrating Danfoss or SEW drives, or bridging an older machine section to a new PROFIBUS DP segment. One thing I appreciate is how predictable the scan timing is once the DP network is tuned—most users get stable operation without constant babysitting.
Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery time: 1 week for in‑stock items; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Packaging & testing: Each unit is function-checked and packed for shock and ESD protection
Key Features
- Native SLC 500 integration – Installs in a 1746 chassis, uses backplane power, and maps I/O into SLC data files for straightforward ladder logic.
- PROFIBUS DP network port – RS‑485 (DB9) with typical speeds up to 12 Mbit/s for DP devices such as drives and remote I/O.
- Deterministic I/O exchange – Consistent cyclic data transfer that keeps legacy motion or process loops stable in many cases.
- Diagnostics you can act on – Front LEDs for status, run/error, and network health help technicians isolate issues fast.
- Flexible device support – Works with standard GSD files; commonly used with ET 200, drives, and process instruments on DP.
- Reduced cabinet footprint – No external gateway required; one 1746 slot usually covers an entire DP segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand/Model | SST (for Allen‑Bradley SLC 500) / SST-PFB-SLC |
| HS Code | 8537.10 (reference for programmable controllers; ≤1000 V) |
| Power Requirements | 5 VDC via 1746 backplane (no external power supply required) |
| Dimensions & Weight | One standard 1746 I/O slot; standard SLC module depth and height |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F), non‑condensing |
| Signal Input/Output Types | 1 × PROFIBUS DP (RS‑485) via 9‑pin D‑Sub; typical rates up to 12 Mbit/s |
| Communication Interfaces | PROFIBUS DP network; SLC 1746 backplane data exchange; configuration via PC utility and GSD files |
| Installation Method | Plugs into 1746 chassis (DIN‑rail mounted); PROFIBUS trunk with 150 Ω termination at both segment ends |
| Diagnostics | Front LEDs for module status, network activity, and error indication |
| Compatible PLCs | Allen‑Bradley SLC 500 series using 1746 chassis |
Related or Supporting Products
- ProSoft MVI46-PDPMV1 – PROFIBUS DP Master module for SLC; an alternative when you prefer ProSoft configuration tools.
- ProSoft MVI46-PBS – PROFIBUS DP Slave for SLC; useful when the SLC must appear as a DP device to a third‑party PLC.
- SST-PFB-CLX – PROFIBUS module for ControlLogix; a path when migrating SLC assets to Logix platforms.
- 1746-Ax Chassis & 1746-Px Power Supplies – Required base components for hosting the module in SLC systems.
- PROFIBUS Connectors & Repeaters – 90°/straight DB9 connectors with switchable terminators; repeaters for long segments or dense nodes.
A maintenance supervisor told us they swapped to this card during a drive retrofit and, after loading the correct GSD files, cut their changeover time by roughly 30 minutes per batch—mostly thanks to the predictable I/O mapping and clearer fault LEDs.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & environment: Mount in a standard 1746 chassis within a ventilated enclosure. Keep ambient 0–60 °C, non‑condensing.
- Wiring: Use shielded PROFIBUS‑DP cable (type A), maintain correct polarity, and terminate both ends with 150 Ω terminators. Avoid star topologies unless using appropriate repeaters.
- Grounding: Bond PROFIBUS shields at a single reference point to minimize noise; in most cases, this reduces CRC errors considerably.
- Configuration: Import device GSD files and set consistent baud rate and address plan. Map cyclic I/O into SLC files (commonly M0/M1 or integer files) to simplify ladder logic.
- Safety: Power down the chassis before insertion/removal. Verify isolation before servicing field devices.
- Routine maintenance: Inspect connectors quarterly, re‑seat as needed, check termination switches, and keep firmware/utilities aligned with your validated version. Dust off the module face and ensure ventilation paths aren’t blocked.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications: Typically CE and UL/cUL; designed for compliance with EN 50170 (PROFIBUS). RoHS status may depend on revision—please confirm against your regional requirements.
- Warranty: 365‑day warranty coverage provided.
- Traceability: Units are serialized; test reports are available on request.
If you’re replacing an older DP interface or adding new DP devices, the SST-PFB-SLC is a straightforward drop‑in that typically shortens commissioning and keeps your SLC 500 running with modern field equipment.
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