Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX/B PCI Network Interface Card | DH+ Communication Module for Industrial Control

Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX/B PCI Network Interface Card (Industrial-Grade DH+ Communication Module)

The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX/B is a high-performance PCI Network Interface Card designed for seamless Data Highway Plus (DH+) communication in industrial automation environments. Through advanced PCI bus architecture and factory-calibrated DH+ protocol implementation, this module enables reliable real-time data exchange between host computers and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and distributed control systems.

Ideal for manufacturing plants, process control facilities, SCADA integration projects, and legacy system upgrades where stable DH+ connectivity is critical. This interface card addresses common challenges including communication timeouts, protocol incompatibility, driver conflicts, and insufficient diagnostic visibility in multi-node industrial networks.

Featuring plug-and-play installation, ISO 20816-compliant design, robust EMI shielding, and extended temperature tolerance, the 1784-PKTX/B delivers proven reliability for system integrators, automation engineers, OEM equipment manufacturers, and plant maintenance teams. Contact our application engineers for tailored configuration guidance and competitive quotations.

Core Features & Technical Advantages

Native DH+ Protocol Support
Hardware-level Data Highway Plus implementation with factory-calibrated timing parameters ensures deterministic communication at 57.6 kbps, 115.2 kbps, and 230.4 kbps baud rates, minimizing packet loss and latency in time-critical control loops.

Universal PCI Compatibility
Standard 32-bit PCI 2.2 interface fits most industrial PCs, embedded controllers, and rack-mount servers. Hot-swap capability (on supported systems) reduces downtime during maintenance or upgrades.

Multi-Node Network Scalability
Supports up to 64 DH+ nodes per network segment with automatic address recognition and collision avoidance, enabling complex distributed architectures without performance degradation.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Tools
Onboard LED indicators for power, transmit, receive, and fault status. Bundled Windows-based configuration utility provides real-time network statistics, node health monitoring, and troubleshooting logs to accelerate commissioning and reduce MTTR.

Industrial-Grade Durability
Conformal-coated PCB, reinforced connector housing, and -20°C to +70°C operating range ensure stable performance in harsh environments with vibration, dust, and electromagnetic interference.

Seamless Software Integration
Compatible with RSLinx Classic, RSLogix 5/500/5000, FactoryTalk View, and third-party OPC servers. Includes driver support for Windows 7/10/11 and Windows Server editions, simplifying deployment in existing automation ecosystems.

Typical Application Scenarios

This PCI DH+ interface card is engineered for environments demanding high-reliability industrial communication, particularly:

Legacy PLC System Modernization
Retrofit aging DH+ networks with modern PC-based SCADA or MES platforms while preserving existing PLC-5, SLC 500, and ControlLogix controller investments, avoiding costly full-system replacements.

Multi-Vendor Integration Projects
Bridge Allen-Bradley DH+ devices with Siemens, Schneider Electric, or Mitsubishi systems via OPC DA/UA gateways, enabling unified plant-wide data collection and centralized process visualization.

High-Speed Data Acquisition & Logging
Capture real-time production metrics, alarm histories, and quality parameters from distributed PLCs for statistical process control (SPC), predictive maintenance analytics, and regulatory compliance reporting in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and automotive industries.

Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics
Deploy in edge computing nodes or industrial gateways to enable secure remote access to DH+ networks via VPN or cellular routers, supporting 24/7 technical support and rapid fault response for geographically dispersed facilities.

Test Bench & Commissioning Workstations
Equip engineering laptops or portable test rigs with reliable DH+ connectivity for on-site PLC programming, firmware updates, and system validation during equipment commissioning or field service calls.

Technical Specifications & Selection Guide

To facilitate design and procurement, we provide standardized configuration options with customization available for project-specific requirements:

Key Parameters:

• Interface Type: PCI 2.2 (32-bit, 33 MHz)
• Network Protocol: Data Highway Plus (DH+)
• Baud Rates: 57.6 kbps, 115.2 kbps, 230.4 kbps (software selectable)
• Max Nodes: 64 per network segment
• Connector: DB-9 female (DH+ port)
• Power Consumption: 5V @ 500 mA (typical)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
• Compliance: CE, UL, ISO 20816 vibration standards
• Dimensions: Standard half-height PCI card (175 mm × 107 mm)
• OS Support: Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server 2008 R2 and later

Selection Recommendations:
When specifying the 1784-PKTX/B, consider: existing DH+ network baud rate configuration, available PCI slots in target PC/controller, ambient temperature and vibration levels at installation site, required driver compatibility with your SCADA/HMI software, and whether redundant communication paths are needed. For assistance, provide your system architecture diagram, PLC model list, and environmental conditions—our engineers will recommend optimal configuration and cabling solutions.

Extended Capabilities

Redundancy & Failover Support
Install dual 1784-PKTX/B cards in a single host for automatic switchover in mission-critical applications, ensuring continuous communication even during card failure or maintenance.

Custom Driver Development
SDK and API documentation available for developing proprietary communication protocols or integrating with non-standard industrial software platforms.

Network Segmentation & Routing
Combine with Allen-Bradley 1785-KA5 or third-party DH+ repeaters to extend network reach beyond 10,000 feet or isolate network segments for improved security and performance.

Delivery, Service & Quality Assurance

Lead Time: Standard catalog items ship within 3–5 business days; custom-configured units require 10–15 business days depending on specifications.

Warranty: 12-month manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with optional extended service plans available.

Technical Support: Complimentary remote installation guidance, driver setup assistance, and network troubleshooting via phone/email. On-site commissioning services available in select regions (quoted separately).

Documentation Package: Each unit includes printed quick-start guide, full user manual (PDF), electrical schematic, pinout diagram, Windows driver CD, and certificate of conformity. CAD drawings and 3D STEP models available upon request for mechanical integration.

Quality Certifications: Factory-tested per Allen-Bradley QA procedures, ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing, RoHS compliant, conflict minerals declaration provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I connect the 1784-PKTX/B PCI Network Interface Card to my existing DH+ network?
A: The card features a DB-9 female connector for standard DH+ cabling (Belden 9463 or equivalent). Connect via shielded twisted-pair cable to your DH+ trunk, ensuring proper termination resistors (150Ω) at both network ends. Set the card's node address using the included configuration utility before powering on.

Q: What is the maximum number of PLCs one 1784-PKTX/B card can communicate with simultaneously?
A: A single card supports up to 64 DH+ nodes per network segment. Actual concurrent communication sessions depend on host PC processing power and application polling rates; typical systems handle 20–30 active PLC connections without performance issues.

Q: What energy savings or efficiency improvements can I expect with this interface card?
A: While the card itself is a communication device (not a power-saving component), it enables real-time data collection for energy monitoring systems, allowing you to identify inefficient equipment operation, optimize production schedules, and reduce idle time—potentially achieving 10–25% energy cost reduction in data-driven manufacturing environments.

Q: What are the environmental requirements for installing the 1784-PKTX/B?
A: The card operates reliably in -20°C to +70°C ambient temperature with 5–95% non-condensing humidity. It meets IP20 protection (when installed in enclosed PC chassis) and withstands industrial vibration per ISO 20816. Avoid direct exposure to corrosive gases, conductive dust, or liquid ingress.

Q: Can I remotely monitor and collect data from DH+ devices using this card? Which protocols are supported?
A: Yes. The 1784-PKTX/B works with OPC DA/UA servers (e.g., Kepware, Matrikon) to expose DH+ data via Ethernet-based protocols including Modbus TCP, MQTT, and RESTful APIs. This enables cloud connectivity, mobile dashboards, and integration with IoT platforms for remote diagnostics and predictive analytics.

Q: Is the 1784-PKTX/B compatible with newer ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLCs?
A: While ControlLogix and CompactLogix primarily use EtherNet/IP, many installations retain DH+ for legacy integration or as a secondary diagnostic channel. The 1784-PKTX/B can communicate with these PLCs if they are equipped with DH+ communication modules (e.g., 1756-DHRIO). For native EtherNet/IP connectivity, consider our Ethernet-based interface solutions.

Request a Custom Solution

To receive a detailed selection proposal, pricing quotation, or application engineering support, please provide the following information: project name and industry, application scenario (e.g., SCADA integration, PLC upgrade), number and models of connected devices, existing DH+ network baud rate, host PC specifications and OS version, installation environment conditions (temperature, vibration, enclosure type), and any special requirements (redundancy, extended warranty, custom cabling). Our engineers will deliver a personalized recommendation within 24 hours.

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