Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX DH+ PCI Interface Card | Industrial Network Communication Solution

Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX Data Highway Plus PCI Network Interface Card (Industrial-Grade Communication Solution)

The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX 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 DH+ protocol support, it enables reliable real-time data exchange between host computers and Rockwell Automation PLCs, including PLC-5 and SLC 500 series controllers.

Ideal for manufacturing plants, process control systems, building automation networks, and legacy equipment modernization projects, this interface card addresses critical challenges such as incompatible communication protocols, unstable data transmission, complex multi-controller integration, and lack of centralized SCADA monitoring capabilities.

With standardized design and flexible configuration options, the 1784-PKTX delivers exceptional reliability, broad compatibility, simplified installation, and long-term technical support—making it the preferred choice for system integrators, automation engineers, plant maintenance teams, and OEM equipment manufacturers. Contact our engineering team for customized selection guidance and technical specifications.

Core Features & Advantages

High-Speed DH+ Protocol Support
Implements full Data Highway Plus protocol stack with transfer rates up to 230.4 Kbps, ensuring stable communication with PLC-5, SLC 500, and other DH+ compatible devices while minimizing network latency and data packet loss.

Standard PCI Bus Interface
Utilizes industry-standard 32-bit PCI 2.2 specification, compatible with most industrial PCs and workstations. Plug-and-play design with driver support for Windows, Linux, and real-time operating systems reduces installation complexity.

Multi-Node Network Capability
Supports up to 64 nodes on a single DH+ network segment, enabling centralized monitoring and control of multiple PLCs, distributed I/O modules, and HMI devices through one interface card—ideal for large-scale automation systems.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Functions
Features built-in LED indicators for power, communication status, and error diagnostics. Software utilities provide real-time network traffic analysis, node health monitoring, and troubleshooting tools to minimize downtime.

Industrial-Grade Reliability
Engineered with conformal coating, extended temperature range (-40°C to +85°C storage), and EMI/RFI shielding to withstand harsh industrial environments including vibration, electrical noise, and temperature fluctuations.

Legacy System Integration
Enables modern SCADA systems, MES platforms, and data historians to communicate with legacy Rockwell Automation equipment, protecting existing infrastructure investments while enabling digital transformation initiatives.

Typical Application Scenarios

This interface card is engineered for environments requiring stable, high-speed communication between PC-based control systems and DH+ networks, particularly in:

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) & SCADA Integration
Connects enterprise-level SCADA software, historians, and MES platforms to shop-floor PLC networks for real-time production monitoring, recipe management, batch tracking, and OEE calculation in automotive, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.

Legacy PLC-5 & SLC 500 Modernization Projects
Bridges communication gap between aging Allen-Bradley controllers and modern industrial IoT platforms, enabling predictive maintenance, cloud data logging, and remote diagnostics without replacing functional legacy hardware.

Multi-Controller Coordination Systems
Facilitates peer-to-peer communication and master-slave architectures in complex automation systems such as conveyor networks, packaging lines, and material handling systems where multiple PLCs must exchange data synchronously.

Test & Commissioning Workstations
Provides portable DH+ connectivity for field service engineers and system integrators performing PLC programming, firmware updates, diagnostics, and performance validation at customer sites or in test labs.

Technical Specifications & Selection Guide

To ensure optimal system performance, the 1784-PKTX is available with the following standard specifications, with custom configurations available upon request:

Key Technical Parameters:

• Network Protocol: Data Highway Plus (DH+)
• Communication Speed: 57.6 Kbps, 115.2 Kbps, 230.4 Kbps (auto-detect)
• Bus Interface: PCI 2.2 (32-bit, 33 MHz)
• Maximum Nodes: 64 per DH+ segment
• Cable Type: RG-6 coaxial (Belden 9463 or equivalent)
• Connector: BNC female
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Power Consumption: 5V @ 500mA (from PCI bus)
• Dimensions: Standard half-height PCI card (175mm × 107mm)
• Certifications: CE, UL, cUL, RoHS compliant

Selection Considerations:
When specifying the 1784-PKTX, consider the following factors: existing DH+ network baud rate, number of PLC nodes to communicate with, host PC operating system and available PCI slots, cable length and network topology, environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, EMI), and required software drivers (RSLinx, FactoryTalk, third-party OPC servers). Our application engineers can assist with network design, cable specifications, and driver compatibility verification—please provide your system architecture details for personalized recommendations.

Extended Capabilities

Software Compatibility:
Fully compatible with Rockwell Software RSLinx Classic and FactoryTalk Linx for seamless integration with RSLogix programming environments, FactoryTalk View HMI, and third-party OPC DA/UA servers for enterprise system connectivity.

Redundancy & Backup Options:
Supports dual-card configurations in systems requiring communication redundancy. When paired with appropriate software logic, enables automatic failover to backup interface in case of primary card failure, ensuring continuous operation in mission-critical applications.

Custom Configuration Services:
Available with pre-configured node addresses, custom firmware for specialized protocols, extended temperature screening, and factory acceptance testing (FAT) documentation for projects with stringent quality requirements.

Delivery, Service & Quality Assurance

Standard catalog items ship within 3-5 business days from our regional distribution centers. Custom-configured units require 10-15 business days for testing and documentation. All products include a minimum 12-month manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Technical support includes remote troubleshooting assistance, driver installation guidance, and network configuration consultation. On-site commissioning services are available in select regions (subject to project scope and location). Each unit ships with complete documentation package including installation manual, electrical specifications, driver CD/download links, and sample configuration files for common SCADA platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I connect the 1784-PKTX interface card to my existing DH+ network?
A: The card features a BNC connector for standard RG-6 coaxial cable (Belden 9463 recommended). Connect the card to your DH+ network using appropriate T-connectors and termination resistors (150Ω) at both network ends. Ensure network baud rate matches your PLC configuration (typically 230.4 Kbps). Driver installation and node address assignment are completed through RSLinx or FactoryTalk Linx software.

Q: What is the maximum number of PLCs I can communicate with using one 1784-PKTX card?
A: A single DH+ network segment supports up to 64 nodes (addresses 0-77 octal). One 1784-PKTX card can communicate with all nodes on its connected segment. For larger systems requiring multiple segments, additional interface cards or DH+ bridges may be needed.

Q: What kind of performance improvement can I expect compared to serial communication methods?
A: DH+ communication via the 1784-PKTX typically achieves 5-10x faster data throughput compared to legacy DF1 serial protocols, with significantly lower latency (typically <50ms for small data packets). Actual performance depends on network load, number of active nodes, and message size. Multi-node polling efficiency is substantially higher than serial daisy-chain configurations.

Q: What are the environmental requirements for installing this interface card?
A: The 1784-PKTX operates reliably in ambient temperatures from 0°C to +60°C with 5-95% relative humidity (non-condensing). The host PC should be installed in a clean, ventilated enclosure with adequate EMI shielding. For harsh environments, consider industrial-grade PCs with conformal-coated motherboards and filtered ventilation. The card meets CE and UL standards for industrial electromagnetic compatibility.

Q: Does the 1784-PKTX support remote monitoring and data acquisition via Ethernet or cloud platforms?
A: The card itself provides DH+ to PCI communication. For Ethernet/IP or cloud connectivity, the host PC can run OPC servers, MQTT gateways, or IoT edge software that reads data from the DH+ network via the 1784-PKTX and publishes to Ethernet networks, databases, or cloud platforms. Common solutions include Kepware KEPServerEX, Matrikon OPC servers, and custom applications using Rockwell's SDK.

Q: Is the 1784-PKTX compatible with modern 64-bit Windows operating systems?
A: Yes, Rockwell Automation provides 64-bit drivers for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 through RSLinx Classic version 4.11 and later, as well as FactoryTalk Linx. Legacy 32-bit driver support is also maintained for older systems. Linux driver support is available through third-party providers and open-source projects for specific distributions.

Get Expert Selection Support

To receive detailed selection guidance, quotations, or technical consultation, please provide the following information: project name and application overview, system architecture (number and models of PLCs), required communication speed and data volume, host PC specifications (OS, available PCI slots), network topology and cable length, environmental conditions, and any special requirements (redundancy, certifications, custom testing).

Our automation engineers will provide one-on-one selection recommendations, compatibility verification, and integration support tailored to your specific application.

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