Compactlogix vs Controllogix

Allen-Bradley’s most popular automation controller lines are ControlLogix and CompactLogix. The ControlLogix is designed for larger, heavier systems that require higher I / O numbers. The CompactLogix is better suited to smaller systems with its simpler, more compact case. We shall look in-depth here at the variations of these both processors.

The CompactLogix

Two models are sold on the CompactLogix range–a customizable chassis-free and an all-in-one chassis system. CompactLogix L23, L1XER, and L2XER are the most popular all-in-one controls. You might have learned from this if you’ve used CompactLogix processors, which are best-selling processors in the line. The best-selling components for modular systems are the L30ER, L33ER, L32X, and L35X.

The CompactLogix bundled processors are equipped for operating out-of-the-box, their biggest value. Conversely, the L3 systems are flexible and often combined with the local I / O network. They require a separate power supply as well as a dedicated End cap. Consumer specifications for the CompactLogix processors equivalent to L1, L2, and L3 are 5380. The main features of 5380 CompactLogix processors are SD card Slot for non-volatile memory use, Integrated USB port Included with 1 GB of memory is the USB SD Card with an embedded Super Cap  –batteries are not required.

The ControlLogix sequence was the initial model for Logix. It was published in 1999 for the first time 20 years ago. The ControlLogix controllers are versatile and include electricity supply, a CPU, chassis, connectivity devices and/or I / O modules. It is an advanced controller used for larger and much more complicated systems, that’s why it’s more expensive than a CompactLogix controller.

While the chassis and power supply did not change significantly since 1999, the new generation of processors and communication modules changed. The first model in 1999 was 1756-L1, followed by the L55, known as 5555. Instead of a built-in memory module, this controller has expandable memory and the base device has no default memory, which means that users must order a certain amount of memory before purchasing.

The newer L6x was the first non-volatile CompactFlash controller to be installed. Similar to EEPROM, this memory could be deleted and reprogrammed on an older computer. The L7 has received some improvements, like the SD card slot and the super capacitor charging module.

Lastly, the latest addition from Rockwell is the L8x, better known as the line of processors of 5580 ControlLogix. The main difference is the performance, which in program scans is 20 times faster. It also has an Ethernet port of 1 GB, improving connectivity and volume.

CompactLogix vs ControlLogix Comparison Table

CharacteristicsControlLogix 5580ControlLogix 5570CompactLogix 5380CompactLogix 5370 L3
Controller Tasks:32/1000 programs/task32/1000 programs/task32/ 1000 programs/task32/1000 programs/task
User Memory:3 MB (1756-L81E) to 20 MB + 6 MB safety (1756-L84ES)2 MB (1756-L71, 1756-L71EROM) to 8 MB + 4 MB safety (1756-L73S, 1756-L73EROMS)0.6 MB (5069-L306ER, 5069-L306ERM) to 10 MB + 5 MB safety (5069-L3100ERS2, 5069-L3100ERMS2)1 MB (11769-L30ER, 1769-L30ER-NSE, 1769-L30ERM, 1769-L30ERMK) to 5 MB + 1.5 MB safety (1769-L38ERMS, 1769-L38ERMSK, 1769-L38ERMOS)
Built-in Ports:Single-port Ethernet port, 10 Mbps/100 Mbps/1 Gbps, 1-port USB client1 Port USB client, Dual-port Ethernet/IP 10 Mbps/100 Mbps2 Ethernet ports, 10 Mbps/100 Mbps/1 Gbps, 1-Port USB clientDual-port Ethernet/IP 10 Mbps/100Mbps, 1-port USB client
Communication Options:EtherNet/IP, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Data Highway Plus™, Remote I/O, SynchLink™,USB ClientEtherNet/IP, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Data Highway Plus™, Remote I/O, SynchLink™,USB ClientEtherNet/IP,USB ClientEtherNet/IP:Embedded Switch, Single IP Address,DeviceNet,USB Client
Controller Connections:Not Applicable500 ConnectionsNot Applicable256 Connections

Looking at the table, we can see that, although there is only a single generation gap, ControlLogix 5580 or 5570 are quite homogeneous. In controller connections, there is quite a difference in both processors. 500 connections are applicable to ControlLogix 5570 whereas there is no connection supported by 5580. ControlLogix 5570 features an Ethernet / IP port with a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, which is a previous generation controller. On the other hand, 5580 can go up to 1 Gbps, which is a huge speed and reliability improvement.

On the memory side, the security of 5580 and 5570 lags is maximal 20 MB + 6 MB at maximum and the maximum memory is 8 MB + 4 MB.

Talking about the CompactLogix, there is another significant difference between generations. The newest 5380 comes with an Ethernet port of 1 Gbit / s with a maximum memory capacity of 10 MB+5 MB, whereas the 5370 comes with 5 Gb / security. In comparison to the previous generation, Allen Bradley made significant improvements.