ControlLogix and CompactLogix Controllers are the two most well-liked automation controller product lines from Allen-Bradley. For larger, heavier systems that need more I/O numbers, the ControlLogix is made. Because of its less complicated, more compact housing, the CompactLogix is better suited to smaller systems. Here, we'll examine these two CPUs' variations in more detail.
The CompactLogix Controller
The Rockwell Automation CompactLogix Controllers line features two models: an all-in-one chassis system and a configurable chassis-free. Among all-in-one controls, CompactLogix L23, L1XER, and L2XER are the most often used. If you've ever utilized CompactLogix processors, the best-selling processors in the range, you could have taken anything away from this. The L30ER, L33ER, L32X, and L35X are the modular systems' top-selling parts.
The primary benefit of the CompactLogix bundled processors is that they are ready to use right out of the box. In contrast, L3 systems are adaptable and frequently used in conjunction with a local I/O network. They need a unique power source as well as an exclusive End cap. The L1, L2, and L3 comparable CompactLogix CPUs have a 5380 specification. The primary characteristics of 5380 CompactLogix processors are an integrated USB connector and an SD card slot for usage with non-volatile memory. The USB SD Card has an inbuilt Super Cap and comes with 1 GB of memory; batteries are not needed.
The ControlLogix Controller
The original model for Logix was the ControlLogix sequence. It was released for the first time in 1999, which was two decades ago. The flexible Allen Bradley ControlLogix Controllers come with a power source, a CPU, a chassis, connectivity options, and/or I/O modules. It is a more expensive controller than a CompactLogix controller since it is a sophisticated controller used for larger and much more complex applications.
The new generation of processors and communication modules changed, although the chassis and power supply did not since 1999. The L55, sometimes known as 5555, was the second model released in 1999 after the 1756-L1. This controller includes expandable memory in place of a built-in memory module, and the base unit has no preset memory, thus consumers must request a specific quantity of memory before making a purchase.
The first non-volatile CompactFlash controller to be installed was the more recent L6x. On an older computer, this memory may be erased and reprogrammed, similar to EEPROM. The SD card slot and the super capacitor charging module are two updates to the L7.
The L8x, also known as the series of processors for 5580 ControlLogix, is Rockwell's newest addition. The performance, which is 20 times faster in program scanning, is the primary distinction. Additionally, it contains a 1 GB Ethernet connector, which enhances connectivity and volume.
CompactLogix vs ControlLogix Comparison Table
| Characteristics | ControlLogix 5580 | ControlLogix 5570 | CompactLogix 5380 | CompactLogix 5370 L3 |
| Controller Tasks: | 32/1000 programs/task | 32/1000 programs/task | 32/ 1000 programs/task | 32/1000 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 (1769-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 client | 1 Port USB client, Dual- port Ethernet /IP 10 Mbps /100 Mbps | 2 Ethernet ports, 10 Mbps/100 Mbps/1 Gbps, 1-Port USB client | Dual-port Ethernet/IP 10 Mbps/100 Mbps, 1-port USB client |
| Communication Options: | EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O, SynchLink,USB Client | EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O, SynchLink,USB Client | EtherNet/IP,USB Client | EtherNet/IP: Embedded Switch, Single IP Address,DeviceNet, USB Client |
| Controller Connections: | Not Applicable | 500 Connections | Not Applicable | 256 Connections |
Even though there is just a single generational difference, the table shows that ControlLogix 5580 or 5570 are relatively homogeneous. Both CPUs significantly differ in their controller connections. ControlLogix 5570 supports 500 connections, however ControlLogix 5580 does not support any connections. The older version controller, ControlLogix 5570, has an Ethernet / IP port with a top speed of 100 Mbps. On the other hand, 5580 may reach 1 Gbps, which is a significant gain in both speed and dependability.
In terms of memory, the maximum security latencies for the 5580 and 5570 are 20 MB + 6 MB and 8 MB + 4 MB, respectively. Another notable distinction between generations is related to the CompactLogix. The most recent 5380 has a 1 Gbit/s Ethernet interface and a maximum memory capacity of 10 MB+5 MB, whereas the 5370 has a 5 Gb/security connector. Allen Bradley made substantial advancements over the previous generation.
