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Allen-Bradley 1756-DHRIO ControlLogix DH+/RIO Module

  • Model: 1756-DHRIO
  • Brand: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
  • Series: ControlLogix 1756
  • Core Function: Bridges DH+ messaging and Remote I/O scanning
  • Product Type: Communication interface / Remote I/O scanner module
  • Key Specs: 2 configurable channels; 57.6, 115.2, or 230.4 Kbps; 32 logical RIO racks per channel
  • ⚠️ Obsolete Model: Verify current OEM support and stock status
  • Condition: Confirm New Original, New Surplus, Used, or Refurbished status
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Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Catalog number 1756-DHRIO
Manufacturer Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Product family ControlLogix
Module function Data Highway Plus messaging and Remote I/O scanning
Number of channels 2 independently configurable channels
Network modes DH+ or Remote I/O per channel
Communication rates 57.6 Kbps, 115.2 Kbps, 230.4 Kbps
DH+ messaging Supports DH+ messaging and CIP messaging
RIO capacity 32 logical racks per RIO channel
RIO block transfers 16 block-transfer connections per RIO channel
Logix connections Up to 32 CIP connections per channel
Maximum backplane current 850 mA at 5.1 V DC; 1.7 mA at 24 V DC
Maximum power dissipation 4.5 W
Thermal dissipation 15.4 BTU/hr
Slot width 1 ControlLogix chassis slot
Isolation voltage 30 V continuous, basic insulation
Recommended cable Belden 9463 twinaxial cable
Operating temperature 0 to 60 °C
Connector type Removable 3-pin terminal connectors; Channel A also provides an 8-pin mini-DIN port

Each channel must be configured for its intended network function. The module supports DH+ messaging, CIP messaging, and Remote I/O scanning, but the exact channel configuration, baud rate, switch settings, and network termination must match the installed system.

 

Product Introduction

The Allen-Bradley 1756-DHRIO is a two-channel ControlLogix communication module for Data Highway Plus (DH+) messaging and Remote I/O scanning. It connects legacy DH+ or RIO field networks to a 1756 ControlLogix chassis at 57.6, 115.2, or 230.4 Kbps.

Each channel can operate independently as DH+ or RIO, making the module useful when a ControlLogix controller must communicate with legacy PLC-5, SLC, or remote I/O equipment. Verify firmware, channel switches, node addresses, cable polarity, termination resistance, and chassis compatibility before installation.

1756-DHRIO

1756-DHRIO

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom Possible Cause Relevance to This Part Quick Check Method Recommendation
No module status indication Missing chassis power, poor seating, or failed module ✅ High Confirm ControlLogix chassis power and reseat the module with power removed according to site procedure Check the chassis and power supply before replacing the 1756-DHRIO
Module shows a major fault Firmware mismatch, hardware fault, or invalid configuration ✅ High Read the module status and fault data in Studio 5000 or RSLogix 5000 Record the exact fault code before ordering a replacement
DH+ devices do not appear Incorrect network mode, node address, baud rate, polarity, or termination ✅ High Verify channel switches, node settings, cable polarity, and end-of-line resistance against the network design Correct configuration and wiring before condemning the module
RIO adapter data is missing Incorrect scanner configuration, rack size, baud rate, or adapter address ✅ High Check the RIO scan list and compare each logical rack address with the field adapter Verify scanner mapping and adapter settings first
Intermittent DH+ communication Noise, shield problems, loose terminal, or incorrect termination ✅ Medium Inspect the twinax cable, measure shield continuity, and check termination at both physical ends Replace damaged cable and correct termination before replacing the module
Communication works at 57.6 Kbps but fails at 230.4 Kbps Cable length, noise, or termination unsuitable for higher speed ✅ Medium Confirm cable length and termination value; test at the intended baud rate Reduce baud rate only as a diagnostic step, then correct the network installation
One channel works and the other fails Channel-specific wiring, switch setting, connector, or hardware fault ✅ High Move the known-good cable only during a controlled test and compare channel status indications Isolate the fault to the channel, wiring, or module electronics
RIO block transfers fail Incorrect block-transfer configuration or unsupported data size ❌ Low to ✅ Medium Review block-transfer parameters and monitor the PLC message/status words Correct the application configuration before replacing hardware
Scanner reports timeout Missing adapter power, broken trunk cable, duplicate address, or network termination issue ❌ Low Check adapter voltage, network continuity, node address, and status indicators at the remote rack Inspect the field network first; the scanner is often not the failed component
Module loses communication after replacement New module firmware or configuration differs from the original ✅ Medium Compare firmware revision, channel mode, node address, baud rate, and saved project configuration Match the replacement configuration before returning the system to service
Fault occurs after changing wiring DH+ and RIO terminal assignments or cable polarity are incorrect ✅ Medium Compare each conductor with the Rockwell wiring diagram; do not wire from memory Correct the terminal mapping and verify shield grounding
Excessive chassis loading Backplane current budget exceeded ❌ Low Calculate total 5.1 V and 24 V chassis loading, including the 850 mA 5.1 V demand Confirm the power supply and chassis capacity before adding another module

For a 3:00 AM failure, start with the external network: chassis power, module seating, channel mode, node address, baud rate, cable continuity, shield termination, and end-of-line resistors. Contact technical support with photos of the module label and switches, the chassis layout, network wiring, controller project settings, module fault data, and communication logs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What does the Allen-Bradley 1756-DHRIO do?

It provides two configurable communication channels for a ControlLogix chassis. Each channel can be configured for DH+ messaging or Remote I/O scanning, allowing newer ControlLogix systems to communicate with legacy networks.

 

Can both channels use different protocols?

Yes. Channel A and Channel B can be configured independently for DH+ or RIO operation. Confirm the channel selector switches and software configuration before connecting the network. A mismatch between the physical switch setting and project configuration can prevent communication.

 

Is the 1756-DHRIO compatible with PLC-5 and SLC systems?

It can communicate with compatible legacy DH+ and Remote I/O devices, but compatibility depends on the selected network mode, addressing, baud rate, messaging method, and controller configuration. Verify the exact PLC or adapter protocol before purchase.

 

Is this module obsolete?

The 1756-DHRIO is a legacy ControlLogix communication product. Rockwell Automation still provides product information, but purchasing availability, firmware support, and repair options can vary by revision and market. Confirm the module series, firmware requirements, and replacement strategy with the OEM documentation before a shutdown.

 

Can I hot-swap the 1756-DHRIO?

ControlLogix modules may support electronic keying and replacement procedures defined by Rockwell Automation, but do not assume that a live removal is safe for every application. Network disruption, stored configuration, hazardous-area requirements, and site safety procedures still apply. Follow the applicable Rockwell installation manual and plant lockout/tagout rules.

 

Will the network configuration remain in the replacement module?

Do not count on it. Record the original module’s firmware revision, channel modes, node addresses, baud rates, RIO scan configuration, electronic keying settings, and controller project data. Photograph the selector switches before removing the old unit. This prevents the common “same catalog number, no communication” replacement problem.

 

Why is a surplus or refurbished unit cheaper than a factory replacement?

The lower price usually reflects discontinued production, excess inventory, used condition, or refurbishment rather than a current factory-new unit. Ask for the exact condition statement, serial-number photographs, functional test scope, firmware revision, warranty period, and return terms. A competent test should include power-up diagnostics and communication testing on a genuine ControlLogix rack.