Application Scenarios
Picture a small machine builder who has just commissioned a packaging machine controlled by a MicroLogix 1100. The production team needs to make a minor adjustment to the timer values that control the sealing dwell time, but the only connection available to the controller is the serial port on the front of the unit. A USB-to-serial adapter and a standard RS-232 cable seem like they should work, but the pinout is wrong—the MicroLogix 1100 uses a specific D-shell connector and signal assignment that a generic cable does not match.
The 1763-NC01 solves this problem exactly. Designed specifically for the MicroLogix 1100, it provides the correct connector and pinout for a direct RS-232 connection to the controller’s serial port. The technician connects one end to the MicroLogix 1100, the other to a laptop running RSLogix 500, and within minutes is online, making the adjustment and back out on the floor. No pinout diagrams, no custom wiring, no guesswork—just the right cable for the job.
Parameter
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 1763-NC01 (Series A) |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) |
| Product Category | Serial communication / programming cable |
| Compatible Controller | Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 series |
| Communication Protocol | RS-232 serial |
| Primary Use | Programming the MicroLogix 1100 via RSLogix 500 |
| Secondary Use | Serial communication with HMIs, scanners, printers, and other RS-232 devices |
| Connector Type | D-shell connector (MicroLogix 1100 serial port compatible) |
| Cable Type | RS-232 serial communication cable |
| Series / Revision | Series A |
| Agency Approvals | CE compliant |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Shock Resistance | 30 G |
| Vibration Resistance | 2 G @ 10–500 Hz |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 30 × 140 × 110 mm (1.18 × 5.51 × 4.33 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.28 kg (0.62 lbs) |
| Configuration Software | RSLogix 500 |
| Product Status | Mature / legacy product; available as new surplus, refurbished, or used spare |
Key specification notes: The 1763-NC01 is specifically designed for the MicroLogix 1100 controller and is not a universal RS-232 cable. Its value lies in the correct, controller-specific pinout and connector, eliminating the need for custom cables or pinout adaptation. For USB connectivity, a USB-to-serial adapter is required in addition to the 1763-NC01.
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
- Innovation Point 1 – Controller-Specific Design: The 1763-NC01 is not a generic serial cable adapted for the MicroLogix 1100; it is engineered specifically for the controller’s serial port. The connector and pinout are matched to the MicroLogix 1100’s D-shell serial connector, ensuring correct signal mapping for programming and communication without the need for custom wiring or pinout research.
- Innovation Point 2 – RS-232 Serial Communication: The cable provides a standard RS-232 serial interface, the long-established workhorse of industrial device communication. RS-232’s simplicity, universal support, and point-to-point topology make it ideal for programming connections and serial device interfacing where high speed is not the priority.
- Innovation Point 3 – Dual-Purpose Functionality: Beyond programming, the 1763-NC01 supports serial communication with a range of RS-232-compatible devices. This allows the MicroLogix 1100 to exchange data with HMIs, barcode scanners, serial printers, weigh scales, and other devices that speak RS-232—extending the controller’s capability without additional hardware.
- Innovation Point 4 – RSLogix 500 Integration: The cable is designed to work seamlessly with RSLogix 500, Rockwell Automation’s programming software for the SLC 500 and MicroLogix families. This tight integration means technicians can go online, upload and download programs, monitor data tables, and force I/O without compatibility concerns.
- Innovation Point 5 – Rugged Industrial Construction: Despite its simple appearance, the 1763-NC01 meets Rockwell Automation’s industrial environmental standards: 30 G shock resistance, 2 G vibration resistance from 10–500 Hz, and operation from 0–60 °C. This ensures reliable performance in the control cabinet and on the plant floor, not just on a clean workbench.
- Innovation Point 6 – Legacy System Preservation: As a mature product serving the MicroLogix 1100 platform, the 1763-NC01 plays a vital role in maintaining connectivity to installed MicroLogix 1100 systems. When a cable is lost, damaged, or worn out, having the correct replacement readily available prevents unnecessary downtime and avoids the risk of using an incorrect cable that could damage the controller’s serial port.
