Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1768-M04SE is a 4-axis SERCOS interface module from Rockwell Automation’s Bulletin 1768 CompactLogix integrated-motion family, engineered to bring deterministic, noise-immune fiber optic motion control directly into any 1768 CompactLogix chassis. As the SERCOS bridge between a CompactLogix processor and up to four Kinetix SERCOS drives — plus two additional auxiliary feedback axes — the 1768-M04SE performs the high-speed, scan-synchronized motion calculations internally, freeing the host controller from the cycle-critical work of multi-axis servo coordination.
The module communicates with its servo drives over a closed fiber optic ring using the SERCOS (SErial Real-time Communication System) protocol at either 4 Mbps or 8 Mbps data rates. At 8 Mbps with all four drives active, the 1768-M04SE sustains a 0.5 ms operating cycle — fast enough for the most demanding electronic-camming, registration, and coordinated-motion applications. Fiber optic transmission provides complete galvanic isolation between the controller and the drive system, eliminating the ground loops, EMI pickup, and voltage-drop issues that plague copper-wired motion networks, and supporting cable runs up to 32 meters on plastic fiber or up to 200 meters on glass fiber.
Within the 1768 chassis, the 1768-M04SE occupies a single slot, draws 969 mA at 5.2 VDC from the backplane, and dissipates 5.04 W under full load, requiring placement within two slots of the 1768 CompactLogix power supply. Configuration and motion programming are performed with RSLogix 5000 using the same motion instructions, motion groups, and axis objects used across the broader Logix platform, so engineers who develop on ControlLogix or CompactLogix can commission the 1768-M04SE without learning a separate motion toolset. Carrying UL Listing to Class I Division 2 Groups A, B, C, and D (North American Temperature Code T4A), CE marking, and an IEC 60068 environmental qualification envelope, the 1768-M04SE remains a mainstay of installed CompactLogix motion systems across packaging, converting, and material-handling machinery worldwide.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 1768-M04SE |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Product Type | CompactLogix SERCOS Interface Motion Module (4-Axis) |
| Compatible Controllers | 1768-L43, 1768-L45 CompactLogix processors |
| Number of Axes | 4 SERCOS drives + 2 auxiliary feedback axes per module |
| Communication Protocol | SERCOS Interface, Class B (Position or Velocity) |
| SERCOS Data Rate | 4 Mbps or 8 Mbps (selectable / auto-detect) |
| SERCOS Operating Cycle | 0.5 ms (8 Mbps, up to 4 drives); 1 ms (4 Mbps, up to 4 drives); 0.5 ms (4 Mbps, up to 2 drives) |
| Fiber Optic Connector | F-SMA standard screw-type |
| Fiber Optic Transmission Range | Plastic fiber 1–32 m; glass fiber 1–200 m |
| Backplane Current Draw | 969 mA @ 5.2 VDC |
| Power Dissipation | 5.04 W |
| Power Supply Distance Rating | 2 — must be within 2 slots of the 1768 power supply |
| Backplane Connections Consumed | 3 |
| Dimensions (H × W × D, overall) | 132.015 × 56.68 × 105.1 mm (5.2 × 2.23 × 4.14 in) |
| Dimensions (installed, with tabs) | 132.015 × 34.5 × 105.1 mm (5.2 × 1.36 × 4.14 in) |
| Weight | 0.20 kg (7.11 oz) |
| 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 |
| Vibration / Shock | 5 g @ 10–500 Hz operating; 30 g operating shock, 50 g non-operating |
| North American Temp Code | T4A, Class I Division 2 Groups A, B, C, D |
