1769-CRL3 Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Expansion Cable

Product Description
The Allen-Bradley 1769-CRL3 is a dedicated right-to-left expansion cable designed to interconnect adjacent I/O banks in Allen-Bradley CompactLogix (1769) systems. It is not a module or power supply but a passive backplane extension that enables reliable communication and power distribution between multiple I/O chassis segments.

This 1-meter (3.28 ft) cable allows the creation of up to three I/O banks—each with its own local power supply—by linking Bank 0 (controller side) to Bank 1, and optionally Bank 1 to Bank 2 using a second compatible cable (e.g., 1769-CRL1 or 1769-CRL3). The 1769 architecture limits expansion to two cables total, enforcing signal integrity and timing constraints.

Key technical specifications:

• Cable Length: 1.0 m (3.28 ft)

• Weight: 0.20 kg

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C

• Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%, non-condensing

• Maximum Operating Altitude: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)

• Vibration (Operating): 10–500 Hz, 5G peak, ≤0.030 in displacement

• Shock (Operating):

• Panel-mounted: 30G

• DIN rail-mounted: 20G

• Shock (Non-operating):

• Panel-mounted: 40G

• DIN rail-mounted: 30G

• Mechanical Rating: Supports both horizontal and vertical I/O bank orientations

• Compatibility: Used exclusively with 1769 Compact I/O modules and controllers (e.g., CompactLogix 5370, MicroLogix 1500 with 1769 base)

Note: The product is often mischaracterized as supporting DriveLogix 5730. The DriveLogix 5730 uses ControlLogix (1756) architecture, not 1769 Compact I/O. The 1769-CRL3 is strictly for 1769-series systems.

Typical Applications

• Expanding I/O capacity in space-constrained control panels

• Segregating analog, digital, and specialty modules into separate powered banks

• Maintaining signal integrity in multi-bank installations with localized power supplies

FAQ
Q: Can I use more than two 1769-CRL3 cables in one system?
A: No. The 1769 architecture permits a maximum of two expansion cables, supporting up to three I/O banks total (Bank 0 + Bank 1 + Bank 2).

Q: Is the 1769-CRL3 interchangeable with the 1769-CRL1?
A: Functionally yes—they differ only in length (CRL1 = 0.3 m, CRL3 = 1.0 m). Both are right-to-left cables and support the same electrical and mechanical specs.

Q: Does this cable carry logic power between banks?
A: Yes. It transmits both backplane communication signals and 5V/24V logic power from the upstream bank, though each bank should have its own 1769-PA or 1769-PB power supply for stable operation.