Allen Bradley 1746-C7 Chassis Interconnect Cable

Configured for multi-chassis backplane signal distribution in SLC 500 controller networks, the Allen Bradley 1746-C7 (1746-C7 Chassis Interconnect Cable) provides direct physical and electrical execution of inter-chassis data and power bridging.

Hardware Specifications

Profinet / EtherNet/IP Deterministic Networks

The 1746-C7 enables backplane bus communication velocity across expanded SLC 500 chassis architectures by maintaining electrical continuity for parallel communication signals. The cable facilitates I/O density scaling by allowing the connection of secondary chassis, provided the total power draw does not exceed the capacity of the primary power supply. Firmware flash compatibility remains independent of this cable, as it functions strictly as a physical interconnect. Deterministic network performance is maintained through the low-impedance path provided by the cable assembly, ensuring that timing constraints for remote chassis data packets remain within the established SLC 500 bus parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the 1746-C7 be extended to lengths greater than 0.5 feet?

A: No. The cable is designed for a fixed length of 0.5 feet (0.15 meters). Extending this length will cause signal propagation delays and impedance mismatches, which lead to bus communication errors.

Q: Is this cable hot-swappable during system operation?

A: No. System power must be removed from both the primary and expansion chassis before connecting or disconnecting the 1746-C7 to prevent electrical damage to the backplane communication drivers.

Field Installation Guidelines

1. Safety: De-energize all chassis power supplies before cable installation. Ensure a zero-energy state exists on the backplane communication pins.
2. Connector Alignment: Align the cable connectors with the backplane ports on the chassis. Insert until the locking clips engage to provide positive strain relief and electrical connection.
3. Cable Management: Do not subject the cable to sharp bends or mechanical stress. Ensure that no high-voltage AC cables are routed within the same conduit or cable tray as the 1746-C7 to prevent induced noise.
4. Continuity Verification: Following installation, perform a visual inspection of the connector seats and check for any debris that may inhibit contact.
5. Operational Check: Verify the communication link between chassis by monitoring the SLC controller status. Ensure that all I/O modules in the expansion chassis are correctly recognized by the processor.