CompactLogix 5370 controllers

In 2012, Rockwell Automation released the 5370 L1, L2, and L3 (Bulletin 1769) controllers, which provided a low-cost, Ethernet/IP-enabled, high-performance controller in a 40 percent-smaller form factor. The 5370 CompactLogix controllers represent the fourth-generation CompactLogix series release. The CompactLogix 5370 series controller provides many of the same enhancements that the ControlLogix 5570 (Series 7, L7) provided over the ControlLogix 5560 (Series 6, L6), including the following:

• Twice the performance capability due to a more powerful dual-core CPU
• Adoption of modern SDRAM memory
• The replacement of the 9-pin serial port with a USB 2.0 port (programs transfer 200 times faster over USB 2.0 than the serial port)
• The replacement of the CompactFlash memory card with a Secure Digital(SD) memory card
• Added the Energy Storage Module(ESM) and removed the need for a lithium battery
• Makes use of existing 1769 I/O modules
• Integrates motion control over Ethernet

The ability to store program comments and tag descriptions on the controller (with firmware V21 and above)

Now that we have introduced the newer 5370 line of CompactLogix controllers, we will explore the L1, L2, and L3 form factors that are available.

Bulletin 1769 5370 – L1

The CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller is a significantly smaller direct replacement for the L23 CompactLogix controllers with embedded I/O. One of the more interesting aspects of the L1 is that its embedded I/O module is only available with the built-in digital I/O.

The L1 CompactLogix controller features the following:

• An SD memory card
• Two Ethernet ports
• A USB 2.0 port
• Embedded point I/O modules
• Expandable with 6- or 8-point I/O modules
• Embedded power supply
• Integrated motion control

The following is an illustration of the L1 form factor CompactLogix 5370 controller with embedded I/O terminals:

In the next section, we will introduce the L2 form factor of the fourth generation CompactLogix controller.

Bulletin 1769 5370 – L2

The CompactLogix 5370 L2 controller is another direct replacement for the CompactLogix controllers with embedded I/O. Unlike the L1 controller, the L2 controller comes in multiple embedded I/O form factors: digital inputs, combination digital and analog inputs, high-resolution analog inputs, and universal inputs.

The L2 CompactLogix Controller features the following:

• An SD memory card
• Two Ethernet ports
• A USB 2.0 port
• Embedded 1769 I/O modules
• Expandable with 4 x 1769 I/O modules
• Embedded power supply
• Integrated motion control

The following is an illustration of the L2 CompactLogix form factor:

In the next section, we will introduce the L3 form factor of the CompactLogix 5370.

Bulletin 1769 5370 – L3

The fourth generation CompactLogix 5370 L3 controllers are a direct replacement for the CompactLogix L3x line. The CompactLogix L3 form factor supports all of the 1769 I/O modules, power supplies, and cables previously used with the L32E and L35E controllers.

The L3 series controller features the following:

• An SD memory card
• Two Ethernet ports
• A USB 2.0 port
• 8 to 30 1769 I/O modules
• 1769 modules can be placed to the left or right of the power supply
• A power supply module
• Comes in 1 MB, 2 MB, and 3 MB versions
• Safety version available
• Phase Manager supported
• Alarm instructions supported (ALMA, ALMD)
• Supports Studio 5000 version 20+

The following is an illustration of the L3 CompactLogix form factor:

In the next section, we will introduce the L8 processor-based CompactLogix 5380 controllers.