Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1794-AENTR is a Flex I/O communication adapter engineered for high-availability Ethernet networks. This DIN rail mounted device features two (2) Ethernet communication ports, allowing you to connect a Flex I/O rack to a central, Ethernet-enabled controller. With support for 10/100 Mbps communication rates and an input voltage requirement of 19.2 – 31.2 VDC, the 1794-AENTR delivers reliable performance in demanding industrial environments. It supports installation of up to eight (8) Flex I/O modules, making it a versatile backbone for distributed I/O architectures.
Key Technical Specifications
The 1794-AENTR is built to meet rigorous automation standards. Below are the core specifications that define its operational capabilities:
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Rockwell Automation |
| Product Type |
Flex I/O Dual Port Ethernet/IP Adapter Module |
| Communication Ports |
Two (2) RJ45 |
| Supported Protocol |
Ethernet I/P |
| Supported Topologies |
Linear, Ring (DLR) |
| Data Transfer Speed |
10 to 100 Mbps |
| I/O Capacity |
8 Modules |
| Input Voltage Range |
19.2 to 31.2 VDC (nominal 24 VDC) |
| Power Dissipation |
6.1 W @ 19.2V DC |
| Thermal Dissipation |
20.8 BTU/hr @ 24V DC |
| Power Consumption |
500 mA / 400 mA @ 24V DC |
| Inrush Current |
18 Amps for 2 milliseconds |
| Flexbus Current |
640 mA at 5 Volts DC maximum |
| Isolation Voltage |
50 Volts Continuous |
| Operating Temperature |
0 to 55 °C (32 to 131 °F) |
| Storage Temperature |
-40 to 85 °C (-40 to 185 °F) |
| Vibration |
Tested 5 g @ 10-500Hz per IEC 68-2-6 |
| Operating Shock |
30 g peak acceleration, 11(+1)ms pulse width |
| Mounting |
DIN Rail |
| Enclosure Type Rating |
None (open-style) |
Industrial Applications
The 1794-AENTR excels in applications requiring reliable, high-speed communication between controllers and remote I/O. Typical use cases include:
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Process control systems where continuous data acquisition and monitoring are critical.
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Manufacturing lines that demand flexible I/O expansion and redundant network paths.
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Plant-wide automation where multiple Flex I/O racks need to communicate with a central PLC or DCS over EtherNet/IP.
Its dual-port design supports Device Level Ring (DLR) topology, enabling network redundancy and minimizing downtime—essential for continuous production environments.
Installation & Setup Guidance
Mount the 1794-AENTR directly onto a DIN rail in a location free from excessive vibration and shock. Before energizing, connect an external power supply providing 24 VDC nominal (acceptable range 19.2…31.2 VDC). Use stranded copper wire sized 0.34…2.5 mm² (22…12 AWG) rated at 75 °C (167 °F) or higher, with insulation thickness not exceeding 1.2 mm (3/64 in.). For Ethernet connections, use RJ45 Cat.5 cables. Configure the IP address, optional gateway, and subnet mask before placing the module into service. Do not install or remove the module while powered.
Maintenance & Reliability
The 1794-AENTR requires minimal routine maintenance. Periodically inspect the DIN rail mounting and ensure all connections remain secure. Monitor the status indicators—Module, Network, Link1, and Link2—to quickly identify communication issues. The module’s robust design tolerates vibration up to 5 g and shock up to 30 g, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh industrial settings. Regular checks of the power supply voltage and network cabling will help prevent unexpected downtime.
Compatibility & Integration
The 1794-AENTR is part of the Allen-Bradley Flex I/O family and communicates using the EtherNet/IP protocol. It integrates seamlessly with Rockwell Automation controllers such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix. The module supports linear and ring topologies, with no network scheduling or routing tables required, simplifying integration into existing architectures. It can interface with up to eight Flex I/O modules on the same DIN rail, providing scalable I/O expansion.
Selection Guide & Purchasing Advice
When selecting the 1794-AENTR, verify that your control system supports EtherNet/IP and that the required number of I/O modules does not exceed eight. Confirm the power supply voltage matches the 24 VDC nominal requirement. For assured quality and availability, consider purchasing from PLC Source PRO, a trusted supplier of industrial automation spares. Ensure you have the necessary RJ45 cables and DIN rail mounting hardware for installation.