In today’s article we’ll compare the new 5380 CompactLogix with the previously released 5370 “L3” line of A-B controllers.

Let’s start off with a comparison of the front of the processors themselves:

5370:

  • 5380LED Status Indicators
  • Run switch
  • SD card slot
  • USB Port

5380:

  • LED Status Indicators
  • Run switch
  • SD card slot
  • USB Port
  • Four Digit Digital Status Display
  • Processor and Field power connections

Above you can see the biggest difference (aside from the power connectors) is the new processors come with a four digit digital status display like Rockwell’s other new PAC products.

This is a very welcome addition as having the program and network status scrolling across the display is extremely helpful in the field.

Next, let’s look at the Ethernet capabilities of both models:

5370:

  • Embedded two port 10/100MB Ethernet switch supporting DLR and a single IP address
  • Up to 48 Ethernet/IP nodes
  • Up to 16 axes of motion, average of 2 per ms
  • By default, communication defaults to 20% of Processor Utilization
  • Buffers sizes include 40 Unconnected, 32 Cached Message, and 16 Simultaneous Message
  • Messages Per Second is listed as 400

5380:

  • E5380mbedded dual configurable 10/100/1000MB Ethernet ports supporting DLR or two unique IP address* (feature planned for version 29, estimated availability July 2016)
  • Supports up to 55 Ethernet/IP nodes
  • Supports up to 20 axes of motion, average of 32 per ms
  • Communications do not impact the Processor Utilization (i.e. 0%)
  • Buffers sizes include 256 Unconnected, 256 Cached Message, and 256 Simultaneous Message
  • Messages Per Second is listed as 2000

Above you can see, the new 5380 has had some huge advantages over the 5370, with 1GB Ethernet ports that support increase node, axes, and buffers counts.

Next we’ll take a look at power and I/O:

5370:

  • CompactLogix-L36ERMRequires purchase of 1769 Power Supply and End Cap
  • Supports up to 30 local 1769 I/O modules with additional power supplies and cables
  • Power Supply and I/O come with terminal blocks

5380:

  • 1 CompactLogix-5380Integrated Power Supple, End Cap included with processor.
  • Supports up to 31 local 5069 I/O modules
  • Processor and I/O DO NOT come with terminal blocks, must order separately
  • 5069 is higher speed and higher accuracy I/O, and now support being used as “near instant” event triggers
  • Reduced module width, as well as reduced required clearance above and below modules

Besides the integrated power supply, the other take-away is the new 5069 I/O is higher speed and requires less space.

Now let’s look at memory:

5370:

  • 2 CompactLogix-5380-2Comes in 1, 2, and 3MB versions
  • Requires 80% to be reserved for future firmware enhancements and runtime communication

5380:

  • Comes in 2 and 4mb versions today, with .6, 1, and 3mb versions scheduled for July
  • No memory reserve required, 100% may be used for applications

Bottom line: Even if you buy a model with the same memory size, you can actually use all of it which is like getting 20% extra.

Next, Let’s look at some important differences that didn’t quite fit into any of the other categories:

5370:

  • 3 Compact-GuardLogix-5370Safety version available
  • Phase Manager supported
  • Alarm Instructions supported (ALMA, ALMD)
  • Supports version 20+

5380:

  • 20% increased in capacity
  • 5-20 times faster scan times and task switching (vs 5370)
  • Task monitor now built into 5380 webpages
  • Safety, Phase Manager, and ALM support to be added in future
  • Supports version 28+

Finally, lets take a look at “Estimated Street Prices:”

[artadrr-smallpac-e]5370 with 2MB

  • L33ER ($2,854) + PA2 ($261) + ECR ($33) = $3,148

5380 with 2MB

  • L320ER ($3,132 ) + RTB64-SCREW ($50) = $3,182

Surprisingly, you get all the advantages of the 5380 controller for nearly the same price as the 5370.

And from what I can tell, the 5069 I/O seems priced similarity to the 1769 I/O, making it very tempting to migrate from an L33ER to an L320ER as long as you’re not using ALM instructions, Phase Manager, or the Compact GuardLogix version.

However, if you’re currently using any ERM model, your only 5380 choice today would be the expensive L340ERM, with an estimated street price of $7,544. In this case I wouldn’t expect those customers to migrate until the additional 5380 models are released, which I’m currently told is scheduled for this July.

If you’re thinking about migrating, or have a reason you can’t, I’d love to hear from you. Just submit the “post a comment or question” form below to leave you comments.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

shawntierney avatar
Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

Discover more from The Automation Blog

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

2 COMMENTS