Recently I’ve been running into the perception that Rockwell’s new 5370 CompactLogix controllers have the ability to control less I/O than previous models.
To address this question, today we’ll take a look at the 1769-L32E versus the 1769-L33ER to see which one of these CompactLogix processors can control the most I/O.
L32E vs. L33ER: Local I/O
We’ll start by comparing the local I/O limits of each model by reviewing Rockwell’s CompactLogix selection guide documentation.
Results:
L32E: Supports sixteen local I/O modules.
L33ER: Supports sixteen local I/O modules.
Winner: Tie
As far as local I/O goes, the L32E and L33ER tie as each support sixteen 1769 local expansion I/O modules.
L32E vs. L33ER: Remote Ethernet Racks of Discrete I/O
Next we’ll take a look at the number of remote Ethernet discrete I/O racks supported.
Using Rockwell’s Ethernet IP Capacity tool (more on this tool here,) we are able to add thirty two remote racks of Point I/O (or Flex I/O) to the L32E.
However, we are also able to add a total of thirty two remote racks of discrete Point or Flex I/O to the L33ER as well.
Results:
L32E: Thirty two remote racks of discrete I/O
L33ER: Thirty two remote racks of discrete I/O
Winner: Tie
As far as the number of remote racks of discrete I/O, the L32E and L33ER tie again since each support thirty two remote racks of I/O.
L32E vs. L33ER: Remote Ethernet Analog Modules
Next we’ll add some analog I/O to the mix.
This time we’ll start with the L33ER and the current configuration of thirty two remote Ethernet racks of I/O.
Using this configuration we find we can add up to six analog modules (at an eighty millisecond update rate) to each of the thirty two racks and still be within this processor’s limit.
However, when we switch over to the L32E we find that with the same six analog modules per rack we can only support a total of four racks.
Results:
L33ER: Thirty two racks with six analog modules each
L32E: Four racks with six analog modules each
Winner: L33ER by a very wide margin
As far as which processor supports the most analog modules, the L33ER and it’s expanded number of connections supports many times more analog modules in remote Ethernet I/O racks.
L32E vs. L33ER: Remote Ethernet Variable Frequency Drives
After remote I/O, VFD’s are the second most common device I see added to the RSLogix 5000 I/O configuration.
With that in mind, let’s compare the number of VFD’s supported on Ethernet by each processor.
Similar to our discrete I/O test, we can see here that both the L32E and L33ER support up to 32 PowerFlex 525 drives.
Results:
L32E: Thirty two VFDs
L33ER: Thirty two VFDs
Winner: Tie
Bonus Round: Number of HMI’s supported
While not I/O, I thought it would be helpful to also compare the number of HMI’s the L32E and L33ER support.
Before we begin though, I wanted to share this warning from the Ethernet IP Capacity Tool that pops up when adding HMI’s:
We’ll again start with the L33ER.
Here we can see it theoretically supports up to 51 PanelView Plus HMI’s when the HMI project has 200 tags updating at 250ms.
However, when we select the same HMI configuration for the L32E, we find it can theorectically only support six PanelView Plus units.
Results:
L33ER: Fifty one PanelView Plus HMI’s
L32E: Six PanelView Plus HMIs
Winner: The L33ER by a very wide margin
After reviewing the I/O capabilities of both the 1769-L32E and 1769-L33ER above, it’s quite clear that the newer L33ER supports the same number of Ethernet I/O racks.
But, in those racks it can support many more analog modules, as well as theoretically support a substantially larger number of HMIs at the same time.
So with that said, the L33ER is the clear winner of this VERSUS competition.
Winner: 1769-L33ER
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article comparing the amount of I/O supported by the L32E and L33ER.
If you have any comments, questions, corrections or suggesting please feel welcome to leave them with us by filling in the “post a comment or question” link below.
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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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.
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