Which RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 package is right for you?

Connections and Students often ask which package of RSLogix / Studio 5000 they should buy, and in the article I’ll attempt to answer that question.

Update for 2022: Over the last nine years the below prices has gone up quite a bit, but Rockwell now offers the option of leasing the software via an annual subscription here (you must be logged in with a free account to view prices,) and I’ll include the new annual lease price as of 02/26/22 in red. Also note that if you need versions prior to 20.05 you will need to purchase the Legacy option.

Programming Packages:

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Mini, PN#9324-RLD200ENE, $805.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price $366)

The “Mini” edition of RSLogix 5000 only programs the “CompactLogix” family of controllers, and only in the “Ladder Logic” programming language. While you can purchase the other languages (FBD, SFC, ST) separately as add-ons, its often cheaper to buy the next package, RSLogix 5000 Lite.

RSLogix 5000 FBD
Function Block Diagram language example

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Lite, PN#9324-RLD250ENE, $2,000.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price $910)

The “Lite” edition of RSLogix 5000 is identical to the “Mini” edition in the fact that it can only program the “CompactLogix” family of programmable controllers, but also includes the Multi-Language Pack (PN# 9324-RLDMLPE) adding Function Block Diagram (FBD,) Structured Text (ST,) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC) programming languages.

RSLogix 5000 Structured Text
Structured Text language example

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Standard, PN#9324-RLD300ENE, $3,360.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price $1,496)

The original version of RSLogix 5000, the “Standard” edition supports “Ladder Logic” programming of all Logix based processors, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, DriveLogix, and SoftLogix. Recently, it has been enhanced to also include a copy of RSLogix Architect (PN# 9326-LGXARCHENE.) While you can purchase the other languages (FBD, SFC, ST) separately as add-ons, I recommend looking at the next package, RSLogix 5000 Full, before making a decision.

RSLogix 5000 SFC
Sequential Function Chart language example

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Full, PN#9324-RLD600ENE, $6,050.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price $2,748)

The “Full” version of RSLogix 5000 has all the features of the “Standard” edition, but also includes the Multi-Language Pack (PN# 9324-RLDMLPE) adding Function Block Diagram (FBD,) Structured Text (ST,) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC) programming languages, as well as Phase Manager (PN# 9324-RLDPME) and PIDE Autotuner (PN# 9323-ATUNEENE, works with v16 or higher.)

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Professional, PN#9324-RLD700NXENE, $7,600.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price $3,328)

The “Pro” version of RSLogix 5000 has all the features of the “Full” edition, but adds the RSLogix 5000 Emulator as well as RSNetworx for DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP.

Service Package:

RSLogix / Studio 5000 Service Edition for v12 and up, PN#9324-RLD000NXENE, $677.00 (as of 10/16/2013, 02/26/22 annual lease price – not available)

Need to go online with a “Logix” based PAC (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, DriveLogix, and SoftLogix.) but don’t need to modify the code? If that’s the case you should consider the “Service Edition” of RSLogix 5000. It allows you to monitor RSLogix 5000 ACD files offline or online, permitted they are v12 or later. It also allows for uploading and downloading programs, but this feature can be disabled if need be.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

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Shawn Tierney

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve found that anything below “Full” will still be able to Upload/Download/Go Online with Phase Manager programs, but users will not be able to modify the code in phase state routines. Ran into this issue yesterday.

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