With numerous Allen-Bradley PLC options, selecting the right one depends on your project’s specific requirements. Ignoring budget, here’s the number one reason to pick each of the Micro810, Micro820, Micro850, CompactLogix, or ControlLogix over the others for optimal performance in industrial automation.
The top reason to choose the Micro810 is its ultra-compact design for simple, standalone applications. With fixed 12 I/O points and smart relay functionality, it excels in basic control tasks where minimal footprint and ease of use are critical, outperforming larger PLCs in tight spaces.
Opt for the Micro820 when embedded connectivity is essential. Its built-in Ethernet port and web server enable remote monitoring and configuration, making it ideal for small machines needing IoT integration without additional hardware, unlike simpler or more complex models.
The Micro850 stands out for its expandability in mid-range applications. Supporting up to 132 I/O points via expansion modules and high-speed counters, it’s perfect for growing systems requiring flexibility and scalability beyond fixed-I/O options but without the overhead of modular PLCs.
Choose CompactLogix for its modular design enabling flexible configurations. With customizable I/O modules and support for EtherNet/IP, it adapts to diverse mid-size applications like packaging or robotics, offering tailored scalability unmatched by fixed-I/O Micro series or large-scale ControlLogix. CompactLogix PLCs are a better fit when the number of I/O points requires more complex logic situations. Also, the volume of I/O will require more logic memory than a Micro PLC can hold or scan quickly.
The ControlLogix is unmatched for large-scale, redundant systems. Offering redundancy, up to 128,000 I/O points, and advanced processing for complex networks, it’s essential for mission-critical applications requiring maximum reliability and scalability over all other options. A couple of features that standout out as well are the hot swappable modules from the rack and the ever-expanding I/O networks. These Ethernet networks can have multiple networks per rack and nested racks under other remote racks, creating the ability to expand automation across the plant floor now and into the future.
Budget: From $100 to $100,000, budget certainly is the top reason. It can be reasonable to expect the Micro PLC line to range from $1000 – $10,000 fully built and designed control panel (without motor controllers). For the Logix PLCs, $10,000 – $50,000 is a good rule of thumb for this line of PLC control panels (without motor controllers).
Application: As stated above in this article, choosing the PLC for the application is the next consideration. Of course, choosing a higher PLC than needed is always acceptable, when looking at budgeting constraints.
Number of Inputs and Outputs: Volume of I/O points is third major consideration and may require a higher-end PLC just due to the amount of devices and equipment being controlled. Creating a spreadsheet of all I/O sensors, motors, valves, etc (and the number of I/O points required per device) will aid in understanding this requirement.
Each Allen-Bradley PLC excels in unique scenarios—match your project to the top reason above for success. Ready to select yours? Learn more at Rockwell Automation’s website. Let Automation Ready Panels help you choose the best fit PLC for your project today! Contact Us
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