Allen-Bradley ControlNet 1786-RPA/B User manual

Installation Instructions
ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Catalog Number 1786-RPA/B
About the Repeater Adapter Module
The 1786-RPA/B ControlNet repeater adapter module, which has a 24V DC,
removable power supply, can be used with 1786 repeater modules to build a
ControlNet network repeater. A repeater is used to extend the length of a
network, create a star, ring, or point-to-point topology, or perform network
media conversion from copper to fiber, and vice versa. A maximum of 20
repeater adapter can be placed in a series.
Topic Page
Important User Information 2
Environment and Enclosure 3
North American Hazardous Location Approval 4
European Hazardous Location Approval 5
Features and Components of the ControlNet Repeater Adapter 6
Mount the Repeater Adapter Module 8
Wire the Repeater Adapter Module 13
Status Indicators 16
Specifications 19
Additional Resources 23

2ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Important User Information
Solid-state equipment has operational characteristics differing from those of electromechanical
equipment. Safety Guidelines for the Application, Installation and Maintenance of Solid State Controls
(Publication SGI-1.1 available from your local Rockwell Automation sales office or online at
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/literature/) describes some important differences between
solid-state equipment and hard-wired electromechanical devices. Because of this difference, and also
because of the wide variety of uses for solid-state equipment, all persons responsible for applying this
equipment must satisfy themselves that each intended application of this equipment is acceptable.
In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages
resulting from the use or application of this equipment.
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the
many variables and requirements associated with any particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc.
cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and diagrams.
No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits,
equipment, or software described in this manual.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell
Automation, Inc., is prohibited.
Throughout this manual, when necessary, we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.
WARNING: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can cause an
explosion in a hazardous environment, which may lead to personal injury or death,
property damage, or economic loss.
ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to
personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss. Attentions help you identify
a hazard, avoid a hazard and recognize the consequences.
SHOCK HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, drive or motor,
to alert people that dangerous voltage may be present.
BURN HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, drive or motor,
to alert people that surfaces may reach dangerous temperatures.
IMPORTANT Identifies information that is critical for successful application and understanding of the
product.

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 3
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Environment and Enclosure
ATTENTION: This equipment is intended for use in a Pollution
Degree 2 industrial environment, in overvoltage Category II
applications (as defined in IEC 60664-1), at altitudes up to 2000 m
(6562 ft) without derating.
This equipment is considered Group 1, Class A industrial equipment
according to IEC/CISPR 11. Without appropriate precautions, there
may be difficulties with electromagnetic compatibility in residential
and other environments due to conducted and radiated disturbances.
This equipment is supplied as open-type equipment. It must be
mounted within an enclosure that is suitably designed for those
specific environmental conditions that will be present and
appropriately designed to prevent personal injury resulting from
accessibility to live parts. The enclosure must have suitable
flame-retardant properties to prevent or minimize the spread of flame,
complying with a flame spread rating of 5VA, V2, V1, V0 (or
equivalent) if non-metallic. The interior of the enclosure must be
accessible only by the use of a tool. Subsequent sections of this
publication may contain additional information regarding specific
enclosure type ratings that are required to comply with certain
product safety certifications.
In addition to this publication, see the following:
•Industrial Automation Wiring and Grounding Guidelines,
publication 1770-4.1, for additional installation requirements
•NEMA Standard 250 and IEC 60529, as applicable, for explanations
of the degrees of protection provided by enclosures

4ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
North American Hazardous Location Approval
The following information applies
when operating this equipment in
hazardous locations.
Informations sur l’utilisation de cet
équipement en environnements
dangereux.
Products marked "CL I, DIV 2, GP A, B, C, D" are
suitable foruse in Class I Division 2 Groups A, B, C,
D, Hazardous Locations and nonhazardous
locations only. Each product is supplied with
markings on the rating nameplate indicating the
hazardous location temperature code. When
combining products within a system, the most
adversetemperaturecode(lowest"T"number)may
be used to help determine the overall temperature
code of the system. Combinations of equipment in
your system are subject to investigation by the
local Authority Having Jurisdiction at the time of
installation.
Les produits marqués "CL I, DIV 2, GP A, B, C, D" ne
conviennent qu'à une utilisation en environnements
de Classe I Division 2 Groupes A, B, C, D dangereux et
non dangereux. Chaque produit est livré avec des
marquages sur sa plaque d'identification qui indiquent
le code de température pour les environnements
dangereux. Lorsque plusieurs produits sont combinés
dans un système, le code de température le plus
défavorable (code de température le plus faible) peut
être utilisé pour déterminer le code de température
global du système. Les combinaisons d'équipements
dans le système sont sujettes à inspection par les
autorités locales qualifiées au moment de
l'installation.
WARNING:
Explosion Hazard -
•Do not disconnect equipment
unless power has been removed
or the area is known to be
nonhazardous.
•Do not disconnect connections to
this equipment unless power has
been removed or the area is
known to be nonhazardous.
Secure any external connections
that mate to this equipment by
using screws, sliding latches,
threaded connectors, or other
means provided with this product.
•Substitution of components may
impair suitability for Class I,
Division 2.
•If this product contains batteries,
they must only be changed in an
area known to be nonhazardous.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Risque d’Explosion –
•Couper le courant ou s'assurer que
l'environnement est classé non
dangereux avant de débrancher
l'équipement.
•Couper le courant ou s'assurer que
l'environnement est classé non
dangereux avant de débrancher les
connecteurs. Fixer tous les
connecteurs externes reliés à cet
équipement à l'aide de vis, loquets
coulissants, connecteurs filetés ou
autres moyens fournis avec ce
produit.
•La substitution de composants peut
rendre cet équipement inadapté à
une utilisation en environnement de
Classe I, Division 2.
•S'assurer que l'environnement est
classé non dangereux avant de
changer les piles.

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 5
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
European Hazardous Location Approval
European Zone 2 Certification (The following applies when the product bears the
Ex Marking.)
This equipment is intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres as defined by
European Union Directive 94/9/EC and has been found to comply with the Essential Health
and Safety Requirements relating to the design and construction of Category 3 equipment
intended for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive atmospheres, given in Annex II to this
Directive. Compliance with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements has been assured
by compliance with EN 60079-15 and EN 60079-0.
WARNING: You must follow these guidelines:
•This equipment must be installed in an enclosure providing at least
IP54 protection when applied in Zone 2 environments.
•This equipment shall be used within its specified ratings defined by
Rockwell Automation.
•Provision shall be made to prevent the rated voltage from being
exceeded by transient disturbances of more than 40% when
applied in Zone 2 environments.
•Secure any external connections that mate to this equipment by
using screws, sliding latches, threaded connectors, or other means
provided with this product.
•Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been removed or
the area is known to be nonhazardous.
ATTENTION: This equipment is not resistant to sunlight or other
sources of UV radiation.

6ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Prevent Electrostatic Discharge
Features and Components of the ControlNet Repeater Adapter
A 1786-RPA/B repeater adapter can be used with the following modules to
build a ControlNet network repeater:
•1786-RPCD repeater dual copper module
•1786-RPFS repeater short-distance fiber module
•1786-RPFM repeater medium-distance fiber module
•1786-RPFRL fiber ring repeater module
•1786-RPFRXL fiber ring repeater module
ATTENTION: This equipment is sensitive to electrostatic discharge,
which can cause internal damage and affect normal operation.
Follow these guidelines when you handle this equipment:
•Touch a grounded object to discharge potential static.
•Wear an approved grounding wriststrap.
•Do not touch connectors or pins on component boards.
•Do not touch circuit components inside the equipment.
•Use a static-safe workstation, if available.
•Store the equipment in appropriate static-safe packaging when not
in use.
TIP
If the 1786-RPA/B repeater adapter is used with the 1786-RPCD,
1786-RPFS, and 1786-RPFM repeater modules, you can attach as
many as four repeaters to the repeater adapter.
If the 1786-RPA/B repeater adapter is used with the 1786-RPFRL
and 1786-RPFRXL repeater modules, you can attach as many as
two repeaters to the repeater adapter.
See page 11 for more details.
ATTENTION: If this equipment is used in a manner not specified
by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired.

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 7
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
The repeater adapter also provides the following:
•Digital re-timing of ControlNet network data
•Power to repeater modules
•One coax channel
•Status indicators
The repeater adapter ships with the following items:
•One removable terminal block (power connector) attached to the
repeater adapter.
•One 75 Ωterminator for terminating an unused port.
•Two DIN rail locks
The illustration shows the components that comprise the 1786-RPA/B repeater
adapter module.
COM
COM
REPEATER
ADAPTER
REPEATER
MODULES
24V
++
75 Ω Terminator
Status
Indicators
31453-M
Removable
Terminal
B lock
(RTB)

8ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Mount the Repeater Adapter Module
This section explains how to mount the 1786-RPA/B repeater adapter module.
Figure 1 - Mounting Dimensions
TIP
Horizontal mounting is preferred. Vertical mounting is allowed.
We recommend that the 1786-RPA/B module be mounted at the
top if vertical mounting is chosen.
ATTENTION: This product is grounded through the DIN rail to
chassis ground. Use zinc plated yellow-chromate steel DIN rail to
assure proper grounding. The use of other DIN rail materials (for
example, aluminum or plastic) that can corrode, oxidize, or are poor
conductors, can result in improper or intermittent grounding.
Secure DIN rail to mounting surface approximately every 200 mm
(7.8 in.) and use end-anchors appropriately.
Dimensions are in mm (in.). 31458-M
102.1
(4.084)
100
(4.0)
69
(2.76)
90
(3.6)
127
(5)

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 9
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Do these steps to mount the 1786-RPA/B module.
1. Position the repeater adapter module on the 35 x 7.5 mm (1.4 x 0.3 in.)
DIN rail (Allen-Bradley part number 199-DR1) at a 30oangle.
2. Hook the lip on the rear of the 1786-RPA/B repeater adapter module
onto the top of the DIN rail, and rotate the repeater adapter module
onto the rail.
3. Press the repeater adapter module down onto the DIN rail until flush.
The locking tab should snap into position and lock the repeater adapter
module to the DIN rail.
31454A-M
31454B-M

10 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
If the repeater adapter module does not snap into position, use a
screwdriver or similar device to move the locking tab down while
pressing the repeater adapter flush onto the DIN rail.
4. Release the locking tab to lock the adapter in place.
If necessary, push up on the locking tab to lock.
5. Once the repeater adapter module is attached to the DIN rail, slide the
repeater modules to the left to mate with the repeater adapter module.
31454C-M
31455-M

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 11
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
6. Attach the DIN rail locks to the left side of the repeater adapter module
and the right side of the attached modules to lock the repeater adapter
module and modules in place.
WARNING: Removal and insertion under power (RIUP) is not
supported. This module must be powered down while connecting
and disconnecting it from any interconnected modules.
If you insert or remove the module while backplane power is on, an
electrical arc can occur. This could cause an explosion in hazardous
location installations.
Be sure that power is removed or the area is nonhazardous
before proceeding.
IMPORTANT
Make certain that the repeater adapter and modules are secured
together with DIN rail locks on either side. Failure to do so may
result in the loss of communication and/or cause damage
to the modules.
IMPORTANT
The total number of modules that can be attached to the
1786-RPA/B repeater adapter cannot exceed four or the total
power consumption of the modules cannot exceed 8 W or
1.6 A @ 5V DC, whichever comes first.
The 1786-RPFRL/B and 1786-RPFRXL/B modules require 570 mA
each, therefore you can attach only two of these modules to a
1786-RPA/B repeater module. The maximum current draw at
5V DC is 400 mA for the 1786-RPFM module, 300 mA for the
1786-RPFS module, and 499 mA for the 1786-RPCD module.
If you exceed the module or power limit, you may cause damage
to the modules and repeater adapter.

12 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
7. Repeat steps 1through 6for each of the two DIN rail locks.
8. Tighten the two screws on the DIN rail lock to a torque
of 1.1 N•m (9…11 in•lb).
9. Wire the repeater adapter module.
See Wire the Repeater Adapter Module for details.
10. Terminate any unused coax ports by connecting a 75 Ω terminator to the
unused BNC connector.
One 75 Ωterminator is shipped with the repeater adapter module.
IMPORTANT
For proper operation when using a 1786-RPFRXL/B module with a
1786-RPCD module attached to the same 1786-RPA/B repeater
module, you must install any 1786-RPCD module to the left side
of any 1786-RPFRL or 1786-RPFRXL/B repeater module.
31460-M
a. Position the DIN rail lock to the DIN rail.
b. Press the DIN rail lock down onto the DIN rail. c. Tighten the screws.

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 13
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Wire the Repeater Adapter Module
This section describes how to wire your module.
Follow these steps to wire the module.
1. Strip about 7 mm (0.28 in.) of insulation from the end of each wire.
2. Attach the Vin + wire to one of the Vin + terminals on the RTB.
WARNING: An electrical arc can occur under these
circumstances:
- when you connect or disconnect the removable terminal block (RTB)
with field side power applied
- if you connect or disconnect the communications cable with power
applied to this module or any device on the network
This could cause an explosion in hazardous location installations. Be
sure that power is removed or the area is nonhazardous before
proceeding.
TIP
Make sure you have obtained the following items before you
begin to wire the module:
•Two lengths of 0.21…3.3 mm2(24…12 AWG) wire
•Wire stripping tool
•Small, flathead screwdriver

14 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Tighten the screws to 0.6…0.8 N•m (5…7 in•lb).
3. Attach the V in - wire to one of the V in - terminals on the RTB.
Tighten the screws to 0.6…0.8 N•m (5…7 in•lb).
4. Install the RTB onto the repeater adapter module.
Tighten the screws to 0.6…0.8 N•m (5…7 in•lb).
TIP
The unused Vin + and Vin - terminals can be used to supply power
to other devices.
Vin + and Vin -
terminals
31456-M

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 15
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
5. Connect the repeater adapter module to the ControlNet network by
connecting the drop line of the coax tap to the BNC connector.
6. Terminate any unused coax ports by connecting a 75 Ωterminator to the
unused BNC connector.
One 75 Ω terminator is shipped with the repeater adapter module.
31459-M
BNC Connector

16 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Status Indicators
The status indicators on the repeater adapter module can be interpreted
alone or together.
The following three tables list different combinations of status indicators and
their interpretations.
Status Indicators Page
Power-up and fault conditions Table 1 on page 17
Repeater adapter module only Table 2 on page 17
Repeater modules only Table 3 on page 18
IMPORTANT
The following are the only valid indicator combinations. Other
combinations are not valid. For example, the combination of the
repeater adapter module’s status indicator being solid green and
the repeater module’s status indicator being solid red is not valid
and probably indicates a defective module.
COM
COM
REPEATER
ADAPTER
REPEATER
MODULES
24V
++
31453-M
Repeater Adapter
Repeater Modules

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 17
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Table 1 -Power-up and Fault Conditions
Indicator Description Action
Alternating
red/green Repeater adapter module is being powered-up or reset. Do nothing. The repeater adapter module is operating properly.
Solid red A jabber condition has occurred.
Another node or repeater on the
network is transmitting constantly.
Check the network and
components for proper operation.
Off Repeater adapter module is not
powered up or has failed. Check the power input to the repeater adapter module for
correct voltage and polarity.
Table 2 -Repeater Adapter Module Status Indicator
Indicator Description Action
Solid green Error-free data is being recovered
at the coax port of the repeater
adapter module.
Do nothing. This is the normal
operating mode.
Flashing
green/off Data with errors is occasionally being recovered at the coax port of
the repeater adapter module.
This situation will normally correct
itself. If the situation persists,
check the following:
•All BNC connector pins are
seated properly.
•All taps are Rockwell
Automation taps.
•All terminators are 75 Ω and
are installed at both ends of all
segments.
•Coax cable has not been
grounded.
Flashing
red/off Either no data is being received at the coax port of the repeater
adapater module, or data with a
large number of errors is being
received at the coax port of the
repeater adapater module.
Check the following components:
•Broken cables
•Broken taps
•Missing segment terminators

18 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Table 3 -Repeater Modules Status Indicator
Indicator Description Action
Solid green Error-free data is being recovered
at all of the attached repeater
modules.
Do nothing. This is the normal
operating mode.
Flashing
green/off Data with errors is occasionally being recovered at some or all of
the repeater modules.
•This situation will normally
correct itself. If the situation
persists, check the following:
•All BNC connector pins are
seated properly.
•All taps are Rockwell
Automation taps.
•All terminators are 75 Ω and
are installed at both ends of all
segments.
•Coax cable has not been
grounded.
•Fiber-optic connectors are of the
correct type and are correctly
attached to the fiber-optic
cable.
•Fiber-optic cable is the correct
type.
Flashing
red/off Either no data is being received at any of the repeater modules, or the
received data at some or all of the
repeater modules has a high
number of errors.
Check the following components:
•Broken cables
•Broken taps
•Missing segment terminators

ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter 19
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Specifications
Technical Specifications - 1786-RPA/B
Attribute 1786-RPA/B
Power consumption, max 16.8 W
Power dissipation, max 8.8 W
Input voltage rating, max 700 mA @ 24V DC, Class 2/SELV(1)
(1) For applications within the U.S., use a power supply that is appropriately certified as Class 2 per the
definition in the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, Article 725. For applications outside the
U.S., use a power supply with safety extra low voltage (SELV) or protected extra low voltage (PELV)
output. A power supply with SELV or PELV output is built with appropriate isolation to withstand single
fault conditions. The output cannot exceed 30V rms, 42.4V peak, or 60V DC under fault conditions.
Input voltage range 18…36V DC
Backplane output current, max 1.6A @ 5V DC
Minimum enclosure size (HxWxD), approx 304.8 x 196.8 x 101.6 mm
(12 x 7.75 x 4 in.)
Mounting orientation Any mounting orientation
Isolation voltage 50V (continuous), Basic insulation type,
Power to system
Type tested at 710V DC for 60 s
Wire size 0.21…3.3 mm2(24...12 AWG) solid or
stranded copper wire rated at 75 °C
(167 °F ), or greater, 1.2 mm (3/64 in.)
insulation max for power connections
Wiring category 2 - on power ports
2 - on communication ports(2)
(2) Use this Conductor Category information for planning conductor routing. Refer to Industrial
Automation Wiring and Grounding Guidelines, publication 1770-4.1.
Enclosure type rating None (open-style)
North American temp code T5
IEC temp code T4

20 ControlNet Modular Repeater Adapter
Rockwell Automation Publication 1786-IN013F-EN-P - April 2011
Environmental Specifications - 1786-RPA/B
Attribute 1786-RPA/B
Temperature, operating
IEC 60068-2-1 (Test Ad, Operating Cold),
IEC 60068-2-2 (Test Bd, Operating Dry Heat),
IEC 60068-2-14 (Test Nb, Operating Thermal
Shock)
0…60 °C (32…140 °F)
Temperature, surrounding air, max 60 °C (140 °F)
Temperature, nonoperating
IEC 60068-2-1 (Test Ab, Unpackaged
Nonoperating Cold),
IEC 60068-2-2 (Test Bb, Unpackaged
Nonoperating Dry Heat),
IEC 60068-2-14 (Test Na, Unpackaged
Nonoperating Thermal Shock)
-40…85 °C (-40…185 °F)
Relative humidity
IEC 60068-2-30 (Test Db, Unpackaged Damp
Heat)
5…95% noncondensing
Vibration
IEC60068-2-6 (Test Fc, Operating)
5 g @ 10…500 Hz
Shock, operating
IEC60068-2-27 (Test Ea, Unpackaged Shock)
30 g
Shock, nonoperating
IEC60068-2-27 (Test Ea, Unpackaged Shock)
50 g
Emissions
CISPR 11
Group 1, Class A
ESD immunity
IEC 61000-4-2
6 kV contact discharges
8 kV air discharges