1768-M04SE | Allen-Bradley | CompactLogix Motion Control SERCOS Module

Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1768-M04SE is a CompactLogix motion control module that provides high-speed SERCOS interface communication for controlling up to four servo axes. Designed to synchronize multiple drives and motion devices with precision, it enables seamless integration within advanced automation systems. Featuring a fiber-optic communication channel and flexible data rates, this module ensures reliable and noise-immune performance in demanding industrial environments.

Key Features

• Controls up to four servo drives and two auxiliary feedback axes

• Supports SERCOS Class B for position and velocity control

• Configurable 4 Mbit/s or 8 Mbit/s data rate options

• Compatible with Kinetix 6000 and CompactLogix motion systems

• Deterministic communication cycle times as low as 0.5 ms

• Optical fiber connectivity with standard F-SMA screw connectors

• Compact, modular design for efficient panel integration

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation

• Model Number: 1768-M04SE

• Product Series: CompactLogix 1768 Series

• Product Type: 4-Axis SERCOS Motion Interface Module

Electrical Characteristics

• Backplane Current: 969 mA @ 5.2 V DC

• Power Dissipation: 5.04 W typical

• Power Supply Distance Rating: Within 2 slots of the power supply

SERCOS Interface

• Class: Class B (Position or Velocity)

• Data Rates: 4 Mbit/s or 8 Mbit/s

• Cycle Time (with Kinetix 6000):

• 0.5 ms (up to 2 drives @ 4 Mbit/s)

• 1 ms (up to 4 drives @ 4 Mbit/s)

• 0.5 ms (up to 4 drives @ 8 Mbit/s)

Fiber Optic Connection

• Connector Type: F-SMA screw-type

• Core Diameter:

• Plastic: 980 µm ± 60 µm

• Glass: 200 µm ± 4 µm

• Cladding Diameter:

• Plastic: 1000 µm ± 60 µm

• Glass: 230 µm +0/-10 µm

• Bend Radius:

• Plastic (with or without jacket): 25 mm

• Glass: 30 mm

• Attenuation:

• Plastic: 140 dB/km @ 650 nm

• Glass: 6.0 dB/km @ 820 nm

• Transmission Range:

• Plastic: 1–32 m

• Glass: 1–200 m

Environmental Specifications

• Operating Temperature: Plastic: –55…85 °C / Glass: –20…85 °C

• Temperature Code: T4A

• Mounting Torque: 1.16 Nm (10 lb-in) using M4 or #8 screws

Physical Dimensions

• Metric: 132.0 × 56.7 × 105.1 mm overall

• Imperial: 5.2 × 2.23 × 4.14 in overall

• Weight: 0.20 kg (7.1 oz)

Performance and Integration

The 1768-M04SE module provides deterministic motion control via SERCOS digital fiber-optic communication, ensuring precise synchronization between controllers and servo drives. Its compact footprint and modular design simplify installation in CompactLogix systems. The fiber-optic medium guarantees signal integrity across noisy industrial networks, while the 4- and 8-Mbit/s data rate options allow scalability for both high-performance and cost-efficient applications.

Typical use cases include coordinated multi-axis control for robotics, packaging systems, material handling, and high-speed assembly lines.

FAQ

Q1: How many servo axes can the 1768-M04SE control?
A1: The module supports up to four drives plus two auxiliary feedback channels.

Q2: Which SERCOS class does it support?
A2: It supports SERCOS Class B, enabling both position and velocity control modes.

Q3: Can the 1768-M04SE operate with Kinetix 6000 drives?
A3: Yes. It is fully compatible and can achieve cycle times as low as 0.5 ms when used with Kinetix 6000.

Q4: What type of fiber-optic cables can be used?
A4: Both plastic (up to 32 m) and glass fiber (up to 200 m) cables with F-SMA connectors are supported.