Modicon MA-0186-100 Coaxial Cable

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Schneider Electric Modicon 984 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Modicon 984 series represents one of the most widely deployed programmable logic controller platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power facilities, offshore platforms, and continuous-process chemical plants, the 984 architecture established the foundation for modern ladder-logic-based industrial control. The MA-0186-100 is a coaxial cable assembly used within the 984 series communication infrastructure, specifically for connecting remote I/O drops via the Modbus Plus or proprietary coaxial backplane bus. Its 100-foot (approximately 30.5 m) length makes it a standard inter-rack trunk segment in large distributed control installations.

The Evolution of Modicon 984 Architecture

The Modicon 984 platform was introduced in the early 1980s as a successor to the 884 series, adopting a modular rack-based architecture that separated CPU, I/O, and power supply functions into discrete plug-in modules. Early variants used a proprietary coaxial bus for remote I/O communication; later revisions integrated Modbus Plus (MB+) as the primary peer-to-peer network, operating at 1 Mbit/s over shielded twisted-pair or coaxial media. The MA-0186-100 cable belongs to the coaxial segment of this communication layer.

By the mid-1990s, Schneider Electric (which acquired Modicon in 1994) began transitioning customers toward the Quantum series, which offered higher I/O density, Ethernet connectivity, and IEC 61131-3 programming. However, the 984 series remained in active production support through the 2000s and continues to operate in brownfield installations where replacement is cost-prohibitive. Compatibility between 984 and Quantum is limited; direct module substitution is not supported without gateway hardware. This lifecycle reality drives sustained demand for original 984 spare parts, including cables such as the MA-0186-100.

Modicon 984 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced components within the Modicon 984 platform. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the system architecture.

CPU & Controller Modules

• PC-E984-685: 984 CPU module, 16K word memory, Modbus Plus port, enhanced instruction set
• PC-E984-265: 984 CPU, 8K word memory, single Modbus port, standard I/O scan
• PC-E984-785: High-performance 984 CPU, 32K word memory, dual MB+ ports, floating-point support
• PC-0984-685: Original 984-685 CPU, predecessor to PC-E984-685, 16K word, single MB+ port

Discrete Input Modules (DI)

• AS-B819-016: 16-point 120 VAC discrete input module, 984 rack compatible
• AS-B819-032: 32-point 24 VDC discrete input module, high-density I/O rack
• AS-B827-016: 16-point 24 VDC isolated discrete input, field-side isolation per point

Discrete Output Modules (DO)

• AS-B828-016: 16-point 120 VAC discrete output, relay contact type, 2A per point
• AS-B828-032: 32-point 24 VDC transistor output, sourcing type, 0.5A per point

Analog Input/Output Modules (AI/AO)

• AS-B237-016: 16-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V selectable, 12-bit resolution
• AS-B238-008: 8-channel analog output, 4–20 mA, 12-bit resolution, loop-powered

Communication & Network Adapters

• AS-MBPL-001: Modbus Plus network adapter, single-port, for 984 remote I/O head-end
• AS-MBPL-002: Modbus Plus dual-port adapter, redundant network path support
• MA-0186-100: Coaxial cable assembly, 100 ft, for 984 series remote I/O trunk segment — the subject of this listing
• MA-0186-050: Coaxial cable assembly, 50 ft, shorter trunk segment variant

Power Supply Modules

• AS-P120-000: 120 VAC input power supply, 984 rack, 5 VDC / 8A output
• AS-P220-000: 220 VAC input power supply, 984 rack, 5 VDC / 8A output
• AS-P024-000: 24 VDC input power supply, 984 rack, for DC-powered panel installations

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Modicon 984 Parts

The Modicon 984 series has been classified as end-of-life (EOL) by Schneider Electric, with factory repair and new-unit availability discontinued. For facilities operating 984-based control systems — particularly in regulated industries where control system replacement requires extensive validation and re-qualification — sourcing original spare parts from specialist distributors is the primary lifecycle extension strategy.

Quality Control for the Modicon 984 Range

The 984 series uses a passive backplane with edge-connector card slots; cable assemblies such as the MA-0186-100 are subject to connector wear, shield continuity degradation, and impedance mismatch over service life. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all 984 cable and module inventory:

• Coaxial cable assemblies: TDR (time-domain reflectometry) testing for impedance continuity and fault location; connector termination inspection under magnification; shield resistance measurement end-to-end.
• CPU and I/O modules: Functional power-on test in a 984-compatible rack; Modbus Plus communication verification using a network analyzer; memory read/write cycle validation.
• Power supply modules: Load testing at rated output current; ripple and noise measurement per original Modicon specification.
• All units are logged with test results and assigned a unique inspection record prior to dispatch.