Allen-Bradley 1738 ArmorPoint Modules - 1738-ADN12

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Allen-Bradley 1738 ArmorPoint Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1738 ArmorPoint series is a distributed I/O platform engineered for harsh industrial environments where control panels are impractical or cost-prohibitive. Designed to mount directly on or near machines on the plant floor, ArmorPoint modules carry an IP67 ingress protection rating, making them standard equipment in chemical processing plants, oil refineries, automotive assembly lines, pulp and paper mills, and nuclear facility auxiliary systems worldwide.

Unlike traditional rack-mounted I/O, the 1738 series uses a rail-based modular architecture that allows field-side expansion without a dedicated enclosure. Each node communicates over industrial fieldbus networks — primarily DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP — and integrates directly with Rockwell Automation ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and legacy PLC-5 controllers. The installed base of 1738 ArmorPoint nodes across global heavy industry is substantial, and many facilities are now in the maintenance phase of their asset lifecycle, making reliable spare part sourcing a critical operational concern.

📩 Looking for a specific 1738 ArmorPoint model? Send your list to: sale@driveknms.com

The Evolution of 1738 ArmorPoint Architecture

The 1738 ArmorPoint platform was introduced by Rockwell Automation in the early 2000s as a response to growing demand for IP-rated distributed I/O in wash-down and outdoor environments. The initial release centered on DeviceNet connectivity, with the 1738-ADN and 1738-ADN12 adapters serving as the primary network interface nodes.

As EtherNet/IP gained dominance in industrial networking through the 2010s, Rockwell expanded the series with Ethernet-capable adapters (1738-AENT), enabling integration into modern Logix-based architectures without replacing the existing I/O modules. This backward compatibility was a deliberate design decision that extended the useful life of installed 1738 nodes by a decade or more.

By the mid-2010s, several foundational SKUs — particularly the DeviceNet adapter variants — entered end-of-life status. Rockwell’s recommended migration path points toward the 1732E ArmorBlock and 1734 POINT I/O platforms, but the capital cost and engineering effort required for a full migration frequently exceeds the budget available to plant maintenance teams. For facilities running continuous processes, a controlled spare parts strategy for the 1738 series remains the lowest-risk approach to sustaining operations through the next 5–10 years.

1738 ArmorPoint Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Network Adapters

• 1738-ADN: DeviceNet adapter, single-port, standard node addressing
• 1738-ADN12: DeviceNet adapter, 12-module expansion capacity, primary network interface node
• 1738-ADNX: DeviceNet adapter with extended diagnostics and fault reporting
• 1738-AENT: EtherNet/IP adapter, single-port, supports DLR topology
• 1738-AENTR: EtherNet/IP adapter, dual-port, Device Level Ring (DLR) capable for redundant network paths

Digital Input Modules

• 1738-IB4: 4-point 24V DC digital input, M12 connector, sourcing
• 1738-IB8: 8-point 24V DC digital input, sourcing, standard field wiring
• 1738-IB8S: 8-point 24V DC digital input, safety-rated, SIL 2 capable
• 1738-IG4: 4-point 24V DC digital input, sinking configuration

Digital Output Modules

• 1738-OB4: 4-point 24V DC digital output, sourcing, 0.5A per point
• 1738-OB8: 8-point 24V DC digital output, sourcing, standard load capacity
• 1738-OB8S: 8-point 24V DC digital output, safety-rated, SIL 2 capable
• 1738-OG4: 4-point 24V DC digital output, sinking configuration

Analog Modules

• 1738-IE4: 4-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10V configurable, 12-bit resolution
• 1738-OE2: 2-channel analog output, 4–20 mA / 0–10V configurable, 12-bit resolution

Specialty & Communication Modules

• 1738-EP24DC: 24V DC power distribution module, segment power for I/O rail
• 1738-SSI: Synchronous Serial Interface encoder input module for position feedback

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete 1738 ArmorPoint Parts

The DeviceNet adapter variants — particularly the 1738-ADN and 1738-ADN12 — are no longer in active production. Rockwell Automation has formally discontinued these part numbers, and authorized distributor stock has been depleted in most regions. For a plant running a DeviceNet-based ArmorPoint network, the failure of a single adapter node can take an entire I/O segment offline, halting production on lines that may generate tens of thousands of dollars per hour.

DriveKNMS maintains sourced inventory of discontinued 1738 series components through a global procurement network covering decommissioned plant equipment, authorized surplus channels, and verified secondary market sources. Each unit is individually inspected before dispatch. We do not list stock we cannot physically verify.

For facilities managing long-term asset preservation, we recommend establishing a minimum buffer of two adapter units and one of each critical I/O module type per production line. This approach has been validated across refinery and chemical plant maintenance programs as a cost-effective alternative to full platform migration.

Quality Control for the 1738 ArmorPoint Range

The 1738 series presents specific inspection challenges due to its field-mounted design. Exposure to wash-down cycles, temperature cycling, and vibration accelerates degradation in ways not visible during a basic power-on test. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection protocol to all 1738 units:

• Seal and gasket integrity check: M12 connector seals and module-to-rail interface gaskets are inspected under magnification. Any unit with compromised IP67 sealing is rejected.
• Backplane bus contact inspection: Rail contact pins are examined for corrosion, deformation, and plating wear. Corroded contacts are the primary cause of intermittent communication faults in aged ArmorPoint nodes.
• Electrolytic capacitor assessment: Internal capacitors on power supply and adapter modules are tested for capacitance drift and ESR. Units showing degradation beyond 20% of rated value are not dispatched.
• Firmware version verification: Adapter modules are powered and firmware revision is recorded. Customers are informed of the firmware version prior to shipment to confirm compatibility with their controller revision.
• Functional network communication test: Adapter units are connected to a live DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP test bench and verified to enumerate correctly, exchange I/O data, and report diagnostics without fault codes.

📩 Contact Information

For sourcing inquiries on any 1738 ArmorPoint module — including models not listed above — contact DriveKNMS directly:

• Email: sale@driveknms.com
• WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Web: driveknms.com

© 2026 DriveKNMS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice. Verify all parameters against official documentation before installation.