Allen-Bradley 1394C Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Allen-Bradley 1394C Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1394C Series is a multi-axis servo drive system developed by Rockwell Automation for high-demand industrial motion control applications. It is deployed across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical processing plants, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore oil and gas platforms, and continuous-process refineries. The 1394C platform supports coordinated multi-axis motion via a shared DC bus architecture, enabling synchronized control of up to four servo axes from a single system module. Its installed base spans legacy DCS and PLC environments running ControlLogix, PLC-5, and SLC 500 controllers, making it a critical long-term maintenance target for plant engineers managing extended asset lifecycles.

The Evolution of 1394C Architecture

The 1394 family was introduced by Allen-Bradley in the early 1990s as a successor to discrete single-axis drive configurations. The original 1394 (non-C suffix) used analog command interfaces and was limited to standalone axis operation. The 1394C revision introduced a shared DC bus topology, allowing multiple axis modules to draw from a common power rail — reducing cabinet footprint and improving regenerative energy handling across axes.

The architecture evolved through several firmware generations: early units used RS-232 serial configuration; later revisions added DeviceNet and Remote I/O (RIO) communication adapters. The 1394C-SJT series introduced the SERCOS fiber-optic motion bus interface, enabling deterministic real-time position loop closure at 1 ms and 2 ms cycle times — a requirement for high-speed coordinated motion in packaging and press applications.

By the mid-2000s, Rockwell Automation transitioned new designs toward the Kinetix 6000 and Kinetix 6500 platforms. The 1394C series entered end-of-life status, with Rockwell ceasing active production. However, the installed base remains substantial, and replacement parts continue to be sourced through authorized distributors and specialist spare parts suppliers. Compatibility with legacy ControlLogix and PLC-5 motion programs makes direct platform migration costly, sustaining demand for 1394C components through the 2020s.

1394C Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked models within the 1394C product family. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the multi-axis servo system architecture.

System (Chassis / Power) Modules:

• 1394C-SJT05-T: 5 kW shared DC bus system module, 460 VAC input, no SERCOS
• 1394C-SJT05-T-RL: 5 kW system module with SERCOS fiber interface, ControlLogix-compatible
• 1394C-SJT10-T: 10 kW system module, 460 VAC, standard RIO communication
• 1394C-SJT10-T-RL: 10 kW system module with SERCOS, multi-axis coordinated motion
• 1394C-SJT22-T: 22 kW high-power system module, 460 VAC three-phase input
• 1394C-SJT22-T-RL: 22 kW system module with SERCOS fiber-optic motion bus

Axis Modules (AM — single-axis drive cards):

• 1394C-AM03: 3 A continuous axis module, plug-in to 1394C system chassis
• 1394C-AM07: 7 A continuous axis module, supports MPL and F-Series servo motors
• 1394C-AM14: 14 A continuous axis module, high-torque servo applications
• 1394C-AM25: 25 A continuous axis module, large-frame motor compatibility

Communication & Interface Modules:

• 1394-SR9: SERCOS ring interface card for 1394C system modules
• 1394-DNB: DeviceNet adapter module for 1394C integration into DeviceNet networks
• 1394-RIO: Remote I/O adapter, Allen-Bradley blue-hose RIO bus compatibility

Auxiliary & Feedback Modules:

• 1394C-SJT05-A: 5 kW system module, 230 VAC single-phase input variant
• 1394C-SJT10-A: 10 kW system module, 230 VAC input, compact installation
• 1394-TBAM: Terminal block assembly module for axis I/O wiring termination
• 1394-TB: System module terminal block, feedback and I/O signal wiring

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete 1394C Parts

The 1394C series reached end-of-active-production status under Rockwell Automation's product lifecycle policy. Standard distribution channels no longer carry new stock for the majority of axis modules and system modules in this family. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for 1394C lifecycle extension, sourcing units from decommissioned plant equipment, controlled surplus channels, and verified refurbishment pipelines.

DriveKNMS supports the following procurement scenarios for 1394C components: direct replacement of failed axis modules without system-level migration; sourcing of discontinued communication adapters (DeviceNet, RIO, SERCOS) for network topology preservation; and supply of complete 1394C system module assemblies for facilities maintaining identical spare-for-spare replacement policies. All units are cross-referenced against Rockwell Automation catalog data to confirm series revision and firmware compatibility prior to shipment.

Quality Control for the 1394C Range

The 1394C platform presents specific test challenges due to its shared DC bus architecture and multi-axis backplane communication. DriveKNMS applies a structured validation protocol to all 1394C units prior to dispatch.

System modules are bench-tested under load using matched axis module configurations to verify DC bus regulation, inrush current limiting, and regenerative braking circuit integrity. Axis modules are individually tested for current loop response, encoder feedback signal integrity (differential RS-422 and sine/cosine), and fault code behavior under simulated overload conditions. SERCOS interface cards are validated for fiber-optic signal transmission at both 1 ms and 2 ms ring cycle times. All units are powered through a full thermal cycle and logged against a test record retained for traceability. Units that fail any stage of the protocol are quarantined and not offered for sale.

© 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.