When a Legacy Line Slows to a Crawl
A plant engineer once watched a packaging line stall every time the controller polled a remote I/O segment. The bottleneck was not the PLC logic. It was the aging communication path between modules. Replacing the whole control platform was not an option. The fix was a single communication adapter: the 170INT11000 from Schneider Electric.
What the 170INT11000 Does
The 170INT11000 is a communication adapter in the Modicon Momentum automation platform. It moves data across an Interbus Generation SUPI II network at 500 kbit/s. The module uses twisted pair cable and arranges devices in a ring topology. Two 9-pin D-Sub Interbus connectors handle the electrical connection, so the adapter drops into existing Interbus segments without a redesign.
This is a replacement-and-upgrade part. Engineers reach for it when an Interbus segment needs a fresh adapter or when a Momentum rack must rejoin the network. Because the platform is modular, the adapter restores communication without touching the rest of the control architecture.
Key Parameters That Matter on the Floor
Transmission Rate
At 500 kbit/s, the adapter supports responsive polling across a segment. That speed suits discrete manufacturing and process lines where scan time affects throughput.
Network Topology and Reach
The ring topology allows cable runs greater than 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) between devices. Between two modules, the maximum distance is 1,312.14 feet (400 meters). For sprawling facilities, this reach reduces the need for extra repeaters.
Device Capacity
Each segment can host 0 to 254 devices. That range lets engineers scale a segment from a small cell to a large line without swapping the adapter.
Error Checking
The adapter applies a CRC-16 control parameter. This checks data integrity across the ring, which matters when electrical noise is present.
Access Method
The module supports Master/Slave and continuous shift register access. That flexibility helps when integrating the adapter into mixed network designs.
Where This Adapter Fits
Discrete Manufacturing
A body shop runs multiple Interbus segments across welding cells. The 170INT11000 keeps each segment communicating at 500 kbit/s while the ring topology tolerates long cable runs between cells.
Process Skids
A skid-mounted process unit needs a compact adapter that handles remote I/O. The IP20 rating suits a clean cabinet environment, and the twisted pair cabling keeps installation simple.
Legacy Line Upgrades
When a plant replaces a failed Interbus adapter, the 170INT11000 restores communication without a full platform migration. The two 9-pin D-Sub connectors match existing Interbus wiring.
Installation Notes
Mount the adapter inside a control cabinet that maintains the 0 to 60°C ambient range. Keep the environment non-condensing. Use twisted pair cable for the Interbus ring, and confirm the segment stays within the 0 to 254 device limit. The adapter draws less than 200 to 400 milliamperes at 5 V DC, so verify the backplane supply can support it. Power dissipation is 0.8 watt without a fiber-optic adapter.
Reliability and Maintenance
Inspect the D-Sub connectors periodically for bent pins or loose seating. Check that cabinet temperature stays within the operating range. Because the adapter has no moving parts, wear is minimal. The main risks are heat, moisture, and cable damage. Keep the enclosure sealed to maintain the IP20 protection level. For safety-related maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s manual and inspect on a scheduled basis.
Compatibility and Selection
The 170INT11000 belongs to the Modicon Momentum platform and uses the Interbus Generation SUPI II protocol. Before ordering, confirm the host controller supports Interbus and that the segment topology is a ring. Verify the cable type is twisted pair. Check the device count per segment against the 0 to 254 limit. The adapter carries a CE marking and TC protective treatment. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with SpareTechPLC before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protocol does the 170INT11000 use?
It uses Interbus Generation SUPI II with a 500 kbit/s transmission rate.
How many devices can one segment hold?
A segment supports 0 to 254 devices.
What is the maximum cable distance?
Runs can exceed 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) between devices and reach 1,312.14 feet (400 meters) between two modules.
What connectors does it have?
It has two 9-pin D-Sub Interbus connectors.
What is the protection class?
The adapter is rated IP20 and operates from 0 to 60°C in a non-condensing environment.
