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Allen Bradley PLC Models List — Your Complete Guide

If you’re stepping into the world of industrial automation, you’ve likely heard of Allen Bradley. Manufactured by Rockwell Automation, Allen Bradley PLCs are some of the most reliable and flexible controllers on the market.

Whether you’re a plant manager, maintenance tech, or automation enthusiast, this article will help you choose the right Allen Bradley PLC model for your needs.

Let’s break it down!

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What Is a PLC?

Before diving into models, let’s cover the basics:

A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is an industrial computer used to control machinery. From assembly lines to water treatment plants, PLCs automate tasks, reduce human error, and boost productivity.

Allen Bradley PLCs stand out for their:

• Robust build quality
• Extensive I/O options
• User-friendly software
• Long lifecycle support

Why Choose Allen Bradley PLCs?

Allen Bradley, part of Rockwell Automation, has earned its reputation through:

• High reliability in demanding environments
• Scalability from small machines to entire factories
• Seamless integration with Rockwell software like Studio 5000

No wonder so many industries trust Allen Bradley!

Allen Bradley PLC Models List

Here’s a breakdown of popular Allen Bradley PLC families:

1️⃣ MicroLogix Series

Perfect for small applications and simple automation tasks.

Models Include:

• MicroLogix 1000
• MicroLogix 1100
• MicroLogix 1200
• MicroLogix 1400
• MicroLogix 1500

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to program with RSLogix 500
• Compact size

Cons:

• Limited expansion
• Basic processing power

2️⃣ CompactLogix Series

Great for medium-sized projects with a need for flexibility.

Models Include:

• CompactLogix 5370
• CompactLogix 5380
• CompactLogix 5480

Pros:

• Supports high-speed motion control
• Integrated safety options
• Scalable for various applications

Cons:

• Mid-range price
• Learning curve for Studio 5000 software

3️⃣ ControlLogix Series

Built for large-scale, complex automation systems.

Models Include:

• ControlLogix 5580
• ControlLogix 5570
• ControlLogix 5560 (older model)

Pros:

• High-performance processors
• Redundancy options for critical systems
• Massive I/O and network support

Cons:

• High initial cost
• Overkill for small projects

4️⃣ SLC 500 Series (Legacy)

An older but still reliable series, mainly used in established systems.

Models Include:

• SLC 5/01 to SLC 5/05

Pros:

• Simple ladder logic programming
• Durable hardware

Cons:

• Limited support for new applications
• No native Ethernet connectivity in older units

5️⃣ Pico Controllers (Discontinued)

These were ideal for extremely small automation tasks. If you find one still in use, it's likely time to upgrade to Micro800 Series.

6️⃣ Micro800 Series

Designed for cost-sensitive, standalone applications.

Models Include:

• Micro810
• Micro820
• Micro830
• Micro850
• Micro870

Pros:

• Affordable
• Uses Connected Components Workbench (CCW) software
• Flexible plug-in modules

Cons:

• Less powerful than CompactLogix
• Limited expandability

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Allen Bradley PLC

Choosing the right PLC can feel overwhelming, but here’s a quick checklist:

✅ Project Size

• Small: MicroLogix or Micro800
• Medium: CompactLogix
• Large: ControlLogix

✅ Connectivity Needs

• Ethernet/IP, serial, or USB?
• Remote access requirements?

✅ I/O Count

• Estimate how many sensors and actuators you’ll control.

✅ Budget

• Micro800 for low-cost jobs
• CompactLogix or ControlLogix for serious investments

✅ Software Ecosystem

• Stick to RSLogix for older models
• Use Studio 5000 for modern Logix platforms

My Personal Experience

I’ve worked on multiple automation projects — from small machine retrofits to multi-line factory setups. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• MicroLogix is perfect for small, budget-limited jobs.
• CompactLogix offers the right balance of power and affordability.
• ControlLogix shines in high-demand, mission-critical environments.

I always recommend matching the model to the project size. Overbuying leads to wasted money, while underestimating can cripple performance.

Recommended Allen Bradley PLC Models

For Beginners: MicroLogix 1100

• Ideal for learning ladder logic and I/O wiring.
• Supports Ethernet for remote programming.

For Growing Businesses: CompactLogix 5380

• Excellent performance for small-to-medium systems.
• Supports advanced control functions and safety.

For Industrial Scale: ControlLogix 5580

• Industry-grade reliability for complex systems.
• Supports huge I/O configurations and real-time monitoring.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What software do Allen Bradley PLCs use?

A: MicroLogix uses RSLogix 500, while CompactLogix and ControlLogix use Studio 5000.

Q: Can I program an Allen Bradley PLC without prior experience?

A: Yes! RSLogix and Studio 5000 are designed with user-friendly interfaces. Plus, Rockwell offers plenty of tutorials.

Q: Are Allen Bradley PLCs expensive?

A: They range from affordable (Micro800) to high-end (ControlLogix). Think of it as an investment in uptime and reliability.

Q: Are old SLC 500 PLCs still supported?

A: Rockwell is phasing them out, but many systems still run them. Upgrading to CompactLogix is recommended for future-proofing.

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Conclusion

Allen Bradley offers a PLC for every type of automation project — from small machines to entire plants. Whether you’re just starting or upgrading a legacy system, understanding the Allen Bradley PLC models list can save you both time and money.

Pick the model that fits your needs, budget, and future goals. You can’t go wrong with Allen Bradley’s trusted quality and support.