How-To Guide

Allen-Bradley 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B CompactLogix 5370 Controller

Complete setup guide for the CompactLogix 5370 L2 controller: system assembly, 1769 Compact I/O module banks, power wiring, Studio 5000 project creation, EtherNet/IP network configuration, and LED troubleshooting.

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1 MB User Memory
4 Local I/O Modules
Dual Ethernet EtherNet/IP Ports
5370 CompactLogix Platform

How-To Guide  ·  Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5370  ·  Controller Setup & Programming

1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B: Installation, Studio 5000 Configuration, and First Program Guide

CompactLogix 5370 L2 · 1 MB Memory · Dual EtherNet/IP · Studio 5000 Logix Designer

The 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B is a CompactLogix 5370 L2 controller with 1 MB of user memory, a dual-port EtherNet/IP interface, and support for up to 4 local 1769 Compact I/O modules connected directly to the right side of the packaged controller. It is a fixed configuration (QBFC1B) meaning the controller, power supply, and I/O are assembled as a compact unit. The CompactLogix 5370 platform is widely deployed in standalone machine control, small process skids, and OEM equipment. This guide covers system assembly, power wiring, Studio 5000 project creation, EtherNet/IP network setup, program download, and LED troubleshooting.

1. Controller Overview

The 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B is a packaged programmable automation controller in the CompactLogix 5370 family. The fixed configuration integrates the controller, AC power supply, and 1769 expansion bus into one unit. It is designed for standalone machine control and small distributed systems requiring dual-port EtherNet/IP connectivity and local 1769 Compact I/O expansion. The controller is programmed with Studio 5000 Logix Designer and supports Relay Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart languages.

Catalog Number Breakdown

CodeMeaningValue
1769PlatformCompactLogix 1769
L27Controller class and memoryL2 class, 1 MB user memory
ERMCommunicationDual-port embedded EtherNet/IP (supports DLR)
QBFC1BConfigurationFixed controller with embedded AC/DC power supply, Series B

Key Specifications

ParameterValue
Standard Memory1 MB
Local 1769 I/O ModulesUp to 4, connected directly to the right side of the controller
Additional I/OVia expansion cables or EtherNet/IP remote I/O adapters
Controller Tasks16 (1 continuous, up to 15 periodic/event tasks; 1,000 programs per task)
Built-in CommunicationDual-port EtherNet/IP (10/100 Mbps), embedded; USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps)
EtherNet/IP TopologyStar, linear, Device Level Ring (DLR)
USBUSB 2.0 full speed (12 Mbps) — for temporary local programming only
Power SupplyEmbedded AC/DC: 100…240V AC, 47…63 Hz (QBFC1B fixed configuration)
Current Draw @ 5.1V DC800 mA
Current Draw @ 24V DC200 mA
Power Dissipation10 W
Operating Temperature0…60°C (32…140°F)
Nonvolatile Memory1784-SD1 SD card (1 GB, not included)
WeightApprox. 0.58 kg (1.28 lb)
EnclosureNone (open style)
Module Location35 mm DIN rail or panel mount
Temperature CodeT4
Programming LanguagesRelay ladder logic (RLL), Structured text, Function block diagram, Sequential function chart (SFC)
CompactLogix 5370 vs 5380 The 1769-L27ERM is a CompactLogix 5370 controller (previous generation). The current generation is the CompactLogix 5380 (5069-L306ER and similar). Key differences: the 5370 uses 1769 Compact I/O (tongue-and-groove bus), while the 5380 uses 5069 Compact 5000 I/O (high-speed local bus). The 5370 connects I/O modules directly to the right side of the controller. Both are programmed with Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

2. Hardware Installation

The 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B is a packaged controller with a built-in AC power supply. Local 1769 Compact I/O modules mount directly to the right side and connect via the 1769 tongue-and-groove expansion bus.

System Assembly

The 1769-L27ERM supports up to 4 local 1769 I/O modules connected directly to the right side of the controller. A right end cap (1769-ECR) must be installed on the last module to terminate the expansion bus.

PositionComponentNotes
Position 1 (leftmost)Controller (1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B)Includes embedded AC/DC power supply
Positions 2–5Up to 4 local 1769 I/O modulesExamples: 1769-IQ16, 1769-OB16, 1769-IF4, 1769-OF2
Right end1769-ECR right end capRequired to terminate the expansion bus

Installation Steps

  1. Mount the controller on a 35 mm DIN rail or panel-mount using two screws. Allow adequate clearance above and below for ventilation and wiring.
  2. Connect each 1769 I/O module to the right side of the controller by aligning the tongue-and-groove bus connector and sliding the module until it locks into place.
  3. Install the 1769-ECR right end cap on the last I/O module to terminate the expansion bus. The end cap is mandatory — do not omit it.
  4. Wire AC power to the controller's AC power terminals (L1, L2/N, PE). The embedded power supply accepts 100…240V AC, 47…63 Hz. Connect protective earth (PE) ground to the PE terminal.
  5. Connect the EtherNet/IP cable(s) to one or both of the dual Ethernet ports on the front of the controller.
  6. Install the 1784-SD1 SD card (sold separately) if program backup and restore is desired. The SD card slot is located on the front of the controller.
  7. Wire field I/O devices (sensors, actuators) to the 1769 I/O module terminals per the module's wiring diagram.
End Cap Required Every 1769 system must have a 1769-ECR (right) end cap installed on the last module. Without the end cap, the expansion bus is not properly terminated and communication faults will occur. The end cap is not included with the controller and must be ordered separately.
AC Power Wiring The 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B has an integrated AC power supply accepting 100…240V AC. Disconnect all power before wiring. Connect protective earth (PE) ground to the PE terminal before applying power. Verify correct terminal polarity (L1, L2/N) before energizing. Failure to properly ground the unit can result in electric shock or equipment damage.

3. Studio 5000 Project Setup

After installing the controller, create a Studio 5000 Logix Designer project to program and configure it.

Creating a New Project

  1. Open Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
  2. Select File → New Project.
  3. In the Controller list, expand CompactLogix 5370 and select 1769-L27ERM.
  4. Enter a Name for the controller (e.g., MachineLine1).
  5. Click OK. The project opens with the controller in the I/O Configuration tree.

Adding Local I/O Modules

  1. In the Controller Organizer, expand I/O Configuration → expand the CompactBus node (represents the local 1769 expansion bus).
  2. Right-click the CompactBus node → New Module.
  3. Search for the I/O module catalog number (e.g., 1769-IQ16 for a 16-point 24V DC input module), select it, and click Create.
  4. Set the Name and Slot number. Slot 0 is the first module position to the right of the controller.
  5. Click OK. Repeat for each local I/O module in the system.
1769 vs 5069 I/O The CompactLogix 5370 only supports 1769 Compact I/O modules on its local expansion bus. It does not support 5069 Compact 5000 I/O modules locally. However, it can connect to 5069 remote I/O nodes via an EtherNet/IP adapter (5069-AENTR) on the EtherNet/IP network.

4. EtherNet/IP Network Configuration

The 1769-L27ERM has two embedded EtherNet/IP ports that support star, linear, and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies. Both ports share a single IP address. For DLR, connect one port to each segment of the ring.

Setting the Controller IP Address

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the controller's dual Ethernet ports to your network switch or directly to your PC.
  2. Use the BOOTP/DHCP Server utility (included with Studio 5000) to assign a static IP address to the controller's MAC address.
  3. Alternatively, browse to the controller in RSLinx Classic via the EtherNet/IP driver and right-click to set the IP address.
  4. To assign the IP within Studio 5000, open the controller properties → General tab and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
  5. For DLR ring topology, connect Port 1 to one node in the ring and Port 2 to the adjacent node. One device in the ring must be configured as the Ring Supervisor.

Adding Remote I/O Adapters

  1. In the I/O Configuration, right-click the Ethernet port node → New Module.
  2. Search for the remote adapter catalog number: 1734-AENT for POINT I/O, 5069-AENTR for Compact 5000 remote I/O, or 1769-AENTR for 1769 remote I/O.
  3. Set the IP Address, Name, and connection parameters to match the physical adapter.
  4. Right-click the adapter node → New Module to add remote I/O modules under the adapter. Repeat for each remote node.

5. Download & Go Online

After configuring the project, download it to the controller and go online to monitor execution.

Download Steps

  1. Set the controller keyswitch to REM (Remote) position.
  2. In Studio 5000, select Communications → Who Active (or click the communications path dropdown).
  3. Browse the network tree and select your 1769-L27ERM controller.
  4. Click Download. Studio 5000 transfers the project to the controller.
  5. When prompted, choose to go to Run Mode or Remote Program Mode.
  6. To go online without downloading, select Communications → Go Online.

Controller Operation Modes

ModeDescription
RunController executes the application program, scans I/O, and updates outputs.
ProgramController does not execute logic. Outputs go to their configured fault state. Used for downloading and editing.
Remote RunSame as Run, but mode can be changed remotely from Studio 5000.
Remote ProgramSame as Program, but remotely changeable from Studio 5000.
TestController executes logic but does not update physical outputs. Used for simulation and commissioning.
Mode Switch Positions The physical keyswitch has three positions: RUN (forces Run mode), PROG (forces Program mode), and REM (allows mode changes from Studio 5000). For normal operation, leave the key in REM and control the mode from software.

6. Troubleshooting

The 1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B has several LED indicators on the front panel for diagnosing controller and network status. Refer to 1769-UM021 for the complete fault code listing.

LED Indicators

LEDColor / StateMeaning
RUNGreen steadyController is executing the application program
RUNGreen flashingController is in Remote Run mode
RUNOffController is in Program mode or no project is loaded
FORCEYellow steadyI/O forces are active — review and remove forces
FORCEOffNo forces active (normal)
SDGreen steadySD card is being read or written
SDOffSD card idle (normal)
OKGreen steadyController operating normally
OKGreen flashingController is powering up or in standby
OKRed steadyMajor recoverable fault — check fault log in Studio 5000
OKRed flashingUnrecoverable fault — may require controller replacement
LINK 1Green steadyEthernet link active on Port 1
LINK 2Green steadyEthernet link active on Port 2
ACT 1Green flashingEthernet traffic on Port 1
ACT 2Green flashingEthernet traffic on Port 2

Common Issues

SymptomLikely CauseResolution
OK LED red steadyMajor recoverable faultGo online in Studio 5000 → Controller Properties → view the fault log. Correct the cause and clear the fault.
OK LED red flashingUnrecoverable faultNote any fault codes. Try power cycling the controller. If fault persists, the controller may require replacement.
OK LED offNo power to controllerVerify AC power wiring (L1, L2/N, PE). Check that the correct AC voltage is present at the terminals.
Cannot go onlineCommunication path not configuredVerify Ethernet cable, confirm IP address, and ensure the RSLinx EtherNet/IP driver is configured. Try the USB port as a fallback for local programming.
Controller in Program mode, won't switch to RunKeyswitch in PROG positionTurn the key to REM, then change mode from Studio 5000.
I/O module shows yellow triangle in Controller OrganizerModule configuration mismatch or missing end capVerify module catalog number, slot number, and electronic keying settings. Confirm the 1769-ECR end cap is installed on the last module. Re-download the project.
LINK LEDs offNo Ethernet link on that portCheck cable connection at the controller port and switch. Try a known-good cable. Verify the switch port is active.
USB Port The USB port is intended for temporary local programming only. Do not exceed a 3.0 m (9.8 ft) cable length. Do not use the USB port in hazardous locations. The USB port does not support EtherNet/IP connections or remote I/O communication.

7. Related CompactLogix 5370 Controllers

Cat. No.MemoryMax Local ModulesEthernet PortsNotes
1769-L24ER-QB1B750 KB4SingleEntry level, standard format
1769-L24ER-QBFC1B750 KB4SingleFixed configuration with embedded power supply
1769-L27ERM-QBFC1B1 MB4Dual (DLR)Fixed configuration — this guide
1769-L30ER1 MB8SingleStandard format, 8 local modules
1769-L30ERM1 MB8Dual (DLR)8 local modules with DLR support
1769-L33ER2 MB16SingleHigh capacity, 2 banks of 1769 I/O
1769-L33ERM2 MB16Dual (DLR)2 banks of 1769 I/O with DLR
1769-L36ERM3 MB30Dual (DLR)Maximum local I/O capacity in 5370 family

8. Related Guides

GuideDescription
ControlLogix 1756-L83E SetupEnterprise controller for larger applications requiring chassis-based I/O.
CompactLogix 5069-L306ER SetupCurrent-generation CompactLogix 5380 with 5069 local I/O.
1734-IB8 POINT I/O GuideDistributed I/O that connects to the CompactLogix 5370 via EtherNet/IP.

Reference Documentation

The following Rockwell Automation publications were used as references for this guide.

PublicationDescriptionDownload
1769-TD0061769 Compact I/O Modules Specifications Technical Data (November 2023)PDF
1769-UM021CompactLogix 5370 Controllers User ManualPDF

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