The Allen-Bradley 1785-ME16 is a non-volatile EEPROM Memory Module engineered by Rockwell Automation for the PLC-5 programmable controller platform. Serving as a rugged hardware backup device, this module provides 16 Kilowords of independent storage to safeguard controller ladder logic, configuration settings, and structural data table parameters from volatile corruption or accidental erasure. It installs directly into the front expansion slot of standard PLC-5 processors, facilitating rapid manual or automated recovery operations without requiring an active external workstation connection. By preserving user memory images completely independent of the chassis lithium battery state, the 1785-ME16 ensures process retention security and system uptime across continuous manufacturing and process control architectures.
Features
Specialized non-volatile program backup memory purpose-built for the PLC-5 processor family.
16 Kilowords of solid-state EEPROM memory space capable of storing complete machine routines and data structures.
Bidirectional software transfer support allowing users to save data from active RAM or restore code back into controller memory.
Battery-independent data retention safeguarding system code images during prolonged plant outages or master supply dropouts.
Applications
High-security archiving and non-volatile program backup for critical factory automation systems.
Automatic or forced logical recovery during line start-up sequences following an extended maintenance outage.
Uniform program replication and distribution across multiple identical processing architectures.
Technical Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Manufacturer
Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Model Number
1785-ME16
Product Line
PLC-5
Module Type
Memory Device (EEPROM)
Memory Capacity
16 Kilowords
Function
Program Backup
Weight
0.19 lbs (0.09 kg)
Installation Guidelines
Processor Power Isolation: Turn off and isolate all primary electrical supply feeds to the local I/O chassis and processor housing before inserting or extracting the memory cartridge to protect internal bus circuitry.
Chassis Configuration Options: Ensure backplane switches and processor settings match your specific recovery mode configurations; a memory hardware mismatch or missing module while expected can initiate minor fault code 82.
Electrostatic Grounding Safety: Carry out all handling steps inside an ESD-protected zone, utilizing a verified grounding wrist strap to eliminate dangerous static charge accumulation.
Product Documentation
Technical Datasheet (PDF)Complete specifications and technical drawings.
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