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SoftPLC Corporation : A-B Conversions

Continuing to use obsolete Allen-Bradley equipment is costly - not only due to spare parts costs, but also in reduced productivity because of proprietary communication network limitations, memory limits, and other limitations in older technology such as programming and maintenance software not being able to run on new PC's.

SoftPLC is the only product that provides smooth, inexpensive migration and upgrade paths for users of Allen-Bradley PLC's - in most cases superior to paths that Rockwell Automation provides!

SoftPLC has on staff engineers that previously worked for Allen-Bradley, and others that have many years of experience with A-B PLC products. We have converted hundreds of A-B PLC systems - providing customers with a superior controller CPU, while retaining their original controls investment in I/O and engineering.


Here's a short video about our quick and easy A-B CPU upgrades.




If you have a control system using an Allen-Bradley PLC you can easily migrate to a SoftPLC based system - with minimal re-engineering or disruption to your business. Models supported include:

  • PLC-2 or 1774 PLC
  • PLC-5 or SoftLogix5
  • SLC-500
  • PLC-3
  • Pyramid Integrator (PLC-5/250)
  • MicroLogix

In most cases, the original I/O racks/modules, field wiring, and HMI/SCADA can be left intact or require only minimal changes. Then, over time, you can retrofit other parts of the system (eg: drives, I/O, HMI) as it makes sense to do so. With SoftPLC's open architecture PACs, you have a lot of options and virtually unlimited capacity!

Our Smart SoftPLC with an A-B RIO interface starts at only $1100 USD, and SoftPLC models are available to handle even the largest applications with multiple RIO and communication networks.



In other cases, based on the age and configuration of the A-B equipment, it may be more cost effective to convert the logic and documentation but replace the A-B hardware. You can combine multiple A-B PLC's into a single SoftPLC, reduce the ongoing cost of maintaining obsolete equipment, connect to modern networks, and add new functionality.



For additional detailed information, click here or contact a SoftPLC sales engineer to discuss your existing system and options for upgrade.


Type Overview of Upgrade Process
PLC-5 to SoftPLC

SoftPLC provides an email service to convert PLC-5 ladder logic from .PC5 format and program documentation from 6200 .TXT format. Most programs import directly 98% or better.

  1. Email exported RS-Logix5 or 6200 text files for logic and documentation to SoftPLC for conversion. We email back your documented program to load into a SoftPLC.
  2. Purchase a SoftPLC with an A-B Remote I/O interface to the existing A-B I/O.
  3. Configure the PLC-5 CPU as a RIO Adapter or replace it with a 1771-ASB Remote I/O Adapter.
SLC-500 to SoftPLC

SoftPLC provides a service that uses an automated utility (details at SLiCk Convert Utility) that converts a SLC-500 program and documentation for use in SoftPLC.

  1. Email your SLC-500 files to SoftPLC for conversion, we will email back your documented program to load into a SoftPLC.
    If you want to re-use SLC I/O:
  2. Purchase a SoftPLC with an A-B Remote I/O interface.
  3. Replace the SLC-500 CPU with 1747-ASB Remote I/O Adapter.
PLC-2 to SoftPLC

SoftPLC provides an email service to convert A-B PLC-2 or 1774 PLC programs and documentation to fully documented SoftPLC programs. The fee for this service includes loan of a TOPDOC PLC-2 package, interface cable, and conversion services.

For all PLC-2 conversions, you need to upload logic with TOPDOC PLC-2, then email program and documentation files in text format (if they exist) to SoftPLC. Most programs convert 98% or better.

  PLC-2/30 or PLC-2/20
  1. Replace PLC-2 CPU with a SoftPLC with an A-B Remote I/O interface.
  2. If applicable, replace local I/O adapters with 1771-ASB remote I/O adapters.
  Mini-PLC-2

Note: Sometimes it is better to replace the entire system with Tealware instead, especially if older 8 point modules were used.

  1. Purchase a SoftPLC with an A-B Remote I/O interface.
  2. Replace Mini PLC-2 CPU with 1771-ASB Remote I/O Adapter.
PLC-3, PLC-5/250, SoftLogix5 to SoftPLC Contact us for conversion details and pricing information, as these are quoted per application.

Note: For any system which uses Flex I/O, the same conversion principle applies: Flex has a 1794-ASB Remote I/O Adapter, just as the 1771-ASB for A-B 1771 I/O.

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Last modified: February 9, 2012

Copyright © 2013 SoftPLC Corporation All Rights Reserved
SoftPLC and TOPDOC are registered trademarks of SoftPLC Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This website is produced by SoftPLC Corporation "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to merchantability, fitness or non-infringement. In no event shall SoftPLC Corporation be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of any information posted on this site. . . . .