Allen-Bradley 1771-KF Communication Control Module

Allen-Bradley 1771-KF Communication Control Module is a Data Highway (DH) RS-232-C interface module that bridges intelligent RS-232 devices to a PLC-5 DH network. As a stand-alone Data Highway Communication Controller, it mounts in a Bulletin 1771 I/O chassis and enables direct, peer-to-peer communication with other 1771 KE/KF modules to extend the DH data path to RS-232 peripherals. The 1771-KF provides an RS-232-C interface for devices such as terminals, printers, or modems, allowing bidirectional data exchange with a PLC-5 processor over the Data Highway without requiring a separate gateway. This module is part of Allen-Bradley’s 1771 family and is described in Rockwell Automation literature as a means to link intelligent RS-232-C devices to the data highway, including guidance on connection topology and addressing. Typical applications include shop-floor serial device integration for monitoring, data logging, and remote query or control of equipment attached to PLC-5 systems, where a robust serial link must ride along the DH network. The KE/KF family modules are designed for compatibility with PLC-5 DH networks and are referenced in official documentation as facilitating peer-to-peer communications between DH modules and RS-232 devices.