Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC — USB to DH-485 Converter Buyer Review

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC USB to DH-485 Interface Converter for SLC 500 and MicroLogix programming

Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC Universal Serial Bus (USB) to DH-485 Interface Converter: Specs, Pricing, and Best Alternatives

If you are a controls engineer or maintenance technician trying to connect a modern laptop — one with no serial port — to a legacy SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PanelView Standard system running on DH-485, the Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC is the catalog number you need to evaluate. This is a protocol-specific USB-to-DH-485 bridge: it sits between your engineering laptop's USB port and the two-wire DH-485 network, enabling program uploads, downloads, online monitoring, and diagnostics through RSLinx and RSLogix 500. The single most critical check before ordering is confirming your network is DH-485 — not DH+, not DF1, not Ethernet/IP — because the 1747-UIC is built for one job and one job only.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide.

Who Should Buy the 1747-UIC — and Who Shouldn't

This converter is the right choice for engineers and technicians who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Your target controller or HMI communicates over DH-485 — confirmed from the device label or Rockwell documentation, not assumed from the connector shape.
  • You are working with SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PanelView Standard hardware that explicitly supports DH-485 networking.
  • Your engineering laptop runs a Windows OS compatible with FTDI-based USB serial drivers and your site's IT policy permits USB device installation.
  • Your RSLinx version is 2.42 or later, which includes the driver support needed for the 1747-UIC.
  • Your application requires an official Rockwell-branded interface — for regulated industries, OEM-audited lines, or validated processes where third-party hardware is not acceptable.
  • You can absorb the premium price point of an OEM communication interface in exchange for documented support and clear installation procedures.

If your system uses DH+ (found on many PLC-5 and some SLC installations) or communicates via RS-232 DF1 serial, the 1747-UIC will not work. For DH+ networks, the correct Rockwell interface is the 1784-U2DHP. For cost-sensitive, non-regulated applications where third-party USB-to-DH-485 adapters are acceptable, alternatives exist — covered in the comparison section below.

On this page:

What the 1747-UIC Actually Does in a Control System

Rockwell's official designation for this device is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) to DH-485 Interface Converter. In plain terms, it is a protocol-translation bridge that gives a PC or laptop a DH-485 network presence. Without it — or a comparable interface — a modern laptop with only USB ports has no native way to communicate with DH-485 devices. The DH-485 network is a two-wire RS-485-based communication standard used by a large installed base of Allen-Bradley SLC 500 processors, MicroLogix controllers, and PanelView Standard operator terminals.

The 1747-UIC is USB bus-powered, meaning no external power supply is required. You plug one end into the laptop's USB port and connect the other to the DH-485 network via an RJ45 DH-485 port or a 9-pin connector depending on the device you are targeting. Three LED indicators on the unit show power and communication status, giving you an immediate visual confirmation that the USB connection is live and that DH-485 traffic is being exchanged. Rockwell's installation instructions (IN063) specify that the device communicates at a fixed DH-485 data rate of 19.2 kbps, and RSLinx must be configured with an RS-232 DF1 Devices driver using device type "1770-KF3/1747-KE" to recognize it correctly.

This is not a general-purpose USB-to-serial adapter. It is a DH-485-specific interface with driver support built into RSLinx and a defined configuration path. That specificity is precisely why controls engineers working in regulated or critical production environments specify the OEM unit over generic alternatives.

Where the 1747-UIC Sits in Your System Architecture

The 1747-UIC bridges the engineering workstation layer and the DH-485 device network layer — it converts USB traffic from the laptop into DH-485 protocol frames that the controllers and HMIs on the network can process.

  • Engineering laptop (USB port) → 1747-UIC (USB bus-powered interface converter)
  • 1747-UIC DH-485 port (RJ45 or 9-pin) → DH-485 network cable (two-wire RS-485)
  • DH-485 network trunk → SLC 500 processor DH-485 port, MicroLogix DH-485 channel, or PanelView Standard DH-485 communication port
  • RSLinx on the laptop handles driver management and presents the DH-485 network nodes to RSLogix 500 or other Rockwell software tools
  • Ferrite collar fitted on the USB cable close to the 1747-UIC housing for EMC compliance, per Rockwell installation instructions

Typical Applications: Which Systems and Industries Use This Converter

The 1747-UIC is most commonly found in plants that still operate SLC 500 control systems wired on DH-485. A technician or integrator arrives on-site with a laptop, connects the 1747-UIC to the DH-485 trunk, and uses RSLogix 500 to go online with the SLC 5/03 or SLC 5/04 for program monitoring, fault diagnosis, or a backup download. This scenario repeats daily across food and beverage lines, packaging machines, automotive stamping cells, and water treatment facilities that were built or last upgraded in the 1990s or early 2000s.

MicroLogix controllers on OEM machines are another common target. Many packaging and material handling machines built with MicroLogix 1100 or MicroLogix 1400 units include a DH-485 port alongside their serial DF1 port. When the machine is networked on DH-485, the 1747-UIC is the correct interface. It is important to distinguish this from the DF1 serial port on the same controller — connecting a 1747-UIC to a DF1 RS-232 port will not produce communication.

PanelView Standard terminals with DH-485 communication ports are a third primary use case. Technicians use the 1747-UIC to upload or download application files and perform diagnostics on terminals that predate Ethernet-capable HMI hardware. In migration projects, the 1747-UIC often stays in service for months while new Ethernet-based hardware is commissioned alongside the legacy DH-485 nodes, providing continuity of access to the old equipment until cutover is complete.

Application Typical Deployment
SLC 500 program upload/download and online monitoring Laptop with 1747-UIC connected to DH-485 port on SLC 5/03 or SLC 5/04 processor
MicroLogix diagnostics on OEM machines 1747-UIC to MicroLogix DH-485 channel on packaging or material handling equipment
PanelView Standard application transfer and troubleshooting 1747-UIC to PanelView Standard DH-485 port for HMI program management
Temporary DH-485 trunk access for data logging or trending 1747-UIC daisy-chained into existing DH-485 network for short-duration maintenance sessions
Legacy system support during Ethernet migration projects 1747-UIC kept available to service DH-485 nodes until full cutover to new hardware

Specs, Interfaces, and Communication Parameters

Parameter Value / Description Notes
Brand Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) OEM catalog part
Catalog Number 1747-UIC Official Rockwell catalog number
Official Product Name Universal Serial Bus (USB) to DH-485 Interface Converter Per Rockwell installation instructions IN063
PC Interface USB Bus-powered; no external power supply required
DH-485 Network Ports RJ45 DH-485 port and 9-pin connector for DH-485 serial-type devices Port-selection switch on unit
Supported Protocol DH-485 only Not compatible with DH+ or Ethernet/IP
Fixed DH-485 Baud Rate 19.2 kbps Per Rockwell documentation; network must match
RSLinx Driver Configuration RS-232 DF1 Devices driver; device type 1770-KF3/1747-KE RSLinx version 2.42 or later recommended
EMC Compliance Measure Ferrite collar required on USB cable near UIC housing Specified in official installation instructions
Mounting Options Desktop or DIN rail using included mounting kit Per Rockwell installation documentation

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

1747-UIC vs Alternatives: OEM, Legacy, and Third-Party Options

There is no direct Rockwell replacement that performs USB-to-DH-485 conversion in an identical form factor — the 1747-UIC is the current official Rockwell interface for this role. However, several adjacent options exist and the right choice depends on your network type, budget, and compliance requirements.

Interface Option Protocol Supported PC Connection Best For Key Limitation
Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC DH-485 only USB Regulated, critical, or OEM-validated DH-485 sites Premium price; DH-485 only
Allen-Bradley 1747-PIC DH-485 RS-232 serial Legacy laptops with serial ports (obsolete for modern use) Requires RS-232 port; not suitable for modern laptops
Allen-Bradley 1761-NET-AIC DH-485 isolator / RS-232 bridge RS-232 (can be combined with USB-serial adapter) DH-485 network isolation and multi-drop wiring Requires external USB-to-serial adapter for modern laptops
Allen-Bradley 1784-U2DHP DH+ only USB DH+ networks (PLC-5, some SLC) Not compatible with DH-485
Third-party USB–DH-485 adapters DH-485 (via RS-485) USB Cost-sensitive, non-regulated, or field-service applications Not Rockwell-branded; support falls on cable vendor or integrator
Ethernet/IP gateway or PLC migration Ethernet/IP Standard network Sites migrating away from DH-485 entirely Significant capital cost; not a maintenance solution

If your site still has active DH-485 nodes but your budget is fixed, a reputable third-party USB-to-DH-485 adapter is an option many integrators use in general manufacturing. However, if a third-party clone is later found unacceptable under corporate or customer QA standards, the cost of the forced replacement typically exceeds the original price difference — check current OEM availability at LeadTime.ca before committing to a lower-cost alternative on a validated line.

Expert Verdict: When to Buy OEM and When to Consider Alternatives

The Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC earns its place on the tools list of any controls engineer who regularly services SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PanelView Standard equipment on DH-485 networks. It is the official Rockwell solution with documented installation procedures, a defined RSLinx configuration path, and driver support built into RSLinx 2.42 and later. For plants where a single legacy SLC line represents significant production throughput, the cost of the interface is a minor line item against the cost of an unresolved communications problem. In regulated environments — pharmaceutical, food processing under strict validation protocols, or tightly audited automotive lines — the requirement for OEM-branded hardware with clear traceability makes the 1747-UIC the only defensible choice.

Where the 1747-UIC is less compelling is in non-critical or infrequently accessed applications: a training lab, a pilot machine with one MicroLogix, or a plant that has already committed to migrating the remaining DH-485 nodes to Ethernet/IP within the next maintenance cycle. In those scenarios, a well-tested third-party USB-to-DH-485 adapter can serve the purpose at a fraction of the cost, and the 1761-NET-AIC remains a valid isolation and wiring solution when combined with a USB-to-serial adapter. If your target network turns out to be DH+ rather than DH-485, stop and order the 1784-U2DHP instead — the 1747-UIC will produce no communication on a DH+ network regardless of how RSLinx is configured.

From a procurement standpoint, lead times on niche OEM communication interfaces like the 1747-UIC can vary meaningfully between distributors, and availability on general online marketplaces introduces the risk of receiving a third-party clone labeled as OEM. Buying through a specialist automation distributor gives you compatibility validation before the order ships, accurate lead time information, and confirmation that what arrives is a genuine Rockwell catalog part. View current pricing and availability for the 1747-UIC at LeadTime.ca — we supply engineers and buyers worldwide.

For volume pricing, spare part planning, or to confirm lead time before committing to a build schedule, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide and can help validate compatibility before the order is placed.

What Engineers Report in the Field About the 1747-UIC

Across PLC forums including PLCTalk, PLCS.net, MrPLC, and the Reddit automation communities, the 1747-UIC draws a consistent picture: expensive but dependable once correctly configured. Technicians working in food and beverage, water treatment, and packaging plants frequently describe it as the go-to adapter for resurrecting communication with old SLC 5/03 and SLC 5/04 systems. The phrase that appears most often in community discussions is some variation of "it just works" — qualified with the important caveat that getting there requires correct driver installation, the right RSLinx driver type and device selection, the 19.2 kbps baud rate match, and CRC error checking enabled. Engineers who have done it once tend to keep a configuration checklist for the next time.

The most persistent complaints are about price and initial driver setup on newer Windows versions. Several forum contributors describe the first-time experience as frustrating — unsigned driver warnings, virtual COM port assignment confusion, and the counterintuitive step of using an RS-232 DF1 driver in RSLinx for a USB device. Once that hurdle is cleared and the COM port is correctly identified in Windows Device Manager, the recurring feedback is that communication is stable. A second common complaint thread involves users who purchased the 1747-UIC for a DH+ network — typically a PLC-5 line or an SLC installation with a DH+ backplane card — and discovered it produces nothing. This is not a device defect; it is a protocol mismatch that could have been caught before ordering.

Ordering errors also surface regularly in community discussions. Users report buying the 1747-UIC for DF1 serial applications on MicroLogix controllers, not realizing the DF1 RS-232 port and the DH-485 channel are separate and serve different communication paths. Others have ordered third-party clones for validated pharmaceutical or automotive lines and later been required by their customer's QA group to replace them with genuine OEM parts — absorbing both the cost of the replacement and the rework time. The community consensus on third-party adapters is pragmatic: fine for general manufacturing and integrator toolboxes, but a risk on any line where documentation and traceability are audited.

Wiring and Installation Overview

  • Mount the 1747-UIC on a desktop surface or DIN rail using the included mounting kit; position it to keep the USB cable run as short as practical.
  • Install the ferrite collar on the USB cable close to the 1747-UIC housing before connecting to the laptop — this is an EMC compliance requirement per Rockwell installation instructions IN063, not an optional step.
  • Set the port-selection switch on the 1747-UIC to match your target device: RJ45 DH-485 port for most SLC 500 and network trunk connections, or the 9-pin connector for DH-485 serial-style device ports.
  • Route DH-485 cables away from high-voltage conductors and power wiring to avoid interference; use the specified DH-485 cable type and verify correct pinout for RJ45 or DB9 connections at both ends.
  • Verify correct termination of the DH-485 network at both physical ends of the trunk; observe the DH-485 LED on the 1747-UIC during RSLinx browsing to confirm active network traffic before attempting to go online in RSLogix or PanelView configuration software.

For full wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, and installation procedures, refer to Rockwell Automation installation instructions publication IN063 available on the manufacturer's documentation portal.

RSLinx Configuration and Communication Setup Overview

  • After connecting the 1747-UIC to the PC's USB port, confirm the device appears in Windows Device Manager and note the COM port number assigned to it.
  • In RSLinx, add a new driver using the RS-232 DF1 Devices driver type — not a generic serial driver — and select the correct COM port identified in Device Manager.
  • Set the device type to 1770-KF3/1747-KE, baud rate to 19.2 kbps, and error checking to CRC to match standard DH-485 network configuration.
  • Start the driver and open RSWho to browse the network; SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PanelView devices on the DH-485 trunk should appear as addressable nodes.
  • Stop the RSLinx driver before disconnecting the 1747-UIC from the USB port to avoid COM port assignment issues on subsequent connections.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before Ordering the 1747-UIC

Review every item on this checklist before placing your order. A single incorrect assumption about protocol type is the leading cause of returning or shelf-shelving this interface.

  1. Verify the controller/HMI network is DH-485, not DH+ or Ethernet/IP.
  2. Confirm you are working with SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PanelView models that explicitly support DH-485.
  3. Check that your engineering tools (RSLinx version 2.42 or later recommended) support the 1747-UIC driver.
  4. Confirm your laptop OS is supported and that you can install FTDI-based USB serial drivers.
  5. Ensure you have or can source the correct DH-485 cabling (RJ45 or DB9 connection as required by your device).
  6. Validate that the 1747-UIC is suitable for your site's IT and cybersecurity policies (USB device approval).
  7. Distinguish DH-485 from RS-232 DF1 to avoid ordering a UIC when a simple serial or Ethernet cable would suffice.
  8. Check that third-party UIC "clones" are acceptable or explicitly disallowed by your customer or QA group.

If any item on this list raises a question before ordering, contact the LeadTime.ca team — our specialists can help confirm protocol, compatibility, and part number before your order ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 1747-UIC work with Windows 10 and Windows 11?

The 1747-UIC uses FTDI-based USB serial drivers, which have had documented installation challenges on newer Windows versions including driver signing requirements and virtual COM port conflicts. Most users report success after correctly installing the FTDI and UIC drivers, verifying the COM port assignment in Windows Device Manager, and matching the RSLinx RS-232 DF1 driver configuration to the assigned port. RSLinx version 2.42 or later is the recommended baseline. If you encounter an unsigned driver warning, consult the driver package from Rockwell's support resources before attempting workarounds.

Can I use a generic USB-to-RS485 adapter instead of the 1747-UIC to talk to DH-485 devices?

A generic USB-to-RS485 adapter operates at the physical layer but does not replicate the protocol handling and RSLinx driver integration of the 1747-UIC. Many users in general manufacturing and integrator toolboxes report success with reputable third-party USB-to-DH-485 adapters, but support and troubleshooting fall entirely on the adapter vendor or the integrator. For regulated, validated, or audited production lines, the OEM 1747-UIC is the defensible choice because it is a named Rockwell catalog part with documented installation instructions.

What is the difference between DH-485 and DH+, and how do I confirm which one my system uses?

DH-485 is a two-wire RS-485-based network used by SLC 500, MicroLogix, and PanelView Standard devices, operating at 19.2 kbps. DH+ (Data Highway Plus) is a different, higher-speed Rockwell proprietary network used primarily by PLC-5 systems and some SLC installations via backplane cards. They use different connectors, cabling, and interface hardware — they are not interchangeable. To confirm which your system uses, check the port label on the controller or HMI and cross-reference with the Rockwell product manual for that specific catalog number. A DH-485 port is typically labeled "DH-485" or "NET" on MicroLogix and SLC 500 units.

What does the 1747-UIC's RSLinx driver configuration actually require — which driver type do I select?

In RSLinx, you must add the driver as an RS-232 DF1 Devices driver — not a generic serial driver and not a DH-485 driver. Within that driver setup, select device type 1770-KF3/1747-KE, set the baud rate to 19.2 kbps, and set error checking to CRC. These settings must match the DH-485 network configuration on your controllers. This counterintuitive step — using an RS-232 DF1 driver for a USB device — is the single most common configuration error reported by first-time users.

Is the 1747-UIC still an active Rockwell product, or should I plan for a migration?

Lifecycle status for specific catalog numbers changes over time and should be verified directly with Rockwell Automation or a current authorized distributor before planning long-term spare part strategies. For any plant with critical dependence on DH-485 networks, it is advisable to confirm current lifecycle status and stock at least one spare 1747-UIC per site or DH-485 area. Plants considering migration away from DH-485 should evaluate the total cost of moving controllers and HMIs to Ethernet/IP versus maintaining the existing DH-485 infrastructure with available interface hardware.

Can I connect the 1747-UIC to an active DH-485 network while other devices are communicating on it?

The DH-485 network supports multi-drop topology, meaning the 1747-UIC can be connected to a live trunk with other devices already communicating. However, network integrity depends on correct termination, cable quality, and node addressing. Observe the DH-485 LED on the 1747-UIC to confirm network activity once connected. It is good practice to stop the RSLinx driver before physically disconnecting the 1747-UIC from the network at the end of a maintenance session to avoid disrupting active communication.

Why Order the 1747-UIC From LeadTime.ca

  • Global shipping — LeadTime.ca sources and ships industrial automation parts worldwide, not just within a single region.
  • Specialist compatibility validation — our team can confirm DH-485 protocol match, RSLinx version requirements, and part number accuracy before your order ships, reducing the risk of receiving the wrong communication interface.
  • Hard-to-find and niche communication interfaces — we stock and source OEM Rockwell communication hardware including catalog numbers that larger general distributors may show as long lead time or unavailable.
  • Volume and spare pricing — contact us for volume or multi-unit spare pricing for MRO programs and multi-site DH-485 maintenance contracts.
  • No counterfeit risk — ordering through a specialist automation distributor eliminates the clone and counterfeit exposure common on general online marketplaces for niche OEM hardware.

At-a-Glance Summary: Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC

  • Official product name: Universal Serial Bus (USB) to DH-485 Interface Converter — catalog number 1747-UIC.
  • Supports DH-485 protocol only — not compatible with DH+, DF1 serial, Ethernet/IP, or ControlNet.
  • Fixed DH-485 communication rate of 19.2 kbps; RSLinx must be configured with RS-232 DF1 Devices driver and device type 1770-KF3/1747-KE.
  • USB bus-powered — no external power supply required; ferrite collar on USB cable is required per Rockwell installation instructions IN063 for EMC compliance.
  • Compatible with SLC 500, MicroLogix, and PanelView Standard hardware that explicitly supports DH-485; not a DH+ interface.
  • Connects via RJ45 DH-485 port or 9-pin connector depending on target device; port-selection switch on the unit.
  • RSLinx version 2.42 or later recommended; FTDI-based USB serial drivers required on the engineering laptop.
  • OEM Rockwell-branded hardware — the supported, documented choice for regulated, validated, and critical production DH-485 networks.
  • Third-party alternatives exist for cost-sensitive applications — verify QA and corporate IT acceptability before substituting.
  • Available and ships worldwide through LeadTime.ca — confirm current lead time before committing to a maintenance or commissioning schedule.

You may also be interested in: