Allen-Bradley 1203-GD1 Remote I/O Communications Module – SCANport to RIO Adapter

Allen-Bradley 1203-GD1 Remote I/O Communications Module – SCANport to RIO Adapter

The Allen-Bradley 1203-GD1 is a Remote I/O communications module that serves as a critical interface between SCANport-equipped Allen-Bradley drives and controllers utilizing the Remote I/O (RIO) network protocol. This module, part of the 1203 Communication Modules product line, enables direct digital communication between programmable controllers such as PLC-5, SLC 500, and Logix5550 processors and a wide range of Allen-Bradley drive products . The 1203-GD1 essentially translates commands and data between the SCANport peripheral protocol used by drives and the Remote I/O network protocol used by controllers, allowing seamless integration of drives into existing RIO-based automation architectures.

Designed as a stand-alone DIN rail-mounted unit, the 1203-GD1 does not require installation within a PLC rack, offering flexibility in cabinet layout and reducing space constraints in retrofit applications . The module features front-panel connections for SCANport and Remote I/O cables along with a power supply terminal, plus a comprehensive set of diagnostic LED indicators that provide immediate visual status of module health, SCANport communication, and RIO network activity . The 1203-GD1 supports baud rates of 57.6K, 115.2K, and 230.4K, and can be configured for rack sizes ranging from 1/4 rack to full rack .

The 1203-GD1 is now discontinued by the manufacturer, making it a critical spare part for facilities still operating legacy Allen-Bradley drive systems . Its proven reliability and broad compatibility with SCANport products including 1305 AC drives, 1336 IMPACT, 1336 PLUS, 1336 FORCE, and 1397 Digital DC drives have made it a staple in industrial automation installations worldwide .

Allen-Bradley 1203-GD1 Remote I/O Communications Module – SCANport to RIO Adapter

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name Parameter Value
Product Model 1203-GD1
Manufacturer Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
Product Type Remote I/O Communications Module
Product Line 1203 Communication Modules
Input Voltage 85 to 264 V AC, 1-Phase
Input Current 35 mA maximum
Input Frequency 45 to 63 Hz
SCANport Load 60 mA DC
Communication Interface SCANport / Allen-Bradley Remote I/O
Baud Rates 57.6K, 115.2K, 230.4K
Rack Sizes 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, Full
Operating Temperature 0 to 50 °C
Storage Temperature -40 to 85 °C
Relative Humidity 0 to 95%, non-condensing
Dimensions (H × W × D) 76 mm × 45 mm × 123 mm
Enclosure NEMA Type 1 (IP30)
DIN Rail Standard 35 × 7.5 mm

 

Main Features and Advantages

SCANport to Remote I/O Protocol Conversion: The 1203-GD1 performs real-time translation between the SCANport peripheral protocol and Allen-Bradley‘s Remote I/O network protocol, enabling drives and other SCANport products to be controlled and monitored as standard RIO devices . This conversion allows existing PLC-5, SLC 500, and Logix5550 controllers to integrate drives without requiring specialized communication hardware or software beyond the RIO scanner already present in the control system.

Stand-Alone DIN Rail Mounting: Unlike rack-mounted communication cards, the 1203-GD1 mounts independently on a standard 35 mm DIN rail, requiring only an external power supply and cable connections to become operational . This stand-alone design simplifies installation in existing cabinets, allows the module to be placed near the drive it serves, and eliminates the need for a dedicated PLC rack slot for RIO communication.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Indicators: The 1203-GD1 features five front-panel LED indicators: Fault (red), SCANport STS, Health, Remote I/O ACT, and Remote STS (green) . These LEDs provide immediate visual confirmation of module power, SCANport communication status, RIO network activity, and fault conditions, enabling technicians to quickly diagnose cabling issues or configuration problems without external test equipment.

Broad SCANport Product Compatibility: The 1203-GD1 supports a wide range of Allen-Bradley SCANport products including 1305 AC MICRO Drive, 1336 IMPACT, 1336 PLUS, 1336 PLUS II, 1336 FORCE, 1336 REGEN, 1336 SPIDER, 1394 AC Multi-Axis Motion Control System, SMC Dialog Plus, SMP-3 Smart Motor Protector, 1397 Digital DC Drive, 1557 Medium Voltage Drive, and 2364F Regenerative DC Bus Supply . This extensive compatibility makes the 1203-GD1 a versatile communication solution across multiple drive families.

Configurable Rack and Baud Settings: The 1203-GD1 provides DIP switches for configuring rack size (1/4 through full rack), starting group, rack address, last rack designation, fault action, and baud rate . The module also includes a built-in selectable termination resistor (150 ohm) that can be enabled via jumper J2, simplifying RIO link termination in single-adapter configurations .

Scroll to Top