The Allen-Bradley 2711-B5A8L1 is a PanelView 550 operator terminal designed for reliable human-machine interface (HMI) applications. This DC-powered unit provides real-time process monitoring, alarm management, and operator control in demanding industrial environments such as chemical processing, oil and gas, and water treatment facilities.

Features

• Hybrid input interface featuring both an analog resistive touchscreen and a 10-key tactile function keypad (F1 to F10).
• 5.5-inch monochrome blue-mode LCD display with 256 x 128 pixel resolution.
• Integrated Data Highway Plus (DH+) communication port for deterministic plant-floor networking.
• Dedicated RS-232 serial port for local printer connectivity.
• Long-life LED backlight rated for 100,000 hours of operation.
• Dual-memory architecture with 170 KB for application runtime and 240 KB for nonvolatile storage.

Applications

This terminal is suitable for industrial automation tasks requiring robust HMI functionality, including machine control, process visualization, and alarm annunciation in environments where high-vibration or harsh conditions necessitate physical keypad input options.

Technical Specifications

Installation Guidelines

• Ensure the terminal is mounted in a panel cutout that meets the required clearance for the 152 x 221 x 106 mm chassis.
• Use a NEMA-rated enclosure to maintain the integrity of the front-panel seal in washdown or dusty environments.
• Verify that the 24 VDC power supply is within the 18 to 32 VDC range before connection to prevent damage.
• Maintain proper grounding practices to protect the DH+ communication interface from electrical noise and EMI.
• Power down the unit before connecting or disconnecting communication cables or peripheral devices.

FAQ

Is this unit still in production? No, the 2711-B5A8L1 is classified as a discontinued or obsolete product by the manufacturer.

What is the primary communication protocol? This model utilizes the Data Highway Plus (DH+) protocol for high-speed deterministic networking.

Can I use this in high-vibration areas? Yes, the inclusion of 10 mechanical function keys allows for reliable control operation even when touchscreen use is difficult due to vibration.