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Industrial Automation & Network Hardware
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Hardware Comparison: Micro800 Selection Guide

May 06, 2025

Continuing our article series on Programmable Logic Controller selection, we now explore Rockwell Automation's line of Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLCs. These controllers are ideally suited for basic, single-machine control and provide an impressive range of features in compact, cost-effective packages. Despite their small footprint, the Micro800 series offers many capabilities typically found only in larger-scale PLC platforms.

Micro800 Series Overview

The Micro800 series sits at the micro-scale end of Allen-Bradley's PLC lineup, targeting standalone applications. These PLCs are perfect for OEMs and machine builders seeking modular, flexible, and cost-efficient automation solutions. The Micro800 family consists of five core models:

Bulletin Family Name Description
2080-LC10 Micro810 Smart relay with onboard LCD; compact 12-point form factor
2080-LC20 Micro820 Ethernet-enabled PLC; supports 2 plug-in modules
2080-LC30 Micro830 Adds motion control with PTO; supports up to 5 plug-in modules
2080-LC50 Micro850 High-density I/O expansion; up to 5 plug-in modules
2080-LC70 Micro870 Maximum expansion options; includes high-speed counters and motion control

All Micro800 PLCs fall under Bulletin 2080, with LC## indicating the model. Each model has multiple catalog numbers offering different I/O configurations.

Micro800 Series General Selection Criteria

Key selection parameters across Micro800 models include:

  • Base I/O options: 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 48 points

  • Input voltage: 120/240V AC, 24V DC, 12V DC

  • Output type: Relay, 24V DC Sourcing/Sinking

  • Input types: 24V AC/DC, 12V DC, or 120/240V AC

Micro800 I/O Overview:

  • I/O Points: Embedded physical points in each PLC chassis

  • Plug-In Modules: Snap-on front modules to expand I/O without increasing footprint

  • Expansion Modules: Side-mounted modules for further I/O capacity

Expandability:

  • Micro810: Fixed I/O only; no expansion

  • Micro820/830: Expandable via Plug-In Modules

  • Micro850/870: Expandable via both Plug-In and Expansion Modules

Plug-In Modules & Accessories

Plug-In Modules expand I/O and functionality from the front of the PLC. Options include:

  • Digital and analog I/O

  • Thermocouple/RTD inputs

  • Trimpot analog

  • RS232/RS485 serial ports

  • DeviceNet communication

  • Real-Time Clock (RTC) with memory backup

  • High-speed counters

  • USB adapters and LCD displays (Micro810 and Remote LCD for Micro820)

Important: Not all plug-ins are compatible across models—verify module support using Allen-Bradley documentation.

Expansion Modules

Available only for Micro850 and Micro870, Expansion Modules provide:

  • 32-point 12/24V DC Sink/Source inputs

  • 8-point 120/240V AC Triac outputs

  • Analog input/output modules (Voltage/Current)

  • 4-channel RTD/TC modules

  • Expansion power supply module

Plug-Ins offer specialty communication and advanced control options, while Expansion Modules focus on high-density I/O.

Micro800 Series Feature Comparison Table
Attribute Micro810 Micro820 Micro830 Micro850 Micro870
Embedded I/O Points 12 20 10-24 24/48 24/48
Communication Ports USB Ethernet, RS232/485 USB, RS232/485 USB, RS232/485 USB, Ethernet, RS232/485
Base Analog Channels 0-10V (shared) 1 AO, 0-10V AI (shared) Via plug-in Via plug-in/expansion Via plug-in/expansion
Plug-In Module Support None 2 2 5 5
Max Digital I/O 12 35 32 132 304
Expansion Module Support No No No Yes Yes
Instruction Execution Speed 2.5μs 0.3μs 0.25μs 0.25μs 0.25μs
Power Supply Options 120/240V AC or 12/24V DC Embedded 24V DC, external AC optional Same as 820 Same as 820 Same as 820
 
Conclusion

The Micro800 series offers a flexible and scalable range of PLCs perfect for standalone and single-machine control applications. From the ultra-compact Micro810 to the highly expandable Micro870, this lineup provides both simple and advanced control options with strong connectivity features and affordable pricing. When selecting a Micro800 controller, start by identifying the scale of your I/O needs and required communication protocols, then select the compatible model and necessary plug-ins or expansion modules to meet your system requirements.

For more help selecting the right Micro800 hardware, or to discuss which Allen-Bradley automation solution is best for your application, contact PLG Automation at sales@plgautomation.com or 800-906-9271.