Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN Variable Frequency Drive

Product Details

1336F-BRF50-AA-EN Product Description

The Allen-Bradley 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN is a high-performance AC variable frequency drive from the 1336 FORCE series, engineered for seamless integration into layered industrial control architectures. Rated at 50 HP (37 kW) for 460V AC three-phase input, this drive delivers precise torque and speed regulation across demanding production environments including manufacturing, power generation, petrochemical processing, water treatment, and heavy-process industries. Its architecture-ready design ensures consistent signal flow, deterministic communication, and long-term maintainability within Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and SLC 500 control platforms.

Unlike standalone drives, the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN is purpose-built for system-level deployment. Its embedded DeviceNet communication adapter (the -EN suffix) enables direct integration into the DeviceNet I/O network, allowing the drive to participate as a fully addressable node within the broader automation bus. This eliminates the need for discrete hardwired command signals and enables real-time parameter monitoring, fault diagnostics, and speed reference updates from the PLC controller — reducing commissioning time and improving long-term diagnostic efficiency across multi-drive installations.

The 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN achieves its full operational value when deployed as part of a coordinated Allen-Bradley automation platform. At the control layer, a ControlLogix 1756-L71 or 1756-L63 CPU provides the deterministic scan cycle and ladder logic execution that governs drive speed references, torque limits, and fault response sequences. The drive receives its command signals via the DeviceNet scanner module — typically a 1756-DNB DeviceNet Bridge module installed in the ControlLogix chassis — which polls the drive node at configurable rates to maintain real-time closed-loop control.

Power distribution to the drive and its associated control cabinet is typically managed through a 1606-XLP power supply or a 1606-XLS series 24VDC regulated supply, ensuring stable control voltage for the DeviceNet network, I/O modules, and relay logic circuits. For installations requiring signal isolation between the drive's analog speed reference and the PLC analog output, a 1492-AIFM signal conditioning module or a dedicated DIN-rail signal isolator maintains loop integrity and prevents ground loop interference across long cable runs.

On the I/O layer, 1756-IB16 digital input modules and 1756-OB16E digital output modules handle discrete run/stop permissives, fault acknowledgment signals, and auxiliary contact feedback from the motor circuit. For process-critical applications where motor speed feedback is required independently of the drive's internal encoder, a 1756-HSC high-speed counter module can be used to capture pulse-train signals from an external proximity sensor or encoder mounted on the driven shaft.

In multi-drive installations — such as coordinated conveyor systems, pump stations, or multi-axis winding lines — the 1336 FORCE drives are typically grouped on a shared DeviceNet segment alongside 1336 PLUS II drives or PowerFlex 700 drives, with the DeviceNet scanner managing all nodes under a single explicit messaging schedule. This architecture reduces the number of discrete I/O points required and simplifies the PLC program structure by centralizing drive parameter access through the network layer.

For HMI visibility, a PanelView Plus 7 terminal connected via EtherNet/IP to the ControlLogix backplane provides operators with real-time drive status, output frequency, DC bus voltage, and fault history. The HMI display can be configured to show trend data for motor current and speed, enabling maintenance teams to identify developing mechanical issues before they result in unplanned downtime. Alarm management is handled through the ControlLogix alarm and event infrastructure, with drive fault codes mapped directly to operator-readable messages on the PanelView screen.

Where network redundancy is required — such as in continuous process plants or critical utility systems — the control architecture can be extended with a 1756-RM2 redundancy module pair, enabling seamless controller switchover without interrupting the DeviceNet network or the drive's active speed reference. This configuration is particularly valuable in water treatment pump stations and power plant auxiliary systems where drive availability directly impacts process continuity.

Manufacturing & Assembly Lines: In automotive body shop and general assembly applications, the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN drives conveyor transfer systems, roller tables, and lift mechanisms where precise speed control and coordinated motion sequencing are essential. Its DeviceNet integration allows the line PLC to synchronize drive speed with upstream and downstream conveyor zones, maintaining consistent part spacing and preventing accumulation faults.

Power Generation & Utilities: In power plant auxiliary systems — including cooling water pumps, forced draft fans, and induced draft fans — the drive's sensorless vector control mode provides stable torque delivery across the full speed range without requiring a shaft encoder. The dynamic braking resistor interface (BRF) enables rapid deceleration of high-inertia fan loads, reducing mechanical stress on couplings and bearings during emergency stop sequences.

Petrochemical & Refinery Processing: In hazardous-area-adjacent control rooms and motor control centers, the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN is installed in NEMA-rated enclosures with conduit entry, driving process pumps, compressor auxiliaries, and agitator motors. Its comprehensive protection suite — including ground fault detection and overtemperature shutdown — meets the reliability requirements of continuous process operations where unplanned motor failures carry significant safety and production cost implications.

Water & Wastewater Treatment: Municipal pump stations and water treatment facilities deploy the 1336 FORCE series for variable-speed control of centrifugal pumps, reducing energy consumption by 30–50% compared to throttle-valve flow control. The drive's DeviceNet node participates in SCADA-integrated control architectures, enabling remote speed adjustment and fault logging through the plant's supervisory system.

Mining & Metallurgy: In ore processing and materials handling applications, the drive controls belt conveyor drives, crusher feed conveyors, and slurry pump systems. Its robust overcurrent and overvoltage protection handles the high starting currents and voltage transients characteristic of mining electrical environments, while the panel-mount chassis design facilitates installation in MCC lineups within surface and underground electrical rooms.

Q1: Is the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN compatible with ControlLogix and SLC 500 platforms, and what DeviceNet scanner module is required? The 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN is fully compatible with both ControlLogix and SLC 500 platforms via DeviceNet. For ControlLogix, the 1756-DNB DeviceNet Bridge/Scanner module is the standard interface. For SLC 500, the 1747-SDN Scanner module provides equivalent functionality. The drive ships with an Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) file that can be imported directly into RSNetWorx for DeviceNet, simplifying node configuration and I/O mapping. Firmware compatibility should be verified against the installed RSLogix 5000 or RSLogix 500 version prior to commissioning.

Q2: What are the installation and commissioning requirements for the dynamic braking resistor interface on this drive? The BRF suffix indicates the drive includes an internal dynamic braking IGBT transistor, requiring an external braking resistor sized to the application's deceleration energy. Rockwell Automation's 1336-MOD-HA1 or equivalent external resistor assemblies are typically specified based on duty cycle and peak braking power calculations. The resistor must be mounted external to the drive enclosure with adequate ventilation, and the connecting cable length should be minimized to reduce inductance. During commissioning, the braking resistor threshold voltage and deceleration ramp time should be configured in the drive parameters to match the load inertia profile.

Q3: What warranty coverage and long-term supply support is available for the 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN? All 1336F-BRF50-AA-EN units supplied by NANKMOS carry a 12-Month Warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions. Each unit undergoes pre-shipment functional testing including power-on verification, communication interface check, and protection circuit validation before dispatch. For long-term supply continuity, NANKMOS maintains stocked inventory of 1336 FORCE series drives to support both new installations and replacement requirements in existing architectures. Customers requiring extended support contracts or spare parts kitting for critical applications are encouraged to contact our technical team at [email protected] or +86 18359268345.