The Reliance Electric 45C311 provides a rugged backplane for AutoMate PLC system expansion. This card rack holds multiple I/O and processor modules in a compact industrial enclosure. Consequently, you can scale your control system without replacing existing hardware components.
Technical Specifications & Physical Parameters
The table below lists all essential hardware parameters for the 45C311 card rack assembly. Use this data for panel layout and system integration planning.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 45C311 |
| Manufacturer | Reliance Electric |
| Category | AutoMate Programmable Logic Controller Card Rack |
| Number of Slots | 6 (universal for AutoMate series modules) |
| Backplane Type | Passive, four-layer PCB with ground plane |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.7 cm x 33.0 cm x 16.5 cm |
| Product Weight | 2.5 kg (5.51 lbs) |
| Mounting Type | Panel mount (four M5 screws) |
| Power Connector | 40-pin header for external power supply |
| Slot Pitch | 2.54 cm (1 inch) center-to-center |
| Cooling | Natural convection, no fan required |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
Physical Construction & Backplane Design
The 45C311 features a heavy-gauge steel chassis with corrosion-resistant coating. This rack includes a passive four-layer backplane with dedicated ground and power planes. Each slot has polarization keys to prevent incorrect module insertion. The backplane contains no active components or onboard batteries. Therefore, you get a highly reliable foundation that requires zero scheduled maintenance.
Power Distribution & Connectivity Features
The 45C311 distributes +5V and +24V power from a single supply to all six slots. Each slot receives clean power through the multilayer PCB design. A 40-pin header on the right side connects directly to compatible power supplies. For robust upstream protection in your automation panel, consider a device like the RMS-TSG-TZ-C Static Trip unit from Siemens (see Alibaba link). That trip unit complements the 45C311 by ensuring stable power delivery.
Installation & System Integration Guidelines
Mount the 45C311 vertically on a flat panel surface using four M5 screws. Leave at least 60 mm clearance above and below for proper airflow circulation. The rack includes grounding studs on both ends for direct panel ground connection. Additionally, the 45C311 accepts any AutoMate series module regardless of function type. You can freely mix analog cards, digital cards, and processor modules across the six slots.
Compatibility Notes
This card rack works exclusively with AutoMate 15, 20, 30, and 40 series modules. It does not support AutoMax series or modules from other manufacturers. The Reliance Electric 45C311 requires a compatible power supply like the 45C315 or 45C316 for complete operation. For maximum system capacity, you can link multiple 45C311 racks together using expansion cables.
Details
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 280 × 150 × 80 mm |


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