The AB 1770-KFD DeviceNet RS-232 Interface Module is a portable RS-232 communication interface module that provides the host computer (which can be any compatible desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a laptop with a Serial RS-232 communication port) with an interface link to the DeviceNet network through the standard RS-232 serial communication-ports and connects it to the network port via DeviceNet communication cables. The DeviceNet network is an AB developed open application-level industrial network protocol used in a wide range of automation environments. This CIP-based network protocol allows the operators to communicate with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or control devices such as sensors and motors, and instead of the PLC connecting to discrete I/O modules directly, it can connect to them via DeviceNet Scanners.

The 1770-KFD Module allows a host computer to be connected (permanently or temporarily) to the network anywhere on the network cable, it can also connect directly to devices (single-network or multi-network devices) that are connected to the DeviceNet network via a DeviceNet cable. The 1770-KFD Module comes with a power supply connector with a 9 Volts DC (AC wall) voltage rating and a maximum operating current rating of 1.0 Amp. The 1770-KFD Module has a 9-Pin D-shell RS-232 connector with selectable Baud rates and an unsealed 5-Pin DeviceNet connector with 3 selectable Baud rates (125K, 250K, and 500K Baud). It is supplied in a package comprising the 1770-KFD Module itself, one 9-Pin D-shell RS-232 null modem cable, one 1770-KFD Driver Diskette, one unsealed DeviceNet terminal connector, two DIN Rail mounting brackets, four DIN Rail mounting bracket screws, and a copy of the 1770-KFD Module installation manual.