1606 Power Supply

A range to cover all costs and applications

1606 Power Supply

 

📌 Overview: Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1606 Power Supply Series

The Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1606 family is a comprehensive line of industrial switched-mode DC power supplies intended primarily for automation and control panel applications. The series covers a wide range of power ratings and feature sets — from basic, cost-effective units to performance-oriented designs — with worldwide certifications and designed for DIN-rail mounting.

Originally introduced in 2003, the 1606 range replaced older linear and early switch-mode designs with a modern, highly efficient SMPS platform that accepted wide AC and DC input ranges while offering power boosts, diagnostics and redundancy options.

📊 Model Lineup (Ordered from Basic to Superior)

1. 1606-XLB — Basic Switched-Mode Power Supplies

  • Entry-level series offering essential 24 V DC outputs from about 1.5 A up to ~20 A.
  • Designed for cost-sensitive applications where only the most basic power features are needed.
  • Offers simple DIN-rail mount form factor, reliable switching and fundamental protections.
  • Includes a DC-OK signal for basic output monitoring.

👉 Ideal for OEM machinery and small control cabinets where a basic regulated DC supply satisfies the load.

2. 1606-XLP — Compact Switched-Mode Power Supplies

  • Space-saving compact family targeting small cabinets or where panel footprint is constrained.
  • Typical output: 15 W to 100 W, with voltages like 24 V DC and small currents (e.g., ~1–4 A).
  • Efficient designs with low inrush current and thermal optimisations.
  • Offers the same core protections as higher series but in a smaller package.

👉 Best when space is at a premium but a standard regulated DC output is needed.

3. 1606-XLE — Essential/Standard Performance Power Supplies

  • Positioned as the mainline standard series with broader power coverage from about 80 W up to ~960 W.
  • Available in multiple output voltages (12, 24, 48 V DC) and rated currents up to ~40 A.
  • Offers 120 % power boost for short start-up loads and built-in diagnostics (LED indicators, DC-OK) for system health.
  • Latest revisions include improved efficiency, lower heat, enhanced temperature ratings, and new termination options (push-in, spring clamp, plug).
  • Optional enhancements: redundancy modules, conformal coatings and remote ON/OFF.

👉 A solid balance of performance and cost, suitable for most machine-level and panel applications.

4. 1606-XLS — Performance Power Supplies

  • High-end performance family within Bulletin 1606.
  • Covers similar power range as XLE (80…960 W), but with higher performance features such as:
    • 150 % power boost for up to 5 s for heavy startup loads.
    • Advanced diagnostics and monitoring.
    • Optional redundancy modules and buffering for ride-through of supply dips and transients.
  • Typically chosen where extra reserve capacity and advanced control signals are required.

👉 Favoured in challenging industrial systems where reliability and peak load handling are paramount.

5. Legacy: 1606-XL — Discontinued Standard Series

  • Originally the first line in the 1606 family with a broad range of ratings and global approvals.
  • It has since been discontinued and customers are encouraged to transition to the XLE/XLS families.

🧠 Key Features & Innovations Over Time

🔹 Wide Input Ranges

1606 supplies accept wide AC and DC voltage inputs, enabling global deployment across single phase and multi-phase systems.

🔹 Power Boost Capability

Most models include a power boost feature — 120 % (XLE) or 150 % (XLS) — to handle motor starts and inrush loads without immediate overload shutdown.

🔹 High Efficiency

Modern 1606 units boast high conversion efficiencies (often >90 %), reducing heat and lowering energy losses inside control panels.

🔹 Diagnostics & Control

Integrated DC-OK signals, LED status indicators, remote ON/OFF, and optional redundancy modules enhance system visibility and reliability.

🔹 Global Certifications

Products comply with international standards (CE, UL, ATEX, Marine, Class I Div 2) for use in demanding industrial environments.

📅 Historical Context & Launch

  • The Bulletin 1606 platform was announced and first commercialised in 2003, offering improved reliability, compactness, and global input flexibility compared to preceding power supply offerings.
  • Over the years, evolutionary innovations have focused on higher efficiency, expanded power density, updated terminations, diagnostic interfaces, and extended environmental ratings, bringing the current XLB, XLE, XLP, and XLS families to market.

📌 Summary

Series Typical Role Power Range Key Strength
1606-XLB Basic Low Cost-effective, simple DC
1606-XLP Compact Low–Mid Small footprint
1606-XLE Standard Mid–High Balanced performance
1606-XLS Advanced Mid–High High reserve & diagnostics
1606-XL Legacy All Discontinued standard line