The Reliance Electric 0-57100 is a specialized system power supply designed to provide the lifeblood of the AutoMax Distributed Control System (DCS). In any industrial automation environment, the stability of the control logic is directly dependent on the quality of the DC power supplied to the processor and I/O modules. The 0-57100 is engineered to filter out the electrical "noise" and voltage fluctuations prevalent in heavy industry, delivering a clean, regulated voltage to the backplane bus. This ensures that timing-critical tasks and communication protocols are executed without data corruption or unexpected system resets.
As a core component of the AutoMax rack system, the 0-57100 is built for continuous, 24/7 operation. It utilizes high-grade industrial capacitors and precision switching regulators to maintain tight voltage tolerances across a wide range of ambient temperatures. This reliability is the reason the 0-57100 remains a trusted component in legacy systems worldwide, providing a stable foundation for complex motion control and process automation strategies.
| Category | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Reliance Electric (Rockwell Automation) |
| Model Number | 0-57100 |
| System Compatibility | AutoMax Distributed Control System (DCS) |
| Function | Rack System Power Supply Unit (PSU) |
| Input Voltage Options | 115V AC / 230V AC (Selectable) |
| Output Bus Voltages | +5V DC, +15V DC, -15V DC (Backplane Standard) |
| Protection Features | Short Circuit, Over-Voltage, Thermal Shutdown |
| Status Monitoring | Front-Panel Diagnostic LEDs |
The 0-57100 manages multiple DC voltage rails simultaneously to satisfy the diverse needs of AutoMax components. The +5V rail typically powers the digital logic and high-speed processors, while the ±15V rails are utilized for analog signal conditioning and communication interfaces. The internal circuitry of the 0-57100 ensures that these rails remain synchronized and isolated from one another, preventing cross-talk or ground loop issues that could lead to signal inaccuracy in precision analog applications.
In environments with large motor drives and switching semiconductors, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a constant threat. The Reliance Electric 0-57100 incorporates multi-stage EMI filters on both the input and output stages. This high level of suppression ensures that the high-frequency switching noise from the power supply itself does not interfere with the sensitive low-voltage signals processed by the control modules, effectively maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio required for high-resolution industrial sensing.
Protection of the valuable AutoMax infrastructure is built into the core of the Reliance Electric 0-57100. It features a fast-acting "crowbar" circuit for over-voltage protection, which clamps the output voltage if an internal failure occurs, preventing catastrophic damage to the rack modules. Furthermore, the unit is designed with thermal sensors that initiate a safe shutdown if the internal temperature exceeds industrial safety limits, ensuring the unit's own longevity and the safety of the surrounding electrical cabinet.

The 0-57100 is designed for seamless physical integration into the standard AutoMax chassis. It occupies a dedicated slot, typically on the far left or right of the rack, where it can provide the most efficient heat dissipation. The connection to the backplane is achieved through high-integrity gold-plated connectors that resist oxidation in corrosive industrial atmospheres. This focus on physical durability ensures that the 0-57100 can withstand the vibration and environmental variables of heavy-duty manufacturing sectors.
The reliability of the 0-57100 has made it a standard in several demanding fields:
Steel Rolling Mills: Powering the logic for high-torque drive systems where constant vibration is present.
Pulp and Paper: Ensuring stable control for high-speed paper machines where system downtime is extremely costly.
Automotive Assembly: Providing clean power to synchronized robotic control cells and material handling systems.
Chemical Processing: Maintaining power for DCS systems managing sensitive temperature and pressure loops.
To ensure the maximum operational life of the Reliance Electric 0-57100, it should be installed in a clean, ventilated enclosure. The front panel is equipped with LEDs that indicate the presence of input power and the health of the output rails. A green "Power OK" light signifies that all voltages are within the ±5% tolerance required for system stability. If a fault is detected, the unit will automatically disable the outputs to protect the system.
Periodic maintenance should include a visual inspection for the accumulation of conductive dust and a check of the input terminal tightness. Due to the high-voltage nature of the power supply, all installation and maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel using proper grounding and safety tools. By adhering to these engineering standards and following the original Reliance Electric manual guidelines, the 0-57100 will continue to provide dependable service for the most complex automation challenges.



