Allen-Bradley MicroLogix vs Omron CJ2M: PLC Cross-Reference
The MicroLogix family and the Omron CJ family have fought over the same small-machine niche for twenty years. If you maintain both, or you are choosing a standard for a new line, this page maps each MicroLogix class to its CJ1M/CJ2M functional equivalent.
MicroLogix 1000 is a fixed-I/O brick; the CJ1M is the same idea in modular clothing. The MicroLogix 1400 and the CJ2M with a CJ1W-EIP21 are the closest peers in the range: both add EtherNet/IP to a small controller for SCADA and PanelView-style HMI connections.
As with every PLC cross-reference, the hardware mapping is the easy part. RSLogix 500 and CX-Programmer are different tools with different addressing — an O:0/0 output bit does not become a CIO address by itself — so a migration is a rewrite. Where it pays: standardising spares, training and one programming package across the plant.
Model mapping
| Competitor model | Omron equivalent class | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| MicroLogix 1000 (1761, fixed I/O) | CJ1M-CPU12 / CPU21 | Compact class. ML1000 I/O is fixed at order; CJ1M takes CJ1W units for flexibility. |
| MicroLogix 1200 (1762) | CJ1M-CPU22 / CPU23 | Small modular class; both expand with discrete and analog units. |
| MicroLogix 1400 (1766-L32EWA class) | CJ2M-CPU11/12/13 + CJ1W-EIP21 | Closest peer: EtherNet/IP on both sides. The Omron Ethernet is a rack unit, not onboard. |
| MicroLogix 1500 (1764) | CJ2M-CPU31/32/33 | Larger modular class with specialty I/O (motion, process) on both platforms. |
What we stock on the Omron side
We stock CJ1M and CJ2M CPUs, CJ1W digital/analog I/O, CJ1W-EIP21 EtherNet/IP units, CJ1W-ETN21 Ethernet and the matching power supplies and racks — enough to build the complete Omron equivalent of a MicroLogix installation as one matched set.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Which Omron is closest to a MicroLogix 1400?
A CJ2M-CPU12 or CPU13 with a CJ1W-EIP21 EtherNet/IP unit. Functionally it matches the ML1400's mix of modular I/O and Ethernet; the difference is that the Omron Ethernet lives on a rack unit rather than the CPU, which is actually an advantage when the network card fails.
Can I convert my RSLogix 500 program to CX-Programmer?
Not automatically. Both are ladder-based, but addressing, instruction names and data files differ. Teams usually print the RSLogix rungs as a specification and rewrite in CX-Programmer, testing against the original machine I/O list.
The MicroLogix talks DF1 serial. What does the Omron side use?
Omron's equivalent is Host Link (C-mode) over RS-232, or peripheral bus for programming. If the device you must keep (an old weigh scale, a bar code reader) only speaks DF1, plan a protocol gateway or keep the serial device on its original port of the existing PLC.
Do you stock the CJ1W-EIP21 EtherNet/IP unit?
Yes, it is a stocked line item. Quote it together with the CPU and I/O configuration so we ship a matched set — send the parts list and we confirm every suffix.
Allen-Bradley, MicroLogix, RSLogix and PanelView are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc; Omron, CP, CJ, NX, NB, NS, NA, Sysmac, S8VK, S8VS, S8FS, E2B, E2E, E3Z, E3FA, E3X and CP1W are trademarks of Omron Corporation. All trademarks are named for identification and cross-reference purposes only. Hengyixin Automation is an independent distributor, not affiliated with or authorised by any of these manufacturers.