ControlLogix 5590 vs. 5580 (L9 vs. L8): Performance Gains, Upgrade Benefits & Key Differences
- February 10, 2026
- Best Practices
- Automation
For the first time in a decade, Rockwell Automation has released a new generation of ControlLogix controllers. The ControlLogix 5590 (L9) series delivers major improvements over the ControlLogix 5580 (L8), offering faster performance, more memory, expanded safety capabilities, and modernized hardware. In this article, automation and software specialist Hammam Mukhtar compares the ControlLogix 5590 vs. 5580 and highlights what’s new in the L9 controller.
Everything You Should Know About Rockwell Automation's New ControlLogix L9 PLC
- 00:00 – Welcome & Topic
Hammam introduces the L9 release and what’s changed from prior controllers. - 00:18 – Performance Highlights
L9 is ~2× L8 in most categories: scan time, EtherNet/IP node capacity, and motion axes. - 00:37 – Memory Increases
Front Ethernet ports remain usable for crossloading in redundancy—no longer lost as on L8. - 01:01 – Redundancy Improvement
Front Ethernet ports remain usable for crossloading in redundancy—no longer lost as on L8. - 01:31 – Integrated SIL2 Safety
All L9 controllers ship SIL2‑ready; enable/disable in configuration (SIL3 still needs a safety partner). - 01:48 – Catalog Number Changes
Memory capacity is now encoded in the L9 catalog number—immediately visible at a glance. - 02:12 – Process + Safety in One
First generation to combine process and safety in a single controller. - 02:20 – New Endpoints: L902 & L980
Entry L902 (2 MB, < $5k list) and high‑end L980 (80 MB) cover both ends of the range. - 02:44 – More Memory for ~5% Cost Bump
Example equivalencies: L81 → L905 (+~2 MB), L82 → L908 (+~3 MB) … up to L85 → L950 (+10 MB). - 03:12 – Hardware Updates
Single‑slot form; vertical lift door with toggle mode switch, micro‑SD (8 GB included), USB‑C, and a QR code for manuals, tech notes, and support. - 03:58 – Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Dual‑IP or DLR; best practice: reserve front ports for I/O; use a comms module for Class 3/HMI traffic and segmentation. - 04:23 – Software Requirement
L9 support begins with Studio 5000 v38; contact your local specialist for what’s new. - 04:30 – Closing & Next Video
Tease for the next piece on POINTMAX I/O.
CONTROLLOGIX L9 VS. L8: WHAT’S NEW AND WHY IT MATTERS
Performance: How the ControlLogix L9 Delivers 2× the Capability of the L8
Putting it simply, the ControlLogix 5590 controller delivers 2× the performance of the 5580, offering faster processing, double the memory, and significantly expanded motion and networking capacity.
ControlLogix 5580 (L8) vs. ControlLogix 5590 (L9)
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Category | ControlLogix 5580 (L8) | ControlLogix 5590 (L9) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance / Speed | 5×–20× faster than ControlLogix 5570 (L7) | 2× faster than ControlLogix 5580 (L8) |
| Maximum User Memory | Up to 40 MB | Up to 80 MB (2× increase) |
| Motion Axes per Controller | Up to 256 axes | Up to 512 axes |
| Ethernet Ports | Single Gigabit Ethernet port | Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| USB Type | USB‑B | USB‑C (modern, high‑speed) |
| EtherNet/IP Nodes | Up to 300 nodes | Up to 600 nodes |
| Redundancy Behavior | Front Ethernet port unavailable in redundant mode | Front Ethernet port usable for crossloading |
| Process + Safety Architecture | Requires separate process and safety controllers | Integrated: process + SIL2 safety in one controller |
| Safety Rating | Requires separate GuardLogix controller for SIL2/3 | SIL2 capable out of the box |
| Mode Switch Type | Keyed mode switch | Toggle switch |
| Removable Storage | Standard SD Card | Micro SD card (8GB standard on many models) |
| Minimum Logix Designer Version | Version 29+ | Version 38+ |
Memory: More Flexibility and Clearer Part Number Identification
ControlLogix 5590 PLCs have double the memory of the L8 controllers. The L9 controller has an 80 MB maximum rather than the L8’s 40 MB max. It is easier to identify the L9’s memory size because the memory is visible in the part number. For example, a 1756-L980 controller has 80 MB of memory.
Faster Redundant Controller Scan Times with the ControlLogix L9
The front Ethernet ports of the L8 controller are not available while in redundancy mode. The ControlLogix 5590 controller has a new function that allows the front gigabit Ethernet ports to be used for crossloading (only) of the controller/application data. The new ControlLogix L9 controllers achieve nearly 2× faster scan times in redundant applications, a major advantage for customers upgrading from the L8 generation.
NOTE: 1756-RM3 still required for bumpless controller switch over.
BuiltIn SIL2 Safety and Unified Process Control
The ControlLogix 5590 is SIL2 rated out of the box. You can enable it where you need safety and disable it where you don’t. Unlike the ControlLogix 5580, which required separate controllers for process and safety, the ControlLogix 5590 integrates SIL2‑capable safety directly into the platform. This unified approach simplifies panel design and reduces overall system cost.
Unifying process and safety control into one controller simplifies panel design and streamlines control strategy.
ControlLogix 5590 Product Profile
The ControlLogix 5590 delivers next‑generation performance with up to 80 MB memory, 512 motion axes, 600+ EtherNet/IP nodes, and built‑in SIL2 safety, all in a modern single‑slot design. It supports dual EtherNet/IP ports, OPC UA, and the latest Studio 5000 tools for faster, more secure, and more scalable automation.
Modernized Hardware and Connectivity Features on the L9 Controller
Hardware has changed a lot in the last decade, and the physical features of the ControlLogix 5590 have evolved. These are some of the new design features:
- A vertical lift door covers the mode switch, SD card, USB connections and specifications.
- The ControlLogix 5590 hardware has been completely modernized, including a new toggle-style mode switch, USB‑C connectivity, and a protective vertical lift door containing a QR code that links directly to manuals, software, and support resources.
- The L9 has USB type C connections instead of the USB type B connections on the L8.
- The L9 comes preloaded with an 8GB micro-SD card rather than a standard SD card.
- Lifting the vertical door reveals a QR code with access to user manuals, Digital Product Passport, tech support, Knowledgebase tech notes and more.
Cost vs. Performance: Why the L9 Delivers More for a Minimal Price Increase
Getting double the performance doesn’t mean double the cost. The ControlLogix 5590 offers more memory for only 5% extra cost. The memory increase ranges from 2 MB to 10 MB depending on the model number.
The L902 provides an affordable entry point to the ControlLogix 5590 platform, while the high‑end L980 handles complex applications that previously exceeded the capabilities of the 5580 series. With only about a 5% price increase, the L9 line delivers unmatched performance-per-dollar.
READY TO UPGRADE TO THE CONTROLLOGIX L9 PLC?
Are you planning to upgrade from the ControlLogix 5580 to the 5590? Here are your next steps.
- Watch the video to get the full breakdown and see the physical features of the L9.
- Reach out to your Van Meter account manager with questions or help determining which L9 controller will work best for your application.
- Follow Van Meter on LinkedIn for more product introductions.
- Discover more of Rockwell Automation’s newest products and solutions.
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About the Author:
HAMMAM MUKHTAR
Automation & Software Product Specialist, Van Meter Inc.