The Allen-Bradley 1761-L16NWA is part of MicroLogix 1000 family of controllers. It is a programmable controller that fits into small panel spaces. For communication, it has a built-in RS-232C port for DF1 protocol and Point-to-point, DH-485, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP communication ports. These communication types support direct connection, half-duplex slave protocol for SCADA applications, program upload and download, and peer-to-peer communication. It requires simple programming in ladder logic using RSLogix 500 software, Hand-Held Programmer (HHP), and MicroLogix 1000 or PLC 500 A I Series software. It has more than 65 instructions for applications like high-speed counters, sequencers, and shift registers. It can program and operate in up to 5 different languages.

The 1761-L16NWA controller has 16 I/O with 24V DC sink/source or 24V AC of power for the 10 inputs and 6 contact outputs. It has real input power, apparent input power, and a transformer load of 14W, 26VA, 35VA at 120V AC and 15W, 33VA, 38VA at 240V AC respectively. It has 1500V AC isolation voltage and a 1K-word EEPROM. It has a program scan time of 2ms and I/O scan time of 0.21ms. It has a maximum of 32 counters and 40 timers.

The 1761-L16NWA controller has a master control relay safety feature. It is installed using a DIN rail or mounting screw method with adequate spacing in the enclosure for heat dissipation. It is intended for use in a category II non-hazardous industrial environment with a 0 - 55 °C (32 - 131 °F) operating temperature and a 20g maximum operating shock.