What Spectrum Controls does

Spectrum Controls, Inc. (operating as Allient Bellevue) is a Bellevue, Washington-based industrial automation company founded in 1983 that designs and manufactures licensed I/O modules, protocol gateways, and industrial LED displays engineered as drop-in extensions of the Rockwell Automation platform ecosystem. The company was the first to build licensed I/O modules for Rockwell Automation and has been a Rockwell Technology Partner since 1991 — one of the earliest in the program — with a portfolio of 50+ modules across 10+ Rockwell platforms including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, POINT I/O, FLEX I/O, Micro800, MicroLogix, SLC 500, Compact 5000, PowerFlex drives, and the newer PointMax I/O system. Core technical differentiators include universal analog inputs (configurable across voltage, current, thermocouple, RTD, and resistance on a single module), HART protocol integration for field device diagnostics, high-density discrete I/O, and the Universal Industrial Gateway supporting up to 12 industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU/ASCII, DF1, PPI, S7comm, and others) in a single browser-configured device. The company also produces InView industrial LED displays visible up to 450 feet and offers turnkey custom I/O module development with full UL/CE/IECEx/TUV/Marine certifications.

Spectrum Controls generates revenue exclusively through hardware sales (and project-based professional services for custom I/O development) priced on a one-time perpetual license basis at list prices ranging from $170 for basic digital I/O modules to $1,150 for the top-tier Universal Industrial Gateway model, with actual transaction pricing determined by distributors. All products are sold exclusively through authorized Rockwell Automation distributors globally — Spectrum Controls does not sell directly to end customers — and the company supports this channel with four regional sales managers covering EMEA, US Northeast/Midwest, US Southeast/Midwest, and LATAM/APAC. Customer segments are horizontal across industrial automation engineers, OEMs with mixed-protocol environments, and plant floor operators; cited end-use applications span manufacturing, data center HVAC, and water/wastewater facilities. The company has 101–250 employees, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and was acquired by Allient Inc. (formerly Allied Motion Technologies) on December 31, 2021, now operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary without standalone revenue disclosure.

Name

Spectrum Controls

Legal name

Spectrum Controls, Inc.

Website

https://spectrumcontrols.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Spectrum Controls is a Bellevue, Washington-based industrial automation company founded in 1983 that designs licensed I/O modules, protocol gateways, and industrial LED displays as drop-in extensions of Rockwell Automation platforms. It sells exclusively through Rockwell's authorized distributor network to industrial automation engineers, OEMs, and plant operators across global manufacturing, data center, and water/wastewater end markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation I/O Modules

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial I/O, Signal Conditioning & Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) (IMAGABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Edge Control & IIoT Gateways (Edge PLCs, Data Acquisition, MQTT/OPC UA) (IMAGABAI), Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs) (IMAGAJAI)

Keywords

• Industrial I/O modules
• Protocol gateway devices
• PLC expansion modules
• Industrial LED displays
• Rockwell Automation compatible

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellevue

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. I/O Module Hardware Sales: Spectrum Controls designs and sells licensed I/O modules for Rockwell Automation platforms. Products are purchased through authorized Rockwell Automation distributors. Revenue is generated from the sale of physical hardware modules with varying price points based on complexity and channel count.
2. Protocol Gateway Sales: The Universal Industrial Gateway product line generates revenue through hardware sales across four models with different port configurations and protocol support levels. Pricing ranges from $650 to $1,150 USD list price per unit.
3. InView Display Sales: Industrial LED display products sold as standalone hardware units with various screen sizes (2, 4, 7, and 10 inch) and communication modules. Revenue from display hardware and associated accessories.
4. Custom I/O Module Development: Turnkey custom I/O module development services from requirements through certification and lifecycle support. Generates professional services and potentially licensing/royalty revenue for specialized custom-built modules.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Spectrum Controls designs and manufactures licensed industrial I/O modules, multi-protocol communication gateways, and industrial LED displays that are drop-in compatible with Rockwell Automation platforms. The company offers 50+ modules across 10 Rockwell platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, POINT I/O, FLEX I/O, MicroLogix, SLC 500, Micro800, Compact 5000, PowerFlex, and PointMax) plus the Universal Industrial Gateway supporting up to 12 industrial protocols, with all products sold exclusively through authorized Rockwell Automation distributors.

Product overview

Spectrum Controls offers a comprehensive portfolio of licensed I/O modules, industrial displays, and communication gateways for Rockwell Automation platforms. The product lineup includes 50+ modules across 10 Rockwell platforms including 5034 PointMax I/O, 1734 POINT I/O, 1746 SLC 500, 1756 ControlLogix, 1762 MicroLogix, 1769 Compact I/O, 1794 FLEX I/O, 2080/2085 Micro800, 5069 Compact 5000, and PowerFlex drives. The core product is the Universal Industrial Gateway supporting 12 industrial protocols. Key module capabilities include universal analog inputs (voltage, current, RTD, thermocouple), HART communication, high-density discrete I/O, and power monitoring. The company also offers InView industrial LED displays and custom I/O development services. All products are designed as drop-in compatible replacements/additions for standard Rockwell hardware, manufactured under Technology Partner license since 1983.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• InView: Industrial LED displays that connect directly to Allen-Bradley PLCs, showing live data including output counts, line status, and process values. Visible up to 450 feet with NEMA-rated enclosures.
• PointMax
• Universal Industrial Gateway

Products and services

• 5034 PointMax I/O Modules Newest I/O module platform from Spectrum Controls for Rockwell Automation PointMax I/O systems. Currently offers 8-channel sourcing 24 VDC digital input modules and 8-channel sinking 24 VDC digital output modules. Also includes the 5034-EM-SC Energy Monitoring Module and custom I/O development services for PointMax platforms.
• Universal Industrial Gateway Multi-protocol industrial gateway that connects systems running different protocols without custom programming, proprietary software, or changes to existing PLC logic. Supports up to 12 protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU/ASCII, DirectNET, CCM, TI-HostLink, DF1-PCCC, DF1-CIP, PPI, S7comm. Features browser-based configuration, dual-subnet capability, and multi-device bridging. Available in four models ranging from $650 to $1,150 USD list.
• 2080 Micro800 Plug-in Modules Plug-in modules for Rockwell Automation Micro800 PLC platform including memory modules with real-time clock, BACnet communications, universal analog inputs, thermistor inputs, and high-current relay outputs.
• 2085 Micro800 Expansion Modules Expansion I/O modules for the Micro800 platform offering universal analog inputs, combo analog modules, high-density analog inputs and outputs, discrete outputs, thermocouple inputs, RTD inputs, and other variants across 10+ module SKUs.
• 1734 POINT I/O Modules I/O modules for POINT I/O platform including 4-channel universal analog inputs, 2-channel isolated analog + HART outputs, and 2-channel and 4-channel analog + HART inputs.
• 1756 ControlLogix Modules I/O modules for ControlLogix platform including 8-channel universal analog inputs, 8-channel power monitoring inputs, 8-channel counter/flowmeter inputs, and 48VAC/VDC discrete inputs.
• 1794 FLEX I/O Modules Flexible I/O modules including 8-channel universal isolated analog inputs and 8-channel isolated thermocouple/RTD inputs.
• 1762 MicroLogix Modules I/O expansion modules for MicroLogix platform including mixed analog 4-channel input/output, 8-channel universal analog inputs, and 8-channel analog outputs.
• 1769 Compact I/O Modules Compact I/O modules for CompactLogix platform featuring analog inputs with HART, analog outputs with HART, 8-channel universal analog inputs, isolated RTD/resistance inputs, and isolated thermocouple inputs.
• 5069 Compact 5000 Modules High-speed discrete input/output modules and isolated thermocouple input modules for the Compact 5000 platform.
• 1746 SLC 500 Modules Comprehensive module lineup for the SLC 500 platform including isolated analog outputs (current and voltage), counter/flowmeter inputs, isolated analog inputs, AC triac outputs, and isolated AC/DC and DC inputs.
• PowerFlex Option Cards Option cards for PowerFlex 753/755 drives including 8-channel universal analog option cards and combination analog option cards.
• InView Industrial LED Displays Industrial LED displays that connect directly to Allen-Bradley PLCs, showing live data including output counts, line status, and process values. Browser-based GUI configuration requires minimal programming. Visible up to 450 feet with NEMA-rated enclosures. Available in 2-inch, 4-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch models with communications modules and accessories.
• SCX-3000 CONNECTS Asset Connectivity Software Connectivity software solution for asset connectivity, enabling interface between HART I/O and asset management software via DTM and CONNECTS support.
• Custom I/O Module Development Services Full turnkey custom I/O development service for Rockwell Automation platforms, handling requirements, design, prototype, certification, and lifecycle support. Custom modules are fully licensed by Rockwell Automation and include UL, CE, IECEx, TUV, and Marine certifications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 72 possible protocol combinations in one device vs. single-protocol typical gateways
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnology or Integration · 3 June 2026Spectrum Controls is a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner (since 1991, one of the earliest in the program) and member of the PartnerNetwork. The company designs and manufactures licensed I/O modules that are drop-in compatible with Rockwell platforms. All licensed I/O and InView Display products include free Rockwell Automation TechConnect Support. Spectrum Controls has been recognized with the PartnerNetwork Innovation Award 2026 and Tech Partner of the Year 2025.
• Allient Inc. (Allied Motion Technologies Inc.)coreOthersSpectrum Controls is a subsidiary of Allient Inc. (formerly Allied Motion Technologies Inc.), a publicly traded company. Allient acquired Spectrum Controls on December 31, 2021. Spectrum Controls is also referred to as Allient Bellevue.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Advantech: Industrial I/O and embedded computing platform provider (ADAM, ECU, UNO series). Compares to Spectrum Controls because both produce third-party I/O modules and edge gateways, though Advantech plays across many PLC ecosystems rather than specializing in Rockwell.
• Phoenix Contact: Global industrial automation incumbent manufacturing I/O modules, signal conditioning, and industrial connectivity. Compares to Spectrum Controls because both supply analog/discrete I/O and protocol gateway hardware across multiple PLC ecosystems (Phoenix Contact's PLCnext, Axioline vs. Rockwell platforms).
• Turck: Industrial sensor, I/O, and connectivity manufacturer with TBEN, BL series I/O blocks and gateway offerings. Peer because both supply IP67/block I/O and protocol gateway modules for plant-floor integration of mixed-protocol devices.
• WAGO: Industrial interconnection specialist producing I/O modules, controllers, and fieldbus couplers (WAGO 750/753 series). Direct I/O peer because both occupy the licensed/add-on I/O category with fieldbus and Ethernet integration capabilities.

Direct peers

• Red Lion Controls: Industrial networking and protocol conversion specialist with Sixnet and Crimson software lines. Direct peer on protocol gateway and industrial I/O for plant-floor integration use cases that overlap with Spectrum Controls' mixed-protocol facilities segment.
• Acromag: Niche industrial I/O and signal conditioning manufacturer with similar product philosophy (specialty modules for process and discrete control). Direct peer because both deliver licensed/third-party analog and discrete I/O into PLC chassis architectures used by system integrators.
• HMS Industrial Networks (Anybus): Specialist in industrial protocol gateways and embedded network connectivity (Anybus brand). Closest direct peer to the Spectrum Controls Universal Industrial Gateway product line, both offering multi-protocol bridging for heterogeneous industrial networks.
• Moxa: Industrial networking and IIoT gateway manufacturer with deep protocol conversion (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) and edge connectivity offerings. Direct peer in protocol gateways and serial-to-Ethernet bridging for industrial automation applications.

Regional players

• Beckhoff Automation: EtherCAT-based automation platform vendor with TwinCAT, I/O, and PC-based control. Compares to Spectrum Controls as a major industrial automation hardware supplier, though primarily competing in PC/CAT control rather than Rockwell-licensed add-ons.

Emerging players

• Opto 22: Industrial I/O, controller, and IoT platform vendor (Snap Pac, groov Epic). Comparable niche position to Spectrum Controls as a smaller specialist in third-party automation I/O that addresses gaps in major OEM catalogs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SpectrumCtrls
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SpectrumControls
• Facebookfacebook.com/SpectrumControlsInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spectrum-controls

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spectrum Controls