1768-L43 & L45 CompactLogix w Kinetix

This is taken from a previous thread:
"With the 1768-L43/45 processors, there is another buss where communications cards can be added to the left of the processor. I believe at this point, there can be a maximum of 2 communications cards on the 1768 buss (left side of the processor), but they are currently working on expanding that to 4 cards."

The local AB rep stopped by today and showed me the Kinetix 2000 system demo.
I've wanted to use it for a while (ever since I heard about it) so now I did get a chance to look at the real thing.
Since most stuff goes up to 4 axes I'll be fine with the old L43 and the Kinetix 2000 since we don't do high KW applications.
Kinetix 2000 is a bit cheaper as well.

My question since the rep couldn't give me a straight answer right away.
In order to do 8 axes with an L45 I'd need 2 sercos modules which means if the left side expansion is still limited to ONLY 2 modules, there goes my Ethernet/IP.

Could anyone (probably Ken R) give me a pretty straight forward answer at this time???

ONLY 2 modules on the left of an L45 or have they bumped it up to 4??

Definitely keep working with your local rep (especially if he has a motion specialist on staff) to size and scope the controller that's right for your application. The "Kinetix Accelerator" toolkit is really excellent for sizing and scoping Logix-based motion systems.

The bus capacities of the two 1769-L4x CompactLogix controllers are:

(2) 1768 modules : 1769-L43 controller : (16) 1769 modules
(4) 1768 modules : 1769-L45 controller : (30) 1769 modules

My reference is the CompactLogix Selection Guide, 1769-SG001.

An 8-axis system with two 1768-M04SE motion modules and a 1768-ENBT EtherNet/IP module is within the capabilities of the 1769-L45 controller. There's more to be considered, about network capacity and user memory and expansion I/O, but just based on your motion and network needs, the L45 sounds like it can do the job.

Sounds great.
I knew I'd get a quick answer on here!

Thanks.