Allen Bradley 1746-NI8 Analog Input Module



Allen Bradley 1746-NI8 Analog Input Module

Product Core Positioning and Characteristics 

（1） Basic positioning

1746-NI8 is an 8-channel analog input module of the SLC 500 series, used to collect DC voltage or current signals from industrial sites (such as sensor and transmitter outputs), convert analog signals into digital signals recognizable by PLC through built-in analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, achieve equipment status monitoring and process control, and adapt to fixed and modular SLC 500 processors.

（2） Core functions and hardware features

Category specific description

Hardware design -8 high impedance input channels, supporting single ended or differential wiring;

-Comes with a detachable terminal block (spare part number 1746-RT25G) for easy wiring and maintenance;

-The panel contains 9 green LED indicator lights: 8 channel status lights (corresponding to 8 input channels), 1 module status light, which intuitively displays the operation and fault status;

-Side mounted DIP switch for selecting channel input type (voltage/current).

System compatibility - supports two interface modes, Class 1 and Class 3:

-Class 1 (default): Suitable for SLC 500 fixed type, SLC 5/01/02/03/04 processors, occupying 8 output configuration words and 8 input data words;

-Class 3 (Advanced): Only compatible with SLC 5/02/03/04 processors, with additional support for user-defined scaling and channel status word monitoring, occupying 12 output configuration words and 16 input words (including 8 data words and 8 status words).

Key feature - Automatic calibration: All enabled channels undergo continuous temperature compensation and automatic calibration without the need for manual triggering;

-Fault diagnosis: supports fault detection such as open circuit, over range, and configuration errors, and provides feedback through LED and status words;

-Filtering function: Programmable digital low-pass filtering (8 frequencies to choose from), balancing noise suppression and response speed.

Quick Start Guide

For users with experience using SLC 500, a simplified deployment process is provided, with the following core steps:

Equipment preparation: Screwdrivers, analog input devices (such as sensors), shielded cables (recommended Belden 8761), SLC processors and power supplies, and programming equipment (such as RSLogix 500) need to be prepared.

Hardware inspection: Confirm that the packaging contains 1746-NI8 modules and pre installed terminal blocks. If missing, please contact the supplier.

Power compatibility: The module is powered through the backplane and consumes 5V DC 200mA and 24V DC 100mA. It is necessary to ensure that the chassis power load is sufficient (refer to manual 1747-6.2 to calculate the total load).

DIP switch setting: Adjust the side DIP switch (OFF=voltage, ON=current) according to the input type (voltage/current).

Module installation: Insert the chassis into any non processor slot while powered off (it is recommended to install it in the rightmost slot in high-temperature environments for higher temperature tolerance), and tighten the self-locking buckle.

Wiring: Use shielded cables to connect the sensor to the terminal block. Single ended signals can be short circuited to the common terminal, while differential signals should pay attention to the common mode voltage (≤± 10.5V). The shielding layer should be grounded at one end (channels 0-3 should be connected to the top shielding terminal, and channels 4-7 should be connected to the bottom).

System configuration: Set the module ID code (3526 for Class 1 and 12726 for Class 3) through programming software. Class 3 requires an additional configuration of 16 input words and 12 output words.

Channel configuration: Define channel configuration words (such as input type, data format, filtering frequency) in the ladder program, and download them to the module output image area through the COPY instruction.

Startup verification: It is normal for the module status light and the enabled channel light to remain on after power on; If the light flashes or does not light up, refer to Chapter 7 for troubleshooting.

Installation and wiring

（1） Installation specifications

Static protection: Wear a grounding wristband during operation to avoid touching the back panel pins, and store in an anti-static bag when idle.

Slot selection:

Modular chassis: can be installed in any slot except slot 0 (processor slot);

Fixed expansion chassis (1746-A2): Please refer to the compatibility table (if combined with OB16 module, confirm current load), and some combinations require external power supply.

Temperature adaptation: The working temperature of the regular slot is 0-55 ℃, and the rightmost slot is 0-60 ℃. Avoid approaching high heating modules (such as 32 point I/O modules) or strong interference sources (such as frequency converters).

Installation steps: Align the upper and lower guide slots of the chassis, slowly push them into the buckle lock, and install the 1746-N2 filling plate in the idle slot.

（2） Wiring requirements

Specification for Wiring Types

The terminal block has 18 detachable terminals, including 2 shielded terminals, supporting up to 14 AWG wires, and terminal screw torque ≤ 5 lb in (0.565 Nm).

The single ended input signal is connected positively to CHx (+) and negatively to CHx (-), and the multi-channel common terminal can be short circuited to reduce wiring.

The common mode voltage of the differential input signal source should be ≤± 10.5V. It is forbidden to connect the common terminal of the signal source to the module to avoid grounding loops.

The power module does not provide sensor power and needs to be separately matched with a DC power supply of the transmitter specifications (such as 24V DC).

Run basic configuration

（1） Module identification and addressing

ID code setting: The corresponding ID code (Class 1:3526, Class 3:12726) needs to be entered in the programming software. Early versions of RSLogix 500 only supported Class 1 and need to be upgraded to v1.30+to support Class 3.

Memory Mapping:

Class 1: Output image O: e.0-O: e.7 consists of 8 channel configuration words, while input image I: e.0-I: e.7 consists of 8 channel data words;

Class 3: The output image contains an additional O: e.8-O: e.11 (2 sets of scaling upper and lower limits), and the input image I: e.8-I: e.15 consists of 8 channel status words.

（2） Key parameter calculation

Module update time: The total sampling conversion time for all enabled channels is 0.75ms for a single channel and 6.0ms for 8-channel full configuration (independent of filtering frequency).

Channel response time:

Start time (enable until status word update): 101-107ms;

Shutdown time (from disabled to data reset): 1-7ms;

Reconfigure time (modify configuration): 101-107ms (excluding data format modifications).

Filtering and Anti aliasing:

The filtering frequency determines the step response (such as achieving 1% accuracy in 730ms for 1Hz filtering, and only 0.5ms without filtering);

Aliasing frequency=1/(number of enabled channels x 0.00075), channel 1 is 1333Hz, and channel 8 is 167Hz. It is necessary to ensure that the signal frequency is lower than the aliasing frequency.

Channel configuration and data processing

（1） Detailed Explanation of Configuration Words

Each channel configuration word (16 bits) defines the channel working mode, and the key bits have the following meanings:

Description of Range Function Options

The voltage (± 10V/1-5V/0-5V/0-10V) and current (0-20mA/4-20mA/± 20mA/0-1mA) of the 0-2 input type should be consistent with the DIP switch

3-5 data format engineering unit (1mV/1 μ A step) Scaled-for-PID（0-16383）、 Proportional counting (-32768-32767), NI4 compatible format, Class 3 user-defined

6-7 open circuit state is only valid for 4-20mA, with optional zero value, upper limit value, and lower limit value

8-10 filtering frequency 000=no filtering, 001=75Hz, 010=50Hz, 011=20Hz, 100=10Hz, 101=5Hz, 110=2Hz, 111=1Hz

11 channel enable 1=enabled (participating in sampling), 0=disabled (data reset)

12-15 reservation needs to be set to 0

（2） Data scaling

The digital output of the module needs to be converted into actual engineering units (such as temperature and pressure), supporting multiple scaling methods. Examples are as follows:

Engineering unit: directly corresponding to physical quantities (such as 4-20mA corresponding to 100-500 ℃, data word 5500 → 247.5 ℃);

Scaled for PID: adapted to SLC PID instructions, 0 corresponds to lower limit, 16383 corresponds to upper limit (e.g. 4-20mA corresponds to 212-932 ° F, data word 5500 → 453.71 ° F);

User defined (Class 3): Set two sets of zoom ranges through O: e.8-O: e.11 and map them proportionally (e.g. 0-10V corresponds to 0-200psi, data word 16600 → 166psi).

（3） Status word monitoring (Class 3)

The input images I: e.8-I: e.15 are channel status words, and the key bits provide feedback on the operating status

Position 0-2: Current input type;

Position 3-5: Current data format;

Bit 11: Channel enable status (1=enabled);

Bit 12: Open circuit error (1=detected);

Bit 13: Over range error (1=input exceeds upper limit);

Bit 14: Under range error (1=input exceeds lower limit);

Bit 15: Configuration error (1=invalid configuration word).

Example of trapezoidal logic

Provide ladder diagram examples of typical programming scenarios, including:

Initialization configuration: Use the first scan bit (S: 1/15) to copy the preset configuration word (stored in the N10 file) to the module output image area (such as O: 3.0-O:3.7) through the COP instruction, and batch enable 8 channels.

PID interface: Set the channel data to Scaled for PID format and directly use it as a process variable (PV) for PID instructions without intermediate scaling (e.g. I: 3.0 → PID control block N11:23).

Fault alarm: Monitor the open circuit error bit of the Class 3 status word (such as I: 3.8/12), trigger the output point (such as O: 2.0) to drive the alarm light.

Diagnosis and troubleshooting

（1） LED status interpretation

Solution to the cause of module status light channel status light malfunction

Always on, always on. Normal operation without operation required

Constant flashing, open circuit/over range/configuration error 1. Check wiring and sensors; 2. Confirm that the configuration word is valid; 3. Check the status word to locate the error type

Extinguish module fault/not powered on 1. Check the power supply of the backplane; 2. Re plug and unplug the module; 3. Contact technical support

Constant on/off channel not enabled. Set bit 11=1 in the configuration word to enable channel

（2） Common troubleshooting

Open circuit error: Only 4-20mA channel, check for sensor disconnection, loose terminals, response time ≤ 6ms (8-channel full configuration).

Over range error: Input signal exceeds the configured type range (such as 4-20mA channel input<3.5mA or>20.5mA), calibrate sensor or adjust configuration.

Configuration error: The configuration word position setting is invalid (such as setting the data format to 110), and the configuration word needs to be redefined.

Noise interference: If the analog signal fluctuates greatly, check the shielding grounding, stay away from the power line, or reduce the filtering frequency (if set to 1Hz).

（3） Spare parts and support

Replaceable spare parts: terminal block (1746-RT25G), terminal cover (1746-R13), manual (1746-6.8);

Technical support: Module fault symptoms, LED status, image data, processor model and firmware version are required. Contact Allen Bradley customer service (Americas: 1-888-565-4155; Europe:+800-44444-8001; Asia:+86-400-842-8599).

Application examples

Provide two practical cases covering both basic and advanced scenarios:

Basic case: Monitoring single-phase motor current, 4-20mA signal corresponding to 0-100A, channel 0 set as engineering unit+10Hz filtering, program converts data into BCD format to drive LED display screen (TOD command required).

Advanced case: Multi parameter monitoring (three-phase motor current, tank pressure, liquid level), switching the display current phase sequence through a selection switch, triggering high and low level alarms when the liquid level exceeds the limit, and configuring different input types (current/voltage) for each of the 5 channels.