Purchase now: Allen Bradley 1746-NI16V Analog Voltage Module
Purchase now: Atlantechdrives provides you the 1746-NI16V, a premium high-density analog input module designed by Allen Bradley for the SLC 500 system. While its sibling (the NI16I) handles current, the 1746-NI16V is engineered specifically to process continuous analog voltage signals. Providing 16 individual input channels in a single slot, this module is the ultimate solution for applications requiring the monitoring of multiple 0-10V DC or +/- 10V DC signals. It is widely used in automated test stands, web tensioning systems, dancer roll monitoring, and environments where multiple potentiometers, ultrasonic distance sensors, or VFD speed references need to be read simultaneously by the programmable logic controller.
Technical Specifications of the 1746-NI16V
The 1746-NI16V offers unparalleled precision in the SLC 500 lineup. It translates fluctuating DC voltages into 16-bit integer values, allowing the processor to execute highly sensitive PID loops and mathematical calculations. The module features programmable low-pass filters to smooth out erratic sensor readings directly at the hardware level.
- Part Number: 1746-NI16V
- Module Type: High-Density Analog Input
- Signal Type: Voltage (V DC) Only
- Number of Channels: 16 Single-ended inputs
- Input Range: +/- 10V DC, 0 to 10V DC, 1 to 5V DC, 0 to 5V DC
- Resolution: 16-bit
- Input Impedance: 1 Megohm (High impedance)
- Backplane Current Draw: 125 mA at 5V DC, 75 mA at 24V DC
- Isolation: Optical isolation between backplane and field wiring
Expert Tips: Managing Voltage Drop on Long Cable Runs
Voltage analog signals are highly sensitive to wire resistance. Expert Tip: Unlike 4-20mA current loops which maintain their signal strength over long distances, a 0-10V DC signal will experience «voltage drop» if the cable run from the sensor to the 1746-NI16V is too long or the wire gauge is too thin. If a sensor sends 10.0V, but the wire resistance consumes 0.5V, the PLC will only read 9.5V, causing a significant scaling error in your SCADA or HMI. For runs exceeding 50 feet (15 meters), you should either increase the wire thickness (use 18 AWG instead of 22 AWG shielded cable) or consider using a signal conditioner at the sensor to convert the 0-10V signal into a 4-20mA signal, routing it to a current module instead.
Installation and Configuration Advice
The 1746-NI16V does not use physical DIP switches for configuration. All channel setups—including input range (+/-10V, 0-5V, etc.) and digital filtering—are configured entirely via software using RSLogix 500. When setting up the module in the I/O Configuration tree, ensure you select the correct data format (Engineering Units, Scaled for PID, or Proportional Counts) to match your mathematical logic. Always install the module in an SLC chassis slot that is furthest away from the AC power supply to minimize internal electrical noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does «Single-Ended» mean for this module?
A: «Single-ended» means that all 16 input channels share a common ground (V DC Common). You wire the positive voltage from the sensor to the channel terminal (e.g., IN0) and the negative to the shared common. This differs from differential modules, which use two dedicated wires per channel for higher noise immunity.
Q: Will this module read a thermocouple or RTD?
A: No. Thermocouples generate extremely low millivolt signals that require specialized cold-junction compensation. You must use a dedicated 1746-NT4 or 1746-NT8 module for direct temperature probes.
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For voltage monitoring requirements, consider the 1746-NI8 8-channel version if fewer points are needed.
