A-B 1746-NR8 SLC 500™ RTD/Resistance Input Module

Overview

This chapter describes the 8-channel 1746-NR8 RTD/Resistance Input

Module and explains how the SLC controller gathers RTD (Resistance

Temperature Detector) temperature or resistance-initiated analog input from

the module. Included is:

· a general description of the module’s hardware and software features

· an overview of system operation

For the rest of the manual, the 1746-NR8 RTD/Resistance Input Module is

referred to as simply the RTD module.

The RTD module receives and stores digitally converted analog data from

RTDs or other resistance inputs such as potentiometers into its image table for

retrieval by all fixed and modular SLC 500 processors. An RTD consists of a

temperature-sensing element connected by 2. 3. or 4 wires that provide input

to the RTD module. The module supports connections from any combination

of up to eight RTDs of various types (for example: platinum, nickel, copper, or

nickel-iron) or other resistance inputs.

Description

The RTD module supplies a small current to each RTD connected to the

module inputs (up to 8 input channels). The module provides on-board

scaling and converts RTD input to temperature (°C, °F) or reports resistance

input in ohms.

Each input channel is individually configurable for a specific input device.

Broken sensor detection (open- or short-circuit) is provided for each input

channel. In addition, the module provides indication if the input signal is

out-of-range. For more detail on module functionality, refer to the subsection

entitled System Overview later in this chapter.

General Diagnostic Features

The RTD module contains diagnostic features that can be used to help you

identify the source of problems that may occur during power up or during

normal channel operation. These power-up and channel diagnostics are

explained in Chapter 6. Module Diagnostics and Troubleshooting.

The RTD module communicates to the SLC 500 processor through the

parallel backplane interface and receives +5V dc and +24V dc power from the

SLC 500 power supply through the backplane. No external power supply is

required. You may install as many RTD modules in your system as the power

supply can support, as shown in the illustration below.

System Overview

Each individual channel on the RTD module can receive input signals from 2.

3 or 4-wire RTD sensors or from resistance input devices. You configure each

channel to accept either input. When configured for RTD input types, the

module converts the RTD readings into linearized, digital temperature

readings in °C or °F. When configured for resistance inputs, the module

provides a linear resistance value in ohms.