Feimu Technology Company has specially prepared an extremely compact analog quantity combination module for overseas industrial automation professionals in the classic SLC 500 system - Allen Bradley 1746-IO4. As those who have dealt with system configuration know, sometimes the space in the rack is extremely limited. You want to connect two input sensors and control two output devices. Plugging in two boards would be a waste of slots. We recommend this hybrid analog quantity module that can both input and output to you, in order to help you perfectly meet the dual requirements of input and output in the limited cabinet space. One board can do the job of two.
The greatest advantage of this Allen Bradley 1746-IO4 is "terminal maintenance" and "appearance cleaning". Many modules sold elsewhere have screws rusted so badly that they can't be tightened at all. Here, before shipment, we will drip a special rust remover and lubricant into each screw hole to ensure a smooth connection process for you. If the old labels on the shell are not removed cleanly, we will use professional solvents to wipe them clean, making them look brand new in your hand.
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Product Series |
Allen-Bradley 1746-NO8V |
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Type |
Analog Output Module |
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Number of Channels |
8 Single-Ended Outputs |
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Output Signal |
Voltage (e.g., 0-10V, 1-5V, depending on jumper configuration) |
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Resolution |
Typically 14-bit or 15-bit |
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Backplane Current Load |
Extremely Low (Minimal impact on power supply) |
This Allen Bradley 1746-IO4 is used in an extremely wide range of applications. The most common ones include signal simulation for small test benches, tension feedback and control for packaging machinery, and some simple position control systems. As long as it's a situation with a small number of points, but where both signal collection and control instructions need to be given, this module is definitely the first choice. It is an all-round partner for small automation systems.
The Allen Bradley 1746-IO4 is a combination analog module. It provides 2 input channels and 2 output channels in a single module. Refer to these specifications for proper configuration.
Input specifications:
Number of inputs: 2 channels, differential
Input signal types: 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-10V, ±10V (user configurable)
Input resolution: 16 bits
Input accuracy: ±0.1% of full range at 25°C
Input impedance: > 10 MΩ (voltage mode) / 250 Ω (current mode)
Output specifications:
Number of outputs: 2 channels
Output signal types: 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-10V, ±10V (user configurable)
Output resolution: 14 bits
Output accuracy: ±0.2% of full range at 25°C
Minimum load resistance: 1 kΩ (voltage mode)
Maximum load resistance: 600Ω (current mode)
General specifications:
Backplane current draw: 150mA at 5V DC
Operating temperature: 0°C to 60°C
Storage temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Certifications: UL, cUL, CE
Module type: Combination analog (2 inputs + 2 outputs)
The 1746-IO4 uses a detachable terminal block. Correct wiring is essential for accurate readings and stable outputs.
Input wiring (current mode – 4-20mA): Connect the transmitter positive wire to IN+. Connect the transmitter negative wire to IN-. The module reads the voltage drop across a 250Ω internal resistor. The transmitter must be loop-powered from an external supply. The module does not provide loop power.
Input wiring (voltage mode – 0-10V): Connect the signal positive wire to IN+. Connect the signal negative wire to IN-. Input impedance is greater than 10 MΩ. This prevents signal loading. Use shielded cable for voltage signals over 10 meters.
Output wiring (current mode – 4-20mA): Connect the positive wire to OUT+. Connect the negative wire to OUT-. The module provides the current. No external power supply is needed for the output. The field device must have a resistance between 0Ω and 600Ω.
Output wiring (voltage mode – 0-10V): Connect the positive wire to OUT+. Connect the negative wire to OUT-. The output can drive loads with resistance above 1 kΩ. For loads below 1 kΩ, the output voltage will drop. Check the device specifications before connecting.
Common field issue: The input reads correctly but the output does not control the actuator. Cause: The actuator load is below the minimum resistance for voltage output or above the maximum resistance for current output. Fix: Check the actuator specification sheet. Select the correct output mode (voltage or current) to match the actuator. Change the jumper setting on the module accordingly.
The 1746-IO4 occupies one slot in the SLC 500 rack. Inputs and outputs are mapped to specific addresses in the PLC memory.
Input addresses: The 2 input channels are mapped to 2 words in the input data table. The first channel is usually I:1.0. The second channel is I:1.1. The exact address depends on the slot number.
Output addresses: The 2 output channels are mapped to 2 words in the output data table. The first channel is usually O:1.0. The second channel is O:1.1. The slot number determines the actual address.
Configuration steps in RSLogix 500:
1. Open the I/O Configuration tree.
2. Right-click on the chassis and select "New Module".
3. Select 1746-IO4 from the list.
4. Enter the slot number where the module is installed.
5. Click "OK". The module is added to the configuration.
6. Double-click the module to set input and output ranges for each channel.
Common addressing mistake: Confusing the slot number. The slot number in RSLogix 500 must match the physical slot where the module is inserted. If the slot number is wrong, the controller reads or writes to the wrong memory location. Always verify the slot number against the rack label.
The Allen Bradley 1746-IO4 converts analog signals to digital values and vice versa. Use these examples to set up your system correctly.
Input scaling example: A 4-20mA pressure transmitter sends a 12mA signal. The PLC must display the pressure in PSI. The transmitter range is 0-100 PSI.
Step 1: The 4-20mA range corresponds to PLC values 4000 to 20000 (raw counts). 12mA is 50% of the range. PLC value at 12mA is 12000.
Step 2: Use the SCP (Scale with Parameters) instruction in RSLogix 500.
Step 3: Input is the raw PLC value (12000). Input minimum is 4000. Input maximum is 20000. Output minimum is 0 PSI. Output maximum is 100 PSI.
Step 4: The output shows 50 PSI.
Output scaling example: The PLC must control a valve at 50% opening. The valve accepts 4-20mA. The output module is configured for 4-20mA range.
Step 1: The PLC writes a value between 0 and 16383 to the output word.
Step 2: 4mA corresponds to 0 counts. 20mA corresponds to 16383 counts. 50% opening requires 12mA.
Step 3: 12mA is 50% of the 4-20mA range. PLC value is 8192 counts.
Step 4: Write 8192 to the output address. The valve opens to 50%.
Both examples use common settings. Adjust values based on your transmitter range and actuator specifications.
The 1746-IO4 has LED indicators on the front panel for power, input status, and output status.
Power LED (green): On when backplane power is present. Off indicates no power to the module or module failure.
Input 0 LED (green): On when the input signal is above 0mA or 0V. Flickers with signal changes. Off when no signal is present.
Input 1 LED (green): Same as Input 0 but for the second channel.
Output 0 LED (green): On when the output is active. Brightness indicates output level. Off when no output is commanded.
Output 1 LED (green): Same as Output 0 but for the second channel.
Troubleshooting checklist:
If the Power LED is off: Check that the module is inserted correctly. Check that the rack has power. Check that the power supply is working.
If the Input LED is off but the transmitter has power: Check the wiring from the transmitter to the module. Check that the 250Ω resistor is not damaged. Check that the transmitter is loop-powered correctly.
If the Output LED is on but the field device does not respond: Check the wiring from the module to the field device. Check that the field device input range matches the module output range. Check that the load resistance is within specification.
If the module is not recognized by the controller: Check that the module is correctly added to the I/O configuration. Check that the slot number in the configuration matches the physical slot. Check that the module is fully seated on the backplane.
What Feimu does before shipping: Every 1746-IO4 is tested on an SLC 500 test rack. Both input channels are verified with standard signal sources. Both output channels are verified for correct voltage and current ranges. The configuration is reset to default values. LEDs are confirmed working. The module runs through a 12-hour stabilization test before packaging.
Allen Bradley 1746-IO4 modules are often counterfeited. Use these six checks to verify authenticity.
1. Front panel color: Genuine modules have a specific olive-green color with a matte finish. Counterfeits often use the wrong shade or a glossy surface.
2. Backplane connector pins: All 96 pins must be gold-plated and straight. Gold pins are bright yellow-gold. Tin pins are dull gray. Counterfeit modules often use tin pins.
3. Module weight: Genuine 1746-IO4 weighs approximately 0.4 kg. Counterfeits often feel lighter due to smaller internal components.
4. Terminal block label: The label on the terminal block has the module number 1746-IO4 printed permanently. Counterfeit labels often peel or have blurry printing.
5. Latch mechanism: The top and bottom latches click firmly on genuine modules. On counterfeits, the latches are often loose.
6. Packaging: Genuine packaging has the Rockwell Automation logo on high-quality cardboard. Counterfeit packaging often uses thin cardboard with poor print quality.
Feimu Technology operates from Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China. The company was founded in 2005 and has supplied automation components to customers in over 30 countries.
Years in operation: 20 years as of 2025.
Warehouse: 2000+ square meters. Temperature controlled. Humidity maintained below 60%.
Inventory: 5000+ active SKUs. Includes SLC 500 modules, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, POINT I/O, PanelView HMIs, and drives.
Brands carried: Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE, Schneider.
Export markets: Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Southeast Asia. Over 30 countries.
Testing for 1746-IO4:
- Visual inspection for panel color and latch condition.
- Backplane insertion test. Module recognized by SLC 500 chassis.
- Input channel test: 4-20mA and 0-10V verified on both channels.
- Output channel test: 4-20mA and 0-10V verified on both channels.
- LED function test for all indicators.
- Factory reset performed to clear previous configurations.
Warranty: 12 months from shipment date. Covers manufacturing defects and component failure. Does not cover wiring errors, water damage, or physical impact. Defective modules are replaced. No repair charges.
Contact information:
Email: sales@feimutech.com
WhatsApp: +86 13358323579
Website: www.feimuplc.com
Response time: Within 24 hours. Technical questions typically answered within 12 hours. Include module serial number and application details for faster response.
Address
No. 26, Yuhu Street, Encheng Subdistrict, Enping City, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China
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