Universal_Analog_Input_Cards.pdf
Transcript:
[0m:4s] Hi I'm Josh Bloom, welcome to another video in the RSPSupply education series. If you find that these videos are helpful to you, it certainly helps us out if you could give us a big thumbs up and subscribe to our channel.
[0m:16s] In today's video, we're going to be talking about a piece of hardware that is used in the industrial automation space to collect important information that can help run some of our world's most critical infrastructure. I am talking about a device that interfaces with a PLC, that is specifically designed to collect analog data.
[0m:38s] These devices are commonly referred to as modules or cards.
[0m:44s] However, the analog module we are going to be talking about today is a bit different than many of the other types that you might commonly find.
[0m:53s] In most cases, when using an analog module, it is intended to collect one type of analog data. For example, it would be very common for an analog input card to receive data via 4 to 20 milliamp signals. Other types of analog input modules might collect voltage signals, and others might collect other types of analog data. There are several different ways that this critical information can be collected by various types of analog input modules. The type of module we are going to be talking about is a universal analog input module.
[1m:34s] We hope that by the end of this video, you have a better understanding of how these types of modules function
[1m:41s] and in what areas they are most commonly used, and also what types of analog signals they work with. As always, the information provided in this video is intended to provide a basic overview and does not cover every type of universal analog card.
[1m:59s] If you have questions about the hardware that you are working with, or your specific situation, it is recommended that you seek the help of a qualified person who can assist you with your specific situation.
[2m:12s] With that said, let's look at this hardware more closely so that we can gain a better understanding of how they're used.
[2m:19s] As the name suggests, universal analog input cards are intended to be able to work with many different types of analog data signals. As mentioned before, there are several different types of analog data signals that can be used, such as 4 to 20 milliamp signals, voltage signals, also various temperature signals, like RTDs and thermocouples.
[2m:44s] This range of potential analog data can make it difficult to select the correct hardware for your specific application.
[2m:52s] Especially in situations where you might have multiple types of analog input data.
[2m:58s] Let's use an example where you might be monitoring some 4 to 20 milliamp signals as well as some temperature signals using thermocouples. If traditional analog cards are used in this scenario, it is likely you would need two different types of modules: one designed for 4 to 20 milliamp current signals,
[3m:19s] and the other designed to work with thermocouples. By using a universal analog type card, you gain the ability to collect both types of data on one card without the need to purchase two different types of modules. By using a universal analog module, it provides a level of flexibility on selecting hardware with multiple types of data. The cost savings can be significant when considering that analog input modules are typically one of the more expensive pieces of hardware used in PLCs because of their complexity. While universal style cards are not always the best solution, especially in situations where only one type of analog input data is being collected,
[4m:3s] they can be a great option in many different scenarios by offering the flexibility needed to collect different types of input data.
[4m:12s] Not all PLCs provide the option for this type of hardware. In most cases, these modules are only available in chassis-based PLC systems.
[4m:24s] Most fully integrated IO PLCs do not offer this type of flexibility.
[4m:30s] For example, something like a SCADA pack would not typically offer a universal option. In most cases, these fully integrated PLCs will expect one type of input data, typically some type of current or voltage signal. With that being said, universal analog input modules offer a great solution in situations where several types of input data need to be collected, and in many cases can save a significant amount of time and money depending on your specific application. For a full line of industrial electrical hardware, as well as thousands of
other products, please go to our website. For more information or other educational videos, go to RSPSupply.com, the Internet's top source for industrial hardware. Also, don't forget:
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