Controller & setup
Configuring Analog I/O
For a technician setting up analog input and output channels for devices such as pressure sensors, flow control valves, or variable-speed tooling.
- Step 1.
Review the wiring diagram and module type
Confirm which analog channel corresponds to which physical device. Check the installed module's fixed conversion range from the hardware tables (12-bit AAD04A/ADA02A, 14-bit ADA02B, 16-bit AAD04B) and confirm your field device is compatible with that range.
- Step 2.
Open the analog I/O configuration screen
On the pendant, go to MENU > 5 I/O > TYPE > Analog.
- Step 3.
Assign RACK, SLOT, and CHANNEL
On the config and detail screens, set the RACK, SLOT, and CHANNEL routing so each logical AI/AO port maps to the correct hardware channel. The conversion range itself is fixed by the module hardware, so there isn't a per-channel software range to select.
- Step 4.
Add descriptive comments
Label each analog point with its function on the detail screen for future reference.
- Step 5.
Test an analog output
From the I/O screen, manually set an output value and confirm the connected device responds proportionally using a multimeter or direct observation. Before forcing an output, confirm no one is near the device it drives and that actuating it is safe right now, since forcing an analog output can move a valve, cylinder, or drive without warning.
- Step 6.
Test an analog input
Change the physical input signal and confirm the displayed value on the pendant tracks it correctly. Simulate can be used per Section 6.4/3.1.3 if you need to bench-test logic without the field signal.
- Step 7.
Document the final configuration
Save the analog I/O map, including module type and rack/slot/channel assignments, with the cell's documentation.
Common questions
- How long does Configuring Analog I/O take?
- Configuring Analog I/O is rated Intermediate and takes about 25 minutes across 7 steps.
- What tools do I need?
- You will need Teach pendant, Multimeter, Wiring diagram for the analog devices.
- What should I do before starting?
- Analog I/O module is physically installed and wired. You know the module type installed (for example AAD04A, ADA02A, ADA02B, AAD04B) and its fixed conversion range.
- What is the first step?
- Review the wiring diagram and module type. Confirm which analog channel corresponds to which physical device. Check the installed module's fixed conversion range from the hardware tables (12-bit AAD04A/ADA02A, 14-bit ADA02B, 16-bit AAD04B) and confirm your field device is compatible with that range.