Product Description
I. Product Overview
1746SC - INO4I is a high-performance analog output module launched by Allen - Bradley, a brand under Rockwell Automation. It is specifically designed for the SLC 500 series of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems. In the process of industrial automation, it plays an extremely important role. Its main responsibility is to accurately convert the digital signals inside the PLC into analog current signals for output, thereby achieving precise control of various actuators and ensuring the stability and efficiency of industrial production processes. From precision machinery manufacturing to complex chemical processes, from efficient warehousing and logistics to strict food and beverage production, this module ensures the accurate operation of equipment in all links with its excellent performance and is an indispensable key component in industrial automation control systems.

II. Functional Features
Multi-channel independent output: It has 4 independent analog output channels, each of which can work independently and drive 4 different actuators at the same time, meeting the diverse control needs in complex industrial control systems. For example, in an automated production line, it can control regulating valves, frequency converters and other equipment at different stations respectively, realizing refined control of the production process and greatly improving the control flexibility and efficiency of the system.
Wide range of output signals: It supports a variety of common output signal ranges, including 0 - 20mA, 0 - 21mA, and 4 - 20mA, and can perfectly adapt to various industrial on - site equipment. Whether driving small electric valves or large industrial pumps, it can provide stable and appropriate current signals to ensure the normal operation of the equipment, effectively reducing equipment failures or performance degradation caused by signal mismatch.
High resolution and high precision: It has a 16 - bit resolution, which means it can output extremely delicate analog signals. Corresponding to each digital quantity change, the change of the output signal is as low as 366nA (current) or 320μV (voltage), thus achieving high - precision control. In industrial scenarios with extremely high requirements for control precision, such as precision etching processes in semiconductor manufacturing, it can accurately control the working parameters of etching equipment to ensure the consistency and stability of product quality. Its output accuracy can reach 0.10% - 0.35%, effectively reducing control errors and ensuring that the production process is strictly carried out in accordance with preset standards.
Strong isolation performance: The module adopts advanced electrical isolation technology internally, and the isolation voltage between channels and between on - site wiring and the backplane is as high as 750V DC. This strong isolation performance can effectively block electrical interference between different circuits, prevent signal distortion or misoperation caused by interference, and avoid the spread of faults between different modules, greatly improving the reliability and stability of the system. Even in industrial sites with complex electromagnetic environments, it can run stably.
Automatic calibration and safety protection: It has an automatic calibration function, which can regularly self - calibrate the output signal to ensure the accuracy and stability of the output during long - term operation and reduce the workload and cost of manual calibration. In addition, it also has a built - in perfect safety protection mechanism. For example, overcurrent protection can prevent damage to the module due to load short circuit or excessive current; overvoltage protection can cope with abnormal high - voltage input to protect internal precision components; in case of failure, the output safety state can be set through programming to avoid production accidents caused by module failure, comprehensively ensuring the safe operation of the system.
Flexible configuration and programming: It supports software configuration. Users can flexibly set parameters such as the output range and output limit of each channel through programming software according to actual needs, so as to quickly and conveniently adapt to different industrial control scenarios. At the same time, during the operation of the system, the configuration can also be adjusted in real time according to the actual production situation, which enhances the scalability and adaptability of the system and provides strong support for the optimization and upgrading of industrial automation production.
Good environmental adaptability: Designed in accordance with industrial - grade standards, it can work stably in the temperature range of 0℃ - 60℃, is not affected by the relative humidity of 5% - 95% (non - condensing), and has certain vibration and impact resistance. Whether in high - temperature steel smelting workshops, humid food processing environments, or mining sites with strong vibration, 1746SC - INO4I can run reliably, ensuring the continuity and stability of industrial production.

III. Technical Parameters
Output parameters:
Number of output channels: 4 independent analog output channels.
Output signal range: 0 - 20mA, 0 - 21mA, 4 - 20mA.
Resolution: 16 - bit, corresponding to a current change of 366nA/count and a voltage change of 320μV/count.
Output accuracy: 0.10% - 0.35%.
Maximum update time: 33.7 milliseconds when all 4 channels are parallel, ensuring quick response to control commands.
Step response time: 1 millisecond, which can quickly respond to changes in control signals to ensure the timeliness of equipment actions.
Electrical parameters:
Power supply: It can obtain 5V DC power through the backplane and also support 24V DC external power supply, flexibly meeting the needs of different system architectures.
Backplane current consumption: At 5V DC, it is about a certain value (the specific value varies slightly according to data), which imposes a small burden on the system power supply.
Isolation voltage: 750V DC isolation between channels, 750V DC isolation between on - site wiring and the backplane, effectively isolating electrical interference.
Input impedance: For current input, it is less than 250 ohms; for voltage input (if there is a related function), it is greater than 220 kiloohms.
Input overcurrent protection: It can withstand 33mA continuous current and 70mA transient current to prevent damage to the module by abnormal current.
Physical parameters:
Dimensions: The length, width, height and other dimensions are compact. For example, the length is about 140mm (5.5 inches), the width is about 85mm (3.35 inches), and the height is about 140mm (5.7 inches). It is convenient to install in a rack with limited space, compatible with the dimensions of other modules in the SLC 500 series, and easy for system integration.
Weight: About 0.62kg - 0.68kg, with a moderate weight, convenient for manual installation and handling.
Environmental parameters:
Operating temperature: 0℃ - 60℃ (32°F - 140°F), exceeding this range may affect the performance and service life of the module.
Storage temperature: -40℃ - 85℃, it can be stored for a long time within this temperature range to ensure that the performance is not affected during subsequent use.
Relative humidity: 5% - 95% (non - condensing), avoiding electrical short circuits caused by moisture and ensuring normal operation in different humidity environments.
Vibration resistance: It can withstand vibration with an amplitude of 0.38mm in the frequency range of 10 - 55Hz, adapting to the vibration environment generated by the operation of industrial equipment.
Impact resistance: It can withstand an impact with a peak acceleration of 15g (duration 11ms) to prevent damage to internal circuits and components due to accidental impact.
Other parameters:
Certification: It has passed international authoritative certifications such as UL, CSA, and CE, meets international standards in terms of safety, quality, and environmental protection, and can be widely used in various industrial projects worldwide.
Module status indication: Equipped with multiple status LED indicators, which intuitively display the working status of the module and each channel. For example, a steady green light indicates normal operation, and a flashing red light indicates a fault, which is convenient for operators to quickly judge the operation of the module and carry out daily maintenance and fault troubleshooting.

IV. Application Scenarios
Automated production lines in manufacturing: In the body welding workshop of an automobile manufacturing plant, 1746SC - INO4I can be used to control the welding current of welding robots. By accurately outputting analog current signals, adjusting the working parameters of welding equipment, it ensures the consistency and stability of weld quality, improves welding efficiency and product quality, and ensures the efficient and stable operation of the production line. In electronic equipment manufacturing, it can control the nozzle pressure of the placement machine, and through accurate analog output, realize the accurate grasping and placement of tiny electronic components, meeting the needs of high - precision control in electronic product manufacturing.
Chemical process control: In the temperature control system of a reactor in a chemical enterprise, 1746SC - INO4I can output analog current signals to control the power of heating or cooling equipment according to the control instructions of the PLC. By accurately adjusting the temperature of the reactor, it ensures that the chemical reaction is carried out under optimal conditions, improves product yield and quality, and avoids safety accidents caused by improper temperature control. In the chemical material conveying system, it can control the opening of the regulating valve, accurately adjust the material flow according to the production process requirements, and realize the automation and refined control of the chemical production process.
Warehousing and logistics automation: In an automated three - dimensional warehouse, 1746SC - INO4I can be used to control the running speed of the stacker. By outputting different analog current signals, adjusting the rotation speed of the stacker motor, it realizes the fast and accurate storage and sorting of goods, improves the operation efficiency of the warehousing and logistics system, and reduces the cargo damage rate. On the automatic sorting line, it can control the action force of the sorting equipment, and accurately adjust the output force of the actuator according to the characteristics of the goods such as weight and material, ensuring that the goods can be accurately sorted to the corresponding positions.
Food and beverage production: In the beverage filling production line, 1746SC - INO4I can control the filling volume of the filling machine. By accurately outputting analog current signals, adjusting the opening of the filling valve and the filling time, it ensures that the filling volume of each bottle of beverage meets the standard, avoiding product quality problems and material waste caused by inaccurate filling volume. In the food processing process, it can control the temperature and humidity of food baking equipment, and accurately adjust the working state of heating elements and humidifying equipment through analog output signals, ensuring the hygiene and safety of the food processing process and improving food quality.