ABB AI810

The **AI810** is an **8-channel analog input module** belonging to the **S800 I/O** system under ABB's **AC 800M** series programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Its primary function is to convert continuous analog signals from field sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, level) into digital signals for the CPU (e.g., PM851, PM856, PM861) to read and process. It is a key interface module in the field of process automation.
### Detailed Functional Introduction and Features
1.  **Signal Acquisition**: Supports various types of analog input signals, depending on the **Signal Type Module (FTA)** used. Common types include:
    *   **Voltage signals**: e.g., ±1V, ±5V, ±10V
    *   **Current signals**: e.g., 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA (most commonly used)
    *   **Resistance signals**: e.g., Pt100, Pt1000 RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors)
    *   **Thermocouple signals**: e.g., Types J, K, T, S, R, B, N, etc. (requires specific FTA)
2.  **High Accuracy and Resolution**: Provides high-precision analog-to-digital conversion, ensuring accurate and reliable process measurement. Resolution is typically up to 16 bits.
3.  **Channel-to-Channel Isolation**: **The AI810 module itself does not provide channel-to-channel isolation.** Critical **signal conditioning and isolation functions are provided by the front-connected** Field Termination Assembly (**FTA**). The FTA (e.g., **SD821, SD822**, etc.) is responsible for providing electrical isolation, signal filtering, and type configuration for each channel. This is a key feature of the S800 I/O system.
4.  **Configurability**: The signal type for each channel (current, voltage, RTD, TC, etc.) is not set via dip switches on the module itself. Instead, it is configured by **inserting different signal conditioning submodules into the FTA** and setting the parameters in the control software. This method is highly flexible.
5.  **Diagnostics**: The module features built-in diagnostic functions. It can detect faults such as **wire break (open circuit)**, **short circuit**, and **signal out of range** through software, and report this information to the control system for quick troubleshooting.
6.  **Hot Swap Support**: When specific procedures are followed and the system supports it, S800 I/O modules support hot-swapping, allowing faulty modules to be replaced without shutting down the system, thereby improving availability.
### Key Technical Data and Parameters
*   **Product Family**: ABB S800 I/O, for AC 800M PLC systems
*   **Module Type**: Analog Input (AI)
*   **Number of Channels**: **8 channels**
*   **Backplane Communication**: Communicates via the S800 I/O bus with communication modules (e.g., CI851, CI854), which connect to the AC 800M controller.
*   **Accuracy**: High accuracy (refer to manual for specific values, typically better than 0.1%)
*   **Resolution**: Typically 16-bit
*   **Power Supply**: Powered by the S800 I/O base (typically 24V DC)
*   **Configuration**: Configured via the ABB **Control Builder M** (or previously Automation Builder) engineering software for hardware configuration and parameter setting.
*   **Key Dependency**: Must be used with a corresponding **FTA** (Field Termination Assembly, e.g., SD821, SD822) and **specific signal conditioning submodules** to function properly.
### Typical Application Scenarios
The AI810 is widely used in process industries and large SCADA systems that require extensive analog signal acquisition:
*   **Chemical Industry**: Reactor temperature (TC/RTD), pipeline pressure (4-20mA), flow (4-20mA) monitoring.
*   **Oil and Gas**: Tank level measurement, pump station discharge pressure monitoring.
*   **Water Treatment Industry**: pH value, turbidity, level, flow monitoring.
*   **Pharmaceutical Industry**: Cleanroom ambient temperature and humidity monitoring, fermenter process control.
*   **Power Industry**: Temperature, pressure, and flow signal acquisition in thermal power plants.
### Important Considerations
1.  **Must be Used with an FTA**: The **AI810 module itself cannot be wired directly**. It must be mounted on top of a dedicated **FTA (e.g., SD821)**. Field sensor cables are connected to the FTA, which then connects to the AI810 module via a rear connector.
2.  **Signal Type Determined by FTA**: The type of signal measured (e.g., 4-20mA or Pt100) depends on which signal conditioning submodule is installed in each channel of the FTA.
3.  **Software Configuration**: In Control Builder M, the module model in the hardware catalog, the FTA type, and parameters for each channel (signal type, range, filter time, etc.) must be correctly configured.
4.  **System Compatibility**: It is part of the AC 800M controller system. It cannot operate independently nor be used directly with other brands of PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation).
### Summary
The **ABB AI810** is a high-performance, highly reliable, and flexible 8-channel analog input module. It is a core I/O component of ABB's large-scale DCS and process automation control systems (like AC 800M). Its **"Module + FTA"** design philosophy provides excellent signal processing capability and isolation protection, making it ideally suited for complex and critical process measurement applications in harsh industrial environments.
If you need to expand analog input points for an ABB AC 800M system, the AI810 is a classic choice. If you need this product, feel free to contact us!