Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ ArmorPoint I/O 4-Ch Analog Current Input Module – IP67 EtherNet/IP 4-20mA

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ is an ArmorPoint I/O Series 4-Channel Analog Current Input Module manufactured by Rockwell Automation, engineered for direct machine-mount installation in harsh industrial environments where traditional panel-enclosed I/O would be impractical. As part of the Bulletin 1738 ArmorPoint family, the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ communicates over EtherNet/IP through an ArmorPoint communications adapter such as the 1738-AENTR, eliminating the need for a protective enclosure by virtue of its rugged IP67-rated die-cast aluminum housing. Each of its four input channels accepts standard 4–20 mA analog current signals from process transmitters—pressure, flow, level, or temperature instruments—and converts them to 12-bit digital values that are made available to a ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller via implicit (I/O) messaging.Designed specifically for distributed I/O architectures, the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ uses sealed M12 (micro-style) circular connectors for both I/O signal wiring and network/power daisy-chaining, dramatically reducing installation time and cabling cost compared with running individual shielded analog homeruns back to a central cabinet. The module is powered from the ArmorPoint backplane supplied by the adapter or an auxiliary 24V DC source through the M12 power connector. On-board status LEDs provide immediate visual indication of module health, network communication state, and individual channel over-range or under-range conditions, facilitating rapid troubleshooting without opening a panel or connecting a laptop.The “/A” revision denotes the current hardware version of the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A, which includes improved EMC immunity and updated componentry over earlier pre-production samples. With an operating temperature range of –20 °C to +60 °C and resistance to high-pressure washdown when properly installed with mating M12 connectors, the module is well suited to food & beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, and bulk-material-handling applications. By placing analog input intelligence right at the measurement point, the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ shortens signal paths, improves noise rejection, and enables truly decentralized control-system design

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Description

 

Technical Specifications

Product Model | 1738-IE4CM12/AManufacturer | Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyProduct Type | ArmorPoint I/O 4-Channel Analog Current Input ModuleNumber of Input Channels | 4 (single-ended, individually configurable)Input Signal Range | 4–20 mA (also supports 0–20 mA scaling in software)Resolution | 12-bit (0.00488 mA per bit for 4–20 mA span ≈ 78 µA/count)Accuracy | ±0.1 % of full scale typical at 25 °C; ±0.3 % over full temp rangeConversion Time | < 5 ms per channel (all 4 channels updated each I/O scan)Input Impedance | 249 Ω (typical for 4–20 mA current loop termination)Connector Type | M12, 5-pin (power/network daisy-chain) and M12, 8-pin (I/O signals) micro-style connectors per ArmorPoint pinoutCommunication Network | EtherNet/IP (via 1738-AENTR or compatible ArmorPoint adapter)Supply Voltage | 24V DC nominal (supplied via ArmorPoint adapter or external 24V DC through M12 power connector), range 18–31.2 V DCIsolation | 500 V DC channel-to-system (functional); 1500 V AC tested for 1 sEnclosure Rating | IP67 / NEMA Type 4X (when mated with proper M12 connectors)Operating Temperature | –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)Storage Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °CRelative Humidity | 5 % to 95 % non-condensingShock / Vibration | 30 g shock, 5 g @ 10–500 Hz vibration per IEC 60068-2Dimensions (L × W × H) | 88.9 × 30.5 × 15.2 mm (3.5 × 1.2 × 0.6 in.)Weight | Approx. 95 g (0.21 lb)Certifications | cULus Listed, CE marked, C-Tick, KC, ODVA conformance

Main Features and Advantages

True IP67 machine-mount analog I/O: The defining advantage of the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ is its ability to live outside the control cabinet. Its die-cast zinc-aluminum housing with O-ring-sealed M12 connector interfaces meets IP67 and NEMA 4X requirements, meaning it can be bolted directly to a machine frame, conveyor section, or process skid and withstand dust, temporary immersion, and high-pressure washdown. This removes the cost of building or allocating panel space and eliminates the need for intermediate junction boxes. The Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ thus enables a “zero-enclosure” distributed I/O strategy that is especially valuable on packaging lines, fillers, and bottling monoblocks where floor space is at a premium.M12 quick-disconnect wiring with standardized pinouts: All signal and network connections on the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ use industry-standard M12 (micro-style) connectors—typically an 8-pin D-coded M12 for the four analog inputs (channels 0–3 on A/B pins, common on C/D pins) and a 5-pin M12 for 24V DC power and EtherNet/IP daisy-chain in/out. Pre-molded M12-to-M12 or M12-to-flying-lead cables accelerate commissioning and make module replacement a simple unplug-and-replace operation, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) to under a minute in many cases.High-resolution 12-bit conversion with over/under-range detection: Each channel of the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ digitizes the 4–20 mA input at 12-bit resolution, yielding 4096 discrete counts across the span. The module continuously monitors for signal excursions below 3.6 mA (under-range, useful for broken-wire/open-loop detection) and above 21 mA (over-range), setting corresponding status bits in the input image that the controller can evaluate for alarm generation. This built-in wire-break detection is a critical diagnostic that prevents silent loss of process feedback—a common failure mode in analog loops.Seamless EtherNet/IP integration with Rockwell controllers: When paired with a 1738-AENTR adapter, the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ appears as a native EtherNet/IP node in RSLinx Classic and Studio 5000 Logix Designer. The module’s EDS file auto-configures the I/O connection, and Add-On Instructions (AOIs) are available to scale raw counts to engineering units (e.g., 0–100 %, 0–10 bar, –50 to 150 °C) directly in the controller. RPI (Requested Packet Interval) is configurable from 2 ms to 750 ms, allowing the update rate to be tuned to the dynamics of the measured process without overloading the network.On-board diagnostics and LED indication: Three multi-color LEDs on the face of the Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ report Module Status (MS), Network Status (NS), and individual point health. A flashing red MS LED, for example, indicates a configuration mismatch or loss of communication with the adapter, while a lit yellow point LED can indicate an active over-range condition on that channel. These visual cues let maintenance technicians identify issues instantly without a laptop, which is particularly important given the module’s typical placement away from the main control room.Wide ambient rating and washdown suitability: The Allen-Bradley 1738-IE4CM12/A​ operates from –20 °C to +60 °C and tolerates the humidity and thermal cycling typical of food-processing and outdoor material-handling sites. Its conformal-coated PCB (on selected variants) and sealed enclosure make it compatible with daily high-pressure, high-temperature washdown cycles using caustic or acidic cleaners—provided correctly specified M12 connectors with appropriate sealing ratings are used. This makes the module a direct fit for dairy, brewery, and pharmaceutical filler applications that must comply with FDA/3-A sanitary guidelines.

Contact Us WhatsApp / Wechat:+86 18150087953
Phone:+86 18150087953
Email:sales@cxplcmro.com