Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16/C SLC 500 PLC I/O Module

Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 is a 16-channel digital DC sinking input module designed for the SLC 500 programmable controller platform, one of the most widely deployed PLC families in industrial automation history. This module provides the essential interface between field input devices and the SLC 500 processor, converting discrete 24V DC signals from switches, sensors, and contactors into digital data that the CPU can process for control logic execution -1-8. The 1746-IB16 is part of the extensive 1746 I/O module family, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for general-purpose discrete input applications across manufacturing, material handling, and process control industries.

The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 features sixteen sinking input channels grouped into a single input group with a common terminal, operating at a nominal voltage of 24V DC with a wide acceptable range of 10-30V DC -1-10. This broad operating range ensures compatibility with various field devices and provides immunity to voltage fluctuations common in industrial environments. The 1746-IB16 draws only 85 mA from the 5V DC backplane, making it a low-power addition to any SLC 500 chassis configuration -1-2. With an 8 ms signal delay for both ON and OFF transitions, the Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 delivers reliable performance for applications requiring moderate-speed input detection while maintaining noise immunity through optical isolation tested at 1500V between field inputs and control logic -10-12. As a Series C module, the 1746-IB16 offers enhanced manufacturing refinements and compatibility with the full range of SLC 500 processors and chassis configurations -5.

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Description

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name Value
Product Model 1746-IB16
Manufacturer Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
Product Type Digital DC Sinking Input Module
Product Line SLC 500
Number of Inputs 16
Input Voltage Range 10-30V DC
Nominal Input Voltage 24V DC
Nominal Input Current 8 mA @ 24V DC
Signal Delay (ON/OFF) 8 ms maximum
OFF-State Voltage (Maximum) 5.0V DC
OFF-State Current (Maximum) 1 mA
Backplane Current Draw (5V DC) 85 mA (0.085 A) -1-2
Thermal Dissipation per Channel 0.20 W
Total Module Heat Dissipation 3.6 W
Points Per Common 16
I/O Connection 1746-HT and 1746-HCA -1
Operating Temperature 0°C to +60°C (32°F to 140°F) -10-12
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Relative Humidity 5-95% (Non-condensing)
Operational Shock 30G
Operational Vibration 2.5G at 57-200 Hz
Certifications UL, CSA, CE, C-UL Class I Division 2 -1-12
Weight 0.28 kg (0.63 lbs)

 

Main Features and Advantages

High-Density 16-Channel Input Configuration: The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 offers sixteen sinking input channels in a single-slot module, providing medium-density I/O capability that optimizes chassis utilization for applications with numerous discrete input devices -1-8. This high channel count allows system designers to maximize the number of input points per chassis slot, reducing the total number of modules and chassis slots required for large-scale control systems. The 1746-IB16 is particularly valuable in applications where multiple limit switches, pushbuttons, and proximity sensors must be monitored within a compact control architecture.

Sinking Input Architecture with Wide Voltage Tolerance: The 1746-IB16 employs a sinking input configuration, meaning the module receives current from sourcing field devices into its common terminal circuit -2-9. This architecture supports a broad operating voltage range of 10-30V DC, providing exceptional flexibility when interfacing with field devices operating at varying voltage levels. The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 maintains reliable ON-state detection with a nominal current of 8 mA at 24V DC, while the OFF-state maximum current of 1 mA ensures clear distinction between active and inactive input states -1-12.

Fast and Consistent Signal Response: With a maximum signal delay of 8 ms for both ON and OFF transitions, the 1746-IB16 delivers predictable and repeatable response times essential for maintaining consistent control loop performance -2-4. This deterministic response characteristic enables reliable capturing of momentary contact closures and rapid device state changes, supporting applications such as high-speed assembly operations and conveyor control where timing precision is critical.

Robust Industrial Design and Certification: The Allen-Bradley 1746-IB16 is built to withstand harsh industrial environments, featuring an operating temperature range of 0°C to 60°C and resistance to 30G shock and 2.5G vibration at 57-200 Hz -10-12. The module carries UL, CSA, and CE certifications, with C-UL Class I Division 2 hazardous location rating for deployment in potentially explosive atmospheres -1-12. Electro-optical isolation rated at 1500V between input terminals and control logic provides superior noise immunity, ensuring reliable operation in electrically noisy environments such as motor control centers and welding areas.

Removable Terminal Block for Easy Maintenance: The 1746-IB16 features a removable terminal block (1746-HT/1746-HCA) that significantly simplifies field wiring and module replacement procedures -1-12. This design allows maintenance personnel to disconnect field wiring by removing the terminal block while leaving the module in place, or quickly replace a faulty module without rewiring, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) and minimizing production downtime.

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