Analog Input

An analog input is an input signal that has a continuous signal. Typical inputs may vary from
0 to 20mA, 4 to 20mA or 0 to10V. Below, a level transmitter monitors the level of liquid in the
tank. Depending on the level Tx, the signal to the PLC can either increase or decrease as the
level increases or decreases.
Analog Input Module 1769-IF4
Analog Output Module 1769-OF2

bipolar
unipolar
4 voltage input channels
4 current input channels
2 voltage input channels
2 current input channels
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 The resolution is the number of bits you need to store an analog
value. When working with analog signals in PLC programming, the
resolution is crucial. The analog signal will be divided into a value.
For instance, a 16 bit 2’s compliment integer would be between 0
and 32,767 when input into the analog input card. The resolution
would be taking the maximum current signal or voltage signal
dividing it into 32,767.

For a 0-10 VDC signal, that would be 3,2767 values per volt.

10 V would be splited into 32,767 voltage levels/slices.

Resolution =

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•In order to design an analog input is very important we know the input range, resolution and count.

•A 1769-OF2 analog output module has a resolution of 0.32 mV /count ( 0.64 mV / 2 counts given in the data sheet ) on

0 -10V.

a) If the Raw/Proportional data range is selected and the count value is 25000 determine the analog output value.
b) If the Raw/Proportional data range is selected and the count value is 800 determine the analog output value.
• The 1769-IF4 input is set to 4-20 mA and has an analog input
of 8.5 mA. Use the effective resolution table below from the
1769-IF4 datasheet to determine the following (using
engineering units):

a) The resolution in mV/count.

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b) The count value
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c) The normal operating range decimal count
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a) Under range decimal count
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a) Over range decimal count

1769-OF2 Specifications
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Analog Input Sensors

Analog signals (can be in the form

of voltage or current or resistance)
vary with time, like temperature,
pressure, flow, level, sound waves
Analog Input sensors

LVDT
Digital Input Devices
Proximity Sensors (Non - Contact type)
They detect the presence of the object without any contact with the object.
Inductive Proximity
Sensor
Inductive proximity sensor
• The sensor's oscillator generates a symmetrical, oscillating magnetic field that is radiated from
the ferrite core and coil array near the sensing face, as shown in Figure 1. When target material
that is ferrous in nature enters this magnetic field, small, independent electrical currents (eddy
currents) are induced on the metal’s surface. Eddy currents incur thermal energy loss due to
the metal's resistance, thus reducing the amplitude of oscillation. In Figure 2, detecting a
change in the oscillation state prompts output operation.
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explore/electrical/position-sensors
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proximity-sensor-basics-lesson
For Ferrous-metal (iron)
A high-frequency magnetic field is generated by coil L in the
oscillation circuit. When a target approaches the magnetic field,
an induction current (eddy current) flows in the target due to
electromagnetic induction. As the target approaches the sensor,
the induction current flow increases, which causes the load on
the oscillation circuit to increase. Then, oscillation attenuates or
stops. The sensor detects this change in the oscillation status
with the amplitude detecting circuit, and outputs a detection
signal.

The nonferrous-metal type is included in the high-frequency

oscillation type. The nonferrous-metal type incorporates an
oscillation circuit in which energy loss caused by the induction
current flowing in the target affects the change of the oscillation
frequency. When a nonferrous-metal target such as aluminum or
copper approaches the sensor, the oscillation frequency
increases. On the other hand, when a ferrous-metal target such
as iron approaches the sensor, the oscillation frequency
decreases. When the oscillation frequency becomes higher than
the reference frequency, the sensor outputs a detection signal.
Capacitive proximity sensor
Photoelectric Switches
Easy to install, Easy to install,
can detect transparent objects Long Range
Short Range can’t detect
transparent objects
Thermocouples
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Thermocouples
• Converts temperature into voltage
• Widest temp range -200 to 1750 deg C
• Works on Seeback effect
• a phenomenon in which a temperature difference
between two dissimilar electrical conductors or
semiconductors produces a voltage difference
between the two substances.

V = S × ΔT
RTD – Resistance Temperature
Detectors

-260 deg C to 630 deg C

Used as a temperature sensor
Change is resistance due to change in temp.
Platinum is most widely used metal, Pt100
Highly linear and more accurate
Most simple,
Little inaccurate
Useful when temp. accuracy is not important
Can be used with short leads
Ractual = R1+R2+RTD
R1 and R2 are the lead resistances
that are because of the connecting copper leads or wires
 Most widely used in industry
More accurate
Can be used with long leads

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 Ractual = (R1+RTD+R3) – (R2+R3)
Since R1=R2=R3,
also their lengths and gauges are also same
So lead resistances will cancel each other and we get
Ractual = RTD
Most widely used in laboratories
Most expensive
Most accurate
Can be used with long leads
• An LVDT (linear variable differential transformer= is an
electromechanical sensor used to convert mechanical
motion or vibrations, specifically rectilinear motion, into
a variable electrical current, voltage or electric signals,
and the reverse.
LVDT Linear Variable Differential Transformer
• [Link]

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• LVDT is used to monitor the position of the valve
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LVDT Applications
• Distance/displacement/position measurement
• Thickness of the paint or sheet measurement
Strain Gauges
Starin =

A Strain gauge is a sensor whose resistance varies with

applied force; It converts force, pressure, tension,
weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance
which can then be measured
Constantan Alloy is the most commonly used material
Copper (55%)-Nickel(45%) Alloy
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 A dummy strain gauge is used to compensate the
temp. effects. Temp will increase in both gauges
equally so cancel each other.

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Strain Gauge Load Cells
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Applications od strain gauges
• Load Cell –converts the force directly into the electrical quantity
• Weighing Machines/scales
• Retail Markets ( load cells are integrated into shelves, display units,
vending machines or shopping carts to measure and monitor the
weight of products in real-time.)
• Space Vehicles
• Civil engineering to monitor load/pressure on the bridge, buildings,
rail monitoring
Analog Output Devices

I/P Converter
(current to pressure converter)
(4 -20 mA to 3 -15 psi)
• Analog Input • Digital Input Devices
Devices •
Limit Switch
Proximity Switch
RTD
• Digital Hall Sensor
Thermocouple • Photoelectric switch
LVDT • Push Button
Strain Gauge • Toggle Switch
Float Level Sensor • Any type of switch
Orifice Flow Sensor
Ultrasonic Sensor (for distance)
Microphone
4-20 mA transmitter
• Digital output Devices
• Analog Output Devices Lamp
VFD • Motor
• Variable intensity-controlled lamp
•
• Buzzer
Speaker
• Analog Positioner • LED
• 4-20 mA transmitter • Coil/Solenoid
• Variable power supply • Fan
• Speed control of motor
• Digital Analog Converter circuit

Analog outputs are used to control motors, valves and actuators.

Device Name Input Output
Analog Digital Analog Digital
Push Button 
Thermocouple 
Relay Coil 
Linear Control Valve 
Alarm 
Limit Switch 
Pressure Sensor/Bourdon Tube 
Valve Positioner 
Lamp 
4 - 20 mA transmitter 
Level transmitter
Device Name Input Output
Analog Digital Analog Digital
Capacitive Proximity Sensor 
Temperature Sensor/RTD 
Contactor 
Variable Lighting 
Fibre Optic Sensor 
Linear Actuator 
Inductive Proximity Sensor
(for position/distance) 
Reflective Sensor 
VFD
for speed control (Variable Frequency Drive ) 
Potentiometer 