Excellent PLC
| Company Information | ||||||||
| [email protected] | ||||||||
| Mobile | +8613666033393 | |||||||
| +8613666033393 | ||||||||
| 13666033393 | ||||||||
| Add | Room 1004, No. 62 Xiangxiu Li, Siming District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China | |||||||
Overview – A Field Engineer’s Perspective
The Allen Bradley 1797-IBN16 FLEX Ex Input Module is a 16-channel intrinsically safe digital input module, designed specifically for hazardous area applications. This module is part of the FLEX Ex I/O platform, enabling distributed control in environments that demand explosion protection and robust field connectivity.
Engineers in oil & gas, petrochemical, and process industries rely on this module to safely collect digital signals from sensors, switches, and limit devices located in Zone 1 or Division 1 areas. With its intrinsically safe (IS) circuit design, it ensures reliable data acquisition while minimizing the risk of ignition, providing peace of mind and compliance with international safety standards such as ATEX, IECEx, and UL.
Technical Data Sheet
| Parameter | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Module Type | FLEX Ex Digital Input | Intrinsically Safe, 16-channel input module |
| Catalog Number | 1797-IBN16 | 16-channel IS input module |
| Input Signal Type | Sinking input | Accepts DC inputs from field sensors |
| Rated Input Voltage | 24 VDC nominal | Compatible with standard IS field devices |
| Input Current per Channel | 6 mA typical | Efficient and low power design |
| Number of Inputs | 16 channels | Individual channel isolation |
| Isolation Voltage | 50 V continuous | Channel-to-bus isolation for safety |
| Communication Interface | FLEX Ex adapter (1797-ACN15 or similar) | Connects to ControlNet via Ex barrier |
| Input Delay | 4 ms (ON/OFF typical) | For fast signal response |
| Diagnostic Indicators | 16 yellow LEDs | Channel status and diagnostics |
| Power Consumption | 3.5 W typical | Low power for IS compliance |
| Field Power Supply | 24 VDC ±10% | Supplied from safe area barrier |
| Mounting Type | DIN Rail | FLEX Ex backplane mounted |
| Environmental Rating | Class I, Div 1; Zone 1 | Explosion-proof design |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C | Suitable for harsh field conditions |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | Long-term protection when inactive |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95% non-condensing | Withstands high-moisture settings |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 87 mm × 94 mm × 56 mm (3.43″ × 3.70″ × 2.20″) | Compact module housing |
| Weight | 0.22 kg (0.49 lb) | Lightweight, field-friendly design |
Practical Applications
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Oil and Gas Platforms – Monitoring pressure and level sensors in explosive zones.
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Chemical Processing Plants – Safe signal acquisition from intrinsically safe transmitters.
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Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – For hygienic and controlled hazardous environments.
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Refineries – Integrates directly with DCS systems through ControlNet or EtherNet/IP.
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Offshore Facilities – Durable against vibration, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.
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Tanker and Pipeline Monitoring – Reliable detection and alarm signal collection.
Core Strengths & Functional Advantages
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Intrinsically Safe Design – Certified for Zone 1/Div 1 use, ensuring explosion-proof operation.
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Compact Modular Format – Space-saving installation on the FLEX Ex backplane.
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Diagnostic LED Indicators – Quick visual troubleshooting on each channel.
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Seamless Integration – Works with ControlNet or EtherNet/IP through Ex adapters.
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High Reliability – Proven component quality under continuous industrial operation.
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Flexible Mounting and Expansion – Compatible with all FLEX Ex accessories.
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Low Power Operation – Reduces heat and energy demand in confined enclosures.
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Global Certification – Meets ATEX, IECEx, UL, and CSA standards.
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Rugged Environmental Tolerance – Designed to operate in extreme field conditions.
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Reduced Maintenance – Plug-and-play installation minimizes wiring complexity.
