Analog Devices 6B Series Configuration Guide

The 6B Series Signal Conditioning modules and digital I/O boards implement flexible, distributed monitoring and control. By selecting only the modules and interfaces needed and connecting them via RS-485 communication, the data acquisition and control environment can be designed to both locate the I/O optimally as well as minimize sensor runs.

6B Series modules are available for millivolt and voltage, process current, RTD, and thermocouple input signals with a variety of standard ranges. Digital signals can be monitored and controlled by a 24-channel digital I/O board. A current output module completes the family. Each 6B module and digital I/O board is configurable through software. All modules and boards are powered by a single +5 V DC power supply and provide true channel-to-channel and input-to-output isolation.

Users can design their own backplane or use one of several available from Analog Devices. Each 6B Series backplane has a CJC temperature sensor on every channel to provide cold junction compensation for thermocouple modules. This feature enhances flexibility during system configuration, since any module can be used in any socket location on the backplane.

For users designing their own backplane, the only configuring required is to select the 6B Series modules and/or digital I/O boards appropriate to the application.

For users of Analog Devices' designed backplanes, configuring modules is accomplished by selecting one or more of the following parts:

6B Series Modules and Digital I/O Boards

6B Backplane

Power Supply

Host Interface Cable and Cables to Interconnect Backplanes

Applications Software (Optional)

Accessories are also available to facilitate configuring 6B Series modules.

The following subsections describe how to select the parts of a 6B Series subsystem.

Selecting Modules and Digital I/O Boards

The 6B Series provides both analog input and output modules as well as digital I/O boards. All modules are isolated.

Select the types and number of 6B Series modules according to the sensor types used. Table 1 summarizes the 6B Series modules and digital I/O boards available. For more information on a particular 6B Series Module, select from the list below.

Analog Devices provides eight analog module backplanes: two 1-channel, four 4-channel, and two 16-channel versions. Each backplane type offers a selection of communications interface and isolation level. If the host interface is RS-232C, then one backplane must have the RS-232C option for connecting to the host. All subsequent daisy-chained backplanes must have the RS-485, half-duplex interface. Each channel of the backplane contains a CJC temperature sensor for thermocouple measurements. 6B Series input and output modules can be installed in any socket on the backplane. Screw terminal blocks are provided for easy power connections, field wiring and RS-485 communications interface between backplanes. To interface to computer serial ports, backplanes provide DB-25 connectors. Additionally, 4-channel and 16-channel backplanes can be mounted in a 19-inch rack.

Select the type and number of backplanes according to the total number of input and output modules used in your application. Table 2 summarizes the ordering information for the 6B Series backplanes. For more information on the 6B Series Backplanes, go to the backplanes section.

All 6B Series modules and backplanes are powered by a single regulated +5 V DC power supply.

To determine the appropriate power supply for your application, add the current requirements for all the modules and the backplanes. Table 3 lists the power requirements for the 6B Series modules, digital I/O boards and backplanes. Table 4 lists the power supplies available from Analog Devices. For more information on the 3B Series Power Supplies, go to the power supplies section.

Analog Devices markets two communications cables to interface 6B Series backplanes to host computers. Select the type of host interface cable according to the host PC serial port connector.

The Model AC1382 10-foot cable includes a DB-25 female host computer serial port connector and a male DB-25 male connector. This cable converts the 6B Series RS-232C backplane connector to a 25-pin host serial port connector.

The Model AC1385 10-foot cable comes with a DB-9 female host computer serial port connector and a male DB-25 connector. This cable converts the 6B Series RS-232C backplane connector to a 9-pin host serial port connector.

For RS-485 communications between backplanes, Belden cable (Part Number 9842) is recommended.

The Model CAB-03 3-foot flat ribbon cable connects the 6B50 digital I/O 50-pin connector to DB-16 or DB-24 solid state relay subsystem boards.

Table 5 summarizes the ordering information for the 6B Series interface cables. For more information on Interface Cables, go to the Interface Cables section on the Accessories page.

Analog Devices also provides accessories to help you configure your 6B system as well as interface to digital I/O solid state relays.

A rack-mount kit, Model AC1380, is available to fit a 6B Series backplane in a 19-inch rack. A 50 current conversion resistor, Model AC1381, is available for current loop measurements, using either Model 6B11, 6B11HV, 6B12 or 6B12HV.

The Model STB-50A DIN rail mounted panel provides screw terminal connection to all 24 TTL-level descrete I/O channels of Model 6B50. The CAB-03 cable is included with the STB-50A.

The Model DB-16 provides, connects and isolates high level AC or DC voltage inputs or outputs to 16 digital I/O channels of Model 6B50. Model DB-16 accommodates 16 single-channel solid state relays.

The Model DB-24 provides, connects and isolates high-level AC or DC voltage inputs or outputs to 24 digital I/O channels of Model 6B50. Model DB-24 accommodates six 4-channel solid state relays.

Table 6 summarizes the ordering information for the 6B Series accessories. For more information on a particular accessory, go to the Accessories page.

Model	Description
AC1380	19-inch Rack-Mount Kit for Backplanes
AC1381	50 Current Conversion Resistor
STB-50A	DIN Rail Mount Screw Termination Panel
DB-16	16-Channel Digital I/O Backplane
DB-24	24-Channel Digital I/O Backplane
AC1383	6B Series User's Manual

Table 6: 6B Series Accessories

A DOS-based Sixbccd program and a Windows-based 6B-Win program are provided with the AC1383 User's Manual. Either program configures, calibrates, reads data from, or writes data to 6B Series modules and 6B50 digital I/O boards without writing application programs. Application software programs are also available with 6B Series drivers. Examples of some of the programs available directly from several software vendors are shown in Table 7. Download here.

The 6B Series User's Manual, Model AC1383, is available to help guide users through setting up a 6B Series system. The 6B Series configuration software is also provided with this manual.

A typical 6B Series System application might consist of five J-type thermocouple sensor inputs, four 0-20 mA inputs, three platinum RTD sensor inputs, five digital inputs, 4 digital outputs and a current output. This requirement could be satisfied with the units listed in Table 8. Note that the 6B11 module can be software configured for thermocouple or mV input signals. The 6B50-2 board can be software configured for both digital inputs and digital outputs. Also shown are the solid state relays that are selected to match the AC or DC high level inputs/outputs and mounted on the DB-16 backplane. (Refer to accessory section for listing.)