Inquiry Regarding Analog Module (AXL F EX IS AI8 HART XC 1F) Configuration for Binary Switching Sens

SHNB

Dear Support Team,

I am working on integrating a binary switching sensor connected to the AXL F EX IS AI8 HART XC 1F analog input module. The sensor operates on a two-wire loop-powered system, outputting 8 mA (Low State) and 16 mA (High State). Since the module includes both normal analog inputs and HART-specific inputs, I would like your guidance on the optimal configuration within PLCnext Engineer.

Key Considerations & Questions:

1. Best Input Selection & Processing:
   • Should I use a HART input or a normal analog input for a binary switching sensor?
   • If using a HART input (REAL data type required), should I manually process the mA signal into a BOOLin PLC logic using a threshold (e.g., >12.0 mA = TRUE)?
   • Does the AXL F EX IS AI8 module provide any built-in threshold or signal processing functions to automatically convert an analog (mA) signal into a binary state?
2. MTP Designer Integration:
   • Since the sensor functions as a binary switch, should I use a BINMON block instead of ANAMON in MTP Designer?
   • Will this impact how the data is mapped or visualized in the PLC or HMI?

I would appreciate any guidance, or relevant documentation to help configure this setup correctly in PLCnext Engineer.

Looking forward to your support.

Best regards,

SHNB

Tim Phoenix Contact Deutschland Support

Hello SHNB,

I can say the following about the first point:

For HART sensors, the HART inputs must be used.

Otherwise the normal analog inputs are used.

Tim Phoenix Contact Deutschland Support

The MTP standard describes 2 interfaces for the binary sensors: BinView and BinMon. BinView covers most cases.

BinMon have some additional flutter detection functionality.

For this type of interface a special modelling will be created. And also this are different visual objects.