When Analog Signals Threaten Your Line
A process engineer at a packaging plant watches a filling station drift out of tolerance. The culprit is not the sensor or the PLC program. It is a legacy analog input card that cannot resolve small current changes. The line stops, product is scrapped, and the engineer needs a compact, accurate replacement fast. The Allen-Bradley 1734-IE2C solves exactly this problem. It is a 2-channel analog input module from the POINT I/O family that converts current signals into clean digital values for your controller.
What the 1734-IE2C Delivers
The 1734-IE2C is an analog input module in the Allen-Bradley POINT I/O series. It provides Two (2) single-ended, non-isolated current input channels. Each channel accepts 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA signals. A 16-bit Delta-Sigma converter resolves the input over 0…21 mA at 0.32 μA/cnt. Absolute accuracy is 0.1% Full Scale at 25 °C. The module is factory calibrated and stores data in Signed Integer format. It draws 75 mA at 5V dc and dissipates 0.6 W at 28.8V DC. Its compact housing measures 56 x 12 x 75.5 mm and weighs approximately 0.036 kg.
Key Specifications That Matter on the Floor
Resolution and Accuracy
16-bit resolution over 0…21 mA means the module detects current changes as small as 0.32 μA per count. For a pressure or flow transmitter, that translates to tighter control and less product waste. The 0.1% Full Scale accuracy at 25 °C keeps readings trustworthy across the operating range.
Input Update and Step Response
The module offers selectable notch filters. At the default 60 Hz notch, the input update rate per module is 100 ms and the step response per channel is 70 ms. At 250 Hz, update drops to 24 ms and step response to 16 ms. At 500 Hz, update is 12 ms and step response is 8 ms. At 50 Hz, update is 120 ms and step response is 80 ms. Engineers can match filter settings to the speed their process demands.
Power and Protection
The 1734-IE2C runs on an external DC supply of 10 to 28.8 Volts DC. It is fault protected against overload up to 28.8 Volts DC. It withstands 2550 Volts DC for 60 seconds and provides 50 Volts of continuous isolation. Power dissipation peaks at 0.6 W at 28.8 Volts DC, with maximum thermal dissipation of 2.0 BTU/hour at 28.8 Volts DC.
Where the 1734-IE2C Fits
Process Skids and Remote Panels
Machine builders use POINT I/O for distributed control. The 1734-IE2C mounts on a 1734-TB, 1734-TBS, 1734-TOP, or 1734-TOPS wiring base. Its 12 mm width saves panel space. You can mount it horizontally or vertically on a standard 35 mm DIN rail. This flexibility helps when retrofitting crowded enclosures.
Upgrading Legacy Analog Cards
Plants replacing older analog modules often face rewiring downtime. The 1734-IE2C supports ControlNet, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP networks through compatible POINT I/O adapters. That means you can reuse existing network infrastructure while gaining 16-bit resolution and 0.1% accuracy. For a replacement and upgrade project, this module offers a clear path to better signal fidelity without a full control system overhaul.
Compatible Controller Platforms
The module works with any Allen-Bradley controller platform. It is especially well suited to the Logix family, including CompactLogix and ControlLogix controllers. This compatibility simplifies integration for engineers already standardized on Rockwell Automation.
Installation and Wiring Notes
Mount the module to the correct terminal base with the keyswitch set to position 3. Use 22 to 14 AWG solid or stranded shielded copper wire for input signals. The module has an open-style enclosure, so install it inside a protective panel. Follow local codes and the manufacturer’s installation instructions for grounding and shielding. The 1734-IE2C requires an external DC power supply rated 10 to 28.8 Volts DC. Verify polarity before applying power.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Inspect connections periodically for looseness or corrosion. Keep the panel free of dust and moisture. The open-style design demands a clean enclosure environment. Because the module is factory calibrated, no field calibration is required under normal conditions. If readings drift, check the wiring and sensor first. The 0.1% Full Scale accuracy and 30 ppm/°C drift specification mean the module holds its performance across typical plant temperature changes. For a cost-benefit view, the 1734-IE2C reduces scrap and rework by delivering reliable analog data, which protects your production uptime.
Selection Checklist Before You Buy
Confirm your input signal type: 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA. Verify you have a compatible POINT I/O terminal base and communication adapter. Check that your controller supports the network protocol you plan to use. Ensure your power supply provides 10 to 28.8 Volts DC. If you need a trusted source, SpareTechPLC supplies the 1734-IE2C and related POINT I/O components. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with SpareTechPLC before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resolution of the 1734-IE2C?
It provides 16-bit resolution over 0…21 mA, which equals 0.32 μA per count.
Can I use the 1734-IE2C with CompactLogix?
Yes. It is compatible with any Allen-Bradley controller platform and is especially well suited to CompactLogix and ControlLogix.
What terminal base does the 1734-IE2C require?
It mounts on 1734-TB, 1734-TBS, 1734-TOP, or 1734-TOPS wiring base assemblies.
What is the power requirement for this module?
It uses an external DC supply of 10 to 28.8 Volts DC and draws 75 mA at 5V dc.
Is the 1734-IE2C isolated?
No. The two channels are single-ended and non-isolated, but the module provides 50 Volts of continuous isolation voltage.
