The SIMATIC ET 200AL AI 4xRTD/TC is a compact 4-channel temperature input module for decentralized machine-mounted applications. Each M12 channel accepts RTD or thermocouple sensors with 16-bit resolution and independently configurable sensor type, integration time, and smoothing. At 30 mm wide with IP65/IP67 protection, it brings temperature measurement out of the cabinet and directly onto the machine frame.

How does the AI 4xRTD/TC (5KD50) differ from the AI 4xU/I/RTD/TC (5KD00)?

The 5KD50 is a temperature-only input module — it measures RTD and thermocouple sensors but does not accept voltage or current signals. The 5KD00 is a universal analog input that adds ±10 V, 0–10 V, 1–5 V, 0–20 mA, and 4–20 mA measurement on top of full RTD/TC support. If your application only needs temperature — furnaces, ovens, extruders, environmental chambers — the 5KD50 is the focused, cost-effective choice. If you need to mix temperature, pressure, and flow measurements on the same module, choose the universal 5KD00.

Which temperature sensors and wiring methods are supported?

The module supports RTDs (Pt100, Pt200, Pt500, Pt1000, Ni100, Ni1000, Cu10) in 2-, 3-, or 4-wire connection and thermocouples (Types B, C, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, T, U) with internal, external, or fixed-reference cold-junction compensation. Integration time is selectable per interference frequency — 16.7 ms (60 Hz rejection), 20 ms (50 Hz rejection), or 60 ms (16.7 Hz rejection). Smoothing is configurable from none to 32× cycle time for noise-prone environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this module compliant with AMS 2750 E / CQI-9 for heat treatment?

Yes. The AI 4xRTD/TC meets AMS 2750 E and CQI-9 requirements for temperature uniformity surveys in aerospace and automotive heat-treating applications. The module achieves a basic error limit of 0.025% at 25 °C with 0.01%/K temperature drift.

Can the AI 4xRTD/TC be used in safety-related temperature monitoring?

The module is rated PL d (ISO 13849-1, Cat. 3) and SIL 2 (IEC 62061) from HW functional status FS02 onward, making it suitable for safety-related temperature monitoring up to SIL 2. For SIL 3 applications, a dedicated fail-safe analog input module is required.