The SIMATIC ET 200AL AI 4xU/I/RTD/TC is a universal 4-channel analog input module — a single hardware SKU that measures voltage, current, resistance, RTD, and thermocouple signals. Each M12 5-pole channel is independently configurable in TIA Portal, with 16-bit resolution and an 8 ms minimum cycle time across all channels. A built-in encoder supply provides 24 V DC (0.5 A per channel, 1 A total) to power field transmitters. At 30 mm wide with IP65/IP67 protection, it mounts directly on the machine, replacing multiple dedicated input modules with one universal type.

What signal types can each channel measure?

Every channel independently supports the full measurement catalog — no fixed groupings, no slot restrictions. Voltage: ±80 mV, ±10 V, 0–10 V, 1–5 V. Current: 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA (2-wire or 4-wire transducer). Resistance: 0–150 Ω and 0–300 Ω in 2-wire or 3-wire connection. RTD: Pt100, Pt1000, Ni100, Ni1000, Cu10 (Standard and Climate ranges). Thermocouple: Types B, C, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, T, U with selectable cold-junction compensation. Wire-break detection is provided on 4–20 mA and 1–5 V ranges.

Why the 5-pole M12? What does the extra pole enable?

The 5th pole on the M12 connector supports true 4-wire RTD measurement — the extra connection provides a dedicated sense line that compensates for lead resistance, delivering higher accuracy than 2- or 3-wire connections. For current loop measurements, the extra pole can carry the transmitter supply voltage, simplifying wiring. If your application uses only 2- or 3-wire sensors, the standard 4-pole M12 variant (5KD50) is sufficient; choose the 5-pole 5KD00 when you need 4-wire RTD accuracy or combined signal-and-power wiring on a single connector.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose the universal 5KD00 over the temperature-only 5KD50?

Choose the 5KD00 if any of these apply: you need to measure voltage or current signals (pressure transmitters, flow meters, level sensors) alongside temperature; you need 4-wire RTD accuracy via the 5-pole M12 connector; or you want a single module type in inventory that covers all analog field signals. Choose the 5KD50 if all your measurements are temperature-only and 4-pole M12 wiring is adequate.

Is this module suitable for safety-related analog measurements?

From HW functional status FS02 onward, the AI 4xU/I/RTD/TC is rated PL d (ISO 13849-1, Cat. 3) and SIL 2 (IEC 62061) for safety-related applications. It also meets AMS 2750 E / CQI-9 requirements for heat treatment temperature uniformity surveys. For SIL 3 analog safety, a dedicated fail-safe module is required.