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B&R X20AO4622

Product Introduction:
The B&R X20AO4622 is a 4-channel analog output module for the B&R X20 distributed I/O system. It provides four independently configurable analog output channels that can be set to output either 0-20mA / 4-20mA current or 0-10V voltage signals. Each channel features 16-bit resolution, ensuring precise control of actuators such as control valves, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and proportional amplifiers.

Detailed content

Technical Specifications:

Parameter Value
Number of Channels 4 independent channels
Output Signal Types 0-20mA, 4-20mA (current) / 0-10V (voltage)
Resolution 16-bit (65,536 steps)
Output Accuracy ±0.1% of full scale (typical), ±0.2% (max)
Update Rate ≤ 10 kHz (all channels simultaneously)
Output Impedance (Current) ≤ 100Ω (0-20mA), ≤ 500Ω (4-20mA)
Output Impedance (Voltage) ≤ 10Ω
Load Capacity (Current) ≤ 500Ω (0-20mA), ≤ 250Ω (4-20mA)
Load Capacity (Voltage) ≥ 2 kΩ (minimum load)
Isolation Voltage 500V DC (channel-to-channel, channel-to-bus)
X20 Bus Interface X20 system bus (up to 63 modules)
Supply Voltage 24V DC (via X20 bus)
Power Consumption ≤ 2.5W (typical)
Operation Temperature -25°C to +70°C
Protection Class IP20 (front), IP65 (with cover)
Dimensions (W×H×D) 22.5 mm × 90 mm × 120 mm
Weight Approx. 150 g
Conformity CE, UL, CSA, ATEX Zone 2

Functional Features:

  • Four independently configurable channels — each can be set to current or voltage output independently
  • 16-bit DAC resolution — 65,536 discrete steps for ultra-fine control
  • Simultaneous update of all 4 channels at up to 10 kHz — critical for multi-axis synchronized control
  • Linearization table — 16-point piecewise linearization per channel for non-linear actuator compensation
  • Diagnostic per channel: overcurrent detection, open-loop detection, short-circuit detection
  • LED indicators per channel for status monitoring (power, fault, output active)
  • Galvanic isolation between all channels and the bus — eliminates ground loop issues

Structural Characteristics:

  • Snap-in DIN rail TS35 mounting
  • Spring-loaded push-in terminals for 0.14 mm² to 2.5 mm² wire
  • Housing: glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (PA66-GF30)
  • Four output connectors on the front, each with dedicated LED
  • Rear X20 bus connector

Working Principle:
Each channel contains a 16-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that converts the digital value from the X20 bus into an analog voltage. For current output mode, this voltage drives a precision current loop circuit (Howland pump or transistor-based) that forces a proportional current through the load regardless of load resistance (within compliance limits). For voltage output mode, the DAC output is buffered by a low-impedance operational amplifier. The 16-point linearization table stored in the module’s memory corrects for DAC non-linearity and actuator non-linearity (e.g., equal-percentage valve characteristic). All four channels are updated simultaneously via a shared update trigger from the bus master.

Advantages & Highlights:

  • 16-bit resolution (65,536 steps) — far superior to 12-bit modules (4,096 steps) for precision applications
  • 10 kHz simultaneous update — all 4 channels change at exactly the same instant, essential for synchronized valve/drive control
  • Per-channel current OR voltage — mix current and voltage outputs on the same module (e.g., 2× 4-20mA + 2× 0-10V)
  • 16-point linearization — compensates for non-linear actuators without burden on the controller
  • Full galvanic isolation — each channel is isolated from every other channel and from the bus

Applicable Industries:

  • Process automation (control valve positioning: 4-20mA to I/P transducers)
  • Variable frequency drive speed control (0-10V to VFD)
  • Hydraulic proportional valve control
  • Temperature control (0-10V to heater SSR)
  • Batch dosing and mixing
  • HVAC damper and valve control

Installation Requirements:

  • Mount on DIN rail TS35 near the field devices for short analog cable runs
  • Use shielded twisted-pair cable for current outputs (4-20mA); shielded coaxial or twisted-pair for voltage outputs (0-10V)
  • Maximum cable length: 50 m (current, 4-20mA)20 m (voltage, 0-10V) — longer runs require shielded cable with driven shield
  • For current output: ensure total loop resistance (wire + load) ≤ 500Ω (4-20mA) or ≤ 250Ω (0-20mA)
  • Connect 24V DC bus power from the X20 bus coupler

Usage Precautions:

  • Do not exceed 500Ω total loop resistance on current outputs — the module cannot maintain current above compliance voltage
  • Do not short-circuit voltage outputs — this can damage the output amplifier
  • Do not leave voltage outputs unloaded (below 2 kΩ) — this causes instability and oscillation
  • Set the correct output range (0-20mA vs 4-20mA) in the configuration — wrong range causes 25% offset error
  • Enable linearization only when needed — incorrect linearization table causes output errors

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