FAQ

Mounting the module on the DIN rail and connecting modules into sets does not require any additional components such as connectors, wires, etc. This is handled by the system communication bus connector (communication and power bus), into which the modules are successively plugged on the DIN rail. The connector is included with every module.

Connecting a module or a set of modules to the PLC or other devices requires an additional connector – a pluggable terminal block (5-way, 3.81 mm pitch, screw connection) and the connecting wires (screened twisted pair). Depending on the side of the connection (left/right), the appropriate type of terminal block (male/female) must be used.

The pluggable terminal block is not included in the standard set – it can be purchased separately. Example matching terminal blocks from various manufacturers are listed in the User Manual, in the section “Mounting and installation”, subsection “Connection to the Modbus bus”.

I/O modules are widely used in solutions that automate logistics processes, particularly internal warehouse processes. Some typical examples include:

Warehouse systems and conveyors

Control of conveyor motors, handling of parcel presence sensors, limit switches and start/stop signals. Supported signal types: DI, DO, AO.

Parcel and shipment sorting

Reading signals from positioning sensors and controlling gates that route parcels to appropriate zones. Supported signal types: DI, DO.

Labelling and flow control of goods

Digital inputs from position sensors, digital outputs controlling labelling machines. Supported signal types: DI, DO.

Monitoring of goods lifts and sorters

Registration of limit signals, position control and drive control. Supported signal types: DI, DO.

Control of loading and unloading systems at ramps

Handling of presence sensors, hydraulic or electric actuators. Supported signal types: DI, DO, sometimes AO.

ℹ️ The above application examples refer to devices and functions that can be implemented using Ambity Line I/O modules. These modules allow for simple handling of start/stop signals, motor control, as well as integration with sensors and drives in more complex intralogistics systems.

The RS-485 drivers used in the modules allow for a direct connection of up to 128 modules in the Ambity Line.

However, for larger sets, it is necessary to ensure an appropriate cross-section of the power supply wires in order to guarantee proper supply voltage for all modules.

Ambity Line modules are divided into several series to best match different application needs – from simple control systems to more advanced measurement and actuator systems. Each series offers a different set of input and output functions, allowing you to select the right module for a specific task.

Series A (AI/DI/DO) supports analogue inputs (AI) and digital inputs/outputs (DI/DO). It is intended for basic applications where reading voltage/current or digital signals and simple control of digital states (e.g. on/off) is required.

Series B (AI/DI + AO + DO) is an extension of Series A with the ability to generate analogue output signals (AO). This makes it suitable for systems that require control via current and voltage signals (e.g. dampers, valves, actuators), while still handling digital inputs and outputs.

Series C (RTD + AO + DO) is designed for applications requiring temperature measurement and control. The modules support RTD resistance temperature sensors (e.g. Pt100, Pt1000) and offer analogue and digital outputs, enabling not only precise temperature measurement but also direct control of actuators.

Series D consists of relay modules (SPST / SPDT) that allow direct switching of loads such as lighting, fans, pumps, or other devices requiring galvanic isolation.

All Ambity Line module series are based on the same platform – they share identical dimensions, mounting method, communication interface, integration method, and can be configured using the Ambity Line Config Tool.

Ambity Line modules designed for temperature measurement, i.e. Series C (AL-IO-C.XX), work with a wide range of NTC sensors. In practice, almost any sensor of this type can be connected – it is sufficient to define two basic parameters in the module configuration:

nominal resistance (NTC R25),

material constant (NTC beta).

These parameters are always provided in the technical documentation of a given sensor. It is worth noting that nominal resistance affects the temperature range in which the highest measurement resolution and accuracy are achieved. Example values:

• 1 kΩ → from –50 °C to +50 °C
• 3.3 kΩ → from –40 °C to +90 °C
• 10 kΩ → from –20 °C to +120 °C
• 33 kΩ → from +10 °C to +150 °C
• 100 kΩ → from +40 °C to +150 °C

Characteristic plots of example NTC sensors are available in the Product Datasheet.

Ambity Line modules work with virtually all standard PLCs using Modbus RTU (RS-485) communication.

You can check the functionality and configuration of a selected module in simulator mode of the Ambity Line Config Tool – simply run the application and select the model you are interested in.

It is also worth getting familiar with the prepared QuickStart guides, which describe step by step how to integrate the modules with popular PLCs (see: #QuickStart).

For deliveries under CPT terms (Carriage Paid To), the seller organises and pays for transport to the specified place of destination. However, the risk related to the goods passes to the buyer at the moment the shipment is handed over to the first carrier.

Transport costs to the final destination are borne by the seller, while the buyer bears the risk of damage or loss of the goods from the moment they are handed over to the carrier. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are also borne by the buyer.

Under CPT terms, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of Sale, deliveries are carried out for products offered by EDS CONTROLLERS.

Yes.

Thanks to the common hardware platform and flexible software architecture, in many cases we can prepare a customised version – with a specified number and types of channels.

Contact us to discuss the details.

There are several possible reasons:

• Configuration protection is active – it must be deactivated. The procedure is described in the User Manual, in the Modbus Registers section, addresses 62004 and 63002.
• The module has older firmware that does not support the given value – the firmware needs to be updated.
• The value written to the register is outside the allowed range or is written to an incorrect register – check the address and range.

Most likely, the first module has newer firmware in which a new register (address) has been added.

A similar cause may also occur in the case of error 3 (illegal value), when older firmware does not support the given function or value range.

Recommended timeouts:

• Register read/write: 20 ms processing time + response transmission time
• Writing to a command register: 100 ms processing time + response transmission time

Ambity Line modules work with many PLCs that use Modbus RTU (RS-485) communication. These include, among others:

• Siemens S7-1200 + CM1241 (RS-485)
• Mitsubishi Electric FX5U (built-in RS-485 / FX5-485ADP)
• Schneider Electric Modicon M221 (RS-485)
• Allen-Bradley Micro850 (RS-232/RS-485, RS-485 mode)

For each of the above, we have prepared QuickStart packages with a ready-made wiring diagram (A↔A, B↔B, shield → PE, 120 Ω termination), example port configuration (e.g. 9600 bps, 8N1, slave address 1), and Modbus frames (read 03/04, write 05/06/15/16).

The packages also include full register maps and short starter projects ready to paste into the respective PLC environment.

👉 Download the complete QuickStart package

Single conductors should not be used for this purpose, nor should unshielded multi-core cables.

It is recommended that, when connecting the modules to the master controller, a shielded twisted pair cable is used (minimum STP 2×2) or an Ethernet cable STP 4×2 for long bus lines.

The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on the number of connected devices.
For longer distances, proper power transmission is crucial.

The resistance of a single conductor in an STP Cat. 5 CCA (Copper Coated Aluminium) cable is approximately 10 Ω per 100 m of length, while for a cable made of pure copper it is about 5 Ω per 100 m.

At a load of 100 mA, the voltage drop in a UTP Cat. 5 CCA cable is:
2 × 10 Ω × 0.1 A = 2 V per 100 m of length.

At a distance of 1000 meters, the voltage drop reaches 20 V, which makes correct operation of devices installed at such a distance impossible. In such cases, it is recommended to supply power using three pairs of conductors connected in parallel, which reduces losses threefold. The fourth pair is used for data transmission.

In some cases, when the total length of the Modbus bus is significant and the resistance of the data line connections exceeds 250 Ω, terminators with a resistance higher than 120 Ω may improve communication quality.

However, it is not recommended to use terminators with values above 470 Ω.

For measurement transmitters with current outputs (0–20 mA), manufacturers specify the permissible maximum load resistance.
The type and cross-section of the connection cable must be selected so that the total resistance of the signal path (from the transmitter to the measuring device – including its input resistance – and back to the transmitter power supply) does not exceed the value specified by the transmitter manufacturer.

The input resistance of Ambity Line measurement modules in current measurement mode is 50 Ω.

Example: Copper conductors with a cross-section of 0.5 mm² have a resistance of approximately 5 Ω per 100 m of a single conductor. The resistance of a 100-meter connection is therefore about 10 Ω.
By adding this value to the module’s input resistance, the total resistance seen from the source side is approximately 60 Ω, which is a suitable value for most measurement transmitters.

When measuring voltages, the resistance of the connection between the signal source and the measuring circuit has a significant impact on measurement accuracy.
The key parameter to consider when selecting the cables is the input resistance of the measuring device – the cable resistance should be at least 2000 times lower than this value.
Such a selection ensures an additional measurement error of no more than 0.05%, which is usually acceptable.
Good practice is to ensure the lowest possible connection resistance.

Ambity Line measurement modules in voltage measurement mode have an input resistance of 100 kΩ; therefore, the permissible connection resistance should be less than 100 000 / 2000 = 50 Ω.

Example: Copper conductors with a cross-section of 0.5 mm² have a resistance of approximately 5 Ω per 100 m of a single conductor.
The resistance of the connections to a sensor located 100 m away (sum of the signal and ground conductors) is therefore about 10 Ω, which does not exceed the permissible value.

This is not recommended.
Measurement signals from transmitters with voltage outputs should be wired using a separate pair of conductors for each transmitter.
The common reference point for the ground signals from these transmitters is the GND terminals of the measuring device.

This depends on the design of the measurement transmitters used and the wiring arrangement.
A common ground can be used in the case of two-wire transmitters, where the “+” terminal is connected directly to the power supply and the “–” terminal is connected to the measuring device input.
In such a configuration, the ground signal is common for transmitters powered from the same source.

If this is the same power supply that also powers the measurement module, then to ensure the declared measurement accuracy, an additional connection between the measurement circuit ground and the power supply ground terminal must be made.

In the case of Ambity Line modules, it is sufficient to make a single connection between any measurement ground terminal of the module and the power supply.

Yes.
In Ambity Line modules, analogue outputs operating in current mode allow the grounds of the outputs and the receiver grounds to be connected using a common line.

Yes, but this is not recommended.
Yes, however it is not recommended.
In Ambity Line modules, analogue outputs operating in voltage mode allow their grounds to be connected, but to ensure the highest possible signal accuracy at the receiver, it is recommended to connect each voltage signal using a separate pair of conductors.