Comprehensive Product Summary – ND‑6018 8‑Channel Thermocouple Analog Input Module

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: ND‑6018
Article Number: ND‑6018
Model/Series: NuDAM‑6000 Series – Analog Input Modules
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Product Type: 8‑Channel Thermocouple J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, C Analog Input Module
Communication Interface: RS‑485, 2‑wire, multi‑drop network compatible
Compatibility: ADAM‑4018 compatible, part of the NuDAM distributed data acquisition and control system

The ND‑6018 is a high‑isolation, multi‑channel thermocouple input module designed for industrial data acquisition and process control applications. It provides eight analog input channels—six differential and two single‑ended—capable of measuring a wide range of thermocouple types and low‑level voltage or current signals. The module integrates cold‑junction compensation (CJC), signal conditioning, and digital conversion, transmitting processed data over an RS‑485 network for remote monitoring and control.

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi‑Channel Input: 8 analog input channels (6 differential, 2 single‑ended) for simultaneous multi‑point temperature or voltage measurement.
- Thermocouple Compatibility: Supports J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, and C thermocouple types, covering temperature ranges from ‑270 °C to +2320 °C.
- High‑Resolution Conversion: 16‑bit A/D resolution ensures precise measurement of low‑level thermoelectric voltages.
- Cold Junction Compensation (CJC): On‑board CJC sensor with enable/disable control for accurate thermocouple temperature readings.
- Wide Input Range: Programmable voltage ranges of ±15 mV, ±50 mV, ±100 mV, ±500 mV, ±1 V, and ±2.5 V; current measurement 0–20 mA (via external 125 Ω resistor).
- Electrical Isolation: 2500 V RMS isolation between input channels and communication circuitry for noise immunity and safety.
- Sampling Rate: 3 samples per second per channel, suitable for slow‑changing process variables.
- RS‑485 Networking: Two‑wire, half‑duplex communication supporting up to 128 modules per bus segment and 256 addressable modules in a network.
- Programmable Configuration: Software‑configurable input type, range, baud rate, and data format via ASCII command set.
- Watchdog Protection: Internal watchdog timer for device self‑recovery and host watchdog for fail‑safe output control.
- Industrial Design: Compact, DIN‑rail or panel‑mountable ABS enclosure with screw‑terminal connectors for secure wiring.
- ADAM‑4018 Compatibility: Drop‑in replacement for existing ADAM‑4018 installations, ensuring interoperability.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Analog Input
- Channels: 8 (6 differential, 2 single‑ended)
- Input Types: Thermocouple, mV, V, or mA
- Thermocouple Types and Ranges:
- J: 0 °C – 760 °C
- K: 0 °C – 1370 °C
- T: –100 °C – 400 °C
- E: 0 °C – 1000 °C
- R: 500 °C – 1750 °C
- S: 500 °C – 1750 °C
- B: 500 °C – 1800 °C
- N: –270 °C – 1300 °C
- C: 0 °C – 2320 °C
- Voltage Input Ranges: ±15 mV, ±50 mV, ±100 mV, ±500 mV, ±1 V, ±2.5 V
- Current Input Range: 0–20 mA (with external 125 Ω precision resistor)
- Resolution: 16 bits
- Sampling Rate: 3 samples/sec
- Input Impedance: High (>1 MΩ typical)
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 V RMS (input to system)
- Maximum Input Voltage: ±30 V DC relative to AGND (damage threshold)
- Cold Junction Compensation: Internal, software‑enable/disable

Power Requirements
- Supply Voltage: +10 V DC – +30 V DC (unregulated)
- Typical Power Consumption: 0.96 W

Environmental
- Operating Temperature: –10 °C to +70 °C
- Storage Temperature: –25 °C to +80 °C
- Humidity: 5 % – 95 % RH, non‑condensing
- Isolation: 2500 V RMS channel‑to‑system

Physical
- Case Material: ABS plastic with protective coating for humidity and chemical resistance
- Mounting: DIN‑rail or panel mount
- Connectors: 20‑pin screw terminal block
- Dimensions: Compact modular form factor (approx. 72 × 118 × 25 mm typical for NuDAM modules)
- Weight: ~200 g

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### 4. Functionality

Operating Principle:
The ND‑6018 measures thermoelectric voltages generated by thermocouples or other low‑level analog sources. Each channel’s signal is multiplexed, amplified, and digitized by a 16‑bit ADC. The microprocessor applies linearization, cold‑junction compensation, and scaling before transmitting the processed data via RS‑485 in ASCII format.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial process temperature monitoring (furnaces, kilns, reactors)
- Environmental and laboratory data logging
- Energy management and HVAC systems
- Remote sensing in distributed control networks
- Integration with SCADA, PLC, or PC‑based control systems

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with ADLINK’s NuDAM‑6000 series network modules
- Interoperable with ADAM‑4018 and other RS‑485‑based DAQ systems
- Supported by NuDAM Administration Utility and standard Modbus/ASCII command protocols

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ND‑6018 module unit
- 20‑pin screw terminal block for signal and power connections
- User documentation and configuration guide

Optional Accessories:
- RS‑232 to RS‑485 converter (ND‑6520 or ND‑6530)
- RS‑485 repeater (ND‑6510) for extended networks
- External 125 Ω precision resistor for current measurement
- DIN‑rail mounting kit
- Shielded twisted‑pair communication cable (120 Ω characteristic impedance)

Connectors and Pin Assignments:
1 – Vin5+  Differential positive input CH5
2 – Vin5–  Differential negative input CH5
3 – Vin6+  Single‑ended input CH6
4 – AGND  Analog ground (CH6/CH7)
5 – Vin7+  Single‑ended input CH7
6 – DEFAULT* Initialization pin (ground to enter default mode)
7 – (Y) DATA+ RS‑485 positive line
8 – (G) DATA– RS‑485 negative line
9 – (R) +Vs Power input +10 V – +30 V DC
10 – (B) GND Power ground
11–20 – Vin0± to Vin4± Differential input pairs for channels 0–4

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- DC power supply: +10 V – +30 V DC, 1 W minimum
- RS‑485 network connection (two‑wire, half‑duplex)
- Host computer or controller with RS‑232/RS‑485 interface

Mounting Options:
- DIN‑rail or panel mounting using captive hardware
- Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid proximity to high‑voltage or magnetic sources

Configuration Procedure:
1. Connect power and RS‑485 lines (DATA+, DATA–, GND).
2. Use the NuDAM Administration Utility or ASCII commands to assign a unique address (00–FF Hex).
3. Configure baud rate (1200 – 115.2 kbps), input type, and data format.
4. Enable or disable CJC as required.
5. Verify communication using the “Read Configuration” command ($ Addr 2 <CR>).

Default Settings (Factory):
- Address ID = 01 (Hex)
- Baud Rate = 9600 bps
- Checksum = Disabled
- Watchdog = Disabled

Network Integration:
- Up to 128 modules per RS‑485 segment; use ND‑6510 repeater for longer distances (> 1200 m).
- Terminate both ends of the bus with 120 Ω ± 2 % resistors.
- Use shielded twisted‑pair cable; connect shield to protective earth.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Resolution: 16 bits (1 part in 65,536)
- Accuracy: ±0.1 % of Full Scale Range typical
- Sampling Rate: 3 samples/sec per channel
- Input Impedance: > 1 MΩ
- Common‑Mode Rejection: > 100 dB typical
- Isolation Voltage: 2500 V RMS
- Noise Immunity: Enhanced by opto‑isolation and internal filtering
- Bandwidth: Approx. 14 Hz (typical for thermocouple input)
- Power Consumption: 0.96 W typical
- Response Time: < 500 ms for full‑scale update
- Limitations: Not suitable for high‑frequency or rapidly varying signals; designed for slow‑changing temperature or process variables.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Communication Standard: EIA RS‑485, half‑duplex, multi‑drop
- Isolation: 2500 V RMS channel‑to‑system
- Safety & EMC: CE Class A compliant
- Environmental Protection: Conformal coating for humidity and chemical resistance
- Temperature Stability: Designed for industrial environments (–10 °C to +70 °C)
- Network Capacity: Up to 256 addressable modules per RS‑485 network
- Protocol: ASCII command/response; compatible with NuDAM command set and Modbus‑style integration

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### 9. Additional Information

Calibration:
- Factory‑calibrated; field calibration supported via software commands.
- Offset and span calibration commands available for each channel.
- CJC offset calibration for precise thermocouple compensation.

Maintenance:
- Periodic verification of calibration recommended annually.
- Keep module in stable ambient temperature; avoid rapid thermal changes.
- Clean with dry air; avoid solvents.

Firmware & Updates:
- Firmware revision (e.g., E1.00 or later) displayed via “Read Firmware Version” command ($ Addr F <CR>).
- Updates available through ADLINK support.

Warranty & Support:
- Standard 1‑year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Technical support and RMA service provided by ADLINK Technology Inc.
- Warranty void if module is modified, misused, or operated beyond specifications.

Troubleshooting Tips:
- Verify correct RS‑485 wiring polarity (DATA+ / DATA–).
- Ensure unique address ID for each module.
- Check power supply voltage within +10 V – +30 V DC.
- Use termination resistors at both ends of the bus.
- Use NuDAM Administration Utility for diagnostics and configuration readback.

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### Summary

The ADLINK ND‑6018 is a robust, high‑precision 8‑channel thermocouple analog input module engineered for distributed industrial data acquisition. With support for nine thermocouple types, 16‑bit resolution, and 2500 V RMS isolation, it delivers reliable temperature and low‑level voltage measurements in harsh environments. Its RS‑485 communication interface allows long‑distance, multi‑drop networking with up to 256 modules, making it ideal for scalable process monitoring systems. The integrated cold‑junction compensation, watchdog protection, and flexible configuration ensure accuracy, safety, and ease of integration into modern SCADA and control architectures.