Description
Honeywell MC-PAIH03 | High-Level Analog Input Processor | 16-Channel HLAI
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Honeywell |
| Model | MC-PAIH03 |
| Product Type | High-Level Analog Input Processor |
| I/O Type | HLAI |
| Number of Inputs | 16 |
| Input Configuration | Differential |
| Input Type | Voltage or current |
| Voltage Ranges | 0–5 V, 1–5 V, 0.4–2 V |
| Current Range | 4–20 mA through 250 Ω |
| A/D Converter | 16-bit converter, 14 bits used |
| Input Scan Rate | 4 samples/channel/second |
| Scan Window | All channels sampled within 250 ms |
| Input Impedance | >10 MΩ for voltage inputs |
| Common-Mode Rejection | 70 dB, DC–60 Hz |
| Normal-Mode Rejection | 32 dB at 60 Hz |
| Filter | Single-pole RC, -3 dB at 1 Hz |
| Maximum Differential Input | ±30 V without damage |
| Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk | 60 dB, DC–60 Hz |
| Accuracy | ±0.075% FS at 23.5 ±2°C; ±0.15% FS from 0–50°C |
| FTA Compatibility | MU-TAIH02, TAIH12, TAIH52, TAIH03, TAIH13, TAIH23, TAIH53, TAIH22, TAIH62 |
| Coating | Conformally coated |
| Typical CE-Compliant P/N | 51304754-150 |
The Honeywell technical specification gives the MC-PAIH03 16 differential inputs and supports both voltage and current signals, including 4–20 mA through a 250 Ω input resistor. It specifies a 16-bit A/D converter with 14 bits used, 4 samples per second per channel, and all channels sampled within a 250 ms window.
Product Introduction
The Honeywell MC-PAIH03 is a 16-channel High-Level Analog Input Processor (HLAI) used in Honeywell TPS/Process Manager I/O architectures. It accepts differential voltage and current signals from field transmitters, including 1–5 V and 4–20 mA process signals, and converts them into digital values for the control system.
This is a legacy process-control I/O processor rather than a modern universal analog card. The input ranges, FTA arrangement, coating designation, and installed hardware revision need to match the existing Honeywell system. Honeywell documentation also identifies MC-PAIH03 as a conformally coated model, so the MC prefix is functionally significant when matching replacement hardware.
MC-PAIH03
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
An MC-PAIH03 fault can appear as a bad transmitter, unstable process value, or failed I/O point. Because the module uses differential inputs and external FTAs, troubleshooting should cover the IOP, FTA, transmitter loop, field wiring, input configuration, and system database rather than replacing the processor immediately.
Typical Applications
- Honeywell Process Manager / TPS analog input systems
- TDC 3000 and related Honeywell UCN control architectures
- 4–20 mA process transmitter monitoring
- 1–5 V and other high-level analog instrumentation
- Legacy refinery, chemical, power, and process-control installations
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse MC- with a low-level analog input module.
MC- is specifically the High-Level Analog Input Processor. Honeywell lists MC-PAIL02 separately as the Low-Level Analog Input Processor. - Do not treat the 16 inputs as universal thermocouple/RTD channels.
The documented MC- ranges are 0–5 V, 1–5 V, 0.4–2 V, and 4–20 mA through 250 Ω. Claims that this exact model is a universal thermocouple/RTD card should not be used without separate Honeywell documentation. - Match the FTA before replacing the IOP.
Honeywell lists several compatible FTA models, including TAIH02, TAIH12, TAIH52, TAIH03, TAIH13, TAIH23, TAIH53, TAIH22, and TAIH62. The installed FTA determines important field-interface characteristics, so matching only the processor model is not sufficient. - Verify the complete part number and hardware revision.
MC- is a model designation rather than a sufficient procurement identifier in every installation. Honeywell’s hardware documentation distinguishes assembly variants and coated configurations; use the physical nameplate and installed system documentation to confirm the exact order number.
Related Products
- Honeywell MC-PAIL02 — Low-Level Analog Input Processor; intended for lower-level instrumentation rather than the HLAI function of MC-.
- Honeywell MC-PAOX03 — High-Level Analog Output Processor; output counterpart within the same I/O processor family.
- Honeywell MC-PHAI01 — HART High-Level Analog Input processor for applications requiring HART functionality.
- Honeywell MC-PHAO01 — HART Analog Output processor.
- Honeywell MC-PDIX02 — 32-channel digital input processor.
- Honeywell MC-PDOX02 — 16-channel digital output processor.
- Honeywell TAIH03 — Field Termination Assembly associated with the HLAI architecture.
- Honeywell TAIH02 / TAIH12 / TAIH52 — Other compatible FTA configurations listed for MC-.
Procurement Check
Before approving a Honeywell MC- replacement, verify:
- Exact model:
- Complete order/assembly number
- Whether the installed unit is the conformally coated MC version
- Hardware revision
- Honeywell TPS / Process Manager system generation
- Installed FTA model
- 16-channel differential configuration
- 4–20 mA versus voltage input assignments
- 250 Ω current-input arrangement
- Existing I/O database configuration
- Field transmitter wiring
- Cabinet and connector arrangement
- Existing spare’s coating and environmental requirements
- Firmware/system compatibility where applicable
Recommended procurement description:
Honeywell MC- High-Level Analog Input Processor, 16-Channel Differential HLAI IOP, 0–5 V / 1–5 V / 0.4–2 V / 4–20 mA Inputs, Conformally Coated TPS Process Manager I/O Module.
The key distinction is straightforward: MC- is a 16-channel High-Level Analog Input Processor, not a generic PLC analog card. For replacement work, match the complete Honeywell part number, hardware revision, FTA, signal range, and conformal-coating configuration before installation.
