Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Part / Module	8101-HI-TX-02
Platform	GE PAC8000 Modular I/O
Input Channels	8 single-ended
Nominal Signal Range	4–20 mA
Full Signal Range	1–23 mA
Resolution	16-bit
Response Time	27 ms max in 4–20 mA mode
HART Response	0.75 sec per point
HART Support	HART pass-through; HART variable and status reporting
Fault Detection	Open-circuit and short-circuit detection
Bus Field Power	24 V DC ±10%
Accuracy	±0.1% of span over temperature range

 

Product Introduction

GE 8101-HI-TX-02 is a GE PAC8000 modular I/O analog input module. It accepts eight single-ended 4–20 mA field signals and converts them for use by a PAC8000 controller or distributed I/O system.The module is intended for process measurement applications where 4–20 mA transmitters must be read with defined accuracy, fault detection, and HART data access. Its 16-bit resolution, 27 ms response time, and HART pass-through make it suitable for temperature, pressure, flow, level, or other analog process signals — but only when the host system, terminal assembly, and field power match the module requirements.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Preparation — 10 min

1. Confirm the module label reads 8101-HI-TX-02.
2. Record the module key code — expected to be A1 for this configuration.
3. Identify the PAC8000 rack, rail bus position, and terminal assembly.
4. Confirm field devices are 4–20 mA transmitters, either 2-wire or 4-wire.
5. Confirm 24 V DC ±10% bus field power is available if required by the transmitter wiring.
6. Prepare ESD protection: wrist strap, grounded mat, anti-static bag.
7. Photograph the existing module, terminal block, wiring, and module key before removal.

Removal — 5–10 min

1. Place the controller or I/O rack in a safe maintenance state.
2. De-energize field power where safe and permitted.
3. Apply lockout/tagout if the panel or field wiring is exposed.
4. Label every field wire before disconnecting.
5. Remove the terminal assembly if required by the PAC8000 mounting method.
6. Release the module from the rail/bus.
7. Do not pry connectors or force the module sideways.

Installation — 10 min

1. Inspect the replacement module for bent pins, corrosion, cracked housing, or burn marks.
2. Confirm the module key matches the original module key.
3. Align the module with the rail/bus before seating it.
4. Press the module firmly into place until it seats fully.
5. Reinstall the terminal assembly in the correct orientation.
6. Reconnect field wiring exactly as labeled.
7. For 2-wire transmitters, verify polarity and loop power path.
8. For 4-wire transmitters, verify separate power and signal connections.

Power-On & Test — 10 min

1. Restore 24 V DC field power within ±10%.
2. Restore rack/bus power only after wiring is verified.
3. Check that the controller recognizes the module.
4. Confirm each channel shows a valid 4–20 mA reading.
5. Force a simulated open circuit on one spare channel to verify open-circuit detection, if safe.
6. Force a simulated short circuit on one spare channel to verify short-circuit detection, if safe.
7. If HART is used, confirm HART pass-through and variable/status reporting are enabled in the configuration.

 

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom	Most Likely Cause	First Check
Controller does not see the module	Wrong slot, bad bus contact, or wrong module key	Reseat module; verify A1 key code
All channels read 0 mA	Field power missing or wiring open	Measure 24 V DC field supply
One channel reads open	Broken wire, loose terminal, or failed transmitter	Check terminal torque and loop continuity
One channel reads shorted	Cable damage, terminal short, or wiring error	Disconnect field wire and retest
HART device not detected	HART reporting disabled or wiring issue	Enable HART variable/status reporting
Erratic readings	EMI, poor grounding, or shared conduit with power cables	Separate signal wiring; check shielding
Module feels hot	Excess bus current or wrong module type	Measure 12 V rail and 24 V field current

Dimensions, Mounting & Wiring Notes

• Module width: 42 mm
• Module weight: approximately 200 g
• Mounting: PAC8000 modular I/O rail/bus installation
• Terminal assemblies: use the terminal type specified for the installed field wiring
• Field wiring: confirm 2-wire or 4-wire transmitter connection before power-up
• Power: 24 V DC ±10% bus field power required for transmitter loop power
• Isolation note: channels are not isolated from each other

 

FAQ

Is GE 8101-HI-TX-02 an analog input or a network switch?
It is an analog input module. Some unrelated listings describe it as a network switch or camera module, but those descriptions do not match the PAC8000 8-channel 4–20 mA input function.Can I use 0–10 V sensors with this module?
Not without verification. The documented input range is 4–20 mA, with a full detection range of 1–23 mA. Do not connect voltage-output sensors unless the PAC8000 manual explicitly supports it for this module.Does this module support HART?
Yes. It supports HART pass-through and HART variable/status reporting. HART response is approximately 0.75 sec per point, while standard 4–20 mA response is 27 ms max.I have a 2-wire transmitter. Will this module power it?
It can support 2-wire transmitters using 24 V DC bus field power, with up to 300 mA max for 2-wire transmitter loads. For 4-wire transmitters, the limit is 60 mA max per transmitter.What happens if a field wire breaks?
The module provides open-circuit detection. Below approximately 0.5 mA, the channel should flag an open/low fault condition, depending on system configuration.Can I replace another GE analog input module with 8101-HI-TX-02?
Only if the replacement matches channel type, signal range, module key, terminal assembly, and PAC8000 configuration. A physically similar module is not automatically compatible.Is this module intrinsically safe?
The documentation references FM non-incendive field wiring parameters, not full intrinsic safety. For hazardous-area installations, verify the exact terminal assembly, wiring method, and approval markings before commissioning.