--- title: "Analog Input (generic) Sensors & Monitoring | Aethair" description: "A generic analog input is a channel, not a physical quantity. See which ADAM I/O modules and gas monitors expose them, and how." url: https://aethair.io/parameters/analog_input/ --- Measurements · Analog / I/O # Analog Input (generic) Generic analog input channel mapped at configuration time. [Schedule a call](https://calendly.com/d/ctdd-mkr-v9v/aethair-demo-website) [Configure Analog Input (generic) Monitoring](https://aethair.io/build/?params=analog_input) At a glance — Analog / I/O 1 way to measure it - **Thiamis** 3 external instruments What it is ## What is a generic analog input? A generic analog input is a channel, not a physical quantity: a value the platform reads from a device without knowing in advance what it measures. The meaning is set when the channel is configured (a signal wired to an I/O module, or a sensor fitted in an interchangeable slot), so the platform records it as Ch0, Ch1, and so on rather than as a named parameter. Two kinds of device in the sensor catalog expose these channels. The [Advantech ADAM-4000](https://aethair.io/sensors/advantech-i-o-integration-modules/) distributed I/O modules turn wired signals into readings: their analog input modules accept voltage, current (4–20 mA and ±20 mA), thermocouple, and RTD signals, and each module's channels map to generic analog inputs, up to eight on the ADAM-4017, 4017+, 4018, 4018+, and 4019+. The [RKI Instruments GX-6000](https://aethair.io/sensors/rki-instruments-gas-detectors/) handheld gas monitor and its TSI-branded equivalent, the [GM460](https://aethair.io/sensors/tsi-gas-detectors/), report their two smart sensor slots as generic channels Ch1 and Ch2. How it is measured ## How Analog Input (generic) Is Measured An ADAM module connects to a [Thiamis](https://aethair.io/products/thiamis/) gateway over RS-485, read with the ADAM ASCII protocol; each channel's input range is set in the driver, which is where the reading gets its meaning. The GX-6000 and GM460 connect over USB. Their four confined-space gases (combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide) are always reported by name. Each of the two smart slots, however, auto-recognizes whichever sensor is fitted (a PID for VOCs, an infrared sensor, or a toxic-gas sensor), so its value depends on that sensor and is ingested as a plain channel. An instrument on Thiamis 3 A third-party instrument connected to a Thiamis gateway, reporting into the same Environet account. ### Every device and option that measures Analog Input (generic) 3 | Device / option | Type | Base platform | Measures | | - | - | - | - | | [Advantech](https://aethair.io/sensors/advantech-i-o-integration-modules/) · ADAM-4011, ADAM-4012, ADAM-4013… | I/O & Integration Modules | Thiamis | Analog Input (generic) | | [TSI](https://aethair.io/sensors/tsi-gas-detectors/) · GM460 | Gas Detectors | Thiamis | Analog Input (generic) [Methane (CH₄)](https://aethair.io/parameters/ch4/) [Carbon Monoxide (CO)](https://aethair.io/parameters/co/) [Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)](https://aethair.io/parameters/h2s/) [Oxygen (O₂)](https://aethair.io/parameters/o2/) | | [RKI Instruments](https://aethair.io/sensors/rki-instruments-gas-detectors/) · GX6000 | Gas Detectors | Thiamis | Analog Input (generic) [Methane (CH₄)](https://aethair.io/parameters/ch4/) [Carbon Monoxide (CO)](https://aethair.io/parameters/co/) [Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)](https://aethair.io/parameters/h2s/) [Oxygen (O₂)](https://aethair.io/parameters/o2/) | [Configure Analog Input (generic) Monitoring](https://aethair.io/build/?params=analog_input) Questions ## Analog Input (generic) FAQ Why is an analog input not a named parameter? Because what it measures depends on what is wired to the channel or fitted in the slot; the meaning is set at configuration, not by the device. Which devices expose generic analog inputs? The Advantech ADAM-4000 analog input modules, the RKI Instruments GX-6000, and the TSI GM460. What signals can an ADAM module read? Its analog input modules accept voltage, current (4–20 mA and ±20 mA), thermocouple, and RTD signals, depending on the module.