26 Rockwell Automation Publication 1756-UM058G-EN-P - November 2012
Chapter 2 Digital I/O Operation in the ControlLogix System
Suggestions for Rack-optimized Connections
We recommend that you use a rack-optimized connection for these applications:
• Standard digital I/O modules
• Non-fused digital output modules
• Owner-controllers running low on connections
Input Module Operation
In traditional I/O systems, controllers poll input modules to obtain their input 
status. In the ControlLogix system, a controller does not poll digital input 
modules. Instead, the modules multicast their data either upon change of state 
(COS) or requested packet interval (RPI). The frequency depends on the 
options chosen during configuration and whether the input module is local or 
remote. This method of communication uses the Producer/Consumer model. 
The input module is the producer of input data and the controller is the 
consumer of the data.
All ControlLogix inputs are updated asynchronously in relation to the 
controller’s task execution. In other words, an input may be updated in the 
controller at any time during the controller’s execution of the tasks it is 
configured to run. The input device determines when the input is sent based on 
its configuration.
An input module’s behavior also varies depending upon whether it operates in the 
local chassis or in a remote chassis. The following sections detail the differences in 
data transfers between local and remote installations.
Rack-optimized connections are available only to digital I/O modules. 
However, do not use a rack-optimized connection for diagnostic I/O modules or 
fused output modules. Diagnostic and fused output data will not be 
transferred over a rack-optimized connection. This defeats the purpose of using 
those modules.