22 Rockwell Automation Publication  1756-RM011A-EN-P - June 2016
Chapter 4 Application Conversion
To update an 8-channel module with an 8-channel module owner connection, 
the owning connection must be in Program mode. 
When used in Emulation mode, the 8-channel modules do not support the 
automatic firmware update feature of RSLogix 5000® software.
Communication Format 
Support Between 
6- and 8-channel Modules 
Each of the 6-channel modules had multiple types of communication formats 
that could be selected. The 8-channel modules support all possible 
communication formats. Also any version of RSLogix 5000 software can now 
support the 8-channel modules as long as the 8-channel module is used in 6-
channel Emulation mode. If you are currently using a 6-channel module, it can 
be directly replaced with an 8-channel module with no I/O tree modifications 
or program changes. If necessary, wiring or removable terminal block (RTB) 
changes can be made and are covered later in this document.
If you have an older system that does not inherently support the 8-channel 
modules (RSLogix 5000 software V17 and earlier) and you must add 
additional new I/O, you can now use 8-channel modules. You can use these 
modules by selecting the 6-channel equivalent module in the I/O tree.
In all cases of using an 8-channel module in 6-channel Emulation mode, only 
the 6-channel modules functionality is available. For example, 8-channel 
modules can scan all channels as fast as 1 ms but in 6-channel Emulation mode 
all channels can only be scanned at the rate specified by the 6-channel module. 
Electronic Keying 
When using Emulation mode, we recommend that you select Compatible 
Keying as your electronic keying option. 
Exact match as an electronic keying selection does not work. The connection 
will error with, “(Code 16#0116) Electronic Keying Mismatch: Major and/or 
Minor revision invalid or incorrect.” 
The use of Disable Keying is not recommended. 
IMPORTANT When 8-channel modules are used in 6-channel Emulation mode, only six 
(channels 0…5) of the eight channels are functional. Channels six and 
seven of the 8-channel module cannot be used.
ATTENTION: Be extremely cautious when using Disable Keying; if used 
incorrectly, this option can lead to personal injury or death, property 
damage, or economic loss. We strongly recommend that you do not use 
Disable Keying. If you use Disable Keying, you must take full responsibility for 
understanding whether the device being used can fulfill the functional 
requirements of the application.