Product category:
Smaller-Sized PLCs
News Release from: StrainSense | Subject: Tracker 300 series
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 June 2004
Controller predicts thermocouple
replacement
The new Tracker 300 series is a cost-effective signal conditioner, trip amplifier, process transmitter and PID controller for use in a variety of process applications.
The new Tracker 300 series is a cost-effective signal conditioner, trip amplifier, process transmitter and PID controller for use in a variety of process applications Its compact size (22.5mm wide) enables a high packing density on a standard TS35 DIN rail
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 20 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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A built in power supply, transmitter excitation and serial RS485 interface provides genuine single loop integrity with distributed data acquisition.
The Tracker 300 uses a two-wire communications link, greatly reducing wiring costs and simplifying installation.
The Tracker 300 series is supplied with a universal input covering milliamp, millivolt, volt, thermocouple and PT100.
A 20bit input provides accurate measurement of a wide range of sensors, with real-time data availability via the isolated RS485 serial interface.
Square root functions, user linearisation, sensor and transmitter power supplies, resistance and strain gauge measurements, RS485 Modbus RTU and ASCII communications are fitted as standard.
Remote configuration is via PC software.
The isolation provided in the Tracker 300 series eliminates earth loops, which can cause noisy, inaccurate measurements.
Any Tracker 300 module can be fitted with an isolated analogue output for signal retransmission.
Front panel LEDs give status readings on communications and alarm conditions.
The Tracker 300 can be supplied with relay, SSR and analogue outputs.
The Tracker 340 logic module provides extra expansion, giving a combination of up to four additional relays or TTL outputs and two logic inputs.
The Tracker 300 range has a unique standard feature that constantly monitors the condition of a thermocouple and warns the user if the sensor needs replacement.
This allows planned replacement, saving maintenance costs, and increasing production revenue.
It works by measuring the loop resistance of a new thermocouple when it is initially connected, then storing this value in memory.
By periodically monitoring the loop resistance and comparing it with the stored value, the ageing effect and condition of the thermocouple can be determined.
It alarms when thermocouples show signs of deterioration.
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