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FEATURE SIGNAL CONDITIONING


SIGNALLING A change for industry


With today’s global connectivity demanding devices which are both sophisticated and secure, development of these needs to focus on data collection, signal conditioning and control. Heiko Luckhaupt, category marketing manager, automation & control, RS Components, comments


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ndustrial, process and factory automation is enabled by technology that has been evolving since before the semiconductor age. With a dependence on technology and the discipline to employ it reliably and effectively, automation will be one of the first markets to take full advantage of the Internet of Things, or IoT. This is already apparent by the level of control that can be achieved, coupled with developments such as remote access and monitoring. While this is enabled by global connectivity, its implementation relies on the development of more sophisticated and secure devices designed specifically for the harsh conditions present within the industry. The development of devices suitable for these diverse applications requires a focus on three main aspects: data collection, signal conditioning and control. In automation, data is ultimately represented as a measurable electrical value comprising current, voltage and resistance, which may represent any number of physical properties such as temperature, vibration, rotational speed or strain. The level of accuracy and stability during signal acquisition is perhaps the most critical stage in process control, as any error introduced here will propagate throughout the system. It therefore requires special consideration, with particular attention to temperature-dependent artefacts such as drift or offset, as stability over time is crucial in process control. Many of these elements are particularly apparent in the sensor used, but the electronic interface to that sensor and its subsequent signal conditioning are aspects where system integration directly influences the quality of results. Sensors typically generate incredibly small signals, which means any unwanted ‘noise’


24 JULY/AUGUST 2014 | INSTRUMENTATION


introduced at any stage must be identified and either removed or compensated for. Signal conditioning under these conditions represents the greatest challenge for system developers.


management certification and compliance with globally recognised safety standards, this breadth makes PR electronics’ range (now available through RS Components) suitable to all automation/control applications.


PR electronics understands this, and develops signal


conditioning and process control devices to all industries. The company


PR electronics’ signal conditioning and process control devices are available from RS Components


is certified to provide products for explosive environments and products that are compliant to European functional safety standards, as well as many SIL2 qualified products. As each automation installation will


have its own specific requirements, PR electronics offers a range of temperature, I.S. (Intrinsically Safe), communication, multifunctional, isolation and display devices in four main formats: DIN rail, sensor head, panel and 11-pole socket. Together with its extensive quality


SENSOR DATA A fundamental element of automation and control today involves moving seamlessly between the analogue to digital domains, allowing sensor data to be used effectively. A significant advantage of data in a digital format is its relative immunity to noise, but another important benefit that is becoming more relevant is the ease with which that data can be distributed or accessed. Remote monitoring and control are becoming an integral part of automation and to support that manufacturers are developing devices such as the PR4511; a detachable display module that also adds Modbus RTU RS-485 serial communications to all current and future 4000/9000 units from PR electronics. This device can convert a wide range of sensor and other analogue signals acquired – such as uni- and bi-polar mA/V signals, potentiometers, Lin, R, RTC and TC – to a Modbus communication line signal. In addition, when used with a 9000 device, it can convert any signal coming from or going to an intrinsically safe classified area to a Modbus network. It can be configured over a Modbus channel, as well as through its front panel, which houses the display. Furthermore, by using the PR4801 Modbus Gateway, remote access and control can be achieved. The Gateway provides a Modbus to Ethernet connection, allowing the system to be securely accessed through a standard web browser or smartphone/tablet application.


RS Components www.rs-components.com Enter 670


A DIGITAL SIGNAL CONDITIONING AMPLIFIER


Mantracourt has introduced the LCA20, a versatile and flexible digital signal conditioning amplifier for single or multiple load cell applications. The device offers the options of three programmable digital inputs including auto tare, peak hold and reset. It also provides two relay outputs for control or alarm functions and is now able to support up to ten 350 ohm load cells. Additional features include a simplified digital set-up via PC, 10 point linearisation and the provision of measurement speeds of 10 or 80 samples per second. According to the company, the amplifier provides both RS232 and RS485


options for digital communications (including setup) and can support label or ticket printers; and is enabled with an easy one-pass calibration and fast setup procedure. It also supports Mantrabus 1 & 2, MANTRA ASCII 2 and MODBUS RTU protocols. The signal conditioning amplifier is housed in a ROHS compliant enclosure and is environmentally sealed


to IP65 / NEMA 4 (dimensions 200 x 120 x 75mm). DIN rail or PCB module versions are also available. Mantracourt


www.mantracourt.com Enter 671


/ INSTRUMENTATION


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