SIGNAL CONDITIONING FEATURE
SIGNAL CONDITIONING goes wireless!
Acromag has introduced a new line of signal conditioning products that can be configured wirelessly on a mobile app, helping to provide a high-performance front-end for data acquisition systems
A
cromag has released a new line of high-density signal conditioning
modules called microBlox. Offering over 175 models, the company claims that microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement and control systems. Users can select modules with fixed
ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth wireless technology on an Android or iOS mobile device. The accompanying Agility app simplifies setting custom I/O ranges and optional alarm functions. The app can also display input signal values and create sharable trend charts. uB modules secure to compact backpanels (no screws) in any mix with four-, eight- or 16-channel capacities.
With 1500Vac peak (350Vdc
continuous) channel-to-channel and field-to-host isolation, Acromag says the hot-swappable modules are ideal for front-end data acquisition systems or Acromag remote I/O for communication to Ethernet, Modbus, or Profibus networks. Robert Greenfield, marketing and sales director of Acromag, comments: “Advanced
microcontroller and wireless technologies enable microBlox modules to bring greater flexibility and signal
The microBlox system can be wirelessly configured using an Android or iOS mobile device
processing capabilities into such a small, economical package.” The microBlox module’s small size
(1.11” x 1.65” x 0.4”) and channel-by- channel scalability makes it suitable for embedded or portable applications such as test stands, defence systems, and process control applications. Well-suited
for use in harsh industrial environments, the over-moulded modules resist shock, dirt, and moisture with dependable operation from -40 to 85˚C. Hazardous location UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX Zone 2 approvals are also available. Accessories include a selection of backpanels with slots to insert four, eight or 16 modules; and fuse clips hold the modules securely without screws for easy insertion/removal. According to the company, the backpanels support surface or DIN rail mounting and include CJC for use with temperature input modules. Blue LEDs indicate modules that are ready for Bluetooth wireless technology communication. Furthermore, connections are provided
for a 5V power source or a 10-32Vdc supply when used with the plug-in 5V power module. A DB25 header facilitates a single cable connection to interface all uB I/O signals directly to the host data acquisition system.
Acromag
www.acromag.com
MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF A RANGE OF APPLICATIONS
The microBlox signal conditioners are already being used for a range of applications. As an example, a manufacturer of sensors and electrical controls carries out burn-in testing, and wanted a test system that could operate with either an Android or iOS mobile device. For the application, the company needed a product that could monitor a variety of signals, provide analogue or limit alarm outputs, and have a data logging capability. The duration of the test could, however, range from several minutes to a day, and the results would need to be saved in an Excel format. microBlox met the demands of this application. The Acromag Agility
mobile app can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple App store. Once open, the user simply enables the alarm output and enters the set point and dead band. When the set point is reached, this output will be 5V or 0V, normal or reverse acting; and it can drive an external relay or feed a TTL input. Following this, the user navigates to the diagnostic screen to see the trending feature. There are two types of
indicators available here: a digital display or graphical representation. The user can then enter a rolling period from 0.5 to 60 seconds. With a capacity of 5000 samples, the duration of saved data can be up to 83 hours. The Agility app automatically creates an Acromag folder in the mobile device and saves the input values to a spreadsheet in that folder. The data can then be emailed by tapping the share button. For this application, the signal conditioners have proved to be an accurate and easy solution. The microBlox solution has also been used in a small scale bottling
plant. Here, multiple sensors – including conveyor speed, bearing temperature, liquid level and tank pressure – all connect to PLCs. Using a solution that can convert these various signals to one common signal type allows procurement of one type of PLC input card instead of multiple cards for many different signals. In addition, inserting low cost front-end devices will add extra protection against transients for the higher cost PLC hardware, Acromag explains.
INSTRUMENTATION | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 23
The small size of the modules makes microBlox suitable for portable applications
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