Laureate™ 16-Bit Analog Output Options

A 16-bit analog output option board can turn a Laureate 1/8 DIN digital panel meter, counter, timer or remote display into a superb, isolated, linearized transmitter or signal conditioner with exceptional accuracy and high-speed response. The analog output for thermocouples, RTDs and custom curves is linearized to the displayed reading.

Single-output and dual-output versions of the analog output option board are available for use with Laureate counter-timers and the Laureate 6-digit remote display.

• With the single-output version, the output can be selected as 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, unipolar 0-10V, or bipolar -10V to +10V with a 20V span and 0V at mid-range. If a voltage output is selected, output pins 1 and 2 may be reversed to provide reversed polarity.
• With the dual-output version, either output can be selected as 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, or unipolar 0-10V. The ground of the two outputs is shared. One of the outputs is typically be tied to the displayed item, while the second output may be tied to a non-displayed item. For example, with the Extended Laureate frequency meter, Item #1 can be assigned to rate, while Item #2 is assigned to total. With the Laureate batch controller, Item #1 is the current batch total, Item #2 can be assigned to grand total or number of batches, and Item #3 is the flow rate.

A 16-bit D-to-A converter provides 0.0015% full-scale resolution and ±0.02% full-scale accuracy. The update rate for meters is a fast 60/sec for 60 Hz power or 50/sec at 50 Hz power. The analog output can track the unfiltered signal for fastest response, or a digitally filtered signal for best noise rejection.

Scaling of the analog output can be via the meter's front panel pushbuttons or a serial digital interface using Instrument Setup software. The displayed readings to produce the low and high analog outputs can be set to any value from -99999 to +99999 for DPMs or from -999999 to +999999 for counters and timers. Depending on your selected output range, simply set the meter reading for low analog output (4 mA, 0 mA, 0V or -10V) and for high analog output (20 mA or 10V).

The bipolar -10V to +10V analog output,available with the single-output version, can provide a negative signal for a negative deviation from a setpoint, and a positive signal for a positive deviation. It can also be used for proportional control around a setpoint. For example, if proportional control is desired around 170°C with a ±10°C span, set the -10V output to 160°C and the +10V output to 180°C. The control signal will be 0V at 170°C. Isolation from power and signal is provided by a separate power supply in the meter. This supply can drive 20 mA of current into loads up to 600 ohms for 12V compliance. Isolation to signal ground and power ground eliminates problems caused by ground loops.

Laureate DIN rail transmitters, whether 4-20 mA transmitters or serial output transmitters, also come with a scalable 16-bit analog output, which can be configured for current or voltage.