Features
- Reads 100Ω platinum, 10Ω copper & 120Ω nickel RTDs
- 2, 3 or 4-wire connection with lead resistance compensation
- Accuracy ±0.01% of reading ±0.04°C (±0.07°F)
- Selectable 1°, 0.1°, or 0.01° resolution, °C, °F, K or R
- All input ranges are user selectable and factory calibrated
- Up to 60 conversions per second, Ideal for peak or valley capture
- Digital span adjust from 0 to ±99,999, zero adjust from -99,999 to +99,999
- Front panel scalable to ±99,999 for use with current shunts
- 1/8 DIN size with bright red or green 0.56" (14.2mm), high LED digits
- Power 85-264 Vac / 90-300 Vdc or 10-48 Vdc / 12-32 Vac (isolated)
- Operating temperature from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
- Wide choice of Plug-in-Play options:
- 2 or 4 relays, mechanical or solid state, for alarm or control (isolated)
- 1 or 2 Analog output, 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, or -10V to +10V (isolated)
- Communications: Ethernet, WiFi, USB, RS232, RS485 (isolated)
Certificates of Compliance
The Laureate™ 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for RTD'S
is factory calibrated for four Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) types: 100-ohm platinum (Pt100) with DIN alpha of 0.00385, 100-ohm platinum (Pt100) with ANSI alpha of 0.003902, 10-ohm copper with alpha of 0.00427, and 120-ohm nickel with alpha of 0.00672. The entire span of each RTD type is presented in a single range. The RTD type, unit of measure (°C or °F) and resolution (1°, 0.1° or 0.01°) are selectable from the front panel or via the digital panel meter serial interface. Display in Kelvin or Rankin is selected by offsetting the Celsius or Fahrenheit ranges. Typical accuracy is better than ±0.1°C (±0.2°F).RTD connections can be via 2, 3 or 4 wires. With 3 or 4-wire connections, the digital panel meter automatically compensates for changes in lead resistance to the sensor. With 2-wire connection, the digital panel meter can measure and then subtract the lead wire resistance.
All RTD types are factory-calibrated, with calibration factors for each range securely stored in an onboard EEPROM. These factors can be scaled via software to accommodate external shunts, enabling field replacement of signal conditioner boards without necessitating recalibration of the associated digital panel meter. For optimal accuracy, factory recalibration is recommended annually. All Laurel Electronics instruments undergo factory calibration using the industry-leading Fluke calibrators, which are recalibrated yearly and certified traceable to national standards, ensuring the highest level of precision and reliability.
The Laureate Digital Panel Meter is easily programmed with Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, downloadable from our website and compatible with Windows PCs, requiring a data interface board for setup.
High read rate of up to 50 or 60 conversions per second, the Laureate™ Digital Panel Meter uses Concurrent Slope (US Pat. 5,262,780) analog-to-digital conversion to integrate signals over a full power line cycle (50 Hz or 60 Hz). This read rate enables peak and valley capture, real-time computer interfacing, and control applications. Peak and valley values are automatically captured and can be viewed using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software (compatible with Windows PCs) or transmitted as serial data.
- An unfiltered selection provides true peak and valley readings and aids in control applications.
- A batch average filter selection averages each 16 conversions.
- An adaptive moving average filter selection provides a choice of 8 time constants from 80 ms to 9.6 seconds. When a significant change in signal level occurs, the filter adapts by briefly switching to the shortest time to follow the change, then reverts back to its selected time constant. An Auto setting selects the time constant selection based on signal noise.
Two tare functions: auto-tare and manual tare. In auto-tare, an input line is grounded by an external pushbutton. In manual tare, the tare value can be entered manually via a control input pushbutton or using Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software.
Peak and valley values are automatically captured. These may be displayed via a front panel pushbutton command or control signal at the rear connector, or be transmitted as serial data.
Two rear panel control Inputs (CMOS/TTL levels, logic 0 = tied to digital ground, logic 1 = open) or dry contacts that can be set to control / activate 14 meter commands.
RTD Connections with Excitation & Lead Compensation
RTD hookup can be via 2, 3 or 4 wires to the J5 connector. The digital panel meter applies an excitation current of 256 µA (Pt100 and Ni120) or 5 mA (Cu10).
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In 4-wire hookup, different pairs of leads are used to apply the excitation current and sense the voltage drop across the RTD for ratiometric operation, so that the IR drop across the excitation leads is not a factor. |
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In 3-wire hookup, the digital panel meter senses the combined voltage drop across the RTD plus two excitation leads. It also senses the voltage drop across one excitation lead, and then subtracts twice this voltage from the combined total. This technique effectively subtracts all lead resistance and compensates for ambient temperature changes if the two excitation leads are identical. |
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In 2-wire hookup, the digital panel meter senses the combined voltage drop across the RTD and both lead wires. The voltage drop across the lead wires can be measured by shorting out the RTD during meter setup, and this voltage is then automatically subtracted from the combined total. However, changing resistance of the lead wires due to ambient temperature changes will not be compensated. |
Quick Selection Guide
| RTD Metal |
Alpha | R at 0°C |
R at top of range |
Excitation Current* |
Range | Max Error |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Pt100 |
0.003850 (DIN) |
100Ω | 390.48Ω at 850°C |
196 µA | -202°C to +850°C -331°F to +1562°F |
±0.03°C ±0.01% of rdg ±0.05°F ±0.01% of rdg |
| Platinum Pt100 |
0.003902 (ANSI) |
100Ω | 394.36Ω at 850°C |
196 µA | -202°C to +631°C -331°F to +1168°F |
±0.04°C ±0.01% of rdg ±0.07°F ±0.01% of rdg |
| Nickel Ni120 |
0.00672 | 120Ω | 380.31Ω at 260°C |
196 µA | -80°C to +260°C -112°F to +500°F |
±0.05°C ±0.01% of rdg ±0.09°F ±0.01% of rdg |
| Copper Cu10 |
0.00427 | 9.035Ω | 19.116Ω at 260°C |
5.0 mA | -100°C to +260°C -148°F to +500°F |
±0.05°C ±0.01% of rdg ±0.09°F ±0.01% of rdg |
| * The applied excitation current is sensed by the meter, which operates in a ratiometric mode and automatically compensates for any changes in excitation. | ||||||
| Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months. | ||||||
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Readout | 5 LED digits, 7-segment, 14.2 mm (.56") |
| Color | Red or green LED |
| Indicators | Minus sign, 2 red LED lamps |
| Accuracy | |
| Calibration, Pt 100 DIN | Per IEC 751 (ITS-90) |
| Calibration, Pt 100 ANSI | NIST Monograph 126 |
| Calibration, Ni 120 | DIN 43760 |
| Max error at 25°C, Pt100 | ±0.04°C (±0.07°F) ±0.01% of reading |
| Span tempco | ±0.003% of reading/°C |
| Zero tempco | ±0.03 deg/deg |
| Provision for user calibration | Multiplier of RTD resistance plus offset in degrees |
| Electrical | |
| Connection | 2, 3 or 4-wire |
| Overvoltage protection | 125 Vac |
| Open sensor indication | Flashes full-scale |
| Sensor lead resistance | 2-wire, 10 mdeg/Ω/deg up to 10Ω |
| Tempco per conductor | 3 & 4-wire, 10 mdeg/Ω/deg up to 100Ω |
| A-to-D Conversion | |
| Technique | Concurrent Slope™ (Pat 5,262,780) |
| A-to-D rate | 60/s at 60 Hz, 50/s at 50 Hz |
| Output update rate | 56/s at 60 Hz, 47/s at 50 Hz |
| Display update rate | 3.5/s at 60 Hz, 3/s at 50 Hz |
| Power Supply Boards (one required) | |
| Voltage, standard | 85-264 Vac or 90-300 Vdc |
| Voltage, optional | 12-32 Vac or 10-48 Vdc |
| Frequency | DC or 47-63 Hz |
| Power consumption (typ. base meter) | 1.2W @ 120Vac, 1.5W @ 240Vac, 1.3W @ 10Vdc, 1.4W @ 20Vdc, 1.55W @ 30Vdc, 1.8W @ 40Vdc, 2.15W @ 48Vdc |
| Power Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Ratiometric operation | Automatically compensates for changes in excitation level. |
| Analog Output Board (one optional) | |
| Output levels | 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, -10 to +10V (jumper selectable) |
| Current compliance | 2 mA at 10V ( > 5 kΩ load) |
| Voltage compliance | 12V at 20 mA (< 600 Ω load) |
| Scaling | Zero and full scale adjustable from -99999 to +99999 |
| Resolution | 16 bits (0.0015% of full scale) |
| Step function response | 80 ms to 99% of final value (typ) |
| Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Relay Output Boards (one optional) | |
| Dual magnetic relays | 2 Form C, 10A max, 440Vac or 125Vdc max, 2500VA or 300W |
| Quad magnetic relays | 4 Form A (NO), 10A max, 440Vac or 125Vdc max, 2500VA or 300W |
| Dual solid state relays | 2 Form A (NO), AC or DC, 0V - 400V, 120Ma, 35Ohms (max at On-State) |
| Quad solid state relays | 4 Form A (NO), AC or DC, 0V - 400V, 120Ma, 35Ohms (max at On-State) |
| Relay commons | Isolated commons for dual relays or each pair of quad relays |
| Relay isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 minute test |
| Step function response | 30 ms (typ) for contact relays, 25 ms (typ) for solid state relays |
| Relay latching modes | Latching or non-latching |
| Relay active modes | Active on or off, active high or low |
| Hysteresis modes | QA passband mode, split hysteresis, span hysteresis |
| Communication Boards (one optional) | |
| Board selections | RS232, RS485 with dual RJ11 connectors, RS485 with dual RJ45 connectors, USB, Ethernet, USB-to-RS485 gateway, Ethernet-to-RS485 gateway, WiFi with built-in antenna plus USB & RS485, WiFi with external antenna plus USB & RS485 |
| Protocols | Laurel Custom ASCII (serial), Modbus RTU (serial), Modbus TCP (Ethernet or WiFi) |
| Digital addresses | 247 (Modbus), 31 (Laurel ASCII), |
| Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test |
| Environmental | |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F) |
| Storage temperature. | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Relative humidity | 95% at 40°C, non-condensing |
| Protection | NEMA-4X (IP-65) when panel mounted |
| Mechanical | |
| Enclosure | 1/8 DIN, high impact plastic, UL 94V-0, color: black |
| Mounting | 1/8 DIN panel cutout required: 3.622" x 1.772" (92 mm x 45 mm). |
| Dimensions | 4.68" x 2.45" x 5.64" (119 mm x 62 mm x 143 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Maximum panel thickness | 4.5 mm (0.18") |
| Tightening Torque - Connectors | Screw terminal connectors: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm) |
| Tightening Torque - Pawls | Digital Panel Meter Case Pawls: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm) |
| Weight of base meter | 210 g (7.4 oz) typical (DPM, counter, timer, 6-digit remote display) |
| Weight of option boards | 30 g (1.0 oz) typical per board (analog output, relay output, communications) |
| General | |
| Programming Methods | Four front panel buttons or via Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software, which runs on a PC under MS Windows. |
| Security | Lockout options include using the front panel buttons, the free Instrument Setup Software, or a hardware jumper. |
| Warranty | 3 years parts & labor |
| Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months. | |
Free Instrument Setup Software for Series 2 Laureates
Free Downloadable Windows-based Instrument Setup (IS) software (Data Interface Board Required) for use with our programmable Digital Panel Meters, Scale Meters, Counters, Timers, Remote Displays, and Transmitters, are an easy method to set up Laureate 1/8 DIN digital panel meters, counters, timers, remote displays, and DIN-rail transmitters, as explained in the Instrument Setup Software Manual. Laureate 1/8 DIN instruments can also be set up from the front panel, as explained in their respective Owners Manuals. Instrument Setup software is of benefit whether or not the PC is connected to the instrument.
- When the PC is connected to the instrument, Instrument Setup software can retrieve the setup file from the instrument or open a default setup file or previously saved setup file from disk View Setup, then provides graphical user interface (GUI) screens with pull-down menus applicable to input, display, scaling, filtering, alarms, communications, analog output, and front panel lockouts. Fields that are not applicable to the instrument as configured are either left out or grayed out. Clicking on any item will bring up a detailed Help screen for that item. After editing, the setup file can be downloaded, uploaded to the instrument, or saved to a disk. The same setup file can then be downloaded into multiple instruments.
- When the PC is not connected to the instrument, the above GUI screens can be used to set up a virtual instrument. The setup file can then be saved to disk. Switching toView Menu then brings up a screen with the required front panel programming steps. This view can be printed out for use at the instrument site and to serve as a hard copy record.
Download Free Instrument Setup Software
Installation
Set User Account Control (UAC) of MS Windows to "Never notifiy me" so that Instrument Setup Software can create directories. The UAC change screen can be reached as follows:
- Under Windows 7, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop and enter "UAC" in the search field.
- Under Windows 8, navigate to Control Panel, then to the "User Accounts and Family Safety" section, and click on "Change User Account Control Settings."
- Under Windows 10, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop, then on "Settings", and enter "UAC" in the search field.
- Reboot your computer for the changed UAC setting to take effect.
RJ11-to-DB9 cable with rear view of DB9 connector to PC

RS232 cable, meter to PC, P/N CBL01
Laureate 1/8 DIN Laureate instruments must be equipped with a serial communications board and be connected to the computer via a serial communications cable. The connection can be via RS232, RS485, USB or Ethernet. Following setup, the serial communications board may be removed from the instrument if desired. The wiring of the RS232 cable is illustrated above with end views of the two connectors.
Laureate LT Series transmitters come standard with a 3-wire serial interface, which can be jumpered for RS232 or RS485.
Laureate LTE Series transmitters come standard with an Ethernet interface.
Meter Setup Screens
Click on any of the reduced screens below for a full-size screen view, then click on the Back button of your browser to return to this page. The screens examples below are for a fully-loaded Series 2 Digital Panel Meter (DPM), which is connected to the PC via RS232. If the meter is a Series 1 meter (pre-2007), this is sensed by the software, and somewhat different screens are brought up. Please see Series 1 setup screens.
Meter Setup Utilities
From the Main Menu, click on Readings if your PC is connected to the meter. A pull-down menu then offers three choices: List, Plot and Graph.
- List presents the latest readings in a 20-row by 10-column table. Press Pause at any time to freeze the display. This is one method to capture peak readings.
- Plot generates a plot of readings vs. time in seconds. It effectively turns the DPM-PC combination into a printing digital oscilloscope.
- Graph generates a histogram where the horizontal axis is the reading and the vertical axis is the number of occurrences of readings. The display continually resizes itself as the number of readings increases.

Laureate™ 1/8 DIN Case For Laureate Digital Panel Meters, Counters, Timers & Remote Displays
Key Features
- Meets 1/8 DIN Standard.
- Installs from front of panel.
- Short depth behind the panel: only 4" (102 mm) plus connectors.
- Understated 0.157" (4 mm) thick bezel.
- Meets NEMA 4X (IP-65) for high-pressure wawshdon when panel mounted.
- Screw clamps connectors meet VDE / IEC / UL / CSA safety standards.
- Rugged GE Lexan® housing material.
- Safety certified per EN 61010-1.
Dimensions
Maximum panel thickness: 4.5 mm (0.18")
Weight of base meter: 210 g (7.4 oz) typical (DPM, counter, timer, 6-digit remote display)
Weight of option boards: 30 g (1.0 oz) typical per board (analog output, relay output, communications)
Tightening Torque - Connectors: Screw terminal connectors: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm)
Tightening Torque - Pawls: Digital Panel Meter Case Pawls: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm)
Dimensioned CAD assembly drawings in EPRT, STEP, x_t. dwg, pdf file formats: Laureate-meter-case.zip (zipping prevents browser from opening CAD files as text files).
Panel Mounting
Slide the meter into a 45 x 92 mm 1/8 DIN panel cutout. Ensure that the provided gasket is in place between the front of the panel and the back of the meter bezel.
The meter is secured by two pawls, each held by a screw, as illustrated. Turning each screw counterclockwise extends the pawl outward from the case and behind the panel. Turning each screw clockwise further tightens it against the panel to secure the meter.
Turning each screw counterclockwise loosens the pawl and retracts it into its well. This position allows installed meter to be removed from their panel, or new meters to be installed in a panel. Do not remove the screws from their pawls. Doing so would cause the screw and pawl to fall off and likely get lost. Do not overtighten so as not to damage the plastic parts.
Operation as a 4-20 mA Transmitter
With the optional analog output board, Laureate RTD temperature meters can serve as superb, isolated 4-20 mA transmitters. The analog output is scaled to the display, which is linearized to °C or °F and is exceptionally accurate. The analog output further tracks the high read rate of the meter, at up to 60 readings per second at 60 Hz power. Fast update rates are beneficial in many closed-loop and PID control applications.
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Operation as a Fast Controller
By using the optional dual contact relay or dual solid state relay output options, Laureate temperature meters can monitor processes and provide alarms or shutoffs when these processes exceed normal limits. A band deviation operating mode can be selected for each relay, where an alarm is generated whenever the reading is a selected number of counts above or below the setpoint. Relay operation can be selected as latching or non-latching. When an alarm or shutdown condition is reached, a latched output will remain in the alarm condition until it is reset by a front panel pushbutton, via the serial interface, or via the rear connector.
CAL-Analog
Certificate of Calibration
$65.00DLS-XLOG2
XLog2 Data logging Software
$495.00IPC
Splashproof Cover
$48.00CON01
CON01 Connector
$75.00CBL01
RS232 Cable for Meters
$35.00CBL02
USB-to-RS232 Adapter Cable
$47.00CBL04
RS232 Cable for LT Transmitters
$47.00CBL05
USB Data Cable for Meters
$47.00CBL06
USB-to-RS485 Adapter Cable
$47.00CBL07
USB Programming & Data Cable
$47.00CBL08
RS485 Splitter Cable
$33.00Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility at Minimum Cost
All boards are isolated from meter and power grounds. Optional Plug-in-Play boards for communications and control include Ethernet, WiFi, serial communication boards, dual or quad relay boards, and an analog output board. Laureates may be powered from 85-264 Vac or optionally from 12-32 Vac or 10-48 Vdc. The display is available with bright red or green 0.56" (14.2mm) high LED digits. The 1/8 DIN case meets NEMA 4X (IP65) specifications from the front when panel mounted. Any setup functions and front panel keys can be locked out for simplified usage and security. A built-in 5, 10, 12, or 24 Vdc excitation supply can power transducers, eliminating the need for an external power supply. All power and signal connections are via UL / VDE / CSA rated screw clamp plugs.
The Laureate™ Series features modular design with up to 7 isolated plug-in boards, applicable to all Laureate 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter.
Modular Hardware
The design of the Laureate™ Series is modular for maximum flexibility at minimum cost. All boards are isolated from meter and power grounds. The base configuration for a digital panel meter or counter consists of a main module (with computer and plug-in display boards), a power supply board, and a signal conditioner board. Optional plug-in-play boards include an isolated setpoint controller board, an isolated analog output board, and an isolated digital interface board. Modular design and a choice of plug-in options allow the Laureate to be customized for a broad range of applications from simple monitoring to control and computer interface. There can be up to five plug-in boards in a 1/8 DIN Laureate.
Connecting Laureate Digital Panel Meter to a Local Area Network (LAN)
Up to 30 Laureate Digital Panel Meter and/or LT Transmitters can be configured for RS485 and daisy-chained to an LT Transmitter using Laurel’s High Speed Ethernet-to-RS485 converter board for seamless LAN integration. Alternatively, Laurel LTE series Ethernet transmitters can connect directly to a LAN via an Ethernet cable. Setup for both configurations is streamlined using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, which simplifies node discovery and transmitter configuration.
Flexible Communication Options for Digital Panel Meter
The Laureate Digital Panel Meter can be equipped with Laurel communication boards to support various interfaces and protocols. These include serial interfaces with ASCII or Modbus RTU protocols, and Ethernet interfaces with web access, ASCII, or Modbus TCP/IP protocols, ensuring versatile connectivity for your commercial applications.

What is a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature Measurements?
A Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements is a precision instrument designed to measure and display temperature data from Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors. This Digital Panel Meter is critical in industrial, laboratory, commercial, and research applications where accurate and stable temperature monitoring is essential, such as in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, HVAC systems, food production, cleanroom environments, and precision test equipment. By converting resistance changes from RTDs (typically 0.385 Ω/°C for Pt100) into precise digital readouts, this Digital Panel Meter ensures reliable temperature data for process control, quality assurance, safety compliance, and regulatory documentation.
Unlike traditional analog temperature gauges or strip chart recorders, this Digital Panel Meter offers superior accuracy (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C typical), excellent long-term stability (±0.05°C/year), programmable features including multi-point linearization and alarm setpoints, and seamless integration with modern control systems through digital communication. The compatibility of this Digital Panel Meter with various RTD types (Pt100, Pt1000, Pt500, Ni100, Ni120, Cu10) makes it versatile for a wide range of temperature measurement needs, from cryogenic applications (-200°C) to moderately high temperatures (850°C) where RTDs provide better accuracy and stability than thermocouples.
Understanding the Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature
This Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements is typically built to the 1/8 DIN standard, fitting compactly into panel cutouts (approximately 92 mm x 45 mm or 96 mm x 48 mm depending on manufacturer). This compact size ensures compatibility with control panels, process control cabinets, cleanroom instrumentation, or laboratory instrument racks while optimizing space, making it ideal for industrial control rooms, pharmaceutical clean rooms (Grade A, B, C), equipment monitoring panels, or laboratory setups with limited space.
This Digital Panel Meter is designed to process resistance signals from RTDs, which vary nearly linearly with temperature (Pt100: 100.00Ω at 0°C, 138.51Ω at 100°C, following the Callendar-Van Dusen equation). It features bright LED (red, green, amber) or backlit LCD displays with 3-4 digit resolution and 0.01°C to 0.1°C display increments, user-friendly interfaces with front-panel programming or PC configuration software, and communication interfaces like RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, or Profinet for integration with PLCs, distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA platforms, or data acquisition systems. Advanced features of this Digital Panel Meter, such as 2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire RTD configurations, ensure accurate measurements by compensating for lead wire resistance (especially important in 2-wire and 3-wire connections), making it suitable for precise temperature monitoring in demanding environments with long cable runs or varying ambient temperatures.
How Does a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature Work?
This Digital Panel Meter processes resistance signals from RTD sensors to deliver accurate temperature measurements. Below is a detailed breakdown of its operation:
- Excitation Current Supply:
This Digital Panel Meter provides a precision excitation current (typically 0.5 mA to 2 mA for Pt100, lower currents like 0.1-0.3 mA for high-accuracy applications to minimize self-heating) to the RTD. The excitation current must be stable (±0.01%) and low enough to prevent sensor self-heating (typically <0.01°C error), which would cause measurement errors. - Signal Acquisition:
This Digital Panel Meter receives a resistance signal from an RTD, which changes resistance linearly with temperature based on the temperature coefficient (α = 0.00385 Ω/Ω/°C for Pt100 per IEC 60751 standard). For example, a Pt100 RTD has 100.00 ohms at 0°C, 138.51 ohms at 100°C, or 175.86 ohms at 200°C. The signal is low-level voltage (typically millivolts across the RTD), requiring precision measurement circuitry with high resolution and low noise. - Lead Resistance Compensation:
For 2-wire RTD configurations (simplest but least accurate), this Digital Panel Meter measures total resistance including lead wires, introducing errors (approximately 0.4°C per ohm of lead resistance for Pt100). For 3-wire RTD configurations (most common in industry), this Digital Panel Meter uses a compensation technique assuming equal lead resistances to cancel lead wire errors, improving accuracy significantly. For 4-wire RTD configurations (highest accuracy, used in calibration labs), this Digital Panel Meter uses separate current-carrying and voltage-sensing wires (Kelvin connection) to completely eliminate lead resistance errors, ensuring measurement accuracy independent of cable length or resistance. - Signal Conditioning:
The resistance signal is conditioned through precision instrumentation amplification, digital filtering (programmable time constants from 0.1s to 10s) to eliminate noise from 50/60 Hz power lines or process vibrations, and automatic range selection to ensure optimal measurement resolution. This ensures the signal is within the optimal operational range of this Digital Panel Meter and free from electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI). - Analog-to-Digital Conversion:
A high-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), typically 16-bit, 20-bit, or 24-bit sigma-delta type with sampling rates of 10-100 samples per second, transforms the conditioned resistance signal into a digital format. High-resolution ADCs (24-bit provides 0.001°C resolution capability) are essential for detecting small resistance changes (0.385 Ω/°C for Pt100) corresponding to temperature variations, enabling precise temperature monitoring and control. - Linearization and Processing:
The digital signal is processed by the microcontroller of this Digital Panel Meter, which applies RTD-specific linearization using the Callendar-Van Dusen equation or lookup tables (IEC 60751 standard coefficients) to convert the non-linear resistance-temperature relationship to accurate temperature values, calibration corrections (offset and span), and unit conversions (°C, °F, K, °R). Advanced models support user-defined multi-point linearization for custom RTD calibrations or improved accuracy. - Display:
The calculated temperature is displayed on a bright LED (0.56" to 0.8" character height) or backlit LCD screen with 3-4 digits, decimal point positioning (0.01°C, 0.1°C, or 1°C resolution), engineering units (°C, °F, K), and often with bar graph indication or dual-line displays showing setpoint and process value simultaneously for easy process monitoring. - Output and Integration:
This Digital Panel Meter provides multiple outputs including 4-20 mA or 0-10V analog retransmission signals proportional to temperature for chart recorders, PLCs, or secondary controllers, relay contacts (typically 2-4 SPDT relays rated 5A @ 250VAC) for programmable alarms (high temperature, low temperature, deviation, rate-of-change), and digital communication protocols (RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet) for integration with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, building management systems (BMS), or data logging platforms. - Calibration and Configuration:
Users can calibrate this Digital Panel Meter using zero and span adjustment, multi-point calibration with reference RTDs or temperature baths, or automatic calibration routines. Configuration includes selecting RTD type (Pt100, Pt1000, Pt500, Ni100, Cu10), RTD connection type (2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire), temperature ranges, display units (°C/°F/K), alarm thresholds with hysteresis and time delays, filtering time constants, and communication parameters to suit specific application requirements.
Technical Specifications
A typical Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements includes:
- RTD Types: Pt100, Pt1000, Pt500, Ni100, Ni120, Cu10 (user-selectable)
- RTD Standards: IEC 60751 (α = 0.00385), JIS (α = 0.00392)
- Connection Types: 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire (user-selectable)
- Temperature Ranges: -200°C to 850°C (Pt100), varies by RTD type
- Accuracy: ±0.1°C to ±0.5°C ±1 digit (depending on type and range)
- Resolution: 0.01°C, 0.1°C, or 1°C (user-selectable)
- Excitation Current: 0.5 mA to 2 mA (typical), adjustable for high accuracy
- Lead Resistance Compensation: Up to 50Ω per lead (3-wire and 4-wire)
- ADC Resolution: 16-bit to 24-bit sigma-delta
- Update Rate: 1-10 readings per second (adjustable)
- Display: 3-4 digit LED or LCD, 0.56" character height
- Linearization: IEC 60751 Callendar-Van Dusen equation
- Setpoints: 2-4 programmable alarm setpoints
- Relay Outputs: 2-4 SPDT relays, 5A @ 250VAC
- Analog Output: 4-20mA or 0-10V retransmission (optional)
- Communication: RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet
- Power Supply: 85-265VAC or 12-48VDC universal
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C typical
- Environmental: IP65 front panel protection
- Certifications: CE, UL, cUL, FDA (for pharmaceutical applications)
Key Features of a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature
This Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements includes features that enhance performance and usability:
- RTD Type Support: Compatibility with all common RTD types (Pt100 most common for industrial -200°C to 850°C, Pt1000 for higher resolution, Pt500, Ni100/Ni120 for lower cost applications, Cu10 for limited range) ensures versatility across temperature ranges and sensor availability, supporting both European (IEC 60751) and Japanese (JIS) RTD standards.
- High Accuracy: Precision 24-bit ADCs, accurate excitation current regulation (±0.01%), IEC 60751 Callendar-Van Dusen linearization, and 4-wire lead compensation provide stable and reliable temperature measurements (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C typical) with excellent repeatability (±0.05°C) and long-term stability (±0.05°C/year), superior to thermocouples for applications requiring high accuracy and stability.
- Customizable Displays: High-brightness multi-color LEDs (red for normal operation, green for in-range, amber for alarm conditions), dual-line displays showing process temperature and setpoint simultaneously, bar graphs for visual trend indication, or large-digit displays (0.8" height) ensure readability in various lighting conditions from dimly lit pharmaceutical cleanrooms to bright outdoor installations.
- Programmable Alarms: Multiple setpoints (typically 2-4) for high/low temperature conditions, deviation alarms (±ΔT from setpoint), or rate-of-change alarms (°C/min or °C/hour) trigger visual and audible alerts or relay outputs to control external devices like heaters, chillers, fans, valves, safety shutdowns, or notification systems for equipment protection, process safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Communication Options: Multiple protocols including Modbus RTU (RS-485), Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet MS/TP or BACnet/IP enable integration with PLCs from all major manufacturers (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi, Omron), SCADA systems, DCS platforms, building automation systems (BAS), or cloud-based monitoring platforms for remote monitoring, data logging, trending, alarm notification, and predictive maintenance.
- Rugged Design: IP65-rated stainless steel (for pharmaceutical or food applications) or polycarbonate front panels resist dust, moisture, chemicals, and cleanroom washdown, wide operating temperature ranges (0°C to 50°C, some models -10°C to 60°C), EMC compliance (CE, UL), and conformal coating options ensure reliable operation in harsh industrial or laboratory environments.
- Lead Wire Compensation: Automatic compensation for 2-wire, 3-wire (most common), or 4-wire (highest accuracy) RTD connections eliminates lead resistance errors (critical for long cable runs up to 100 meters), ensuring accuracy independent of installation conditions.
- Sensor Break Detection: Detects open RTD circuits and displays error indication, preventing false high or low-temperature readings and ensuring process safety.
- Peak/Valley Capture: Records maximum and minimum temperatures for process analysis, quality documentation, sterilization validation, or stability testing.
- Data Logging: Internal memory stores temperature profiles, alarm events, min/max values with timestamps for regulatory compliance (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GMP), process validation, and quality assurance documentation.
Applications of a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature
This Digital Panel Meter is widely used for RTD temperature monitoring across various applications. Key uses include:
- Industrial Process Control:
In chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or biotechnology, this Digital Panel Meter monitors temperatures in reactors (chemical synthesis, fermentation), distillation columns, storage tanks, jacketed vessels, or crystallizers, ensuring consistent process conditions (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C control), product quality, batch-to-batch consistency, and safety compliance with precise temperature control. - HVAC Systems:
This Digital Panel Meter measures temperatures in heating systems (boilers, heat exchangers, radiant heating), ventilation ducts (supply air, return air), air conditioning chillers (chilled water supply/return), cooling towers, or building automation systems, optimizing energy efficiency, maintaining comfort conditions (±0.5°C), preventing freeze protection, and supporting LEED or ASHRAE compliance. - Food and Beverage Processing:
This Digital Panel Meter ensures precise temperature control in cooking (ovens, kettles, retorts), pasteurization (HTST at 72°C, UHT at 135°C-150°C), fermentation (beer at 10-25°C, yogurt at 42-45°C), cold storage (refrigeration at 0-4°C, freezing at -18°C to -25°C), or sterilization processes, maintaining food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance (USDA, FDA, HACCP), and preventing spoilage or pathogen survival. - Laboratory and Research:
In scientific experiments, calibration labs, or quality control, this Digital Panel Meter monitors temperatures in laboratory ovens (drying at 105°C, curing at 150°C), incubators (cell culture at 37°C±0.1°C, microbiology at 25-35°C), environmental chambers (stability testing, thermal cycling), freezers (ultra-low -80°C, cryogenic -196°C with Pt100), or water baths (±0.01°C for calibration), providing accurate NIST-traceable data for research, validation, ISO 17025 accreditation, and regulatory compliance. - Energy Systems:
In power generation (coal, gas, nuclear, geothermal) or district heating, this Digital Panel Meter tracks temperatures in transformers (winding temperature, oil temperature for load management), generators (bearing temperature, stator temperature), cooling systems (circulating water, cooling towers), or steam systems, supporting efficient operation, preventing equipment failures from overheating, optimizing thermal efficiency, and ensuring compliance with ASME or IEEE standards. - Cleanroom and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:
This Digital Panel Meter monitors critical temperatures in pharmaceutical cleanrooms (Grade A/B/C/D), lyophilizers (freeze drying), autoclaves (steam sterilization at 121°C or 134°C), stability chambers (ICH conditions 25°C/60% RH, 40°C/75% RH), cold storage (2-8°C for vaccines, biologics), or API synthesis reactors, ensuring GMP compliance, FDA validation, product stability, and patient safety. - Plastics and Polymer Processing:
Monitors melt temperature in extruders, injection molding machines (barrel zones, nozzle temperature), blow molding, or thermoforming equipment to ensure proper viscosity, part quality, dimensional accuracy, and process repeatability.
Where Is a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature Used?
This Digital Panel Meter is essential in industries requiring precise temperature measurements from RTD sensors. With support for various RTD types and a compact 1/8 DIN design, this Digital Panel Meter provides reliable solutions. Below are detailed use cases across key sectors:
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:
In chemical reactors (polymerization, hydrogenation, oxidation), pharmaceutical autoclaves (WFI generation, sterilization), synthesis reactors (API production), or fermentation vessels (biologics, vaccines), this Digital Panel Meter monitors RTD temperatures with ±0.1°C to ±0.5°C accuracy to ensure precise process control, consistent product quality, reaction completion, yield optimization, meeting strict regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, GMP), process validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), and product safety and efficacy requirements. - Food and Beverage Industry:
In dairy processing (pasteurization at 72°C for 15 seconds HTST, UHT at 135°C-150°C for 2-5 seconds), brewing (mash temperature 63-68°C, fermentation 10-25°C, lagering 0-4°C), wine production, or commercial cooking, this Digital Panel Meter tracks temperatures in pasteurizers, fermentation tanks, cold storage, retorts, or cooking vessels, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, HACCP), pathogen destruction (5-log reduction), consistent product quality (flavor, texture, shelf life), and preventing undercooking or overcooking. - HVAC and Building Management:
In commercial buildings, hospitals (operating room temperature control at 20-24°C), data centers (cold aisle 18-27°C), cleanrooms, or laboratories, this Digital Panel Meter measures temperatures in air ducts (supply/return air), chilled water systems (7°C supply, 12°C return), hot water heaters (60°C domestic hot water, 80°C heating), boilers, or zone control systems, optimizing energy usage, maintaining temperature setpoints for comfort or process requirements (±0.5°C), preventing system freeze-up, and enabling integration with building automation systems (BACnet, Modbus) for centralized control and energy management. - Scientific and Research Laboratories:
In materials testing (tensile testing at elevated temperatures), biological research (cell culture incubators at 37°C±0.1°C, CO2 incubators), chemistry (reaction temperature control, reflux temperature), or physics (cryogenic research, superconductivity), this Digital Panel Meter monitors temperatures in furnaces (annealing, sintering), freezers (biological samples at -20°C, -80°C), climate chambers (thermal cycling -40°C to +180°C), liquid nitrogen dewars (-196°C), or precision water baths (±0.01°C for viscosity measurements), supporting accurate data collection for experiments, publications, NIST traceability, calibration standards, and ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation. - Energy and Power Generation:
In coal, gas, nuclear, or geothermal power plants, this Digital Panel Meter tracks RTD temperatures in power transformers (winding hot spot temperature, top oil temperature for load management and life assessment), generators (bearing temperature 60-80°C, stator winding temperature), turbines (bearing temperature), cooling towers (water temperature 25-35°C), condenser systems, or feedwater heaters, helping operators maintain thermal efficiency, prevent equipment damage from overheating or thermal stress, optimize load distribution, schedule maintenance based on thermal history, and ensure compliance with ASME, IEEE C57, or NEMA standards. - Oil and Gas Industry:
In refineries, petrochemical plants, or pipeline systems, this Digital Panel Meter monitors temperatures in distillation columns (overhead temperature, bottom temperature), cracking units, reformers, heat exchangers, storage tanks (heavy oil heating, paraffin control), or pipeline heating systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations under process conditions, preventing wax formation, optimizing separation, and maintaining product specifications under potentially extreme or hazardous conditions. - Automotive and Aerospace:
In testing facilities or environmental simulation chambers, this Digital Panel Meter measures RTD temperatures during engine dynamometer testing (coolant temperature, oil temperature), transmission testing, environmental testing (thermal shock -40°C to +125°C), altitude simulation, or thermal vacuum testing for spacecraft components, ensuring automotive or aerospace components meet performance specifications (SAE, MIL-STD, AS9100), durability requirements, and safety standards under extreme temperature conditions. - Semiconductor Manufacturing:
This Digital Panel Meter monitors process chamber temperatures in diffusion furnaces, oxidation furnaces, CVD reactors, or photolithography systems where precise temperature control (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C) is critical for wafer processing, thin-film deposition, and device characteristics. - Biotechnology and Life Sciences:
Monitors temperatures in bioreactors, fermenters, cell culture systems, or cryogenic storage (-196°C liquid nitrogen) where precise temperature control affects cell growth, protein expression, or sample preservation. - Environmental Monitoring:
This Digital Panel Meter tracks ambient, soil, or water temperatures in environmental studies, agricultural research, aquaculture (fish farming temperature control), or meteorological stations requiring long-term stable measurements.
Benefits of Using a Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature
This Digital Panel Meter offers numerous advantages for RTD temperature measurements:
- High Precision and Stability: Accurate 24-bit ADCs, precision excitation current, IEC 60751 linearization, and 4-wire lead compensation ensure stable and reliable temperature readings (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C) across wide ranges (-200°C to 850°C) with excellent long-term stability (±0.05°C/year), superior to thermocouples for applications requiring high accuracy, repeatability, and minimal drift over time.
- Compact Design: The 1/8 DIN size fits seamlessly into control panels, pharmaceutical cleanroom panels, or laboratory instrument racks, ideal for space-constrained installations, allowing multiple temperature zones to be monitored without panel expansion.
- Versatility: Support for multiple RTD types (Pt100, Pt1000, Pt500, Ni100, Cu10), connection configurations (2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire), programmable settings for alarms and scaling, and compatibility with IEC 60751 and JIS standards accommodates diverse applications from cryogenic research to industrial process control.
- System Integration: Multiple communication interfaces (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet) enable seamless connection to PLCs, SCADA, DCS, BMS, or cloud-based platforms, enhancing data logging, remote monitoring, trending, alarm notification, predictive maintenance, and Industry 4.0 connectivity for smart manufacturing.
- Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, including cleanroom environments (IP65, stainless steel construction), dust, moisture, chemical exposure, wide operating temperatures (0°C to 50°C), electromagnetic interference (EMC compliance), ensuring reliable long-term operation in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, or industrial settings.
- User-Friendly Operation: Intuitive front-panel programming, clear high-visibility displays with customizable units, guided configuration menus for RTD type and wiring selection, comprehensive alarm functions, and PC-based setup software simplify installation, calibration, and operation, reducing commissioning time, minimizing errors, and lowering training requirements.
- Superior to Thermocouples: RTDs offer better accuracy (±0.1°C vs ±1-2°C for thermocouples), better long-term stability, more linear response, higher resolution, and freedom from cold junction errors, making this Digital Panel Meter ideal for precision applications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records), GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and other regulatory requirements through data logging, audit trails, calibration records, and validation documentation.
- Cost-Effective: Consolidates temperature measurement, display, linearization, lead compensation, alarming, and communication in one compact device, reducing panel space, installation wiring, and system costs versus separate instruments.
Choosing the Right Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature
When selecting a Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements, consider these factors:
- RTD Compatibility: Ensure this Digital Panel Meter supports the RTD types you're using (Pt100 for -200°C to 850°C general purpose, Pt1000 for higher resolution 0.1°C display, Pt500, Ni100 for lower cost, Cu10 for limited range -50°C to 150°C) and temperature ranges for your specific application. Verify support for both IEC 60751 (α = 0.00385) and JIS standards if needed.
- Accuracy Specifications: Verify the overall system accuracy of this Digital Panel Meter including RTD sensor tolerance (Class A ±0.15°C, Class B ±0.3°C at 0°C), meter accuracy, excitation current accuracy, and lead resistance compensation error, especially for precision applications requiring ±0.1°C total accuracy such as pharmaceutical cleanrooms, calibration labs, or scientific research.
- Lead Compensation: Check support for 2-wire (simple but least accurate), 3-wire (most common, good accuracy), or 4-wire (highest accuracy, eliminates all lead resistance errors) RTD configurations to match your installation requirements. For cable runs >10 meters or accuracy <±0.2°C, use 3-wire or 4-wire connections.
- Environmental Durability: Choose a Digital Panel Meter with appropriate IP ratings (IP65 for dusty or wet industrial environments, IP67 for washdown in pharmaceutical or food applications), materials (stainless steel for cleanrooms, corrosion resistance), wide operating temperature range (0°C to 50°C), and EMC compliance for electrically noisy areas near motors or VFDs.
- Output Requirements: Determine if you need analog retransmission (4-20mA, 0-10V) for secondary controllers or chart recorders, relay alarm outputs for temperature control or safety shutdowns, or digital communication protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet) for integration with PLCs, SCADA, DCS, or building automation systems.
- Display and Usability: Opt for a display type (LED for brightness in industrial settings, LCD for low power or outdoor readability), digit size and resolution (0.01°C for precision labs, 0.1°C for industrial, 1°C for HVAC) for your viewing distance and application precision requirements, and controls (pushbuttons, PC software configuration) that suit your installation environment and operator skill level.
- Advanced Features: Consider if you need sensor break detection (open circuit alarm), peak/valley recording, data logging with timestamps, rate-of-change alarms, multi-point linearization for custom RTDs, or calibration security (password protection) for your specific application or regulatory requirements.
- Certifications: Verify UL, CE, FDA (for pharmaceutical or food applications), cGMP compliance, or other relevant certifications for your application, industry, or jurisdiction. For pharmaceutical use, ensure data logging supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Conclusion
A Digital Panel Meter for RTD temperature measurements, particularly 1/8 DIN models, is vital for precise temperature monitoring in industries like chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food production, HVAC, scientific research, energy, biotechnology, and cleanroom environments. The compatibility of this Digital Panel Meter with various RTD types (Pt100, Pt1000, Pt500, Ni100) covering -200°C to 850°C, high accuracy (±0.1°C to ±0.5°C) with automatic lead wire compensation for 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire configurations, excellent long-term stability (±0.05°C/year), compact design, and comprehensive features including IEC 60751 linearization, programmable alarms, sensor break detection, and data logging make it ideal for demanding precision temperature measurement applications. By delivering reliable temperature data with superior accuracy and stability compared to thermocouples, supporting system integration through Modbus, Ethernet, Profinet, and BACnet protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance for FDA, GMP, HACCP, and ISO standards, this Digital Panel Meter enhances process efficiency, product quality, equipment protection, energy optimization, and operational safety across diverse temperature measurement tasks from pharmaceutical cleanroom monitoring to industrial process control. Whether for critical process temperature control, laboratory calibration, food safety compliance, or precision research, this Digital Panel Meter provides dependable, accurate, cost-effective temperature monitoring in a compact, feature-rich package that meets the demanding requirements of modern industrial, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications.
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