Digital Panel Meters - Sample Applications

Sample Applications for Digital Panel Meter Applications Using the 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter

Introduction

In industrial automation, manufacturing, and process control, precise measurement and control of various parameters are critical for ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. Digital Panel Meters, such as the 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter from Laurel Electronics’ Laureate series, are versatile devices designed to interface with a wide range of sensors and signals, including load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, pulse inputs, analog signals, and serial data. Featuring a 5- or 6-digit LED display, accuracies up to ±0.005%, and robust connectivity, these Digital Panel Meters ensure reliable performance. This section provides detailed insights into the applications of Digital Panel Meters, covering load cell, scale and weighing, process and ratiometric, True RMS AC voltage and current, thermocouple temperature, RTD temperature, frequency, rate and period, rate and totalizer with arithmetic functions, dual-channel pulse input totalizer, analog input totalizer, batch controller pulse input, batch controller analog input, AC phase angle and power factor, quadrature encoder input, stopwatch and timer, time interval, duty cycle and PWM, and serial input remote display applications.

Understanding DIN Standards

The term "DIN" refers to the Deutsches Institut für Normung, the German Institute for Standardization, which sets global standards for industrial components. The "1/8 DIN" designation indicates a compact size, with the Digital Panel Meter’s front panel measuring approximately 48 x 96 mm (1.89 x 3.78 inches). This space-efficient design makes Digital Panel Meters ideal for integration into control panels, particularly in environments with limited space.

Digital Panel Meter for Load Cell Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Load Cell Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Load Cell Applications is a high-precision device optimized for processing microvolt signals from load cells and strain gauges, delivering accurate weight or force measurements. It supports 4- or 6-wire load cell configurations with input sensitivities from ±20 mV to ±500 mV and a 6-digit display offering resolutions up to ±999,999 counts. Features like auto-tare, setpoint control, and serial communication make it a vital tool for weighing systems.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures microvolt signals from load cells via 4- or 6-wire connections, with 6-wire setups compensating for lead resistance.
2. Signal Processing: Uses a high-speed ADC with a 60 Hz update rate to convert signals into weight values, applying digital filtering for stability.
3. Display: Shows weight on a 6-digit LED display, scalable to units like kg or lb, with ±0.01% accuracy.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays, a 4-20 mA output, and serial communication for integration with PLCs.
5. Excitation Supply: Delivers 5 V, 10 V, 12 V, or 24 V excitation to power up to four 350-ohm load cells.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Weighing Systems: Monitors material weights in manufacturing plants.
2. Process Control: Measures forces in material handling systems.
3. Laboratory Testing: Tracks force or weight in experiments.
4. Food and Beverage Industry: Weighs ingredients or packaged products.
5. Logistics: Monitors load weights in shipping systems.

Applications for Load Cell Use Cases

• Batch Weighing: Controls material dispensing in manufacturing for precise batching.
• Force Monitoring: Measures forces in press systems to prevent overload.

Digital Panel Meter for Scale and Weighing Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Scale and Weighing Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Scale and Weighing Applications processes signals from load cells or DC inputs (4-20 mA, 0-10 V) to display weight in units like lbs or kg. It supports ±20 mV to ±200 mV inputs and offers a 5- or 6-digit display with ±0.01% accuracy. Features include auto-tare and setpoint control.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures signals from load cells or DC transducers.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to weight values with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows weight on a 5- or 6-digit LED display, scalable to engineering units.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and analog outputs for control.
5. Excitation Supply: Powers load cells with 5 V, 10 V, 12 V, or 24 V excitation.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Weighing: Monitors material weights in manufacturing.
2. Agriculture: Weighs produce or livestock.
3. Logistics: Tracks load weights in warehousing.
4. Food and Beverage: Ensures accurate ingredient weighing.
5. Laboratories: Measures weights in research.

Applications for Scale and Weighing Use Cases

• Truck Scales: Monitors vehicle weights for compliance.
• Produce Weighing: Tracks crop weights for inventory.

Digital Panel Meter for Process and Ratiometric Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Process and Ratiometric Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Process and Ratiometric Applications handles analog signals (4-20 mA, 0-10 V) and ratiometric inputs from strain gauges or potentiometers, with ±0.01% accuracy. It supports input ranges from ±200 mV to ±600 V and features a 5- or 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures analog or ratiometric signals.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to values with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows measurements in units like psi or °C.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Excitation Supply: Powers transducers with 5 V, 10 V, 12 V, or 24 V.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Monitors pressure or flow.
2. Laboratory Research: Measures ratios in experiments.
3. Energy Management: Tracks power consumption.
4. HVAC Systems: Monitors environmental parameters.
5. Chemical Processing: Ensures precise material blending.

Applications for Process and Ratiometric Use Cases

• Flow Ratio Measurement: Controls chemical dosing ratios.
• Pressure Monitoring: Tracks reactor pressures.

Digital Panel Meter for True RMS AC Voltage and Current Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for True RMS AC Voltage and Current Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for True RMS AC Voltage and Current measures true RMS values of AC signals, supporting 200 mV to 600 V and 2 mA to 5 A inputs, with ±0.15% accuracy. It handles frequencies from 10 Hz to 10 kHz.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures AC voltage or current signals.
2. Signal Processing: Calculates True RMS values with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 5-digit LED display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and analog outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for stable readings.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Power Monitoring: Tracks electrical systems.
2. Energy Management: Optimizes power consumption.
3. Electrical Testing: Measures AC signals in labs.
4. HVAC Systems: Monitors electrical efficiency.
5. Power Distribution: Ensures grid stability.

Applications for True RMS AC Voltage and Current Use Cases

• Motor Monitoring: Measures current to prevent overloads.
• Power Quality Control: Tracks voltage fluctuations.

Digital Panel Meter for Thermocouple Temperature Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Thermocouple Temperature Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Thermocouple Temperature processes signals from thermocouples (J, K, T, E, N, R, S), with ±0.2°C accuracy and 0.1°C resolution, covering -270°C to 1820°C.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures thermocouple microvolt signals.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to temperatures with cold junction compensation.
3. Display: Shows temperatures in °C or °F on a 5-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Ensures stable readings.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Monitors heat treatment processes.
2. Laboratory Research: Measures experimental temperatures.
3. Food and Beverage: Ensures food safety.
4. HVAC Systems: Tracks environmental temperatures.
5. Energy Management: Monitors power generation systems.

Applications for Thermocouple Temperature Use Cases

• Heat Treatment Monitoring: Controls furnace temperatures.
• Cooking and Pasteurization: Ensures food safety compliance.

Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature / Controller Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for RTD Temperature processes signals from RTD sensors (Pt100, Ni120, Cu10), with ±0.3°C accuracy and 0.1°C resolution, covering -202°C to 850°C.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures resistance signals via 2-, 3-, or 4-wire connections.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to temperatures with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows temperatures on a 5-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Excitation Supply: Powers RTDs with 5 V, 10 V, 12 V, or 24 V.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Monitors chemical reactions.
2. Laboratory Research: Tracks experimental temperatures.
3. HVAC Systems: Ensures environmental control.
4. Food and Beverage: Maintains storage conditions.
5. Energy Management: Monitors power systems.

Applications for RTD Temperature Use Cases

• Process Temperature Control: Manages reactor temperatures.
• Cold Storage Monitoring: Ensures optimal storage conditions.

Digital Panel Meter for Frequency, Rate, and Period Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Frequency, Rate, and Period Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Frequency, Rate, and Period processes pulse signals from sensors, measuring frequency (Hz), rate (e.g., RPM), or period, with ±0.005% accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures pulses from proximity switches or flow meters.
2. Signal Processing: Calculates frequency or period with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for stable readings.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Automation: Monitors machine speeds.
2. Power Generation: Tracks AC line frequency.
3. Testing Laboratories: Measures signal frequencies.
4. Flow Measurement: Monitors fluid flow rates.
5. Automotive Systems: Tracks engine speeds.

Applications for Frequency, Rate, and Period Use Cases

• Machine Speed Monitoring: Tracks motor RPM for efficiency.
• Fluid Flow Rates: Measures flow in fluid systems.

Digital Panel Meter for Rate and Totalizer with Functions A+B, A-B, A×B, A/B, A/B-1 Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Rate and Totalizer with Functions?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Rate and Totalizer with Functions processes dual-channel pulse inputs, performing arithmetic operations (A+B, A-B, A×B, A/B, A/B-1), with ±0.01% accuracy.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures dual-channel pulses.
2. Signal Processing: Performs arithmetic calculations.
3. Display: Shows results on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for accuracy.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Monitors flow ratios.
2. Chemical Processing: Tracks material blending.
3. Energy Management: Calculates power totals.
4. Water Treatment: Monitors flow totals.
5. Manufacturing: Tracks production metrics.

Applications for Rate and Totalizer Use Cases

• Flow Ratio Measurement: Ensures accurate chemical dosing.
• Power Calculation: Computes power using A×B.

Digital Panel Meter for Dual-Channel Pulse Input Totalizer Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Dual-Channel Pulse Input Totalizer Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Dual-Channel Pulse Input Totalizer counts pulses from two channels, with ±0.005% accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures pulses from dual sensors.
2. Signal Processing: Counts totals with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows totals on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for accuracy.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Tracks flow totals.
2. Water Treatment: Monitors water volumes.
3. Energy Management: Tracks energy usage.
4. Manufacturing: Counts production outputs.
5. Material Handling: Tracks conveyor items.

Applications for Dual-Channel Pulse Input Totalizer Use Cases

• Flow Totalization: Accumulates flow from dual pipelines.
• Production Counting: Tracks items on assembly lines.

Digital Panel Meter for 6-Digit Analog Input Totalizer and Process Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Analog Input Totalizer and Process Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Analog Input Totalizer and Process Applications processes analog signals (4-20 mA, 0-10 V), with ±0.02% accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures analog signals from transducers.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to totals or rates.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Excitation Supply: Powers transducers with 5 V, 10 V, 12 V, or 24 V.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Monitors flow totals.
2. Water Treatment: Tracks chemical dosing.
3. Energy Management: Monitors energy consumption.
4. Food and Beverage: Totalizes ingredient quantities.
5. Laboratories: Measures experimental data.

Applications for Analog Input Totalizer Use Cases

• Flow Totalization: Accumulates water flow totals.
• Energy Consumption Tracking: Monitors kWh usage.

Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Pulse Input Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Pulse Input Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Pulse Input counts pulses for batch control, with ±0.005% accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures pulses from flow meters.
2. Signal Processing: Counts pulses for batch totals.
3. Display: Shows batch counts on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays for batch control.
5. Batch Control: Supports programmable setpoints.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Controls batch dispensing.
2. Food and Beverage: Manages ingredient batching.
3. Water Treatment: Regulates chemical dosing.
4. Chemical Processing: Controls material quantities.
5. Packaging Systems: Monitors filling operations.

Applications for Batch Controller Pulse Input Use Cases

• Batch Dispensing: Controls liquid dispensing.
• Packaging Filling: Ensures accurate container filling.

Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Analog Input Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Analog Input Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Batch Controller Analog Input processes analog signals (4-20 mA, 0-10 V) for batch control, with ±0.02% accuracy.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures analog signals from transducers.
2. Signal Processing: Converts signals to batch totals.
3. Display: Shows batch quantities on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays for batch control.
5. Batch Control: Supports programmable setpoints.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Control: Manages batch dispensing.
2. Food and Beverage: Controls ingredient batching.
3. Water Treatment: Regulates chemical dosing.
4. Chemical Processing: Ensures accurate material quantities.
5. Packaging Systems: Monitors filling operations.

Applications for Batch Controller Analog Input Use Cases

• Chemical Batching: Manages chemical quantities.
• Container Filling: Controls filling volumes.

Digital Panel Meter for AC Power Factor and AC Phase Angle Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for AC Power Factor and AC Phase Angle Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for AC Power Factor and AC Phase Angle measures phase relationships and power factor (0 to 1), with ±0.1° accuracy for phase angle.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures AC voltage and current signals.
2. Signal Processing: Calculates phase angle and power factor.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 5-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for accuracy.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Power Monitoring: Tracks electrical efficiency.
2. Energy Management: Optimizes power usage.
3. Power Distribution: Ensures grid stability.
4. HVAC Systems: Monitors compressor efficiency.
5. Electrical Testing: Validates AC signal performance.

Applications for AC Power Factor and Phase Angle Use Cases

• Motor Efficiency Monitoring: Optimizes motor performance.
• Grid Stability Monitoring: Ensures power distribution reliability.

Digital Panel Meter for Quadrature Encoder Input for Bidirectional Position or Rate Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Quadrature Encoder Input Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Quadrature Encoder Input processes A and B channel signals, measuring position or rate with ±0.005% accuracy.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures quadrature signals from encoders.
2. Signal Processing: Decodes phase relationships for position or rate.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for accuracy.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Automation: Monitors machine positioning.
2. Robotics: Tracks robotic arm movements.
3. Manufacturing: Measures conveyor positions.
4. Renewable Energy: Optimizes solar tracker positioning.
5. Laboratories: Tracks motion in experiments.

Applications for Quadrature Encoder Input Use Cases

• Machine Positioning: Ensures precise CNC tool placement.
• Solar Tracker Positioning: Optimizes sun exposure.

Digital Panel Meter for 6-Digit Digital Stopwatch and Timer Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for 6-Digit Digital Stopwatch and Timer Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for 6-Digit Digital Stopwatch and Timer measures single or accumulated event durations, with ±2 ppm accuracy.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures start/stop pulses from sensors.
2. Signal Processing: Measures time intervals with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows time on a 6-digit display in HH.MM.SS or decimal format.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Timing Modes: Supports stopwatch and timer modes.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Automation: Times production cycles.
2. Laboratory Research: Tracks experiment durations.
3. Manufacturing: Monitors process timings.
4. Energy Management: Tracks load durations.
5. Transportation: Manages dispatch timings.

Applications for Stopwatch and Timer Use Cases

• Production Cycle Timing: Ensures consistent manufacturing output.
• Experimental Timing: Tracks reaction durations in labs.

Digital Panel Meter for Time Interval Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Time Interval Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Time Interval measures durations between events, with ±2 ppm accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures start/stop pulses.
2. Signal Processing: Measures intervals with a 60 Hz update rate.
3. Display: Shows time on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Timing Modes: Supports programmable timing settings.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Automation: Times process cycles.
2. Laboratory Research: Measures experimental intervals.
3. Automotive Testing: Tracks engine cycle timings.
4. Building Management: Monitors HVAC timings.
5. Process Control: Ensures process synchronization.

Applications for Time Interval Use Cases

• Process Cycle Timing: Maintains manufacturing efficiency.
• Engine Cycle Timing: Optimizes automotive performance.

Digital Panel Meter for Duty Cycle and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Duty Cycle and PWM Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Duty Cycle and PWM measures duty cycle and pulse width, with ±0.01% accuracy and a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Captures PWM signals from circuits.
2. Signal Processing: Analyzes duty cycle and pulse width.
3. Display: Shows measurements on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Signal Conditioning: Filters noise for accuracy.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Automation: Controls motor speeds.
2. Automotive Systems: Monitors engine PWM signals.
3. Electronics Testing: Measures signal characteristics.
4. Power Management: Regulates power supplies.
5. Communication Systems: Ensures signal modulation.

Applications for Duty Cycle and PWM Use Cases

• Motor Speed Control: Optimizes motor performance.
• Signal Modulation: Ensures accurate data transmission.

Digital Panel Meter for Serial Input 6-Digit and Remote Display Applications

What is a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Serial Input 6-Digit and Remote Display Applications?

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for Serial Input 6-Digit and Remote Display receives data via RS-232, RS-485, or Modbus, displaying measurements with a 6-digit display.

How Is It Used?

1. Signal Acquisition: Receives serial data from PLCs or sensors.
2. Signal Processing: Converts data to numerical values.
3. Display: Shows data on a 6-digit display.
4. Output and Control: Provides dual 10A relays and serial outputs.
5. Remote Display: Enables distant monitoring.

Where Is It Used?

1. Industrial Process Monitoring: Displays process parameters.
2. Energy Management: Tracks power usage.
3. Building Management: Monitors environmental data.
4. Laboratory Research: Shows experimental data.
5. Hazardous Environments: Enables safe remote monitoring.

Applications for Serial Input Remote Display Use Cases

• Temperature Display: Shows real-time temperature data.
• Remote Safety Monitoring: Displays data in control rooms.

Why Choose a 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter for These Applications?

Digital Panel Meters, such as the Laureate 1/8 DIN model, offer exceptional precision, robust connectivity, and a compact design, making them ideal for diverse applications. Their ability to handle various signal types, support advanced control features, and provide serial communication ensures reliable performance. Digital Panel Meters integrate seamlessly into automation systems, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and control.

Conclusion

The 1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meter is a versatile tool for industrial automation, food processing, energy management, laboratory research, and more. Its high-precision 5- or 6-digit display, accuracies up to ±0.005%, and features like Modbus connectivity and setpoint control ensure reliable performance across applications like load cell weighing, temperature monitoring, batch control, and remote display. Operating from -40°C to 70°C with CE/RoHS3 compliance, Digital Panel Meters are a cornerstone of modern monitoring and control systems, supporting efficiency and accuracy across diverse industries.