novus TxBlock USB Transmitter Temperature User Manual

novus TxBlock USB Transmitter Temperature

Product Information

The TxBlock-USB Transmitter is a head-mounted temperature transmitter that operates on 4-20 mA 2-wire loop power. It provides an output current that represents the signal applied to the input of the linearized transmitter according to the configured input type. The transmitter can be configured by connecting it directly to a computer USB port using SigNow or TxConfig II software. The transmitter is not electrically isolated from the communication port (interface).

Mechanical Installation

The TxBlock-USB transmitter is suitable for installation in heads. However, vibrations, moisture, extreme temperatures, electro-magnetic interference, high voltage, and other interferences can permanently damage the unit and could cause an error in the measured value.

Dimension
The dimensions of the TxBlock-USB transmitter are not provided in the manual.

Electrical Installation

The transmitter requires electrical connections to be made for proper functioning. The terminals 3, 4, 5, and 6 are dedicated to the sensor connection. LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current measuring device (indicator, controller, data logger, etc.). The electrical connections required are shown in the figures provided in the manual. For PT1000 3-wire / PT100 3-wire and 4-wire connections, it is recommended to use a 3 or 4 wire cable with the same length and gauge to ensure proper compensation for RTD cable resistances. The resistance of RTD cables should not exceed 25 ohms per cable.

• Section of the cable used: 0.14 to 1.5 mm².
• Recommended torque in the terminal: 0.8 Nm.

INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

• Sensor signals conductors must go through the plant system separate from power leads (loop). If possible, in grounded conduits.
• The instruments must be powered from the instrumentation power supply circuit.
• In control and monitoring applications is essential to consider what can happen when any part of the system fails.
• It is recommended the use of suppressors in contact coils, solenoids, and any inductive load.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The figures below show the electrical connections required. The terminals 3, 4, 5 and 6 are dedicated to the sensor connection. LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current measuring device (indicator, controller, data logger, etc.

PT100 2-WIRE

Note : When the Pt100 2-wire is selected, the terminals 3 and 4 must be interconnected, according to the figure below. The Pt100 wire length should be less than 30 cm to maintain the measurement error within specifications (electrical resistance).

Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 2-wire)

PT100 3-WIRE

Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 3-wire)

PT100 4-WIRE

Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 4-wire) Pt1000 3-wire / Pt100 3-wire and 4-wire: To properly compensate for the RTD cable resistances, they must be equal on all terminals and must not exceed 25 Ω per cable. To ensure these conditions, it is recommended to use a 3 or 4 wire cable with the same length and gauge.

NTC 2-WIRE
No specific instructions are provided for NTC 2-wire connections.

Transmitter electrical connections (NTC 2-wire)

THERMOCOUPLES

Transmitter electrical connections (Thermocouple)

VOLTAGE (0-50 mV)

Transmitter electrical connections (0-50 mV)

Product Usage Instructions

Before configuring the TxBlock-USB transmitter, ensure that it is not connected to the process, and the equipment is not powered. The transmitter can be configured by connecting it directly to a computer USB port using SigNow or TxConfig II software. To configure the device via the application, you must use an On The Go (OTG) adapter. The procedure for using this adapter will be explained in the SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS section of the manual. After connecting the device and the PC, simply run SigNow or TxConfig II software. The bottom part of the screen displays information about the model, serial number, and firmware version. The configuration screen is divided into 4 sections: General, Settings, Diagnostics, and Firmware Update. In the General and Settings screens, you can configure the device by setting values and information for the following parameters:

• Input Type
• Temperature Unit
• Output Range
• Linearization
• Damping
• Tag
• Filter

Ensure that the RTD cable resistances are compensated for properly to maintain measurement accuracy. When using PT100 2-wire connections, connect terminals 3 and 4 as shown in the figure provided in the manual. The PT100 wire length should be less than 30 cm to maintain measurement accuracy within specifications (electrical resistance). Do not connect the TxBlock-USB transmitter to the loop power supply for configuration with the sensor connected to the process.

INTRODUCTION

TxBlock-USB is a 4-20 mA 2-wire head-mounted temperature transmitter powered by the current loop. The output current represents the signal applied to the input of the linearized transmitter according to the configured input type. It is configured by connecting the transmitter directly to the computer USB port. To configure it, it is not necessary that the equipment be powered.

CONFIGURATION

When the transmitter is used with the factory setting, no further action is required, and the transmitter is ready to be installed. When you need to change the configuration, you should use SigNow software, TxConfig II software, or the SigNow application. On the NOVUS website, you can download any of the configuration software for free. For installation, simply run the SigNowSetup.exe or TxConfigIISetup.exe file and follow the installer instructions. To configure the device through the software, you must use the transmitter configuration interface (USB cable), which can be purchased from the manufacturer or its authorized representatives:

During the setup, the transmitter is powered by the USB, not requiring an external power supply. The transmitter setup can also be made by connecting it to the loop, using the loop power supply. There is no electrical isolation between the transmitter and the communication port (interface). It is not recommended to configure it with the sensor connected to the process. See Figure 9.

After connecting the device and the PC, simply run SigNow or TxConfig II. SigNow application can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store or App Store. To configure the device via the application, you must use an On The Go (OTG) adapter. The procedure for using this adapter will be explained in the SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS section. There you will also find more information on how to connect the TxBlock-USB to the smartphone itself and set up the device. The USB communication port (interface) of the TxBlock-USB is not electrically isolated from the transmitter input

SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION

SIGNOW SOFTWARE
When running the SigNow software and connecting to the device, the following screen will appear

The bottom part of the screen displays information about the model, serial number, and firmware version. The configuration screen is divided into 4 sections: General, Settings, Diagnostics, and Firmware Update. In the General (see above) and Settings screens, you can configure the device by setting values and information for the following parameters:

1. Sensor Type : Allows you to select the sensor to be used. See Table 1.
2. Temperature Unit : Allows you to select the temperature unit to be used.
3. Lower Limit : Allows you to select the minimum desired temperature for the configured output type.
4. Upper Limit : Allows you to select the maximum desired temperature for the configured output type.
5. Output Status (Sensor Failure): Allows you to establish the output behavior when the transmitter indicates a failure:
6. Minimum : Output current goes to < 3.6 mA (down-scale), typically used for refrigeration.
7. Maximum : Output current goes to > 22.0 mA (up-scale), typically used for heating.
8. Output Type : Allows you to select the output type to be used.
9. Offset (Zero Adjustment): Allows you to correct small deviations presented in the transmitter output, such as when a sensor is replaced.

In the SigNow manual, available on NOVUS website, you can get more specific information about the buttons and the process of diagnostics and firmware update.

TXCONFIG II SOFTWARE
When running the TxConfig II software and connecting to the device, the following screen will appear:

The fields in the screen mean:

1. General Information : This field contains the data that identifies the transmitter. During requests for technical assistance, this information should be presented to the manufacturer.

2. Sensor : Allows you to select the sensor to be used. See Table 1.

3. Measuring Range : Allows you to define the transmitter measurement range.

4. Lower Range Limit : Equivalent temperature for a 4-mA current.

5. Upper Range Limit : Equivalent temperature for a 20-mA current.

6. Sensor Range
   The values chosen cannot exceed the sensor range shown in this field. See Table 1.

7. Minimum Range
   Do not set a lower band (span) that the Minimum Range indicated below in this same field. See Table 1.

8. Sensor Failure : Allows you to establish the output behavior when the transmitter indicates a failure:

9. Minimum : Output current goes to < 3.6 mA (down-scale), typically used for refrigeration.

10. Maximum : Output current goes to > 22.0 mA (up-scale), typically used for heating.

11. Zero Correction : Allows you to correct small deviations presented in the transmitter output, such as when a sensor is replaced.

12. Send Configuration : It applies the new setup. Once sent, the setup will be immediately adopted by the transmitter.

13. Read Configuration : It reads the current setup in the transmitter connected. The screen now presents the current setup that may be changed by the user.

SIGNOW APP
When running the SigNow application and connecting to the device, the following screen will appear:

Here you can see information about the product, such as name, serial number, and firmware version. By opening the Basic section or the Advanced section, you can configure the parameters displayed in the SIGNOW SOFTWARE section. In the SigNow manual, available on the NOVUS website, you can get more specific information about the buttons and the process of diagnostics and firmware update.

FACTORY SETTING

• Sensor : Pt100 3-wire, range: 0 to 100 °C.
• Sensor failure : Upscale (maximum).
• 0 °C zero correction.
• Unit : °C.
• Output : 4-20 mA.

Upon purchase order, you can define a specific setup.

SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS

Smartphones with On the Go (OTG) technology can be directly connected to the device via the Micro-USB input. This allows the smartphone to recognize and configure the TxBlock-USB when running the SigNow application. As can be seen in Figure 13, it is necessary to observe how the On the Go cable is connected to the device:

If you position the cable end incorrectly, it is possible that the device will not be recognized by the application.

CONFIGURING TXBLOCK-USB WITH SIGNOW APPLICATION
Once the connection between the smartphone and the TxBlock-USB is made, the device will send the following message:

For the correct operation of the application, you must check the option “Use by default for this USB device” and then click the OK button. After that, it will automatically run the SigNow application, which has already been previously installed on the smartphone, and will display the following message:

When you click on the Configuration option, the application will connect to the device and allow you to configure the TxBlock-USB.

OPERATION

You can change the sensor offset through the SigNow or TxConfig II software or the SigNow app. The USB cable may be connected to the transmitter without causing any measurement errors (see information about the Offset (Zero Adjustment) parameter in the CONFIGURATION chapter). You must choose the most suitable sensor and range to the process. The chosen range must not exceed the maximum range of measurement defined for the sensor and should not be smaller than the minimum range for the same sensor. It is important to note that the transmitter accuracy is based on the maximum range of the sensor used, even when a narrower range is programmed.

Example:

• If the Pt100 sensor is in the range 0 to 100 °C and the accuracy is 0.12 %, there is a maximum error of up to 1.02 °C (0.12 % of 850 °C).
• If the Pt100 sensor is in the range 500 to 600 °C and the accuracy is 0.19 %, there is a maximum error of up to 1.61 °C (0.19 % of 850 °C).

Note : When measurements are made at the transmitter, make sure that the excitation current of Pt100 required by the calibrator used is compatible with the excitation current of Pt100 used in the transmitter: 0.8 mA.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor input: User defined. The supported sensors are listed in Table 1, along with their maximum ranges.

• Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B, according to IEC 60584 (ITS-90). Impedance >> 1 MΩ
• Pt100 : 3-wire type, Excitation 0.8 mA, α = 0.00385, according to IEC 60751 (ITS-90). For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4 together.
• Pt1000 : 3-wire type, Excitation 0.65 mA, α = 0.00385, according to IEC 60751 (ITS-90). For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4 together.
• NTC R25°C : 10 kΩ ±1 %, B25/85 = 3435
• Voltage : 0 to 50 mVdc. Impedance >> 1 MΩ

SENSOR TYPE

| MAXIMUM MEASUREMENT RANGE| MINIMUM MEASUREMENT RANGE
---|---|---
Voltage| 0 to 50 mV| 5 mV
Thermocouple K| -150 to 1370 °C| 100 °C
Thermocouple J| -100 to 760 °C| 100 °C
Thermocouple R| -50 to 1760 °C| 400 °C
Thermocouple S| -50 to 1760 °C| 400 °C
Thermocouple T| -160 to 400 °C| 100 °C
Thermocouple N| -270 to 1300 °C| 100 °C
Thermocouple E| -90 to 720 °C| 100 °C
Thermocouple B| 500 to 1820 °C| 400 °C
Pt100| -200 to 650 °C| 40 °C
Pt1000| -200 to 650 °C| 40 °C
NTC| -30 to 120 °C| 40 °C

• Switch-on delay : < 2.5 s. The accuracy is only guaranteed after 15 minutes.
• Reference terms : Ambient: 25 ° C; voltage: 24 Vdc, load: 250 Ω; settling time: 15 minutes.
• Temperature Effect : < ±0.16 % / 25 °C
• Response time : Typical 1.6 s
• Maximum voltage allowed at sensor input terminals : 3 V
• RTD current : 800 μA
• RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C / Ω
• Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω

*() Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C**

• Power supply influence: 0.006 % / V typical (percentage of the full measure range).
• Output : 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired; linear in relation to the temperature measurement by the selected sensor.
• Output resolution : 2 μA
• Power supply : 10 to 35 Vdc, across the transmitter
• Maximum load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 [Ω]
• Where : Vdc= Power supply voltage (10-35 Vdc)
• Operating temperature : -40 to 85 °C
• Humidity : 0 to 90 % RH
• Electromagnetic compatibility : EN 61326-1:2006
• No electrical isolation between input and output.
• Internal protection against polarity inversion.
• Cold junction compensation for thermocouples.
• Dimensions : 43.5 mm (diameter) x 20.5 mm (height)
• Connection wire cross section : 0.14 to 1.5 mm²
• Screw tightening : 0.8 Nm
• Housing : ABS UL94-HB
• Certifications : CE and UKCA

WARRANTY

Warranty conditions are available on our website www.novusautomation.com/warranty.

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