rotronic XB32A Humidity Temperature Transmitter User Guide

XB32A
Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide

E-M-XB32A-V1.0
Document code| Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Unit
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XB32A Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide
Document title| Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page 1 of 24

Applicability:

This manual applies to all instruments of the XB32A transmitter series with firmware version XB32-A_V1.0 or higher. Changes to the last digit of the version number reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the manner in which the instrument should be operated.

 Overview

The XB transmitter measures temperature, relative humidity, and the dew or frost point and is designed for OEM applications. The XB transmitter consists of a probe that is hard-wired to a small open board with a 2 m / 6.5 ft cable. Humidity is measured with the ROTRONIC HYGROMER® HT-1 capacitive humidity sensor. This sensor offers fast response and exceptional stability, even in high humidity environments. Sensor durability has proven to be excellent in a wide range of applications.

The XB transmitter is suitable for measuring humidity within the range of 0 to 100 %RH and temperature within the range of -100 to 200 °C (-100 to 392  °F) at the probe. At temperature values above 80°C, the maximum humidity to which the humidity sensor can be exposed is gradually limited. Both the robe and sensor survive exposure to temperature within the range of -100 to 200°C / -148 to 392°F.

• XB32A: 3-wire (current signal or voltage signal).

This circuit type provides linear analog outputs signals for transmission over a length of cable to a remote display, recorder, controller, or data processing unit and can be used to measure humidity only, temperature only, or both parameters.

The XB32A features well-proven sensors and robust housing. Digital signal processing ensures consistent product performance and facilitates the task of field maintenance with features such as potentiometer-free – digital calibration.
Based on the ROTRONIC AirChip 3000 digital technology the XB32A series offers the following functions:

• User-configurable settings
• Calculation of the dew or frost point
• Humidity temperature calibration and adjustment
• simulator mode
• Automatic humidity sensor test and drift compensation
• Sensor failure mode
• Data recording

The ability for the user to easily update the AirChip 3000 firmware means that instruments of the XB series can be kept up-to-date regarding any future functionality improvement.

Dimensional drawings

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Overall probe length: 100 / 250 mm (4.57 / 9.84”)
Diameter: 15 mm (0.59”)
Cable length : 2 m (6.5 ft)

General description

Power supply
Depending on the circuit type, the XB transmitter requires the following power supply:

XB3 (3-wire with analog outputs): 15 to 40 VDC (see note below) or 13 to 28 VAC. With both output circuits closed, the maximum current consumption is 50 mA.
Note: depending on the type of output signal, the XB3 will operate with the following minimum voltage

0…1 V outputs:
0…2 V outputs:
0…5 V outputs:
0…10 V outputs:
0…20 mA or 4 …20 mA outputs:| 6 VDC or 5 VAC
6 VDC or 5 VAC
10 VDC or 8 VAC
18 VDC or 13 VAC
6 VDC or 5 VAC with 0 Ω load
18 VDC or 13power with 500 Ω load
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measured parameters
The XB transmitter measures relative humidity with a ROTRONIC Hygrometer® HT-1 capacitive sensor and temperature with a Pt100 RTD.
Calculated parameters
Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, the XB transmitter can be configured by the user to calculate either the dew point or the frost point.
Analog output signals
With the ROTRONIC HW4 software, any of the two analog output signals can be made to correspond to one of the following:

• Relative humidity
• Temperature
• Dew or frost point
  Any output can also be disabled.
  The scale of each analog output can be set within the numerical limits of -999.99 and 9999.99.
  The D/A converters used to generate the analog output signals feature a 16-bit resolution and exhibit a small positive offset at the bottom of the signal range as indicated below:

The ROTRONIC HW4 software allows changing the type of output signal to one of the following: 0…20 mA, 4…20 mA, 0…1V, 0…5V or 0…10V. Both output signals are automatically configured with the same signal type. No calibration or adjustment is required after changing the type of output signal. In the case of voltage output signals, load requirements apply to the external device or circuit connected to the XB3 transmitter. These requirements are defined in the “Operation” chapter.
Service connector
The service connector is a UART digital interface (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) with a mini USB  type connector. This allows connecting the XB transmitter either to a PC  running the ROTRONIC  W4 software or to a probe input of another instrument that is compatible with the HygroClipAdvanced 2 (HC2A) probes and the Hygroclip 2 (HC2) probes. In both cases, a service cable is required. See “Maintenance” for the location of the service connector and for the type of service cable to be used.
• Connecting the XB transmitter to a PC is used to configure the transmitter, gain access to the transmitter functions such as humidity and temperature adjustment, read data from the transmitter on the PC, and update the AirChip 3000 firmware.

• Connecting the XB transmitter to the probe input of another instrument is useful only when the other instrument has its own display and keypad, and has an internal menu equivalent to the menu of the HP23 hand-held calibrator. The connection allows showing the data measured by the XB transmitter on the other instrument display and also allows using the other instrument internal menu to do for example humidity and temperature adjustment of the XB transmitter.
Sensor protection (dust filter)
A dust filter is required to protect the sensors against dust particles and high air velocity. The probe of the XB transmitter is equipped with a metal carrier  SPA-SS. The filter insertion must be ordered separately (see Accessories 11.5). Filter SPA-SSS is suitable for most applications.

user-configurable settings and functions

The XB transmitter ships are configured as specified on the customer order. The analog outputs can be used just as with any conventional humidity and temperature transmitter and most users will never need to use the XB transmitter configurable settings and functions.
Making use of the XB transmitter configurable settings and functions are entirely up to the user and the appropriate settings depending on the user application.  We have provided below a short description of the XB transmitter functions and also indicated the factory default settings.

Function overview

MEASUREMENT ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY

airship 3000 Functions| Description
►  Humidity/temperature adjustment| o   1-point or multi-point humidity calibration or adjustment

o   1-point or 2-point temperature calibration or adjustment

o   Generate a timestamp for calibrations and adjustments

o   Retain and view last adjustment date and adjustment values

o   Generate calibration and adjustment protocols

►  Automatic humidity sensor test and optional drift compensation| Tests the humidity sensor for drift caused by contaminants and can be used to automatically apply a correction. The test is automatically carried out at regular intervals of time. Can be configured, enabled, or disabled
The humidity sensor status can be verified either with the HW4 software and is shown as Good, SQ-tuned (corrected for drift), or Bad (defective)
►  Data recording| The data recording function differs from a true data logging function in the sense that the AirChip 3000 does not time stamp the data. This data recording function can be used to investigate events such as a sensor malfunction as well as to retrieve data that would otherwise be lost
o, Start or stop data recording – up to 2000 value pairs (%RH and temperature). Starting a recording session erases all previously recorded data
o  The recording mode and log interval can be specified
o   When the device is powered off, the recording session is paused but not ended as long as the recording session has not been ended, the device automatically resumes recording data when powered up again
o   The recorded data can be downloaded to a PC with the HW4 software, time- stamped, and viewed
MEASUREMENT LOOP VALIDATION

airship 3000 Functions| Description
►  Simulator mode| Used to make the XB transmitter generate fixed values for the humidity, temperature, and calculated parameter. Can be configured, enabled, or disabled
DEVICE SAFEGUARDS

airship 3000 Functions| Description
►  Device write protection| Used to protect the XB transmitter with a password to prevent unauthorized digital access by a digital user. Can be configured, enabled, or disabled
PROCESS PROTECTION / PROTECTION OF OTHER DEVICES

airship 3000 Functions| Description
►  Limit humidity output to 100 %RH| Used to prevent the humidity signal from exceeding 100 %RH when condensation forms on the sensor. Can be enabled or disabled
►  Out-of-limit value alarm| Used to specify the normal range for humidity, temperature, and the calculated parameter depending on the user application. Can be configured, enabled, or disabled
Out-of-limit values trigger a digital alarm which can be also be seen on the optional display
►  Bad sensor alarm| Built-in function. Cannot be disabled
A bad humidity or temperature sensor triggers a digital alarm which can be also be seen on the optional display
►  Fail-safe mode| Used to specify a “safe” fixed value for humidity and for temperature in the event of a sensor failure. Can be configured, enabled, or disabled

Factory default settings

Configuration of the XB transmitter by the user and access to its functions requires a PC with the ROTRONIC HW4 software (version 2.1.1 or higher) installed. Service cable AC3006 or AC3009 is used to connect the XB service connector to a USB port of the PC (see Maintenance > Service Cable).

• For a detailed description of all AirChip, 3000 / XB main functions see document E-T-AC3000-DF-V1
  

• Instructions regarding the configuration of the XB transmitter and access to its functions are provided in the following manuals:
  E-M-HW4v3-Main
  E-M-HW4v3-F2-009
  E-M-HW4v3-DR-001
  E-M-HW4v3-A2-001

• The factory default setting for dew/frost point calculation is frost point below freezing

Mechanical installation

General guidelines
The relative humidity is extremely dependent on temperature. Proper measurement of relative humidity requires that the probe and its sensors be at exactly the temperature of the environment to be measured. Because of this, the location where you choose to install the probe can have a significant effect on the performance of the instrument. The following guidelines should guarantee good instrument performance:

a) Select a representative location : install the probe where humidity, temperature, and pressure conditions are representative of the environment to be measured.
b) Provide good air movement at the probe : air velocity of at least 200 ft/ minute (1 meter/second) facilitates adaptation of the probe to changing temperature.
c) Avoid the following: (1) Close proximity of the probe to a heating element, a cooling coil, a cold or hot wall, direct exposure to sun rays, etc. (2) Close proximity of the probe to a steam injector, humidifier, direct exposure to precipitation, etc. (3) Unstable pressure conditions resulting from excessive air
turbulence.
d) Immerse as much of the probe as possible in the environment to be measured.
e) Prevent the accumulation of condensation water at the level of the sensor leads. Install the probe so that the probe tip is looking downward. If this is not possible, install the probe horizontally.

Insufficient probe immersion typically creates errors in the measurement of both humidity and temperature and may even cause a malfunction.

• Standard 144 mm probe: this probe is generally not suitable for through-wall installation and is designed for full immersion in the environment to be measured. At least 15 to 20” of the probe cable should be inserted together with the probe.

• Optional 294 mm probe: this probe is designed for through-wall installation.

Probe Installation (XB32A)

Installation Note: You may want to provide an orifice at a distance of about 3” from the probe of the transmitter for future use by a reference probe and HygroPalm indicator.

Mounting hardware:

XB32A for 15mm : use parts AC1304-M (compression fitting) and AC1306 (flange) to hold and seal the probe when mounted through a wall (see
Accessories).

 Electrical installation

General guidelines

Power supply wiring
Heavy machinery and instrumentation should not share the same power supply wiring. If this cannot be avoided, noise filters and surge protectors should be used. Most UPS devices have those features already integrated.

General guidelines for signal cables

The following guidelines are derived from European Standard EN 50170 for the transmission of signals by copper wires. When planning an installation, the rules provided by EN 50170 should be followed under consideration of local circumstances to determine the position of machines and equipment.

All ROTRONIC products are tested for Electromagnetic Compatibility according to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and following European standards:
– EN 61000-6-1 ; EN 61000-6-2 ;
– EN 61000-6-3; EN 61000-6-4 ; + A11
Whenever the level of electromagnetic interference is expected to be high, both the instruments and signal cables should be placed as far away as possible from the source of interference.
In general, signal cables should be installed in bundles or channels/conduits, separate from other cables as indicated in the table below:

• Bus signals such as RS4 85
• Data signals for PCs, printers, etc.
• shielded analog inputs
• unshielded direct current (<= 60V)
• shielded process signals (<= 25 V)
• unshielded alternate current (<= 25V)
• coaxial cables for CRT monitors

| in common bundles or channels/conduits
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• direct current from 60 V to 400 V (unshielded)
• alternate current from 25V to 400 V (unshielded)

| in separated bundles or channels/conduits, without minimum distance

• direct and alternate current > 400 V (unshielded)
• Telephone lines
• lines leading into EX-rated areas

| in separated bundles or channels/conduits, without minimum distance

Lightning protection

Cabling in areas with a risk of lightning requires lightning protection. For cabling underground in between buildings, we recommend the use of special fiber optic cables. If this is not possible, use copper cables that are suitable for underground installation.

Cable grip and cable specifications
The XB32A is supplied either with an M16 sealing cable. The M16 cable grip provides effective sealing only with cables having the proper outside diameter.  Preferably, use a cable with an outside diameter of 6 to 7 mm (0.236 to 0.275 inches) with 18 AWG wires.
Wiring and terminal block diagrams
6.3.1 Wiring and terminal block diagramsXB3: 3-wire transmitter
Electrical diagram for voltage outputs

The maximum permissible cable length can be determined under consideration of the voltage drop caused by the current flowing to the devices connected to the unit. The voltage drop in the cable depends both on cable resistance and on the equivalent resistance of the devices connected in parallel to the unit. The total resistance connected to each unit output should be at least 1000 ohms. Cable resistance should not be more than 1/1000 of the load resistance.

Minimum load requirements apply to the external device or circuit connected to the XB3 transmitter. These requirements are defined in the “Operation” chapter
Electrical diagram for current outputs

The maximum permissible cable length, connecting the unit to other devices, is determined by the total resistance resulting from the addition of the cable resistance and that of the devices connected in series with the unit. This resistance should not exceed 500 ohms.

Terminal block diagram

__ Measuring humidity or temperature only

Operation of the XB3 does not require both current loops to be closed. When using the XB3 to measure either humidity only or temperature only, close only the loop that is being used.
Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, any unused output of the XB3 can be disabled.

6.3.3 Grounding (all models)
We generally recommend grounding the (-) side of the power supply, especially if the electronics will be subjected to a low humidity environment (35 %RH or less).

 Operation

Minimum load requirements for the XB3 with voltage outputs

The following requirements apply to any external device or circuit connected to the XB3 transmitter with voltage outputs:

In the situation where the external device uses an internal pull-up resistor the value of this resistor should meet the requirements shown below. It is also necessary to add a pull-down resistor RL connected to the ground in order to be able to read 100% of the range of the XB3 voltage output.

XB3 transmitters (analog outputs)
If so desired, use the HW4 software to configure the XB transmitter. Complete the mechanical and electrical installation and simply power up the transmitter.
Service cable
IMPORTANT:

• Use service cable AC3009 with the 2-wire, loop-powered XB transmitter. This cable powers up the transmitter via the service connector. Do not use any other method for powering the transmitter when using this cable AC3009 as this will create a ground loop and damage the transmitter. For the same reasons do not use cable AC3006 with a 2-wire, loop-powered transmitter.
• Use service cable AC3006 with the 3-wire XB transmitter. This cable does not provide power to the transmitter and the transmitter should be powered separately when using this cable
• Both cables AC3006 and AC3009 convert UART (service connector) to USB and are used to connect the transmitter to a USB port of a PC running the ROTRONIC HW4 software. Prior to using any of these cables, the ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC. Both the driver and the installation instructions (document E-M-HW4v3-Main) are located on the HW4 CD.
• As an alternative, cable AC2001 is used to connect the XB transmitter to a probe input of the HP23 hand-held calibrator. For service purposes, the  HP23 offers essentially the same functionality as the HW4 software.

Location of the service connector (mini USB type)

WARNING: the service connector is a UART interface with a mini-USB connector type. Do not connect the service connector directly to the USB port of a PC or hub.

The service connector is located on the XB printed circuit board.

Periodic calibration check

Both the Pt 100 RTD temperature sensor and associated electronics are very stable and should not require any calibration after the initial factory adjustment.
Long term stability of the ROTRONIC Hygromer humidity sensor is typically better than 1 %RH per year. For maximum accuracy, calibration of the XB transmitter should be verified every 6 to 12 months. Applications, where the XB transmitter is exposed to significant pollution, may require more frequent verifications.

Procedure for adjusting the XB transmitter with the ROTRONIC HW4 software:

• Use the appropriate model of service cable (see Maintenance > Service Cable) to connect the service connector of the XB transmitter to a USB port of a  PC with the HW4 software installed. Note that the ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC as explained in the HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3Main.

• Start HW4 on the PC and search for the XB transmitter (HW4 Main Menu Bar > Devices and Groups  > Search for USB Masters).
• After finding the XB transmitter with HW4, expand the device tree to see the XB transmitter functions. Select Probe Adjustment. Instructions for using  the ROTRONIC calibration devices and humidity standards are provided in document E-M-CalBasics
• For further instructions see HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-A2-001

Cleaning or replacing the dust filter

Depending on the conditions of measurement, the filter should be checked from time to time. Corroded, discolored, or clogged filters should be replaced.
The probe of the XB transmitter has a removable filter.

Validation of the output signals transmission
If so desired, the transmission of the XB transmitter output signals can be validated by using the simulator function.
The HW4 software is required to enable and configure this function. When this function is enabled the XB  transmitter generates fixed digital and analog signals as specified by the user. For instructions see document E-M-HW4v3-F2-009

Firmware updates

Firmware updates will be available on the ROTRONIC website for downloading. Firmware files are given a name that shows both to which device the file applies and the version number of the firmware. All firmware files have the extension HEX. Procedure for updating the firmware:

• Use the appropriate model of service cable (see Maintenance > Service Cable) to connect the service connector of the XB transmitter to a USB port of a PC with the ROTRONIC HW4 software installed. Note that the ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC as explained in the HW4 manual EM-HW4v3-Main.
• Copy the firmware update file from the ROTRONIC website to the PC.
• Start HW4 software on the PC and search for the XB transmitter (HW4 Main Menu Bar > Devices and Groups > Search for USB Masters).
• After finding the XB transmitter, expand the device tree to see the XB transmitter functions. Select Device Manager. In the Device, Manager menu bars select Tools > Firmware Update. For instructions see document E-M-HW4v3-F2-009

Technical data

Specifications

(1m/sec airflow at the sensor)
Temperature measurement| XB3
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Sensor| Pt100 RTD, IEC 751 1/3 class B
Measuring range| -100…200 °C (see also environmental limits)
Measurement accuracy at 23 °C| ±0.2 °C
Repeatability| 0.05 °C
Long term stability| <0.1°C / year
Sensor time constant| Typical 4 sec, 63% of a step change (1m/sec airflow at the sensor)
Calculated parameters| XB3
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Psychrometric calculations| Dew or frost point (user-configurable option)
Start-up time and data refresh rate| XB3
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Start-up time| 1.9 s (typical)
Data refresh rate| 1.7 s (typical)
Configurable analog outputs| XB3
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Output 1| Can be made to correspond to any parameter
| Factory default parameter| Relative humidity or dew/frost point
| Factory default scale| As per the ordering code
Output 2| Can be made to correspond to any parameter
| Factory default parameter| Temperature
| Factory default scale| As per the ordering code
Output 1 and Output 2|
| Signal type| 0…20 mA

4… 20 mA

0… 1 V

0… 2 V

0… 5 V

0… 10 V

(user configurable)

| Accuracy of analog output| ±20 µA

±2 mV (0-1V)

±5 mV (0-10V)

| User-configurable scaling limits| -999.99 … 9999.99 engineering units
| Maximum offset at bottom of signal range| 0…1V signal range        : 10 mV 0…2V signal range        : 20 mV 0…5 V signal range       : 50 mV 0…10 V signal range     : 100 mV 0…20 mA signal range : 0.2 mA 4…20 mA signal range : no offset
| Short circuit tolerant| Yes
| Maximum external load| 500 Ω (current output)
| Minimum external load| 1 kΩ (0…1 V output) 2 kΩ (0…2 V output) 5 kΩ (0…5 V output)

10 kΩ (0…10 V output) 0 Ω (current output)

EN 61000-6-3 ; EN 61000-6-4 ; + A11

Solder type| Lead-free (RoHS directive)
FDA / GAMP directives| compatible
Environmental limits| XB3
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Storage and transit| -50…+70 °C

0…100 %RH, noncondensing

Operating limits at electronics| -40…85 °C, 0…100 %RH, non condensing
Temperature limits at the probe| -100…200 °C

Maximum humidity at the sensor

| 100 %RH up to 80 °C (176 °F)

70 %RH at 100 °C (212 °F)

30 %RH at 125 °C (260 °F)

15 %RH at 150 °C (302 °F)

8 %RH at 175 °C (347 °F)

4 %RH at 200 °C (392 °F)

Maximum air velocity at the probe| 40 m/s (7,870 ft /min) – depends on dust filter type
Critical environments| Humidity sensor: as per DV04-14.0803.02 – Critical chemicals

Dew point accuracy

The XB transmitter can be configured to calculate either the dew point or frost point based on the measurement of relative humidity and temperature. The accuracy of this conversion varies, depending on the humidity and temperature conditions as shown in the graph below:

Example:
At a temperature of 20 ˚C, a dew point value of -37 ˚C is measured with an accuracy of ±1.0 ˚C or better.

Accessories

For accessories and parts such as the HW4 configuration software, service cables, calibration accessories, and spare dust filters, please see document E-M-HC2-accessories

 Supporting documents

transmitters
E-T-AC3000-DF-V1| airship 3000 Description and Main Functions
E-M-HW4v3-DIR| List of the HW4 manuals
E-M-HW4v3-Main| HW4 software version 3: General instructions and functions common to all devices
E-M-HW4v3-F2-009| HW4 software version 3: Device Manager – XB transmitter
E-M-HW4v3-A2-001| HW4 software version 3: Probe Adjustment function AirChip 3000 devices
E-M-HW4v3-DR-001| HW4 software version 3: Data Recording Function AirChip 3000 Devices
E-M-AC3000-CP| airship 3000 Communication Protocol
E-M-CalBasics| Temperature and humidity adjustment basics Instructions for using the ROTRONIC humidity standards
E-T-HumiDefs| Humidity Definitions

Note: All document file names have an extension corresponding to the document release number. This extension is not shown in the above table.

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