New ProfiBus 6-Channel Thermocouple Input Modules Reduce the Cost to Monitor Temperature Sensor Signals

Acromag expands BusWorks^® 900PB Series with thermocouple input modules to provide a simple and inexpensive solution for bringing temperature sensor data onto a ProfiBus-DP network.

Acromag’s new BusWorks^® 965PB Input Modules interface thermocouple and millivolt signals directly to a ProfiBus-DP network. The six-channel input modules do not require a separate bus coupler like modular or block I/O devices to deliver a more cost and space-efficient solution. Priced at only $500 for a four-input unit or $650 for six inputs, they are very cost-effective for applications that need to monitor a small quantity of thermocouples per site. Each module is only an inch wide with the highest density footprint available for compact mounting on DIN-rails. Flexible power requirements support operation on 12-36V DC power supplies.

Each unit accepts universal thermocouple/millivolt inputs with user selectable ranges for Type J, K, T, R, S, E, B, or N sensors and bipolar ±100mV or ±1V DC signals. The 16-bit sigma-delta A/D converters deliver highly accurate measurements. Built-in CJC sensors are also employed on each terminal block for more precise temperature measurements. A thermocouple break detection feature senses wiring failures and invokes upscale or downscale failsafe output. Three-way 1500V AC isolation between the input, network and power circuits protects against surges and ground loops.

The isolated ProfiBus-DP network interface is highly immune to noise and operates dependably over long distances. 965PB units automatically detect the network baud rate and support high-speed communication rates of up to 12M baud. Network addresses are easily set via switches on the modules. A built-in watchdog timer monitors for network communication problems while self-diagnostic capabilities simplify maintenance and troubleshooting. A failsafe mode can be set to ensure outputs are sent to a safe state if a failure occurs.

Many other features ensure dependable operation. All of Acromag’s 900PB series modules employ the industry-standard Siemens SPC3 intelligent ASIC to handle ProfiBus protocol and communicate with the network. An internal microcontroller has integrated non-volatile memory for reliable storage of configuration parameters and can be reprogrammed repeatedly. And to visually confirm proper operation, LEDs indicate power, network activity, and individual channel status. The units are pending certification by the ProfiBus PNO, as well as CE approvals and UL/cUL listings.

Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has been developing and manufacturing measurement and control products for more than 45 years. They offer a complete line of industrial I/O products including process instruments, signal conditioning equipment, data acquisition boards, distributed I/O systems, and communication devices.

For more information about Acromag products, call the Inside Sales Department or Marketing Communications at (248) 624-1541, (800) 881-0268, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA.

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BusWorks is a trademark of Acromag, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

December 18, 2002

Contact: Sales - Inside Sales
(e-mail:sales@acromag.com)

Editorial-Robert Greenfield, Marketing Communications Manager
(e-mail:rgreenfield@acromag.com)