Dataforth Adds Frequency Input Modules to 8B Family of Isolated Analog Signal Conditioner

Dataforth Corporation of Tucson, Arizona, has just introduced the latest addition to its family of SensorLex® 8B isolated analog signal conditioners: the 8B45 series of frequency input modules.

These modules accept a zero-crossing or TTL level sensor output signal, then isolate, convert, and filter the signal, providing a high-level analog voltage output. Available models provide measurement of a wide range of frequency signals, up to 100kHz; signal amplitudes range from 100mVp-p to 350Vp-p.

A 5V constant voltage excitation source is provided for use with magnetic pickup sensors, contact closure sensors, or other sensors that require a stimulus.

Specific applications for the new modules include the following:
Eight input ranges from 500Hz to 100kHz are offered, allowing the modules to fit in virtually any process control application. Other ranges also are available upon request. The modules are encapsulated and sealed and do not require user adjustments over time to maintain calibration.

Both the zero-crossing and TTL input signal paths have built-in hysteresis to prevent spurious noise from corrupting the output signal.

To ensure protection of expensive data acquisition equipment, the 8B45 module signal outputs are protected against accidental connection of voltages up to 240Vrms. All models are designed for operation in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations and are compliant with European EMC directives.

Additional 8B45 key features, also common to Dataforth's entire 8B family, include:

• Any process, industrial or other, that requires precise measurement of frequency signals
• Situations where space is at a premium; 8B45 modules provide signal conditioning in the smallest package available on the market
• Monitoring and control of rotating machinery or equipment
• Health of machine monitoring
• Installations requiring isolation for noise immunity or to break ground loops

• 1500Vrms Isolation
• ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 Transient Protection
• ±0.05% Accuracy
• High Common-mode Rejection
• Low Drift with Ambient Temperature
• -40 to +85°C Operating Temperature Range
• 5V Power
• CSA and FM Certifications Pending
• CE Compliant
• Mix and Match Module Types on Backpanel

Developed in response to customer requests worldwide for smaller, lower cost isolated signal conditioners, the SensorLex™ 8B family ensures fully functional Instrument Class® performance in a package only one-fifth the size of competing modular products. Since its introduction, the 8B line has grown to include 17 family groups with a total of 102 modules that interface to a wide variety of analog signals such as volt, millivolt, current, temperature (thermocouple and RTD), position, frequency, and strain measuring devices.

Measuring only 1.11" x 1.65" x 0.4" (28.1mm x 41.9mm x 10.2mm), the 8B signal conditioner is 80% smaller than similar products, making it ideal for embedded or portable applications such as mobile test stands, COTS military and defense applications, miniaturized security and surveillance systems, and embedded process controls for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With the SensorLex 8B, it is now possible to incorporate high-performance modular I/O on a per-channel basis for any embedded monitoring or measurement and control system; because the 8B provides an Instrument Class analog output, interfacing to almost any PC/104, compact PCI, VMEbus, PXI, or proprietary data acquisition system board is very easy.

Housed in a solid, potted thermoplastic plug-in-the-panel package with flammability rating of UL-94 V-0, the 8B family of isolated signal conditioners is specifically designed to protect user equipment, while reducing electrical noise and enabling convenient system expansion and repair. All 8B modules offer dimensional stability over temperature, chemical resistance, and excellent stability over time; they do not require recalibration.

Operation and storage temperature for the 8B models is -40 to +85 C; relative humidity range is zero to 95% noncondensing. All models meet the requirements of EN61000-6-4 (radiated/conducted emissions) and EN61000-6-2 (ESD/RF/EFT immunity). For operation in hazardous environments, North American Class I, Division 2, and European Group II, Category 3, approvals are pending.

Design-in accessories for the 8B line include a selection of backpanels (2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-channel) that provide screw-terminal inputs and outputs as well as a DB25 header connector that connects 8B outputs to a user's data acquisition system. The DB25 header can be matched with 1-, 2-, or 7-meter cables, available as accessories, to connect sensors and transducers to an external 25 screw-terminal interface board.

Coming months will see the introduction of true RMS input modules and 2-wire transmitter interface modules. Custom signal conditioning models are available to meet unique signal conditioning needs.

For additional information and pricing, call 800-444-7644 toll-free, e-mail sales@dataforth.com, or visit our website at www.dataforth.com.

Original release: July 11, 2006