Dataforth Adds Voltage and Bipolar Current Output Modules to 8B Family

Dataforth Corporation of Tucson, Arizona, has just introduced the latest additions to its family of SensorLex® 8B isolated analog signal conditioners: 8B49 voltage output modules and the 8B39-07 bipolar current output module.

These modules accept high level voltage inputs from a process control system, then isolate, filter, and boost the resulting signal, providing a high-level analog voltage or current output. Available models provide a wide range of input voltage ranges, which translates into a wide range of outputs.

The 8B49 series of voltage output models can source or sink up to 20mA into or out of an isolated load. A similar model, the 8B39-07, accepts up to ±10V input signals and provides a proportional bipolar, isolated current output of ±20mA, driving loads up to 400? using an internal compliance voltage.

Specific applications for the new modules include the following:

• Any process, industrial or other, that requires an isolated, high-level signal with drive capability to interface to devices such as solenoids, relays, or motor controllers
• Situations where space is at a premium; 8B49 modules provide signal conditioning in the smallest package available on the market
• Machinery or motor control
• Processes requiring signal level translation
• Installations requiring conversion of voltage signals to current signals for transmission over long distances or for noise immunity
• Installations requiring isolation for noise immunity or to break ground loops

Signal gains of 0.5V/V to 2V/V are offered with the 8B49 with seven options for input and output voltage levels and level translation, allowing the modules to fit into virtually any process control installation. Other ranges are available upon request.

Signal filtering in the 8B49 modules is accomplished with a 4-pole filter optimized for time and frequency response, which results in greater than 80dB of normal-mode rejection for signal frequencies above the pass-band. One pole of the filter is on the system side of the isolation barrier for anti-aliasing purposes and the other three are on the field side.

The outputs of the 8B49 and 8B39-07 modules are current and voltage limited to protect customer equipment from system overload and fault conditions.

To ensure protection of expensive data acquisition equipment, the 8B49 and 8B39-07 module signal outputs are protected against accidental connection of voltages up to 40Vrms. All models are designed for operation in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations and are compliant with European EMC directives.

Additional 8B49 and 8B39-07 key features, also common to Dataforth's entire 8B family, include:

• 1500Vrms Transformer Isolation
• ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 Transient Protection
• ±0.05% Accuracy
• High Common Mode Rejection
• Low Drift with Ambient Temperature
• -40°C 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 inches (28.1 x 41.9 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 C 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 channels) 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 two-wire transmitter interface modules. Custom signal conditioning models are available to meet unique signal conditioning needs, and the 8B line will soon be available in a single channel DIN mount configuration.

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

Original release: March 9, 2006