TxBlock-USB Transmitter

TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTER - OPERATING MANUAL – V1.0x E

INTRODUCTION Typical Minimun

Sensor Type
Accuracy Accuracy
The TxBlock-USB is a 4-20 mA 2-wire temperature transmitter for
head mount, powered by the current loop. The output current is Pt100 / Pt1000
0,10 % 0,12 %
linearized and adjusted in fuction of the input sensor type and range (-150 to 400 °C)
configured. Pt100 / Pt1000
0,13 % 0,19 %
Its configuration is accomplished by connecting the transmitter to a (-200 to 650 °C)
PC USB port without the need of any dedicated interface. The mV, K, J, T, E, N, R, S, B 0.1 % (*) 0.15 % (*)
configuration does not require that the transmitter be powered. NTC 0.3 °C 0.7 °C
Table 2 – Calibration error, percentage of the full measurement range
SPECIFICATIONS
(*) Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C.
Sensor input: User defined. The supported sensors are listed in
Table 1, along with their maximum ranges. Power supply influence: 0.006 % / V typical (percentage of the full
measure range).
Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E and B accoding to Output: 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired; linear in relation to the
IEC 60584 (ITS-90). Impedance >> 1 MΩ temperature measurement by the selected sensor.
Pt100: Type 3-wire, Excitation 0.8 mA, α= 0.00385, Output Resolution: 2 µA.
according IEC 60751 (ITS-90).
Power supply: 10 to 35 Vdc, across the transmitter;
For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4
together. Maximum load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 [Ω]
Where: Vdc= Power supply voltage (10-35 Vdc)
Pt1000: Type 3-wire, Excitation 0.17 mA, α= 0.00385,
according IEC 60751 (ITS-90). Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C
For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4 Humidity: 0 to 90 % RH
together. Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN 61326-1:2006
NTC R25°C: 10 kΩ ±1 %, B25/85 = 3435 No electrical isolation between input and output.
Voltage: 0 to 50 mVdc. Impedance >> 1 MΩ Internal protection against polarity inversion.
Maximum Measurement Minimum Measurement Cold junction compensation for thermocouples.
Sensor Type
Range Range Dimensions: 43.5 mm (diameter) x 20.5 mm (height)
Voltage 0 to 50 mV 5 mV Connection Wire Cross Section: 0.14 a 1.5 mm²
Thermocouple K -150 to 1370 °C 100 °C Screw Tightening: 0.8 Nm.
Thermocouple J -100 to 760 °C 100 °C
Housing: ABS UL94-HB.
Thermocouple R -50 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple S -50 to 1760 °C 400 °C
CONFIGURATION
Thermocouple T -160 to 400 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple N -270 to 1300 °C 100 °C When the trasmitter is used with the factory setting, no further action
Thermocouple E -90 to 720 °C 100 °C is required and the transmitter is ready to be installed. Changes to
Thermocouple B 500 to 1820 °C 400 °C the configuration are possible through the TxConfig II software,
provided free of charge.
Pt100 -200 to 650 °C 40 °C
Pt1000 -200 to 650 °C 40 °C The TxBlock-USB Setup Kit consisting of the Txconfig II software and
NTC -30 to 120°C 40 °C
USB cable can be purchased from the manufacturer or any authorized
distributor. The Txconfig II software is continuously updated and new
Table 1 – Sensors accepted by the transmitter versions can be downloaded at no charge from the manufacturer’s
Switch-on delay: < 2.5 s. The accuracy is only guaranteed after 15 website. To install, execute the TxConfigIISetup.exe file and follow the
min. instructions.
Terms of reference: ambient: 25 ° C; voltage: 24 Vdc, load: 250 Ω;
settling time: 10 minutes.
Temperature Effect: < ±0.16 % / 25 °C
Response time: typical 1.6 s.
Maximum voltage allowed at input terminals no sensor: 3 V.
RTD current: 800 µA.
RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C / Ω
Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω. Fig. 1 – USB cable connection

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During the setup, the transmitter is powered by the USB, not 4. Sensor Failure: It establishes the output behavior, when the
requiring an external power supply. transmitter indicates a failure:
The transmitter setup can also be made by connecting it to the loop, Minimum: output current goes to < 3.6 mA (down-scale), typically
using the loop power supply. There is no electrical insulation between used for refrigeration.
the transmitter and the communication port (interface), therefore it is Maximum: output current goes to > 22.0 mA (up-scale), typically
not recommended to configure it with the sensor inlet connected to the used for heating.
process. See Fig. 2.
5. Zero Correction: It corrects small deviations presented in the
transmitter output, for example, when the sensor is replaced.
6. Send Configuration: It applies the new setup. Once sent, the
setup will be immediately adopted by the transmitter.
7. Read Configuration: Reads the current setup in the transmitter
connected. The screen now presents the current setup that may
be changed by the user.

Fig. 2 – USB cable connections – Loop powered FACTORY SETTING:

• Sensor: Pt100 3-wire, range 0 to 100 °C
After these connections, the user must run the TxConfig II software • Sensor failure: upscale (maximum).
and, if necessary, consult the Help topic to help using the software.
• 0 °C zero correction.
The USB communication port (interface) of the • Unit: °C;
TxBlock-USB is not electrically insulated from the • Output: 4-20 mA.
transmitter’s input. Upon purchase order, the user can define a specific setup.

SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

The TxBlock-USB transmitter is suitable to be installed in heads.
Vibrations, moisture and extreme temperatures, electro-magnetic
interference, high voltage and other interferences can permanently
damage the unit, and could cause error in the measured value.

DIMENSIONS:

Fig. 4 – Transmitter dimensions

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
• Section of the cable used: 0.14 to 1.5 mm ²
Fig. 3 – TxConfig II software main screen
• Recommended torque in the terminal: 0.8 Nm.
The fields in the screen mean:
1. General Information: This field shows information that identifying RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTALLATION
the transmitter. This information should be sent to the
manufacturer in an eventual request for technical assistance. • Sensor signals conductors must go through the plant system
separate from power leads (loop), if possible in grounded
2. Sensor: Select the type of sensor to be used. See Table 1.
conduits.
3. Measuring Range: Sets de measurement range of the
transmitter. • The instruments must be powered from the instrumentation power
supply circuit.
Lower Range Limit: equivalent temperature for a current of 4
mA. • In control and monitoring applications is essential to consider
what can happen when any part of the system fails.
Upper Range Limit: equivalent temperature for a current of 20
mA. • It is recommended the use of suppressors in contact coils,
solenoids and any inductive load.
Sensor Range
The values chosen cannot exceed the range of sensor shown in
this field. See Table 1 of this manual.
Minimum Range
Do not set a lower band (span) that the Minimum Range
indicated below in this same field. See Table 1 of this manual.

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS wire resistance is 25 Ω per wire leg. Usage of a 3 or 4 wire with
conductors of equal length and gauge is recommended.
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, THERMOCOUPLES
controller, recorder, etc.).

PT100 2-WIRE
Note: When the Pt100 2-wire 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).

Fig. 8 – Transmitter electrical connections (Thermocouple)

VOLTAGE (0-50 mV)

Fig. 5 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 2-wire)

PT100 3-WIRE

Fig. 9 – Transmitter electrical connections (0-50 mV)

OPERATION
The sensor offset can be changed through the TxConfig II software.
The USB cable may be connected to the transmitter without causing
any measurement errors. See item Zero Correction in the chapter
CONFIGURATION of this manual.
Fig. 6 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 3-wire)
The uer must choose the most suitable sensor and range to the
process. The chosen range must not exceed the maximum range of
PT100 4-WIRE 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:
• The Pt100 sensor in the range 0 to 100 °C and accuracy of
0.12 %, the maximum error will be 1.02 °C (0.12 % de 850 °C).
• The Pt100 sensor in the range 500 to 600 °C and accuracy of
0.19 %, the maximum error will be 1.61 °C (0.19 % of the 850
°C).
Note: When measurements are made at the transmitter, see if the
Pt100 excitation current required by the calibrator is compatible with
the Pt100 excitation current used in the transmitter: 0.8 mA.

Fig. 7 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 4-wire)

Pt1000 3-wire / Pt100 3-wire and 4-wire: For appropriate cable

resistance compensation they should be equal for all legs. Maximum

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SAFETY INFORMATION
Any control system design should take into account that any part of
the system has the potential to fail. This product is not a protection or
safety device and its alarms are not intended to protect against
product failures. Independent safety devices should be always
provided if personnel or property are at risk.
Product performance and specifications may be affected by its
environment and installation. It’s user’s responsibility to assure
proper grounding, shielding, cable routing and electrical noise
filtering, in accordance with local regulations, EMC standards and
good installation practices.

SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE

This product contains no serviceable parts inside. Contact our local
distributor in case you need authorized service. For troubleshooting,
visit our FAQ at www.novusautomation.com.

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF

LIABILITY
NOVUS warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service within one (1) year from the date of shipment from factory or
from its official sales channel to the original purchaser.
NOVUS liability under this warranty shall not in any case exceed the
cost of correcting defects in the product or of supplying replacement
product as herein provided and upon the expiration of the warranty
period all such liability shall terminate.
For complete information on warranty and liability limitations, check
appropriate section in our web site: www.novusautomation.com.

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