ATxBlock

Universal Temperature Transmitter

User Manual

ABUS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

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WARNING

 This manual should be passed on to the end user.

 The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
 All rights reserved.
 ABUS gives no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, fitness
for a particular purpose.
 If any question arises or errors are found, or if any information is missing from this manual, please
inform your supplier or inform at [email protected].
 The specifications mentioned in this manual are limited to those for the standard type under the
specified model number break-down and do not necessarily apply for customized instruments.
 Please note that changes in the specifications, construction, or component parts of the instrument
may not immediately be reflected in this manual at the time of change.
 If the customer or any third party is harmed by the use of this product, ABUS assumes no
responsibility for any such harm owing to any defects in the product which were not predictable, or
for any indirect damages.

Although Warning hazards are related to personal injury, and Caution hazards are associated
with equipment or property damage, it must be understood that operation of damaged equipment could,
under certain operational conditions, result in degraded process system performance leading to
personal injury or death. Therefore, comply fully with all Warning and Caution notices.
Information in this manual is intended only to assist our customers in the efficient operation of
our equipment. Use of this manual for any other purpose is specifically prohibited and its contents are
not to be reproduced in full or part without prior approval of Technical Communications Department,
ABUS Technologies

HEALTH AND SAFETY

To ensure that our products are safe and without risk to health, the following points must be
noted:
1. The relevant sections of these instructions must be read carefully before proceeding.
2. Warning labels on containers and packages must be observed.
3. Installation, operation, maintenance and servicing must only be carried out by suitably trained
personnel and in accordance with the information given. Any deviation from these instructions will
transfer the complete liability to the user.
4. Normal safety precautions must be taken to avoid the possibility of an accident occurring when
operating in conditions of high pressure and/or temperature.
5. Chemicals must be stored away from heat, protected from temperature extremes and powders kept
dry. Normal safe handling procedures must be used.
6. When disposing of chemicals ensure that no two chemicals are mixed.
Safety advice concerning the use of the equipment described in this manual or any relevant
hazard data sheets (where applicable) may be obtained from the Company address on the back cover,
together with servicing and spares information.

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CATALOGUE

Contents Page No.

1. Introduction 4
2. Presentation 4
Technical Parameters 4
3. Dimensions 5
4. Ordering Details 5
5. Connections 5
1. Connector Specification 5
2. Wiring 6
6. Installation 6
1. Recommendation 6
2. Input Sensors 7
7. Configuration 7
8. Maintenance 10
Calibration of Instruments 10
9. Safety Precautions 11

10. Warranty 11

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1. INTRODUCTION

The ATxBlock is a 2-wire in-head temperature transmitter, microprocessor

based designed for the flexibility of accepting mV, Pt100 and a variety of
thermocouples as the input sensor. The ATxBlock delivers a scalable linear 4-20mA or
0-10V output signal proportional to the sensor temperature. User-friendly configuration
software is provided for parameter setup, including sensor type, temperature range,
filter, etc.

2. PRESENTATION

Technical Parameters

Sensor input: User defined. The supported sensors are listed in table 6.2 ATxBlock
Input Sensors, along with their maximum ranges and minimum span.
Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, B and E, according to IEC 60584 (ITS-90).
Impedance >> 1 M
Pt100: Excitation: 180 A.
2 or 3-wire connection (for 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 2 and 3
together).
= 0.00385, according to IEC 60751(ITS-90).
Voltage: 0 ~ 50mV dc.
Impedance: 1 M
Total accuracy: Better than 0.25% of the maximum range for thermocouples and 0,15%
for Pt100 and voltage;
Response Time: < 100 ms;
Output: 2-wire 4-20 mA, linear with respect to the measured temperature.
Resolution: 0.004 mA (12 bits).
Power supply: 12 to 35 Vdc, across the transmitter;
Maximum load (RL): RL (max.)= (Vdc – 12) / 0,02 []
Where: Vdc= Power supply voltage
Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C
Humidity: 0 to 90% RH
Electromagnetic compatibility: EN 50081-2, EN 50082-2
Polarity inversion protection: Internal
No isolation between the sensor and the 4-20mA loop.
Cold junction compensation for thermocouples.

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3. DIMENSIONS

The ATxBlock transmitter is intended for in head mounting. Its drawing is presented
in figure below:

ATxBlock Dimensions

4. ORDERING DETAILS

TYPE DESCRIPTION
Product ATx Universal Temperature Transmitter 2-wire system
Iso Isolation 1500 Vac Input, Output and Power supply
Isolation
N None
B Head Mounting
Mounting
R DIN Rail Mounting
D 4 ~ 20 mA dc
Output
V 0 ~ 10 V dc
+C Configurator along with software
Accessories
N None, factory setting
Example: ATx > Iso > B > D > N
5. CONNECTIONS

5.1 Connector Specification

 Insulating material: Polyamide, self-extinguishing to UL 94, V-0

 Connection wire cross section: 0,14-1,5 mm² / AWG 28-14
 Screw tightening torque: 0,8 Nm / 7.0 lb-in
 Terminal block: CuZn

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5.2 Wiring

Figure below shows the ATxBlock connections to the sensor and power supply. Terminals 1, 2
e 3 are used for sensor input. For 2-wire Pt100, terminals 2 and 3 shall be connected together.

ATxBlock wiring (Pt100)

Figure below shows the thermocouple wiring. The LOAD represents the input shunt of an
instrument measuring the 4-20mA current loop.

ATxBlock wiring (Thermocouple)

6. INSTALLATION

6.1 Recommendation

It is important to follow the recommendations below:

1. Signal wires should be installed in grounded conduits and away from power or contactor wires.

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2. The instrument should have its own power supply wires, which should not be shared with electrical
motors, coils, contactors, etc.
3. Installing RC filters is strongly recommended at contactor coils or any other inductors.
4. System failure should always be taken into account when designing a control panel to avoid
irreversible damage to equipment or people.
6.2 Input Sensors

SENSOR TYPE RANGE MINIMUM MEASUREMENT SPAN

Thermocouple K 0 to 1370 °C 100 °C

Thermocouple J 0 to 760 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple R 0 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple S 0 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple T 0 to 400 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple N 0 to 1300 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple E 0 to 720 °C 100 °C
Pt100 -200 to 530 °C 40 °C
Voltage 0 to 50 mV 5 mV
ATxBlock Input Sensors

7. CONFIGURATION

Please check the configuration parameters programmed in the ATxBlock, using

the ATxConfig software. A communication path needs to be established between the
ATxBlock and the serial port of a PC. The 1.5 m long ATxConfig Adaptor is provided
for this purpose. Connect its DB9 end to the PC COMM port and the other end to the
transmitter as shown in figure to follow. Once configured, the transmitter is ready to be
installed in the process.

Note: The ATxConfig Adaptor and Software can be purchased separately from ABUS
or one of its distributors. The latest release of this software can be downloaded from
our web site www.abustek.com

Do not save the ATxConfig software into a file which contains accent marks. To
install, run the ATx_setup.exe and follow the instructions. To install the configurator,
run the ATx_setup.exe file.
Serial port configuration errors may occur when other devices are sharing the
same port (ex.: Palm Hot Sync). Close all serial port applications prior to using the
ATxConfig software.

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Adaptor connections to the ATxBlock

The transmitter requires to be powered during the configuration. Depending on
the PC used, the power can be supplied by the serial port. To assure proper
communication, it is recommended to apply external power to the ATxBlock. The
ATxConfig Adaptor provides a 9 V battery socket for powering the transmitter during
the configuration.

Note: Do not use the battery if the transmitter is being powered by another supply or
connected to the process, as in figure below.

ATxBlock-ATxConfig Adaptor wiring (loop powered).Terminal 5 is left opened.

ATxConfig screen in shown in figure below. All user parameters can the seen
and/or modified by either typing a value or selecting among the available options. The
help menu provides further information about the software and the transmitter.

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ATxConfig main screen

The fields, in the above ATxConfig main screen, are described as under:
1. Input Sensor: Choose the desired temperature sensor among the available
options.
2. Measuring range: Defines the beginning and the end of the range.
a. Lower Range Value: sets the value of the input signal (temperature or mV)
associated to the 4mA output.
b. Upper Range Value: sets the value of the input signal that will correspond
to the 20 mA output
The values configured in these fields can not be beyond the sensor measuring
range. The minimum span value has to be observed as well (see Table ATxBlock
Input Sensors).
3. Line Noise Rejection: The ATxBlock incorporates a digital filter to cancel the
induced noise from the 50 or 60 Hz systems. For better performance, select the
line frequency used in your country.
4. Sensor Failure Detection: establishes the transmitter output behavior (upscale or
down-scale) in the presence of a sensor fail.
5. Zero Correction: Allows for small sensor corrections.
6. Read Configuration: Brings to the screen the current ATxBlock parameters
configuration.

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7. Apply: Sends a new configuration to the transmitter.

8. Device Information: The Device Information box contains relevant data
concerning a particular ATxBlock transmitter. Please pass along this information
when contacting the technical assistance department.

Note: The factory default configuration is (unless otherwise specified or ordered):

 Pt100 input, 0 to 100 °C

 60 Hz filtering and upscale (20 mA) output for sensor failure.

8. MAINTENANCE

Calibration of Instruments

All input types and the 4-20mA output current are factory calibrated. However, a
manual offset trim is implemented to provide fine adjustments to the signal in the field.
This is accomplished by means of short circuiting terminals 4 (Zero) and 1(-). The
transmitter waits 2 seconds before it starts changing the offset. The offset adjustment
is capable of varying the output current by an amount equal to 0.80mA relative to the
original calibration. After reaching the maximum value (0.80mA above the original
current), the output is driven instantly to –0.80mA below the original current, and
continues increasing. When the desired output current (offset) is reached, opening the
jumper will cause the ATxBlock to acknowledge the new offset value. Fine trimming is
possible with momentary (2s minimum) jumper contact.
The offset correction can also be accomplished by the ATxConfig software. See
in figure ATxConfig main screen, the Zero Correction field for this purpose. The serial
adaptor can be connected to the transmitter while it is operating in the process.

Note: when using a Pt100 simulator, make sure the ATxBlock Pt100 excitation current
(0.17 mA) s compatible with the simulator specification.

The input sensors are listed in table ATxBlock Input Sensor, along with the
maximum and minimum ranges accepted by each one. The ATxConfig software will
allow only configurations that are consistent with the data in this table.

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9. Safety Precautions

1. The unit should be powered for 15 minutes before use.

2. Use in ambient temperature of 0-60˚C.
3. Avoid vibrations, shock, excessive dust, corrosive chemical materials or gaseous
environment.
4. Input wire should not be too long. If measured signal have to be far away from the
unit, please use 2-core shielded cable.
5. Use this instrument in the scope of its specifications, otherwise fire or malfunctions
may result.
6. Contact of the instrument, with organic solvents or oils should be avoided.
7. Do not turn on the power supply until all of the wiring is completed. Otherwise
electrical shock, fire or malfunction may result.
8. Do not disassemble, repair or modify the instrument.
9. All connections should be tightened properly.
10. Power supply should be constant, should not be fluctuating.

10. WARRANTY

ABUS provides the original purchaser of this instrument a one (1) year warranty
against defects in material and workmanship under the following terms:

 The one year warranty begins on the day of shipment as stated on the sales bill.
 During the warranty period all costs of material and labor will be free of charge
provided that the instrument does not show any evidence of misuse.
 For maintenance, return the instrument with a copy of the sales bill to our factory.
 All transportation and insurance costs should be covered by the owner of the
equipment.
 Should any sign of electrical or mechanical shock, abuse, bad handling or misuse
be evident the warranty voids and maintenance costs will be charged.

ABUS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

www.abustek.com, E-Mail: [email protected]

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