Signal Isolator Serves as Subtractor

Measurement and control applications sometimes need a difference (A - B) calculation. Examples include:

• Liquid level measurement in a closed vessel. Level is proportional to the bottom liquid pressure minus the top ambient (gas or air) pressure.
• Liquid blending control. Must maintain a zero difference between two measured flow rates.
• Relative speed control. Control for zero difference between two speed measurements.

JH Technology offers a complete range of multiple input add/subtract instruments, but when the inputs are voltages a lower-cost isolator may do the job.
The figure shows two voltages, both grounded. The signals may come from two pressure or flow transmitters, tachometers or other sources. The isolator's input is connected between the two positive voltages; thus, the input is (V1 - V2). Its output may be set to equal the differential input or it may be scaled up or down, offset or converted to a current signal such as 4-20mA.
We offer plug-in, DIN rail and field mount style isolators and transmitters.

Links: Add/Subtract Transmitter Modules
DIN-Rail style add/subtract transmitters
All Process Transmitters and Alarms

Simple Specials

CUSTOM

MODIFICATION:

TWO INPUT RANGES

Our OEM customer, who manufactures level control systems, wanted to be able to interface more than one type of level sensor with his system. Specifically, he needed to translate both 4/20mA and 0/5 volt level signals to match his system's input.

Our solution - a modified version of our JH4300 DC Input Transmitter capable of accepting both ranges. For 4/20mA the input is connected to pins 5 & 6. For 0/5 volts pins 4 & 6 are used, plus a jumper between two terminals. This avoids the need to stock two different types of signal conditioners.

More detail. Their level system normally uses a variable resistance level sensor. (In fact, they are a regular customer for our resistance input transmitters.) 4/20mA or 0/5V is only occasionally required, so they did not wish to redesign the system's electronics. Their original request was, could we translate 4/20mA or 0/5 volts to a 0/90 ohm resistance? The answer was no, this would not be a simple modification.

Instead, they determined and we verified that their electronics passes a constant 2.5 mAdc current through the sensor. Thus, 0/90 ohms translates to 0/0.225 volts. We set up our output for this range.

Conclusion: they now are able to work with several types of level sensors without modifying their system. All they need to do is connect the level sensor to our module and connect the JH4300's output to their system's input.

If you have similar needs, please remember that we can make "simple" modifications without large engineering costs or minimum order requirements. To contact us e-mail jhtek@jhtechnology.com or phone (800) 808-0300 (outside the US, 941-927-0300).

Links: Custom & Special Process Transmitters
JH Technology Web Site: http://www.jhtechnology.com/