Universal Sensor Transmitter

August 1, 2015

Ryan Gehm

Knick USA has introduced to the North American market its PolyTrans P 32000 universal sensor transmitters. Measurements of temperature, strain, force, and position are common within a range of market sectors, and are especially true within control and monitoring and safety shutdown systems. As a result, commercial sensing technologies are available in a variety of electrical formats, connector types, ranges, materials, supply voltages, and output signals. Multiple sensor types may also be specified for the support of a single application. A sensor transmitter is used to process raw output signals, linearize them if required, and then standardize them for further processing. Multiple sensor types have historically called for the use of multiple transmitter types, or multi-sensor transmitters have offered some added functionality but at higher costs and with reduced ease of use. To solve this challenge, Knick USA developed a high-reliability universal sensor transmitter featuring a unique infrared interface that automatically recognizes the signal outputs of any 2-, 3-, and 4-wire temperature, force, and strain sensors, resistors, potentiometers, resistive sensors, and similar sensing technologies. The universal transmitters can also recognize standard thermocouple signals, with either internal or external reference junction compensation, and without the need for further adjustments. The compact design of the PolyTrans P 32000 facilitates its ease of installation within space-constrained environments. The “all-in-one” transmitters can be adapted to individual measurement tasks using DIP and rotary encoder switches or an IrDA interface. Power supply covers all common voltages from 24 to 230 V. Three-port isolation with protective separation up to 300 V ac/dc, according to EN 61140, ensures optimal protection of personnel and equipment, as well as unaltered measurement signal transmission. Units are also available with SIL 2 approvals (per IEC 61508) to meet more stringent functional safety requirements.