The ActionI/Q model Q408 is an DC powered, DIN rail mount, DC input signal conditioner, with 1800V isolation between input, output and power. The field configurable input and output feature offers flexible, wide ranging capability for DC current and voltage signals.

Advanced technology has added two significant improvements to this new DC to DC signal isolator.

First, advances in surface mount design and switching power supply technology allow multi-channel density. The Q408 is available as a single channel signal conditioner (1 input / 1 output) or a multi channel signal conditioner (2 inputs / 2 outputs). All models maintain the high 1800V isolation level from channel to channel, as well as input to output to power.

Second, low-cost microprocessor technology has enabled replacement of zero and span adjustment potentiometers with push-button, “TouchCALTM” technology. In essence, the thermal drift and mechanical variability of the potentiometers have been removed and replaced with a digitally stable circuit. Additionally, the inherent zero and span interactivity of potentiometer based analog amplifier circuitry is removed, providing 100% non-interactive adjustment.

The field configurable input of the Q408 can be set via DIP switches for any one of 12 voltage ranges from 10mV to 100V or 6 current ranges from 1mA to 100mA (see Table 1). The field configurable out put is linear to the input and can be set for either 0-5V, 0-10V,0-1mA or 4- 20mA.

TouchCAL technology enables precise calibration and provides more than 90% offset of the zero value and adjustment down to 10% of the full scale input span for most of the 18 switch selectable input ranges.

For example, the DIP switch configured 0- 20mA input range could be calibrated via push button for 0-8mA (i.e. 60% span reduction) or offset to a range of 12-20mA (i.e. 60% offset and 60% span reduction). If the output was configured for 0-10V, then 12-20mA input would correspond to the 0-10V full scale output. Thus, input ranges such as 18- 20mA or 0-2mA are possible using the 0- 20mA range.

Application

The ActionI/Q Q408 field configurable isolator is useful in eliminating ground loops, converting signal levels, and providing signal drive. The field configurable, wide ranging capabilities ensure maximum flexibility for most DC to DC applications, minimizing spare parts requirements.

Calibration

For best results, calibration should be performed in the operating installation, allowing at least one hour for thermal stability of the system. If precalibration on a test bench is preferred, then an output load equal to the input impedance of the device(s) connected to the Q408 output is recommended, along with a 1 hour warm up period.

1. For best results install the module on to a piece of DIN rail or the I/Q Rail mounting accessories if desired. See the I/Q Rail Data sheet for details.
2. Connect the input to a calibrated DC source and the output to a voltage or current meter. Apply power and allow the system to reach thermal equilibrium (approx.1 hour ).
3. Adjust the input signal to the desired maximum and observe that the green LED is on or flashing. Push the CAL button and hold it down for more than 5 seconds, until the yellow and Green LEDs are flashing.
4. When the yellow and green LEDs stop flashing, the yellow and red LEDs should be on. Push the CAL button momentarily, the yellow and green LEDs should now be on.
5. Apply the exact maximuminput signal level desired, if not already applied, then push the CAL button to store. The yellow LED should now be on.
6. Apply the exact minimum input signal level desired, then push the CAL button to store. The green and red LED should now be on.
7. Adjust the input signal up, until the output is precisely at the desired maximum level (e.g. 20.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The red LED should be on.
8. Adjust the input signal level down, until the output is precisely at the desired minimum level (e.g. 4.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The yellow, green and red LEDs should now be on.
9. To finish calibration, push the CAL button one final time. The green LED should be on if the input is within the calibrated range.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION (Q408)

Input 

Voltage Input    

• Range Limits: 10mV to 100V ( see Table 1)

• Impedance: >100KW

• Overvoltage: 200V continuous

Current Input 

• Range Limits: 1mA to 100mA

• Impedance: 20W typical

• Overcurrent: 170mA , protectedby self resetting fuse

• Overvoltage: 60V

Push-button Adjustment (inputs>10mV)    

Effective zero offset: > 90%

Effective span turn down: > 90% except for 20mV/2mA range where 50% is maximum zero offset and span turndown

Output  Voltage Output    

• Output: 0-5V, 0-10V

• Source Impedance: <10W

• Drive: 10mA max.

• Current Output  Output: 4-20mA, 0-1mA (and 0-20mA on single output channel versions only)

• Source Impedance: >100KW

• Compliance

  • 0-1mA: 7.5V max. (7.5KW)

  • 4-20mA: 12V max. (600W)

  • 0-20mA: 12V max. (600W)

  • 10V max. (500W) on dual output versions

LED Indication 

• RUN (green): on when unit is powered, flashes at 2Hz when input is 7% below minimum, flashes at 8Hz when input is 7% above maximum.

• INPUT (yellow): on while calibrating the input level

• OUTPUT (red):on while calibrating the output level