Novus TxRail-USB Temperature Transmitter
User Manual V2.0x G
1. Introduction
The TxRail-USB is an advanced, programmable temperature transmitter designed for DIN rail mounting. It features detachable connectors and microprocessor technology, allowing configuration via USB. Users can select input type, measurement range, output type (4-20 mA or 0-10 Vdc), and perform calibration. The output signal is linearized according to the selected input sensor and configured range.
2. Specifications
Sensor Input: User-defined. Supported sensors include Thermocouples (Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, B per IEC 60584, impedance >> 1 MΩ), Pt100 (Excitation: 0.8 mA, α = 0.00385 per IEC 60751, for 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4), Pt1000 (3-wire, Excitation: 0.8 mA, α = 0.00385 per IEC 60751, for 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4), NTC (R25°C: 10 kΩ ±1%, B25/85 = 3435), and Voltage (0-50 mVdc, impedance >> 1 MΩ; 0-100 mVdc, impedance >> 1 MΩ - feature available from firmware V2.0x).
Table 1 - Sensors Accepted by the Transmitter
| Sensor Type | Minimum Measurement Range | Maximum Measurement Range |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 5 mV | 0 to 50 mV |
| Voltage | 10 mV | 0 to 100 mV |
| Thermocouple K | 100 °C | -150 to 1370 °C |
| Thermocouple J | 100 °C | -100 to 760 °C |
| Thermocouple R | 400 °C | -50 to 1760 °C |
| Thermocouple S | 400 °C | -50 to 1760 °C |
| Thermocouple T | 100 °C | -160 to 400 °C |
| Thermocouple N | 100 °C | -270 to 1300 °C |
| Thermocouple E | 100 °C | -90 to 720 °C |
| Thermocouple B | 400 °C | 500 to 1820 °C |
| Pt100 | 40 °C | -200 to 650 °C |
| Pt1000 | 40 °C | -200 to 650 °C |
| NTC | 40 °C | -30 to 120 °C |
Switch-on delay: < 2.5 s. Accuracy is guaranteed after 15 minutes.
Reference Terms: 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 allowable voltage at input terminals: 3 V. RTD current: 800 μA. RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C/Ω. Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω.
Table 2 - Calibration Error (% of Full Measurement Range)
| Sensor Type | Typical Accuracy | Maximum Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Pt100/Pt1000 (-150 to 400 °C) | 0.10 % | 0.12 % |
| Pt100/Pt1000 (-200 to 650 °C) | 0.13 % | 0.19 % |
| K, J, T, E, N, R, S, B | 0.1 % (*) | 0.15 % (*) |
| mV | 0.1 % | 0.15 % |
| NTC | 0.3 °C | 0.7 °C |
(*) Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C.
Power supply influence: 0.006 % / V typical (percentage of the full measure range).
Output (4-20 mA): 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired; proportional to configured range. Resolution: 2 μA.
Output (0-10 Vdc): 0-10 Vdc or 10-0 Vdc voltage, proportional to configured range. Resolution: 0.0025 V (12 bits).
Power Supply: 10 to 30 Vdc (output 4-20 mA) and 12 to 30 Vdc (output 0-10 Vdc).
Maximum Load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 Ω, where Vdc = Power supply voltage (10-30 Vdc).
Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C. Humidity: 0 to 90 % RH.
Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN 61326-1:2006.
Other Features: No electrical isolation between input and output. Internal protection against polarity inversion. Cold junction compensation for thermocouples. Connection wire cross section: 0.14 to 1.5 mm². Screw tightening: 0.8 Nm. Housing: ABS UL94-HB. Certification: CE, UKCA.
3. Configuration
Configuration can be performed using SigNow software, TxConfig II software, or the SigNow application. These software tools are available for free download from the NOVUS website. Installation involves running the respective setup executable.
3.1 Software and Application
3.1.1 SigNow Software
When running SigNow software and connecting the device via USB, the configuration screen appears. The software allows configuration of parameters such as Sensor Type, Lower Limit, Upper Limit, Output Status (Sensor Failure), Output Type, and Offset (Zero Adjustment). The bottom of the screen displays device information like model, serial number, and firmware version.
Diagram Description (Figure 3): The SigNow configuration screen displays interface elements for setting sensor type, limits, output type, and other parameters. It shows device information at the bottom.
3.1.2 TxConfig II Software
When running TxConfig II software and connecting the device, a similar configuration interface is presented. This software allows users to set General Information, Sensor type, Measuring Range, Lower/Upper Range Limits, Sensor Range, Minimum Range, Sensor Failure behavior, and perform Zero Correction. Configuration is applied by sending it to the transmitter.
Diagram Description (Figure 4): The TxConfig II software main screen shows fields for General Information, Sensor, Measuring Range, Limits, Sensor Range, Minimum Range, Sensor Failure, and Zero Correction, with options to Send or Read Configuration.
3.1.3 SigNow Application
The SigNow application, available on Google Play Store, can be used for configuration via a smartphone with an On-the-Go (OTG) adapter. The application provides an interface to configure parameters similar to the desktop software.
Diagram Description (Figure 5): The SigNow application information screen displays device details such as product name, serial number, and firmware version.
Diagram Description (Figure 8): The SigNow home screen shows icons for various functions including Configuration, Diagnostic, Create Configuration, Open Configuration, and Firmware.
3.2 Factory Setting
- Sensor: Pt100 3-wire, range: 0 to 100 °C.
- Sensor failure: Upscale (maximum).
- 0 °C zero correction.
- Unit: °C.
- Output: 4-20 mA.
4. Smartphone Connections
Smartphones with On-the-Go (OTG) technology can connect directly to the TxRail-USB via its Micro-USB input for configuration using the SigNow application. Proper connection of the OTG cable is crucial for device recognition.
Diagram Description (Figure 6): An illustration of the On-the-Go (OTG) connection cable, showing a Micro-USB connector and a standard USB Type-A connector.
When the smartphone connects to the TxRail-USB, a prompt appears asking to use the SigNow application. Selecting "Use by default for this USB device" and clicking OK will launch the SigNow application.
Diagram Description (Figure 7): A dialog box indicating a USB device is connected, prompting the user to choose an application, with an option to set it as default.
5. Mechanical Installation
The TxRail-USB transmitter is designed for installation on a 35 mm DIN rail. It is important to protect the device from vibrations, moisture, extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference, and high voltage, as these can cause damage or measurement errors.
5.1 Dimensions
Diagram Description (Figure 9): A diagram showing the physical dimensions of the TxRail-USB transmitter, indicating its height, width, and depth.
5.2 Opening the Transmitter
To open the transmitter, press the orange lockers on both sides of the enclosure and carefully pull the frontal cover.
Diagram Description (Figure 10): An illustration demonstrating how to open the transmitter by releasing side lockers and pulling the front cover.
5.3 Removing the Connectors
The transmitter's connectors are detachable and can be removed by hand or with a screwdriver.
Diagram Description (Figure 11): A visual representation of the detachable connectors on the TxRail-USB.
6. Electrical Installation
The TxRail-USB wiring for thermocouples, RTDs, resistance, and voltage is shown in the following diagrams. The LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current or 0-10 V voltage measuring device (e.g., indicator, controller, data logger).
Diagram Description (Figure 12): A general electrical connections diagram showing terminal blocks for sensor input (1, 2, 3, 4), power supply (5, 6), and output (7, 8), including connections for LOAD and external 0-10V.
Installation Recommendations:
- Sensor signal conductors should be routed separately from power leads (loop), preferably in grounded conduits.
- Instruments must be powered from the instrumentation power supply circuit.
- Consider potential system failures in control and monitoring applications.
- Use suppressors for contact coils, solenoids, and inductive loads.
6.2 Electrical Connections
Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for sensor connection. LOAD is the measuring device.
6.2.1 Pt100 / Pt1000 2-Wire / NTC
For Pt100/Pt1000 2-wire sensors, terminals 1 and 3 must be interconnected. Configuration for Pt100/Pt1000 2-wire requires selecting the 3-wire option in the software. To minimize cable resistance errors, Pt100/Pt1000 cable length should be less than 30 cm.
Diagram Description (Figure 13): Wiring diagram for Pt100/Pt1000 2-wire and NTC sensors, illustrating terminal connections and the necessary jumper for 2-wire configurations.
6.2.2 Pt100 / Pt1000 3-Wire
Diagram Description (Figure 14): Wiring diagram for Pt100/Pt1000 3-wire sensors, showing terminal connections.
6.2.3 Pt100 4-Wire
For Pt100 3 and 4-wire sensors, equal cable resistances on all terminals are required for proper compensation, not exceeding 25 Ω per cable. Using 3 or 4-wire cables of the same length and gauge is recommended.
Diagram Description (Figure 15): Wiring diagram for Pt100 4-wire sensors, showing terminal connections.
6.2.4 Thermocouples
Diagram Description (Figure 16): Wiring diagram for Thermocouple sensors, showing terminal connections.
6.2.5 Voltage (0-50 mV / 0-100 mV)
Diagram Description (Figure 17): Wiring diagram for Voltage (0-50 mV / 0-100 mV) sensors, showing terminal connections.
6.2.6 Outputs (0-10 V and 4-20 mA)
Diagram Description (Figure 18): Wiring diagram for Output connections (0-10 V and 4-20 mA), illustrating power supply and load connections.
General Notes:
- Housing: Polyamide.
- Cable section: 0.14 to 1.5 mm².
- Recommended terminal torque: 0.8 Nm.
- Ensure calibrator excitation current for Pt100 is compatible (0.8 mA).
7. Operation
Sensor offset can be adjusted via the SigNow or TxConfig II software or the SigNow app. Connecting the USB cable does not cause measurement errors. When selecting a sensor and range, ensure it is suitable for the process and does not exceed the sensor's maximum measurement range or fall below its minimum range. The transmitter's accuracy is based on the maximum programmed range, even if a narrower range is used. For example, if a Pt100 sensor is programmed for 0-100 °C with 0.12% accuracy, the maximum error could be up to 1.02 °C (0.12% of 850 °C).
8. Warranty
Warranty conditions are available on the NOVUS website: www.novusautomation.com/warranty.
Warranty - Company - NOVUS Automation
