TxBlock-USB Transmitter
OPERATING MANUAL – V1.0x K
INTRODUCTION
The TxBlock-USB is a 4-20 mA 2-wire temperature transmitter designed for head mount applications, powered by the current loop. Its output current is linearized and adjusted based on the input sensor type and configured range. Configuration is achieved by connecting the transmitter to a PC USB port without requiring a dedicated interface, and it does not need to be powered during configuration.
MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
The TxBlock-USB transmitter is suitable for installation in standard heads. It is important to protect the unit from vibrations, moisture, extreme temperatures, electro-magnetic interference, and high voltage, as these can cause permanent damage or measurement errors.
The transmitter has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 20.5 mm and a height of 43.5 mm.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
- Cable section: 0.14 to 1.5 mm².
- Recommended terminal torque: 0.8 Nm.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTALLATION
- Sensor signal conductors should be routed separately from power leads, preferably in grounded conduits.
- Instruments must be powered from the instrumentation power supply circuit.
- In control and monitoring applications, it is essential to consider potential system failures.
- Use suppressors for contact coils, solenoids, and other inductive loads.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Terminals 3, 4, 5, and 6 are dedicated to sensor connection. LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current measuring device (e.g., indicator, controller, recorder).
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load. For Pt100 2-wire, terminals 3 and 4 must be interconnected. A note indicates that Pt100 wire length should be less than 30 cm to maintain measurement accuracy.
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load, with a 3-wire Pt100 sensor.
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load, with a 4-wire Pt100 sensor.
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load, with a 2-wire NTC sensor.
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load, with a thermocouple sensor.
Diagram shows a transmitter connected to a power supply and a load, with a 0-50 mV sensor input.
CONFIGURATION
The transmitter is ready for use with factory settings. Configuration is done via TxConfig II software or the TxConfig application (Android). A USB configuration interface cable is required.
The software is available for download from the manufacturer's website. The Android application requires an On-The-Go (OTG) adapter for smartphone connection.
Diagram shows a USB cable connecting a PC to the transmitter.
During setup via USB, the transmitter does not require external power.
Diagram shows a USB cable connecting to the transmitter while it is loop-powered.
After connections, run TxConfig II software. Consult the Help topic for usage details. Smartphone connection details are in the SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS chapter.
Important Note: The USB communication port is not electrically insulated from the transmitter's input.
SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION CONFIGURATION
The TxConfig II software (for PC) and TxConfig application (for Android) allow configuration.
The TxConfig II screen displays fields for General Information (Serial Number, Firmware Version, Model), Sensor selection (Type, Unit, Range), Sensor Failure (Output State: Minimum/Maximum), Zero Correction, and options to Send/Read Configuration.
Sensor Range: Values must not exceed the sensor's maximum range or be less than its minimum range.
Minimum Range: Do not set a span smaller than the indicated Minimum Range.
Sensor Failure: Configures output behavior during a sensor failure (e.g., < 3.6 mA for down-scale, > 22.0 mA for up-scale).
Zero Correction: Corrects minor deviations in the transmitter output.
Send Configuration: Applies the new setup to the transmitter.
Read Configuration: Retrieves the current setup from the transmitter.
Factory Setting Example: Sensor: Pt100 3-wire, range 0 to 100 °C; Sensor failure: upscale; 0 °C zero correction; Unit: °C; Output: 4-20 mA.
The TxConfig Android application screen shows similar configuration options for the transmitter.
Smartphone Connections: Android smartphones with OTG technology can connect via Micro-USB using a specific cable. Ensure correct cable orientation as shown in Fig. 12.
Diagram illustrates the connection of a smartphone to the transmitter using a USB cable and an OTG adapter.
Fields in the screen:
- General Information: Identifies the transmitter for technical assistance.
- Sensor: Select the sensor type (refer to Table 1).
- Measuring Range: Sets the transmitter's measurement range (Lower Range Limit for 4 mA, Upper Range Limit for 20 mA).
CONFIGURING TXBLOCK-USB WITH TXCONFIG APPLICATION FOR ANDROID
When connecting the smartphone, a prompt appears asking to open TxConfig. Select "OK" to proceed.
Screenshot of the Android USB device connection prompt.
The TxConfig application will launch and display a success message.
Screenshot of the TxConfig application indicating successful device reading.
The application then switches to the configuration screen (Fig. 11).
OPERATION
Sensor offset can be adjusted via TxConfig II or the TxConfig app. The USB cable can be connected without affecting measurements. Select the most suitable sensor and range, ensuring it falls within the sensor's maximum and minimum measurement limits.
Accuracy Note: Transmitter accuracy is based on the maximum programmed sensor range, even if a narrower range is used.
Example: For a Pt100 sensor with 0.12% accuracy in the 0-100 °C range, the maximum error is 1.02 °C. For a 500-600 °C range with 0.19% accuracy, the maximum error is 1.61 °C.
Note: Verify Pt100 excitation current compatibility (0.8 mA) with the calibrator.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor Input: User-defined. Supported sensors and maximum ranges are in Table 1.
- Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, B (IEC 60584), Impedance >> 1 MΩ.
- Pt100: Type 3-wire, 0.8 mA excitation, α = 0.00385 (IEC 60751). For 2-wire, tie terminals 3 and 4.
- Pt1000: Type 3-wire, 0.65 mA excitation, α = 0.00385 (IEC 60751). For 2-wire, tie terminals 3 and 4.
- NTC R25°C: 10 kΩ ±1%, B25/85 = 3435.
- Voltage: 0 to 50 mVdc, Impedance >> 1 MΩ.
| Sensor Type | Maximum Measurement Range | Minimum Measurement Range |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 0 to 50 mV | 5 mV |
| Thermocouple K | -150 to 1370 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermocouple J | -100 to 760 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermocouple R | -50 to 1760 °C | 400 °C |
| Thermocouple S | -50 to 1760 °C | 400 °C |
| Thermocouple T | -160 to 400 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermocouple N | -270 to 1300 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermocouple E | -90 to 720 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermocouple B | 500 to 1820 °C | 400 °C |
| Pt100 | -200 to 650 °C | 40 °C |
| Pt1000 | -200 to 650 °C | 40 °C |
| NTC | -30 to 120 °C | 40 °C |
Switch-on delay: < 2.5 s. Accuracy guaranteed after 15 minutes.
Terms of reference: Ambient: 25 °C; voltage: 24 Vdc, load: 250 Ω; settling time: 15 minutes.
Temperature Effect: < ±0.16 % / 25 °C
Response time: Typical 1.6 s
Maximum voltage allowed at sensor input terminals: 3 V
RTD current: 800 μA
RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C / Ω
Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω
| Sensor Type | Typical Accuracy | Minimum Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Pt100/Pt1000 (-150 to 400 °C) | 0.10% | 0.12% |
| Pt100/Pt1000 (-200 to 650 °C) | 0.13% | 0.19% |
| mV, K, J, T, E, N, R, S, B | 0.1% (*) | 0.15 % (*) |
| NTC | 0.3 °C | 0.7 °C |
(*) Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C
Power supply influence: 0.006% / V typical.
Output: 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired, linear to temperature measurement.
Output Resolution: 2 μA
Power supply: 10 to 35 Vdc.
Maximum load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 Ω.
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.
Dimensions: 43.5 mm (diameter) x 20.5 mm (height)
Connection Wire Cross Section: 0.14 to 1.5 mm²
Screw Tightening: 0.8 Nm
Housing: ABS UL94-HB
WARRANTY
Warranty conditions are available on the Novus Automation website: www.novusautomation.com/warranty.
