8-Channel Thermocouple Simulator

The DNA-TC-378, DNR-TC-378 and DNF-TC-378 are fully isolated, high-precision, 8-channel thermocouple simulator board compatible withUEI’s popular “Cube”, RACKtangle and FLATRACK I/O chassis respectively.The boards offer full 16-bit resolution and guarantee monotonicity overthe entire operating temperature range. Each DNA/DNR-TC-378 channelprovides an output range of ±100 mV which encompasses the outputranges of all common thermocouples. Each output is capable of driving±10 mA though it’s unlikely a TC input would require such high current.

The DNx-TC-378 provides extensive built-in-test diagnostics. An on-board A/D converter on each channel allows the user to monitor outputvoltage and current as well as board temperature. A solid state relay oneach output allows the D/A channel to be disconnected from the field I/Oso an open thermocouple can be simulated and the input systems openTC detection circuitry can be tested. A 1024 sample FIFO allows each D/Ato be updated at 1 kHz per channel (8 kHz aggregate) without data loss.

The board provides three cold-junction input channels to measuretemperature where the TC-378 is connected to the applicationsthermocouple input device. This cold-junction temperature can beutilized by the application software to compensate for error caused bythe lack of actual cold-junction error (as there will not be the extraneousdissimilar metal connection that causes the whole CJC issue). The threecold-junction channels are fully electrically isolated from the TC channels,but not from each other.

Connections to the DNx-TC-378 are through a female DB37 connector.OEMs will find it easy to find mating connectors for custom cables,while end-users may take advantage of UEI’s DNA-STP-378 screwterminal panel. In addition to the screw terminals, the DNA-STP-378also includes 3 cold junction sensors. Connections to the DNA-STP-378are made via the DNA-CBL-37 or DNA-CBL-37S series cables.

The DNx-TC-378 series includes software drivers supporting allpopular operating systems including: Windows, Linux, QNX,VXWorks, and most other popular Real-Time Operating Systems.Windows users may take advantage of the powerful UEIDAQFramework which provides a simple and complete software interfaceto all popular Windows programming language and data acquisitionand control applications (e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB).