Features

• 0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 300V ranges.
• 2, 20, 200 mA and 5A ranges.
• All ranges factory calibrated.
• 4 1/2 to 5 digit resolution.
• Scalable via front panel pushbuttons or computer for display in engineering units.
• Span adjust from 0 to ±99,999
• Zero adjust from -99,999 to +99,999
• Peak value display and auto-tare.
• Up to 60 conversions per second.
• Selectable fixed right-hand zero with rounding.
• 5, 10 or 24 Vdc transducer excitation supply.
• Ratiometric compensation for variations in excitation voltage.
• External controls for reset, meter hold, decimal points, and tare.
• NEMA 4X, 1/8 DIN case.
• Dual relay option.
• Analog output option.
• Serial communication options.
• Low voltage AC & DC power.
• Certified to UL 61010C-1 (UL mark), EN 61010-1 (CE mark), and RoHS.

Laureate™ digital process and strain panel meters are a cost-effective solution to a wide variety of monitoring and control applications which require a scalable readout from strain gauges or from process signals such as 4-20 mA, 0-5 V or 0-10 V. They are also ideal for use in potentiometer follower applications, where the transducer output is a changing resistance.

Scalable to Five Full Digits

The display may be scaled to five full digits from -99,999 to +99,999 from the front panel to read directly in engineering units, such as PSI. Three scaling methods are selectable: scale and offset, two-point method, and system-level calibration using actual transducer signals. All ranges are precalibrated at the factory, so that recalibration is not needed when changing ranges or signal conditioners.

With the Laureate process meter, strain gauges with a 20 mV output can be scaled to display up to 10,000 counts, while outputs of 200 mV can be scaled to 99,999 counts. With the Laureate load cell meter, strain gauges with a 20 mV output can be scaled to the full 99,999 counts.

Isolated Excitation Supply

5, 10, and 24 Vdc isolated excitation outputs are standard to power strain gauge bridges and 4-20 mA transmitters, eliminating the need for an external supply. When powering strain gauges or potentiometers, the 5 or 10 Vdc excitation is monitored by the meter to eliminate errors caused by excitation voltage variations.

Fast Read Rate and Signal Filtering

The displayed readings and the data outputs can be separately selected to be either unfiltered or filtered.

• An unfiltered selection updates after each conversion for fastest response, up to 60/sec, while integrating the input signal over a full power cycle. Fast read rate provides true peak readings and aids in control applications.
• A batch-average filter selection averages each 16 conversions for an update every 1/4 sec.
• An adaptive moving average filter selection provides a choice of 8 time constants from 80 ms to 9.6 s. When a significant change in signal level occurs, the filter adapts by briefly switching to the shortest time to follow the change, then reverts back to its selected time constant. Another choice is Auto, which provides an automatic time constant selection based on the signal noise characteristics.

• Auto-tare allows the display to be zeroed for any input signal. This is normally achieved by applying a switch closure or logic signal at the rear connector. The tare value is stored in non-volatile memory and is retained when power is removed.
• Peak value of the input signal is automatically captured and may be displayed via a front panel pushbutton command or control signal at the rear connector. Other controls via the rear connector include meter hold, meter reset, peak reset, and decimal point selection.

Plug-in isolated analog output, dual setpoint controller, and RS-232/485 communications boards can upgrade the Laureate from a simple monitor to system interface and control.

Rate & Custom Curve Fit Options

An Extended Laureate computer board can display rate based on successive readings. It also allows exceptionally accurate custom curve linearization, for example to read out liquid volume or rate of flow in a horizontal cylindrical tank based on level reported by a 4-20 mA transmitter. For setup, up to 180 data points can be input into a computer spreadsheet or text file by the user. The computer then calculates spline-fit segments, which are downloaded into the meter via RS-232.

Built-in Flexibility & Safety

Laureates may be powered from 95-240 Vac ±10% or optionally from 12-30 Vac or 10-48 Vdc. They are available with red or green LEDs. They are housed in a 1/8 DIN case that meets NEMA 4X (IP65) specifications from the front when panel mounted. Any setup functions and front panel keys may be locked out for simplified usage and security.

In potentiometric (or potentiometer follower) applications, the signal from a sliding contact voltage divider can be converted to engineering units such as position, level or percentage. By operating in a ratiometric mode, the meter will remove any effects caused by variations in the excitation supply.

For use with a 1 kohm potentiometer, the recommended applied excitation voltage is 10 V, and a 2 kohm resistor should be placed in series with the excitation output and excitation return leads. This will allow the meter's 2.0000 V scale with a high input impedance of 1 Gohm to be used.
  

Testing with peak detection
 
Destructive testing is an ideal application for the Laureate strain meter. Peak readings are automatically captured at rates up to 60 per second, while the display updates at a legible 3.5 readings per second. The peak reading can be recalled at the push of a button or be transmitted via RS-232 or RS-485. The meter provides isolated 10 Vdc power for up to four (4) the strain gauges and can be scaled to read out directly in engineering units from -99,999 to +99,999.

The Laureate DC meter with the Extended main board option allows exceptionally accurate custom curve linearization. For setup, up to 180 data points can be entered into a spreadsheet. The system then creates multiple non-linear spline-fit segments, which provide much better accuracy than linear segments. Illustrated, is the readout of volume of irregularly shaped tanks based on measured liquid level or pressure. Altimeters and thermistors are further applications.

The Extended computer board allows the display of rate based on successive readings, for instance flow rate based on changes in liquid level or static pressure in a tank. In the above illustration, the meter displays the rate in gallons at which a horizontal tank is being emptied. The input to the meter can be nonlinear, since only the linearized readings are compared for the determination of rate.