Issue
Older, now obsolete controller cards for the CX9400 Eclipse supported direct connection of 2 and 4 wire RTD sensor element, how can these sensors be used with the current controller range?
Environment
All controllers with Universal / Analogue (Analog) inputs
Measurement of high temperatures for applications like boiler flue gasses.
Cause
RTD sensors are often required for measuring high temperatures, how can these be used with Continuum controllers?
Resolution
The older CX9400 Eclipse controller cards used to support the direct connection of a Platinum RTD sensor element, but all of the current controller ranges will require the use of a 3rd party 4-20mA or 0-10V converter/ transmitter.
The transmitters will then amplify and convert the sensor temperature range to 4-20mA or 0-10V for reading on any Continuum controller.
The controllers with 10V universal inputs would be preferable as they have higher accuracy 12bit A/D Converters.
In Summary
All of the current controller ranges (bCX, ACX, NC2, b3, i2) will require the use of a 3rd party 4-20mA or 0-10V converter/ transmitter for Platinum RTD sensors (including PT100, PT1000)
The Schneider Electric Foxboro RTT80 range may be suitable.
These sort of sensors can have a higher degree of accuracy than a simple thermister input, however due to their large temperature range (eg -200 to 850 degC), this accuracy is likely to be lost when used with the simple 10bit A/D converter found in some of the smaller field controllers.