System Integration & Control Systems Design


Dual process panel meter with high-speed maths

January 2006 System Integration & Control Systems Design

The PAXDP Dual Process Input Meter is an innovative two-in-one process control solution that lets users monitor, scale, and display two independent input sources, perform a high-speed math function on the input values, and display the resulting value. The PAXDP can be set up to display input values from both signal sources, calculate, and display a resultant value based upon the two input values. With optional plug-in cards, the meter can be equipped to generate desired outputs including alarm triggering, retransmission of analog output, or data to comms via a host of industrial communication protocols.

"The PAXDP adds sophisticated monitoring of tolerances and ranges to many process applications, including displaying and calculating of input/output and before/after differentials in pressure, voltage, flow, dimension and levels," said Jeff Thornton, product manager. "By adding a second input to our industry-standard PAX metering platform, PAXDP offers a flexible means of monitoring, comparing and calculating from two separate input sources."

Among the integrated math functions in the PAXDP are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and complex calculations incorporating a defined constant value. Maths functions are performed at high speeds and results can be calculated at user-selectable rates from 5 to 105 updates per second. The meter incorporates 16-point scaling for non-linear processes and a 9-digit totaliser (integrator) with batching capabilities.

The 1/8 DIN PAXDP meter is available in both AC and DC models that accept two 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V d.c. input signals. Features include a NEMA 4X/IP65 sealed front bezel, a 5-digit sunlight-readable 14,2 mm LED display with variable intensity, flash programmable software upgrades, and programmable function keys/user inputs. Crimson 2 software is available for programming the PAXDP - a flexible and powerful programming language that facilitates communication across a broad range of industrial controls and devices.

A series of optional drop-in cards expand the PAXDP's output capabilities. Four setpoint output cards are available including dual FORM-C relays, quad FORM-A relays, quad sinking or quad sourcing. A retransmitted analog output card offering 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 V d.c. is also available. The PAXDP offers the Modbus communication protocol standard; additional communication/bus card offerings include RS232, RS485, DeviceNet and ProfiBus-DP.

The company offers a free brochure detailing typical applications for the PAXDP. More information can also be found at the company's website: www.redlion.net/panelmeters

For more information contact Trevor Vine, Micropower Instrumentation, 011 462 1106.





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