6
Chapter 1
Introducing the WLS-TC
Overview: WLS-TC features
The WLS-TC is a wireless-based USB 2.0 full-speed thermocouple input module that is supported under
popular Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems. The WLS-TC is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and
USB 2.0 ports.
The WLS-TC provides eight differential thermocouple input channels. Eight independent, TTL-compatible
digital I/O channels are provided to monitor TTL-level inputs, communicate with external devices, and to
generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are software programmable for input or output.
With the WLS-TC, you can take measurements from type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
The WLS-TC provides two integrated cold junction compensation (CJC) sensors for thermocouple
measurements.
An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple. An onboard microprocessor
automatically linearizes the measurement data.
The WLS-TC features eight independent temperature alarms. Each alarm controls an associated digital I/O
channel as an alarm output. The input to each alarm is one of the temperature input channels. The output of each
alarm is software-configurable as active high or low. You set up the temperature threshold conditions to activate
each alarm. When an alarm is activated, the associated DIO channel is driven to the output state.
All configurable options are software programmable. The WLS-TC is fully software-calibrated.
You can operate the WLS-TC as a standalone plug-and-play device which draws power through the USB cable.
You can also operate the WLS-TC as a remote device that communicates with the computer through the
WLS-IFC USB-to-wireless interface device. An external power supply is shipped with the device to provide
power during remote operations.
Remote wireless operation
When operating as a remote device, the WLS-TC communicates with the computer through the WLS-IFC
device connected to the computer's USB port.
Before you can operate the WLS-TC remotely, you must connect it to the computer's USB port and configure
the network parameters required to establish a wireless link with the interface device. Only devices with the
same parameter settings can communicate with each other. All configurable options are programmable with
InstaCal.
LEDs on the WLS-TC indicate the status of communication over the wireless link. An LED bar graph shows
the fade margin of signals received by the WLS-TC.
For more information on setting up network parameters, refer to "
