
5
Output Ranges
You may configure the output range of each channel independently
for either 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA operation. The factory default
power-up setting for each channel is 0-20 mA, with output set to
0 mA. The FP-AO-200 has a built in over-range capability of
0.5 mA in each of these ranges, thus the actual full scale ranges
available are 0-20.5 mA and 3.5-20.5 mA. This extended range
feature allows the FP-AO-200 to compensate for span and offset
errors in field devices.
Open Loop Detection
Each channel has a monitoring circuit which compares the actual
output current to the desired output current. If the FP-AO-200
cannot source the desired output current for one or more channels,
these monitoring circuits turn on a red STATUS LED for each
affected channel and report this error condition to the network
module. Generally, the cause for this error condition is an open
current loop—either the load device or the loop supply is
disconnected. However, this method or detection also catches
errors caused by a load impedance that is too high, or a loop supply
voltage that is too low, to provide the desired output current.
If the output of the an FP-AO-200 channel is set to 0 mA, the
monitoring circuit does not register an error condition because the
FP-AO-200 can always source zero current, even to an open loop.
So, if any channels are unused and left unwired they should be left
in the default state of 0 mA to prevent unnecessary (and possibly
annoying) error indications.
Short Circuit Protection
Each output terminal I
out
of the FP-AO-200 is protected against
short circuits to any of the other terminals. One or more channel
outputs can be short circuited indefinitely without causing damage
or improper operation of other channels, as long as the maximum
loop supply does not exceed 24 VDC. The outputs can withstand
indefinite short circuits with loop supplies of more than 24 VDC
(up to 36 VDC) without damage, but increasing internal
temperatures due to such conditions may cause improper operation
of other channels on the module.
FPAO200.fm Page 5 Thursday, July 31, 1997 8:55 AM