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Chapter 2
Analog Input and Temperature Sensor Measurements
Using the Temperature Sensor
To accommodate thermocouples with DAQ devices, the SCB-68A has a temperature sensor for
cold-junction compensation (CJC), shown in Figure 1-2,
. To power the temperature sensor, set the switches for single-ended or differential
mode as described in the
Using the SCB-68A with MIO DAQ Devices
section of Chapter 1,
Getting Started with the SCB-68A
. This configuration also powers the signal conditioning area
and circuitry. Refer to Figure 2-1 for a diagram of the CJC circuitry on the SCB-68A.
Taking Thermocouple Measurements
You can measure thermocouples in differential or single-ended configuration:
•
Differential configuration has better noise immunity. Use bias resistors when the DAQ
device is in differential input mode, as described in the
section.
•
Single-ended configuration has twice as many inputs. For single-ended configuration, set
your DAQ device for referenced single-ended (RSE) input mode.
The maximum voltage level thermocouples generate is typically only a few millivolts. You
should use a DAQ device with high gain for best resolution. For more information about
thermocouple measurements, refer to the NI Developer Zone tutorial,
Taking Thermocouple
Temperature Measurements
. To access this document, go to
and enter the Info
Code
rdtttm
.
The DAQ device must have a ground reference because thermocouples are floating signal
sources. For more information about floating signal sources, refer to the
section. For more information about field wiring, refer to the NI Developer Zone
document,
Field Wiring and Noise Considerations for Analog Signals
. To access this document,
and enter the Info Code
rdfwn3
.
CJC with the SCB-68A is accurate only if the temperature sensor reading is close to the actual
temperature of the screw terminals. Therefore, when reading thermocouples, keep the SCB-68A
away from drafts or other temperature gradients, such as those caused by heaters, radiators, fans,
and warm equipment.