The information in this manual is proprietary and may not be reproduced without written
permission from this company.
LIFE-SUPPORT POLICY: Ectron products are not authorized for use in life-support
devices or systems without the express, written approval of the President of Ectron
Corporation.
This manual applies to serial numbers 81000 and above.
Copyright May, 2017Ectron Corporation
Ectron Corporation8159 Engineer Road
All Rights ReservedSan Diego, CA 92111-1907
U.S.A.
858-278-0600
800-732-8159
Fax:858-278-0372
E-mail:sales@ectron.com
Web site: www.ectron.com
WARRANTY
GENERAL
The Ectron Model 1140A is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year
from the date of shipment. Ectron agrees to repair or replace any assembly or components
(except expendable items such as fuses, lamps, batteries, etc.) found to be defective during this
period. The obligation of Ectron under this warranty is limited solely to repairing or replacing, at
its option, an instrument that in the sole opinion of Ectron proves to be defective within the scope
of the warranty when returned to the factory or to an authorized service center. Transportation to
the factory or service center is to be prepaid by the purchaser. Shipment should not be made
without the prior authorization of Ectron. This warranty does not apply to products repaired or
altered by persons not authorized by Ectron, or not in accordance with instructions furnished by
Ectron. If the instrument is defective as a result of misuse, improper repair, alteration, neglect, or
abnormal conditions of operation, repairs will be billed at Ectron’s normal rates. Ectron assumes
no liability for secondary charges of consequential damages as a result of an alleged breach of
this warranty; and in any event, Ectron’s liability for breach of warranty under any contract or
otherwise shall not exceed the purchase price of the specific instrument shipped and against
which a claim is made. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied; and
no representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Ectron any liability in
connections with the sale of our products other than is set forth herein.
PROCEDURE FOR SERVICE
If a fault develops, notify Ectron or its local representative, giving full details of the difficulty.
Include the model and serial numbers. On receipt of this information, a service date or shipping
instructions will be furnished. If shipment is indicated, forward the instrument, freight prepaid, to
the factory or to the authorized service center indicated in the instructions.
DAMAGE IN TRANSIT
Instruments should be tested upon receipt. If there is any damage, a claim should be filed with
the carrier. A full report of the damage should be obtained by the claim agent, and that report
should be forwarded to Ectron. Ectron will advise the disposition to be made of the equipment
and arrange for repair or replacement. Please include model and serial numbers in all
correspondence.
Ectron Corporation
8159 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111-1907
Sales Department
800-732-8159, ext. 675
sales@ectron.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WarrantyAfter Title Page
List of Tables iv
List of Figures v
Section I, Description
General 1-1
Changes from Previous Versions 1-2
About This Manual 1-2
Section II, Specifications
General 2-1
Source Mode 2-1
Thermocouple Output Mode 2-1
Voltage Output Mode 2-2
Meter Mode 2-2
Supported Standards 2-2
General Instrument Specifications 2-2
Thermocouple-accuracy Tables 2-3
Section III, Unpacking and Installation
Shipment Contents 3-1
Unpacking 3-1
Model 1140A Installation 3-1
Packing for Shipment 3-1
Section IV, Operation
General 4-1
Front-panel Controls 4-1
Connections 4-1
Power 4-1
Menu Key 4-2
Enter Key (Operate/Standby) 4-2
Escape Key 4-2
Twelve-key Keypad 4-2
Four Arrow Keys 4-3
Encoder (Large Knob) 4-3
Operating Screen Main Display 4-3
Control 4-3
Mode 4-4
Offset 4-4
Reference-junction Temperature 4-4
Material 4-4
Thermocouple Type 4-4
Message Displays 4-6
Menus 4-8
Thermocouple Menu 4-8
Instrument Mode Menu 4-10
Output Menu 4-11
Memory Menu 4-12
Sequence Menu 4-14
Data Logging Menu and Downloading
Data 4-16
Display Menu 4-17
Remote Menu 4-18
Maintenance Menu 4-21
Diagnostics Menu 4-22
Section V, Applications
General 5-1
Functions 5-1
Source Mode 5-1
Meter Mode 5-1
Battery Operation 5-2
Connections 5-2
Thermocouple Connections 5-2
Temperature Variation 5-3
Considerations 5-3
Polarity of Thermocouple Wires 5-3
Shielding and the Guard Terminals 5-3
Grounding 5-4
ITS-90 and IPTS-68 5-4
Offset 5-4
Autozero 5-5
Low Output Impedance 5-5
Guard Bands 5-6
Section VI, Remote Operation
General 6-1
Remote Menu 6-1
Changing the Active Interface 6-1
Setting the Interface Address (GPIB Only) 6-1
Activating and De-activating Remote
Control 6-1
Model 1140A Commands 6-3
Source-mode Commands and Queries 6-3
Meter-mode Query 6-4
Thermocouple Commands and Queries 6-4
Instrument Commands and Queries 6-6
Output Commands and Queries 6-8
System Commands and Queries 6-9
Data Logging Queries 6-11
i
Table of Contents
Model 1120 Remote Emulation Option 6-12
Background 6-12
Limitations 6-12
Model 1120 Remote Control Operation 6-14
Errors 6-14
Table 2-1: Type B Thermocouple (°C)2-4
Table 2-2: Type B Thermocouple (°F)2-4
Table 2-3: Type C Thermocouple (°C)2-4
Table 2-4: Type C Thermocouple (°F)2-4
Table 2-5: Type D Thermocouple (°C)2-5
Table 2-6: Type D Thermocouple (°F)2-5
Table 2-7: Type E Thermocouple (°C)2-5
Table 2-8: Type E Thermocouple (°F)2-5
Table 2-9: Type G Thermocouple (°C)2-6
Table 2-10: Type G Thermocouple (°F)2-6
Table 2-11: Type J Thermocouple (°C)2-6
Table 2-12: Type J Thermocouple (°F)2-6
Table 2-13: Type K Thermocouple (°C)2-7
Table 2-14: Type K Thermocouple (°F)2-7
Table 2-15: Type N Thermocouple (°C)2-7
Table 2-16: Type N Thermocouple (°F)2-7
Table 2-17: Type Platinel II Thermocouple (°C)2-8
Table 2-18: Type Platinel II Thermocouple (°F)2-8
Table 2-19: Type R Thermocouple (°C)2-8
Table 2-20: Type R Thermocouple (°F)2-8
Table 2-21: Type S Thermocouple (°C)2-9
Table 2-22: Type S Thermocouple (°F)2-9
Table 2-23: Type T Thermocouple (°C)2-9
Table 2-24: Type T Thermocouple (°F)2-9
Table 4-1: Thermocouple Types in the Model 1140A4-5
Table 4-2: Default Settings4-22
Table 6-1: Remote Command Summary6-2
Table 6-2: Model 1140A Error Codes6-10
Table 6-3: Model 1120 Remote Commands6-14
Table 9-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip Wires9-6
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4-1: Front View of the Model 1140A4-1
Figure 4-2: Main Menu4-8
Figure 4-3: Thermocouple Menu4-8
Figure 4-4: Instrument Mode Menu4-10
Figure 4-5: Output Menu4-11
Figure 4-6: Memory Menu with No Saved Files4-12
Figure 4-7: Memory Menu with Saved Files4-12
Figure 4-8: Sequence Menu4-14
Figure 4-9: Data Logging Menu4-16
Figure 4-10: Display Menu4-17
Figure 4-11: Remote Menu4-18
Figure 4-12: Web Browser Using the Ethernet Interface4-20
Figure 4-13: Maintenance Menu4-21
Figure 4-14: Diagnostics Menu4-22
Figure 6-1: Remote Menu6-1
Figure 7-1: Model 1140A Block Diagram7-1
Figure 7-2: Source-mode Operation Diagram7-5
Figure 7-3: Meter-mode Operation Diagram7-5
Figure 8-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip (High Voltage Guard Removed)8-2
Figure 8-2: Fuse on Analog Assembly8-4
Figure 9-1: Model 1140A Overall View9-2
Figure 9-2: Model 1140A Overall View with Top Cover Removed9-3
Figure 9-3: Battery Assembly and Charging Supply (Voltage Guard Removed)9-4
Figure 9-4: Underside of Left Rear Corner9-5
Figure 9-5: Digital and Keypad Assemblies9-6
Figure 9-6: Left Side Panel9-9
Figure 9-7: Analog Assembly9-11
Figure 9-8: Binding Post Printed Circuit Board and TC Connector9-11
Figure 9-9: Front Left Rail with Side Panel Removed9-12
Figure 9-10: Wire Connections on Binding Post Printed Circuit Board9-12
Figure 9-11: Power Supply Assembly9-14
Figure 9-12: Display Assembly Area9-17
Figure 11-1: Initial Operating Screen for Voltage Tests11-2
Figure 11-2: Setup for Source Tests11-3
Figure 11-3: Setup for Meter Tests11-4
Figure 11-4: Initial Operating Screen for Temperature Tests11-5
Figure 11-5: Operating Screen for Thermocouple Alloy Tests11-7
Figure 11-6: Setup for Alloy Test at Binding Posts11-7
Figure 11-7: Setup for Alloy Test at Thermocouple Connector11-8
Figure 11-8: Setup for Output-current Test11-8
Figure B-1: Type E Thermocouple Calibration SetupB-2
Table of Contents
v
Table of Contents
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vi
SECTION I
1 DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
The Model 1140A is a third-generation thermocouple simulator-calibrator from Ectron
Corporation. It is capable of measuring and producing precise emf’s to satisfy a wide variety of
thermocouple and dc-voltage calibration needs. Direct entry of voltage and temperature allow the
user to simulate twelve thermocouple types using copper and alloy material. In addition,
measurements can be made of external voltages, which can be converted and displayed as
temperature for various thermocouple types. Additionally, the Model 1140A can serve as a data
logger with the capability to capture 10,000 data points, display them, and download the data in
comma-separated value (.csv) format. Data downloading is accomplished through a remote
interface such as USB.
The bench-mount instrument is 4″ high (including feet) and contains the power and remote
interface connectors on the rear panel along with the power fuse. Provisions are made for rearpanel input-output terminals as an option. The front panel contains a graphics LCD display with
user-controllable brightness and contrast that, in addition to the emf being supplied or measured,
shows the thermocouple type in use, the units of measure, the output material, and other
annunciators. A front-panel KEYPAD and rotary ENCODER provide for data entry. Front-panel
output terminals for thermocouples enable the user to insert either a thermocouple connector or
wires, and copper terminals are for use with banana plugs or wires as well as clip leads.
Up to two remote interfaces may be installed as plug-ins to the motherboard. The interfaces are
isolated from the analog sections of the unit.
The temperature of each output terminal is independently measured, and compensation is
independently applied to cancel the emf’s generated at each of the terminals. This eliminates the
need for thermally coupled terminals (such as those used in the Ectron Model 1120).
The user can set output zero to compensate for offsets in equipment or connections. This is
limited to a ±5°C range, and an annunciator on the LCD display will be on while the offset is in
effect. The offset can be disabled at any time from the front panel. The same feature is available
for each thermocouple type, which eliminates offset problems when switching from one
thermocouple type to another.
A diagnostic feature is provided such that the output of the unit is monitored to detect if the
output is out of tolerance due to output overload. An annunciator on the display indicates if the
output is out of tolerance, and an error message is sent via any installed interface.
The Model 1140A has the potential to simulate and measure a number of different thermocouple
types. This allows the unit to simulate outputs of thermocouples to various international
specifications including DIN, JIS, etc. Selection of the desired thermocouple type is by frontpanel menus.
A number of setups can be stored in nonvolatile memory. The entire set of operating conditions
can be stored for up to 31 points. These stored setups can be given alphanumeric names to
provide more user-friendly annotation for later recall.
1-1
Description
A group of up to 31 setups can be arranged into a test sequence, and the Model 1140A can be
commanded to step through the setups forward or backward. In this way frequently used tests
may be easily repeated. The sequencing can even be done in a timed manner with the user
establishing the time of each step. The sequence can also be repeated automatically.
CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS VERSIONS
Beginning with serial number 81000, standby mode was introduced and several new functions
were added to the front-panel controls of the Model 1140A. In standby, the output terminals are
disconnected from the voltage source within the instrument. The OPR/STBY (ENTER) key toggles
standby off or on. The up and down ARROW KEYS have the additional function of keying in
either °C or °F without having to go into the menus. See Front-panel Controls for details.
Driver installation is no longer needed to connect from LabVIEW to a Model 1140A using the
USB interface. The Model 1140A is a USB Test & Measurement Class (USBTMC) device.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Section II contains the complete set of specifications for the Model 1140A and Section III
contains instructions for unpacking and installation of the instrument. Section IV is the
operator’s guide to use the instrument, Section V contains application information when using
the Model 1140A, and Section VI addresses remote operation. The theory of operation is
described in Section VII, and troubleshooting and repair procedures are provided in Section VIII
and Section IX respectively. Section X details how to align the unit and Section XI is a complete
calibration procedure (accompanying test reports are provided in Appendix A). The parts list for
the Model 1140A is given in SectionXII. Appendix B provides a procedure to calibrate a
thermocouple.
In this manual, front-panel controls are indicated by bold, capitalized text (for example,
ENCODER). Words that are displayed on the screen of the Model 1140A are indicated by nonbold, capitalized text (for example, SEQUENCE).
If you need assistance operating the Model 1140A or you have comments about or corrections
for this manual or the Model 1140A, call 800-732-8159 and ask for Technical Support.
1-2
SECTION II
2 SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Unless otherwise noted, these specifications apply at 23°C ± 5°C, after a 30 minute warm-up
period, for one year without calibration. Percentages and ratios are with respect to the output
voltage.
SOURCE MODE
(Applies to both voltage and thermocouple outputs)
Voltage Range−11 V dc to +11 V dc.
Output Impedance<0.05 Ω at dc.
Output CurrentWill meet all specifications to 50 mA;
current-limited to <100 mA.
ProtectionFused to withstand 120 V ac rms applied to the inputs.
Resolution
TemperatureSelectable settings of 0.01°, 0.1°, and 1° (0.01, 0.1, and 1 if
the unit of measure is kelvin).
VoltageSelectable settings of 0.1 µV, 1 µV, 10 µV, 100 µV, and
1 mV. (1 µV is the maximum setting at ±1 V and higher.)
Maximum Display
Temperature6 digits.
Voltage7 digits.
Accuracy, 30 days±(20 ppm + 1 µV).
90 days±(22.5 ppm + 1.5 µV).
Six months±(25 ppm + 2 µV).
One year±(30 ppm + 2.5 µV).
Two years±(35 ppm + 3 µV).
Temperature Coefficient±(5 ppm/°C + 0.2 µV/°C).
Line Regulation±(5 ppm + 2 µV) for a +5% line-voltage change.
Noise<1 µV peak, 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz bandwidth.
Settling Time
Thermocouple Ranges<200 ms to rated accuracy.
Voltage Ranges<1 s to rated accuracy.
Slew Rate>100 V/s.
Maximum Common-mode Voltage100 V dc or peak ac.
Common-mode Rejection160 dB at dc, 140 dB at 60 Hz.
Isolation<500 nA peak-to-peak leakage current into the output from
the power mains.
Thermocouple Output Mode
AccuracySee Tables 2-1 through 2-24.
Units°C, °F, °R, and K.
Voltage Input−11 V dc to +11 V dc.
Input Impedance>10 MΩ nominal.
Pumpout Current<1 nA.
ProtectionSame as Source Mode.
AccuracySame as Source Mode.
Resolution
TemperatureSelectable settings of 0.1° and 1° (0.1 and 1 if the unit of
measure is kelvin).
VoltageSelectable settings of 0.1 µV, 1 µV, 10 µV, 100 µV, and
1 mV. (1 µV is the maximum setting at ±1 V and higher).
Temperature CoefficientSame as Source Mode.
Settling Time<10 s to rated accuracy.
SUPPORTED STANDARDS
Thermocouple Types
B, E, J, K, R, S, and TNIST Monograph 175 and Monograph 125.
NNIST Monograph 175 and Monograph 161.
C and DASTM E230.
G and PLII ASTM E1751.
Temperature ScalesITS-90 and IPTS-68.
GENERAL INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Ac Operation
Line Voltage85 V ac to 250 V ac, 47 Hz to 63 Hz.
Line Current140 mA ac rms when battery pack is fully charged and less
than 1 A when the battery pack is being recharged.
Dc Operation (for units with battery option installed)
Operation TimeMore than six hours when the battery pack is fully charged.
Recharge TimeLess than three hours to fully recharge from a fully
discharged state.
CAUTION
The battery pack used in the Model 1140A must be
charged at least once every two months. If this is
not done, the battery-pack voltage may decay
beyond its ability to recover.
2-2
Specifications
DisplayLCD with adjustable contrast and backlight, which can be
turned off, on, or timed out with settings of 30 seconds,
one minute, two minutes, or five minutes.
Remote InterfacesUSB included; Ethernet, GPIB, and RS-232 optional.
Other Available OptionsCarrying case.
Calibration kit consisting of a terminal cover, shorting bar,
low-thermal cable, calibrated Type T thermocouple, and
calibrated Type E thermocouple.
Temperature Ranges
Operating0°C to +50°C.
Storage, without battery−20°C to +60°C.
Storage, with battery0°C to +60°C.
Battery Recharge+5°C to +45°C.
Dimensions
Bench Mount368 mm (14.50″) wide.
381 mm (15.00″) deep.
102 mm (4.00″) high, including feet.
Rack Mount482 mm (19.00″) wide.
396 mm (15.60″) deep.
89 mm (3.50″) high, without feet.
Humidity10% to 90% noncondensing.
Mass4.5 kg (10 lb) without battery; 5.8 kg (13 lb) with battery.
THERMOCOUPLE-ACCURACY TABLES
The following tables are provided to easily ascertain the maximum error allowed for the
thermocouple types supported. They apply when either sourcing or measuring temperature with
thermocouple wires. A 95% confidence level (k = 2) is assumed. The errors were derived using
the RSS (root of the sum of the squares) of all the applicable sources for error. These errors
include:
1.Cold-junction compensation (if used without CJC, errors are reduced).
2.Variation of the environmental temperature by ±5°C from calibration temperature. If
a better temperature environment is maintained, errors will be reduced.
3.Noise, 1 µV peak in a “0.1 Hz to 10 Hz” bandwidth.
4.Accuracy, as listed on page 2-1 for periods of 30 days, six months, and one year.
5.Uncertainty limits (k = 2) of Ectron’s temperature measurement system, ±0.01°C.
The Model 1140A is shipped from the factory with a power cord, a CD that contains the
instruction manual, a calibration report, a certificate of conformance, and the attendant packing
slip. Optional components such as a remote interface or battery will be installed in the unit.
UNPACKING
The Model 1140A was thoroughly test and inspected prior to shipment from the factory; unless it
was damaged in transit, it should be ready for use upon receipt.
The shipping carton should be examined for signs of damage before unpacking. If external
damage is seen, notify the carrier before proceeding.
Remove the contents of the carton and carefully examine all contents for any evidence of
damage due to excessive shock, vibration, water, etc. If there is evidence of physical damage,
notify the carrier.
Account for the items listed above and ensure that the serial number of the Model 1140A in the
carton is that which is listed on the packing slip. If the inventory is not complete or does not
correspond to the packing list, notify Ectron Corporation.
MODEL 1140A INSTALLATION
The battery (if any) in the Model 1140A is fully charged when shipped, but due to transit time or
other delays it may have lost some charge by the time of first use. To ensure a full battery charge,
plug the unit into ac power for three hours prior to running it on battery power.
While the Model 1140A is fully calibrated using standards that are directly traceable to the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the user may want to verify its
performance against independent standards using the calibration procedure in this manual before
placing it in service.
PACKING FOR SHIPMENT
Ectron Corporation ships each Model 1140A wrapped in a 4-mil static-protective plastic wrapper
in a single-wall corrugated cardboard carton with foam-in-place protection. The carton measures
18 inches by 18 inches by 8 inches. When preparing the unit for shipment, either reuse the
container in which it came or reproduce a similar shipping container with a like amount of foam
(either closed-cell or open-cell) protection.
3-1
Unpacking and Installation
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3-2
SECTION IV
4 OPERATION
Mini
thermocouple
connector
Binding
posts
LCD display, showing the
operating screen
Keypad
Arrow
keys
Encoder
Power
button
Figure 4-1: Front View of the Model 1140A
GENERAL
The microprocessor-based Model 1140A thermocouple simulator-calibrator can either be
controlled from the front panel (local control) or controlled over one of several interfaces
(remote control) offered by Ectron, two of which can be installed at any one time with either
being active at one time. Remote control is discussed in Section VI.
In this manual, controls are indicated by bold, capitalized text (for example, ENCODER). Words
that are displayed on the screen are indicated by non-bold, capitalized text (for example,
SEQUENCE). When selection of a screen display is discussed, it is assumed that the selection
includes pressing the ENTER key to confirm the selection.
FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS
The Model 1140A can be controlled from the front panel using the ENCODER and keys, which
include the NUMBER PAD, the MENU key, the ENTER key, the ESCape key, and the four ARROW KEYS.
Connections
The front-panel controls provide the user complete control of all setup parameters needed to
operate the Model 1140A. Binding posts and a mini-three-pin thermocouple connector are
provided for connections. Setup is accomplished through the Main Menu and its sub-menus.
Power
The POWER push button turns instrument power on and off. When the Model 1140A is running,
power may be turned off at any time; no special shutdown procedures are needed.
4-1
Operation
By default if the Model 1140A is in source mode and the Model 1120 Remote Emulation option
is not enabled, when power is turned on the unit will be in standby mode as indicated by the
blinking annunciator in the lower right corner of the display. In standby, the output terminals are
disconnected from the voltage source within the instrument. The OPR/STBY (ENTER) key toggles
standby off or on. No other action by the operator will affect this control.
Ac Operation
When the Model 1140A is plugged into an ac power source in the range as stated in Section II,
under Ac Operation, the unit is operating in the ac-power mode, and the battery pack (if
installed) will charge as necessary.
Dc Operation (Battery Option Only)
When the battery pack has been properly charged the Model 1140A will operate (without being
plugged into an ac power source) by simply pressing the POWER push button. When the battery
pack is fully charged, the Model 1140A will operate for more than six hours without recharge.
Recharge
When the Model 1140A battery pack is fully discharged, it will recharge in less than three hours.
CAUTION
The battery pack used in the Model 1140A must be
charged at least once every two months. If this is
not done, the user risks the possibility that the
battery-pack voltage will decay beyond its ability to
recover.
Menu Key
Pushing the MENU key takes the user to the MAIN MENU from which all settings can be viewed
and changed. Additionally, MENU can be used as a total-escape key from any menu or screen
back to the operating screen of the main display.
Enter Key (Operate/Standby)
The ENTER key allows the user to change settings. Additionally, in source mode at the operating
screen this button toggles standby mode on and off.
Escape Key
Pressing the ESC key allows the user to go back to the previous screen or setting without having
made a change.
Twelve-key Keypad
The KEYPAD is used for direct entry of numbers both on the operating screen and in the menu
options that require a numeric value to be entered. Numbers to be entered can always be entered
directly or can be arrived at using the ARROW KEYS and the ENTER key or the ENCODER in its
4-2
Operation
dual function. Pressing the polarity key at any time toggles the polarity of the reading. Also, the
+/− polarity key acts as a character-delete key when naming files in the MEMORY MENU.
Four Arrow Keys
The ARROW KEYS are used for navigation when in a menu and for cursor control and numeric
incrementing and decrementing when in the main operating screen. Changes made using the
ARROW KEYS are made in real time.
The left ARROW KEY has the additional function (not in real time) of erasing data input that has
been keyed in but not confirmed (by pressing the ENTER key or the ENCODER). For example if
the user enters 1.3456, pressing the left ARROW KEY will erase the digits one at a time starting
with 6, then 5, etc. This includes the decimal point but not the polarity symbol.
When naming files in the MEMORY MENU, the right ARROW KEY allows the user to append
characters to the name. For example, when naming a file, “A” is the starting default. The user can
then change that character and then by pressing the right ARROW KEY, append another character
to the file name.
The up and down ARROW KEYS have the additional function, when using the keypad for direct
entry in source mode, to allow the user to key in either °C or °F without having to go into the
menus. The only requirement is that the unit be in temperature mode (MAIN MENU / INSTRUMENT MODE / OUTPUT MODE). When entering temperatures in this manner, the °C and °F keys act as
the ENTER key. For example, when the user keystrokes 125°C, the action is complete, and the
unit will output the equivalent voltage. If the user then keystrokes 200°F, the action is again
complete, and the the unit will output the equivalent voltage. When the °C or °F key is used, the
system unit of temperature is changed as well. That is, if the user keys in 125°C and then wishes
to key in 200°C, it can be accomplished either by using the °C key or by keying 125 and pressing
ENTER.
Once the user uses either the ARROW KEYS or the ENCODER to increment or decrement a
temperature, the °C and °F functions of the up and down ARROW KEYS are disabled so that these
two keys function only as ARROW KEYS. Once ENTER has been pressed, the °C and °F functions
are re-enabled.
Encoder (Large Knob)
The ENCODER duplicates the action of the ARROW KEYS (by turning it) and the ENTER key (by
pressing it). Changes made using the ENCODER are made in real time. Also, when creating a file
name in the MEMORY MENU, pressing the ENCODER appends a character to the file name.
OPERATING SCREEN MAIN DISPLAY
About 15–20 seconds after powering on the Model 1140A, the operating screen will appear,
displaying the current status and main settings of the unit.
Control
The number displayed on the operating screen can be changed using the KEYPAD, the
ARROW KEYS, and the ENCODER. When using the ARROW KEYS or the ENCODER, the change at
the binding posts or thermocouple connector is in real time. When using the KEYPAD, ENTER (or
4-3
Operation
°C or °F as described above) must be pressed to change the reading. To abort any entry, press
ESC at which time the Model 1140A will revert to the last saved entry.
Mode
The Model 1140A operates in two modes: source and measure. In the source mode, the
Model 1140A produces a voltage output; in the measure mode, it accepts a voltage input. The
voltage is either in volts, millivolts, or in temperature (the emf equivalent for the type
thermocouple that is active).
The active mode is displayed in the upper left corner of the main display.
Offset
The offset is used to compensate for any inaccuracies attributable to the instrumentation being
used. For example if the thermocouple wire being used has been found to have +0.035°C error,
that offset in the opposite polarity should be entered so that in the source mode, the meter being
calibrated will read correctly, and in the meter mode, the Model 1140A will correctly display the
temperature or voltage of the thermocouple being measured. Each thermocouple type has its own
offset.
The offset is displayed in the lower middle right of the main display.
Reference-junction Temperature
The reference-junction temperature is the temperature at which the Model 1140A simulates the
copper-to-thermocouple-wire (alloy) connections when using thermocouple wire. The connection
is most often at the Model 1140A binding posts or thermocouple connector. The Model 1140A
constantly measures the actual temperature of the terminals to provide precision compensation.
Unless the user’s setup has the copper-to-thermocouple-wire junctions remote to the
Model 1140A, the reference-junction temperature should be set to 0°C. The allowable referencejunction temperatures is the temperature range for the thermocouple type being used and can be
displayed in °C, °F, °R, K, or system units. The system units are whatever is set in the INSTRUMENT MODE MENU. Note that the reference-junction temperature is only used when the
output-entry mode and the material differ in nature (temperature and copper connections or
voltage and alloy connections).
The reference-junction temperature is displayed in the lower middle left of the main display.
Material
Either copper wires or alloy (thermocouple) wires can be connected to the Model 1140A. The
user should set the MATERIAL to match the wiring being used.
The material is displayed in the lower right of the main display.
Thermocouple Type
Table 4-1 lists the thermocouple types available in the Model 1140A. The active thermocouple
type is displayed in the lower left corner of the main display.
4-4
Operation
Table 4-1: Thermocouple Types in the Model 1140A
Type*Positive WireNegative WireTemperature Range
250°C to 1820°C
B-MN175
[B-MN125]
C95% W – 5% Re Alloy74% W – 26% Re Alloy
D97% W – 3% Re Alloy75% W – 25% Re Alloy
E-MN175
[E-MN125]
G100% W74% W – 26% Re Alloy
J-MN175
[J-MN125]
K-MN175
[K-MN125]
N-MN175
[N-MN161]
PLII
(Platinel II™)
R-MN175
[R-MN125]
S-MN175
[S-MN125]
T-MN175
[T-MN125]
* MN175 is NIST Monograph 175, which is based on ITS-90. When using IPTS-68, the thermocouple types are
those shown in [brackets], referencing NIST Monograph 125 and Monograph 161.
** The upper temperature limits for Types R and S are slightly lower in NIST Monograph 125 than in NIST
Monograph 175.
By default if the Model 1140A is in source mode, when power is turned on the unit will be in
standby mode as indicated by the blinking annunciator in the lower right corner of the display. In
standby, the output terminals are disconnected from the voltage source within the instrument.
The OPR/STBY (ENTER) key toggles standby off or on. No other action by the operator will affect
this control.
Overload
If the Model 1140A is incapable of supplying the output that is displayed, the word OVERLOAD
will appear in the lower right portion of the main display over the material, either ALLOY or
COPPER. With an overload on either output (binding posts or thermocouple connector), no
matter which one is in use, the OVERLOAD annunciator will light. A sustained overload will not
affect the operation of the Model 1140A once the overload is removed.
Out of Range
If the temperature dialed or keyed in is outside the range of the thermocouple type displayed on
the main display, an annunciator will light to convey that fact. If the user attempts to enter a
voltage that is outside the range of the Model 1140A, no error message will appear, but the
instrument will not accept the input.
Alignment Switch On
If the alignment switch is in the on position when the Model 1140A power switch is pressed, the
following message will appear:
ALIGNMENT SWITCH IS ON
ALL ALIGNMENT FUNCTIONS ENABLED
PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE
The switch’s being “on” does not affect the operation of the unit, and it can be switched “off”
while the instrument power is on. Normally a calibration-void label would cover the access to the
switch, so the every-day user of the instrument will not see this message. For details on the
alignment switch and procedure, see Section X.
Battery-related Messages
The following messages will only appear on units that have the optional rechargeable battery.
Charging
This indicator is displayed whenever the battery is charging.
Charged
This indicator is displayed when the battery is fully charged. The user can unplug from ac power
at this time although there will be no harm to the battery if left plugged in. In fact, if left plugged
in charging will continue at a reduced charging current which will further increase the charge
level of the battery. When this trickle charge rate has finished “topping off” the battery, the
charge circuit will cease all charging.
4-6
Operation
Batt OK
This indicator is displayed when the battery is within its normal operating range.
Low Batt
This is a blinking message which indicates that the remaining life of the battery is approximately
30 minutes from the time that the message first appears. Thirty minutes after the warning
appears, the instrument will cease to function on the battery and must be connected to the ac line
for operation and to recharge the battery pack.
Batt Flt
This display indicates a battery fault and that the battery probably cannot be recharged. This fault
can be caused by a shorted cell in the battery pack. Normal operation can continue on ac power.
See the procedure for Battery Removal in Section IX.
Temp Flt
The temperature of the internal battery pack is continuously monitored to allow for optimum
performance and life of the battery. Because of the charging limits imposed by the manufacturer
of the battery pack, the battery must not be charged when its temperature is outside of certain
temperature limits. These limits are between 5°C and 45°C. However, the upper limit in
temperature is increased to 60°C once charging has commenced.
To rectify this situation, place the instrument in an area where the temperature is within
acceptable temperature limits. If necessary, turn off the unit and unplug it from ac power to allow
the internal temperature to cool down sufficiently, then plug it in to reattempt charging.
Other Messages
There are other diagnostic messages that will appear very infrequently if ever. The user should
contact Ectron Corporation Tech Support at 800-732-8159 should one of the following appear.
System Errors
System errors may occur at startup or anytime there is a component failure. If one occurs, the
Model 1140A must be repaired. These errors include: AT25640 EEPROM ERROR, NVDATA CHECKSUM ERROR, A/D ERRORS, and OPTION BOARD ERRORS.
A/D Subsystem Errors
These errors may occur during alignment. The alignment will be aborted if any appear: NONE,
A/D IS ALWAYS READY, SELF-ALIGNMENT TIMEOUT, INVALID PRE-ALIGN MODE, and INVALID
POST-ALIGN MODE. To complete an alignment, the Model 1140A must be repaired. The unit will
retain the previous alignment data.
Interface Board Errors
These errors are associated with the remote-interface boards that can be installed in the
Model 1140A: UNKNOWN OPTION BOARD IN SLOT #1, UNKNOWN OPTION BOARD IN SLOT #2,
CAN’T FIND [INTERFACE] OPTION BOARD, and [INTERFACE] OPTION BOARD FAILED. These errors
can occur if, for example, the unit’s power is turned off with a GPIB board installed, the user
4-7
Operation
removes the board, and power is then applied. In this instance, the error would be: CAN’T FIND GPIB OPTION BOARD.
MENUS
From the operating screen, pressing MENU will take the user to the MAIN MENU. If the cursor is
active, pressing MENU has no effect. Figure 4-2 shows the MAIN MENU. Once at the MAIN MENU
or any other menu, use the ENCODER or the ARROW KEYS to navigate. Once the desired menu
item is highlighted (selected), press ENTER to go to that menu.
NOTE
When a segmented vertical bar appears to the right
of a menu, more selections than can be displayed
are available. A segment of the bar that points up
denotes additional menu selections above, and a
segment of the bar that points down denotes
additional menu selections below. The MAIN MENU
is such a menu.
THERMOCOUPLE TYPE: K-MN175
THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET UNITS: SYSTEM UNITS
THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET: +0.00°C
REF JCT TEMP UNITS: SYSTEM UNITS
REF JCT TEMP: +0.00°C
Figure 4-3: Thermocouple Menu
Thermocouple Menu
Figure 4-3 shows the THERMOCOUPLE MENU.
4-8
Operation
Thermocouple Type
Select a THERMOCOUPLE TYPE from those listed in Table 4-1.
Thermocouple Offset
If there are known inaccuracies in the instrumentation being used (for example, in the
thermocouple wire), the offset will compensate for that error.
Thermocouple Offset Units
Select CELSIUS (°C), FAHRENHEIT (°F), RANKINE (°R), KELVIN (K), or SYSTEM UNITS, which are
those units set under the INSTRUMENT MODE MENU.
Thermocouple Offset
It is advisable to select the thermocouple-offset units before entering this value because the
Model 1140A converts the temperature offset to match the units. For example, if the user sets the
OFFSET to 1.0 when the UNITS are set to CELSIUS and then changes the units to FAHRENHEIT, the
thermocouple offset displayed will convert automatically from 1.0°C to +1.8°F, which of course is
the equivalent offset. The limits are −5°C to +5°C (−9°F to +9°F, −5 K to +5 K, and −9°R to
+9°R). Each thermocouple type has its own offset.
Reference-junction Temperature
Although in most instances a reference-junction temperature of 0°C is desired, the operator can
enter any reference-junction temperature with the temperature range of the thermocouple module
in use.
Reference-junction-temperature Units
Select CELSIUS (°C), FAHRENHEIT (°F), RANKINE (°R), KELVIN (K), or SYSTEM UNITS, which are
those units set under the INSTRUMENT MODE MENU.
Reference-junction Temperature
Select any valid temperature within the range of the thermocouple type to be used. See Table 4-1.
Note that when the reference-junction-temperature units are changed, the setting of the
reference-junction temperature will change accordingly. For example, if the user selects 0.0 as
the reference-junction temperature when the units are set to CELSIUS and then changes the units
to FAHRENHEIT, the reference-junction temperature will convert automatically from 0.0°C to
+32.0°F, which of course is the equivalent.
4-9
Operation
INSTRUMENT MODE MENU
INSTRUMENT MODE: SOURCE
OUTPUT MODE: TEMPERATURE
SYSTEM TEMPERATURE UNITS: FAHRENHEIT
SYSTEM VOLTAGE UNITS: MILLIVOLTS
TEMPERATURE RESOLUTION LIMIT: 0.01°
VOLTAGE RESOLUTION LIMIT: 0.1 µV
TEMPERATURE SCALE: ITS-90
Figure 4-4: Instrument Mode Menu
Instrument Mode Menu
Instrument Mode
Select SOURCE for the Model 1140A to act as a source; that is, to provide a simulated
temperature out or provide a linear voltage output. Select METER for the Model 1140A to act as a
meter to measure either linear voltage or the voltage input of a thermocouple.
Output Mode
Select TEMPERATURE or VOLTAGE.
System Temperature Units
When working with thermocouples, select the units of temperature to use: CELSIUS,
FAHRENHEIT, RANKINE, or KELVIN.
System Voltage Units
When working with linear dc voltage, select the appropriate voltage units: VOLTS or MILLIVOLTS.
NOTE
Although the MILLIVOLTS unit of measure provides
more resolution for the user than VOLTS, there is no
difference in accuracy between settings that are
equal in value. For example 0.01 V is the same
internally as 10.0 mV, and 10.0 V is the same as
10000.00 mV.
Temperature Resolution Limit
When in the SOURCE mode, select the desired resolution that will be displayed on the main
operating screen: 0.01°, 0.1°, or 1° (0.01, 0.1, or 1 when the system temperature units are kelvins).
The choices are the same in the METER mode except that 0.1° (0.1 kelvins) is the maximum
resolution. When the operating screen is being changed with the ENCODER or ARROW KEYS, the
maximum resolution is displayed; but when ENTER is pressed, the selected resolution is
displayed.
4-10
Operation
Voltage Resolution Limit
Select the desired resolution that will be displayed on the main operating screen: 0.1 µV, 1 µV, 10 µV, 100 µV, or 1 mV. When the operating screen is being changed, the maximum resolution is
displayed; but when the ENTER key is pressed, the selected resolution is displayed. Because of
some internal constraints, the resolution may be reduced. For example, if the MODE is set to
METER, the OUTPUT MODE is set to VOLTAGE, and UNIT OF MEASURE is set to VOLTS; the
maximum resolution will be 10 µV.
Temperature Scale
Select the temperature scale to be used: the International Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) or the
International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968, amended edition of 1975 (IPTS-68). Although
the ITS-90 supersedes the IPTS-68, Ectron offers both scales.
OUTPUT MENU
MATERIAL: ALLOY
TERMINALS: BINDING POSTS
COPPER OFFSET UNITS: SYSTEM UNITS
COPPER VOLTAGE OFFSET: +0.0000 mV
AUTOZERO ENABLED: NO
AUTOZERO TEMP OFFSET: 0.00°C
Figure 4-5: Output Menu
Output Menu
The OUTPUT MENU allows the user to select the wire material, which terminals are active, the
copper offset units, the copper voltage offset, whether autozero is enabled, and the autozero
temperature offset.
Wire Material
If the wire connections to the Model 1140A are copper, select COPPER; if thermocouple wire,
ALLOY.
Terminals
Select the appropriate input connectors depending on the wire being used. Both copper and alloy
can be connected to either input. However, when using alloy, the selected terminals are the only
terminals at which the temperature is being monitored for compensation.
NOTE
Using the terminal other than the one selected will
cause erroneous readings when working with thermocouple wires.
4-11
Operation
Copper Voltage Offset
The offset is used to compensate for any inaccuracies attributable to the instrumentation being
used. For example if a meter being used has a known offset at 0 V, that offset in the opposite
polarity should be entered so that in the source mode, the meter being calibrated will read
correctly, and in the meter mode, the Model 1140A will correctly display the temperature or
voltage of the thermocouple junction being measured.
Copper Offset Units
Select VOLTS, MILLIVOLTS, or SYSTEM UNITS, which are those units set under the INSTRUMENT MODE MENU.
Copper Voltage Offset
Select any voltage from −11000 mV to +11000 mV.
Autozero Enabled
Autozero is used in the meter mode to allow the user to measure the deviation that an input has
from its nominal value. For example, if a thermocouple at a known temperature is being
measured, enabling autozero will “zero” the reading on the screen so that any subsequent
readings will reflect a deviation, if any, from the initial reading. When using the meter mode,
pressing the 0 key evokes the AUTOZERO screen from which the user can enable autozero.
MEMORY MENU
WORKING FILE: <NO FILE>
SAVE AS
Figure 4-6: Memory Menu with No Saved Files
MEMORY MENU
WORKING FILE: XYZ
OPEN
SAVE
SAVE AS
RENAME
DELETE
Figure 4-7: Memory Menu with Saved Files
Memory Menu
The MEMORY MENU allows the user to program up to 31 files into memory for easy recall. A file
contains all the settings that are shown on the operating screen at the time the file is created.
Figure 4-6 shows the MEMORY MENU when there are no files stored, and Figure 4-7 shows the
menu when there is one file or more stored.
4-12
Operation
Creating a New File
Set the operating screen to the desired parameters. This includes temperature or voltage, unit of
measure, thermocouple type, reference-junction temperature, offset, and lead material. Next
press MENU and select MEMORY. When there are no files stored, the only option is to store the
current screen setup as a new file using the SAVE AS function and then selecting <NEW> per
force.
At this point, enter a name for the current setting. File names can be up to 16 characters long
using letters and numbers. Use the right ARROW KEY or press the ENCODER to append characters
to the file name. The file name can be created using the KEYPAD, the ARROW KEYS, the
ENCODER, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the +/− key acts as a delete key to erase the
character above the cursor (for example, if a file is named BRAIN, placing the cursor under the I
and pressing +/− will change the name to BRAN). When ENTER is pressed, the current setting
becomes the WORKING FILE as indicated on the screen.
To enter more files, press MENU (or ESC twice) to return to the operating screen, make the
desired changes (make sure to press ENTER so that the Model 1140A knows that the screen has
been permanently updated as indicated by the lack of the blinking cursor) and again press MENU,
then MEMORY. To overwrite the existing working file, use SAVE (note that the SAVE option is not
available unless the operating-screen settings differ from the working file). Otherwise select
SAVE AS, then <NEW>, and then enter the new name for the file. When the file name is correct,
press ENTER. At that time, the newly created file becomes the WORKING FILE.
Opening a File
To open a file, press MENU, select MEMORY, OPEN, and then select the file to open. The file
selected becomes the working file, and the operating screen is changed to the newly selected
screen’s settings.
Saving a File
Saving a file uses the current operating screen settings and overwrites the working file. Press
MENU, select MEMORY, and then SAVE. At this point, the working file has been changed, and the
SAVE option on the menu is no longer present.
Saving a File As
To save a file under another name, press MENU, select MEMORY, and then SAVE AS. Then select
either <NEW> or an existing file name to overwrite. If <NEW> is selected, key in the new file’s
name as described above. If an existing file is chosen to be overwritten, the user will be
prompted to confirm the action.
Renaming a File
To rename a file, press MENU, select MEMORY, and then RENAME. Next select the file name to be
changed, change it, and press ENTER. If it is decided not to change the name, press ESC. Either
way the file, new name or old, becomes the working file. Return to the operation screen by
pressing ESC twice or MENU.
4-13
Operation
Deleting a File
To delete a file, press MENU, select MEMORY, and then DELETE. Next select the file name to be
deleted and press ENTER. Prior to pressing ENTER, the user can cancel this operation by pressing
ESC. After ENTER has been pressed, thus deleting the file, the next file in the “stack” becomes
the working file. If there are no files stored, the screen will state as much.
Once files have been created, the SEQUENCE MENU provides a powerful tool for the user to
create a set of files to be stepped through, either manually or in a timed manner. Up to 31 files
can be stored in the sequence; and the user can elect where to start the sequence, either at Step 1
or at some other step. If the sequence is in the manual mode, the user can use the ENCODER or
ARROW KEYS to go backward or forward in the sequence.
When no sequence has been created, the user has the option to INSERT A SEQUENCE STEP,
specify whether STEPPING is to be MANUAL or TIMED, and turn on sequence REPEAT.
Inserting a Sequence Step
Press MENU, select SEQUENCE, and then INSERT SEQUENCE STEP. Select the file to be inserted
from the list of files and press ENTER. If the SEQUENCE contains one or more steps, the user is
given the option of where to place the file in the SEQUENCE. Use the ENCODER or ARROW KEYS
to point where the file is to go.
Viewing/Starting the Sequence
Once the sequence is created, the user can view it and/or select with which file to start the
sequence. Press MENU, select SEQUENCE, then VIEW/START SEQUENCE. Highlight the file to
start the sequence and press ENTER. The sequence will then commence. The sequence step, the
number of steps in the sequence, the current file of the sequence, and the time remaining of the
current step are shown in an annunciator above the main reading on the operating screen. If
stepping is set to manual, MANUAL will be displayed instead of the time remaining.
Moving a Step in the Sequence
Once the sequence has more than one step, steps can be moved in the sequence. Press MENU,
then select SEQUENCE, then MOVE SEQUENCE STEP. Select the step to be moved, press ENTER,
4-14
Operation
and by using either ARROW KEYS or the ENCODER, indicate where to insert the step. Complete
the move by again pressing ENTER.
Deleting a Step in the Sequence
To delete a step in the sequence, press MENU, select DELETE SEQUENCE STEP, select the step to
be removed from the sequence, and press ENTER to complete the deletion.
Deleting the Entire Sequence
To delete the entire sequence, press MENU, select DELETE ENTIRE SEQUENCE: 23 STEPS, press
ENTER, select YES to confirm the deletion and again press ENTER.
Stepping and Stepping Time
Stepping can either be timed or manual. If TIMED is selected, any valid time from 0.3 seconds to
99 hours: 59 minutes: 59.9 seconds can be set. This sets the time that the Model 1140A is set to
each file in the sequence. For example, if the user wants to set up a sequence of 0°C to 100°C in
10°C increments and each sequence step is to last 20 seconds, the time should be set to
00:00:20.0. When incrementing or decrementing time, the tenths of seconds do not spill over to
seconds, the seconds to minutes, etc. To set a time of less than one second, set the seconds to any
number other than 00, then set the tenths of seconds to any number between 0.3 and 0.9, and then
set the seconds, minutes, and hours to 00.
If MANUAL is selected, the user can control the sequence steps by either using the ENCODER or
the ARROW KEYS. The up and right ARROW KEYS go forward in the sequence, and the down and
left ARROW KEYS go backward in the sequence. To end using the sequence, press the ENCODER
or any key except an ARROW KEY, select YES, and press ENTER.
Repeating the Sequence (Timed)
By setting REPEAT SEQUENCE to YES, the sequence cycle will keep repeating until the user
interrupts it by pressing any front-panel key (except the ARROW KEYS), selecting YES, and
pressing ENTER to exit the sequence. If REPEAT SEQUENCE is set to NO, the sequence will be
done once, and then the Model 1140A will automatically exit the sequence.
Repeating the Sequence (Manual)
By setting REPEAT SEQUENCE to YES, the user can cycle through the sequence multiple times
(going from the first step to the last and back to the first in a loop, etc.) until exiting the sequence
by pressing any front-panel key (except the ARROW KEYS) and selecting YES. If REPEAT SEQUENCE is set to NO, the user can go through the cycle and back but not from the last step to
the first step. Exit the sequence by pressing any front-panel key (except the ARROW KEYS), and
selecting YES.
4-15
Operation
DATA LOGGING MENU
START LOGGING NEW DATA
LOGGING INTERVAL
VIEW LOGGING SETUP
VIEW LOGGED DATA (3456 ENTRIES)
Figure 4-9: Data Logging Menu
Data Logging Menu and Downloading Data
In the METER mode, the Model 1140A has the capability to log, store, display, and download
10,000 data points, each of which contains a date, time, and the data itself. By going to the
DATA LOGGING MENU, the user can set the time interval between data points and start logging
data. Once data has been stored, the user can view the data on-screen and download the data in
various formats.
Initial Setup
Begin data logging by setting all front-panel parameters to the desired settings. If in the
TEMPERATURE mode, these include:
•Thermocouple type
•Thermocouple-offset units (if using alloy connections)
•Thermocouple offset (if using alloy connections)
•Reference-junction-temperature units
•Reference-junction temperature
•Instrument mode (must be METER)
•Output mode (TEMPERATURE)
•System-temperature units
•Material
•Terminals used (if using ALLOY connections)
•Copper offset units (if using COPPER connections)
•Copper voltage offset (if using COPPER connections)
•Autozero enabled
•Autozero temperature offset (if autozero is ON)
If in the VOLTAGE mode, these include:
•Instrument mode (must be METER)
•Output mode (VOLTAGE)
•System voltage units
•Material (COPPER)
•Copper offset units
•Copper voltage offset
•Autozero enabled
•Autozero voltage offset (if autozero is ON)
To facilitate setup, once the front-panel settings are complete, the user may want to store the
settings as a memory file for later recall using the MEMORY MENU.
4-16
Operation
Start Data Logging
When the logging interval has been set, upon pressing ENTER the user will be asked to confirm
that old data can be overwritten. Answer NO to return to the DATA LOGGING MENU without
overwriting existing data. Answer YES, and the Model 1140A will begin logging data. One to
10,000 data points can be captured.
Logging Interval
Pressing ENTER on this option takes the user to an hours-minute-second display at which the user
can select any time-interval setting from one second to 99 hours: 59 minutes: 59 seconds. A
setting of 00:00:00 is not allowed. When incrementing or decrementing time, the seconds do not
spill over to minutes, and the minutes do not spill over to hours.
Viewing Logged Instrument Setup
This screen will allow the user to view all the setup parameters in place when data logging
commenced. It will be displayed in a vertical column that the user can scroll through using either
the ENCODER or ARROW KEYS.
Viewing Logged Data
Data that has been captured can be viewed by selecting this option. The data (time:date:data
point) will be displayed in a vertical column that the user can scroll through using either the
ENCODER or the ARROW KEYS. When using the ARROW KEYS, holding down the up or down
arrow will accelerate the scrolling.
Downloading Data
Once data has been captured, the user can then download it via any installed remote interface.
Refer to Section VI for details.
The DISPLAY MENU allows the user to set the screen contrast and backlight intensity for best
viewing. The settings can be changed using either the ENCODER or the ARROW KEYS. The
keyboard is inactive in this menu. Additionally, the user is given the opportunity to set a time
after which the backlight will extinguish, if there has been no front-panel activity. Front-panel
activity resets the countdown for the timeout interval.
4-17
Operation
Contrast
Set the contrast to any number from 0 (lightest) to 40 (darkest). Typically, a setting of 20 to 25
will be adequate for most situations.
Backlight Bright
Set the backlight to any number from 0 (backlight off) to 100 (brightest). Typically, a setting of
45 to 55 is best for viewing.
Backlight Mode
There are three choices for the backlight mode: ON where the backlight is always on, OFF where
the backlight is always off, and TIMED for which there are four settings under BACKLIGHT TIME.
Backlight Time
When BACKLIGHT MODE is set to TIMED, the user has four choices for the time duration of the
backlight: 30 SECONDS, 1 MINUTE, 2 MINUTES, and 5 MINUTES. Once the front-panel controls
have been inactive for the set time, the backlight will extinguish. Any front-panel activity will
restart the time. Pressing the ESC key will restart the time without changing any front-panel
settings.
REMOTE MENU
ACTIVE INTERFACE: USB
GPIB SETUP
ETHERNET SETUP
1120 EMULATION MODE: ENABLED
1120 ASTERISK TC TYPE: N-MN175
Figure 4-11: Remote Menu
Remote Menu
(See Section VI for Remote Operation)
The Model 1140A can have up to three interface cards installed at any one time, including the
built-in USB. The REMOTE MENU tells the user what interfaces, if any, are installed and which
one is active; and it allows the user to set the instrument’s remote address.
Model 1120 Remote Emulation
When the Model 1120 Remote Emulation option is installed, the fourth and fifth menu items will
appear. Line four allows the user to ENABLE or DISABLE the Model 1120 Remote Emulation
mode. When Model 1120 Remote Emulation is enabled, the annunciator 1120 MODE will appear
at the upper middle of the display. In this mode, the Model 1140A will only accept remote
commands that are formatted in accordance with the Model 1120 remote command set. See
Section VI. The fifth line allows the user to designate the thermocouple type that will be the
“asterisk” type. The Model 1120 holds eight different thermocouple modules, and there are
dedicated front-panel keys for seven of them: Types E, J, K, T, S, R, and B. The eighth slot can
be either Type N, Type C, or Type Platinel II. This was designated on the display screen of the
4-18
Operation
Model 1120 with an asterisk, and the user has to know what thermocouple type the asterisk
represents. In the Model 1140A, any thermocouple type can be designated as the “asterisk”
thermocouple type.
The Model 1120 Remote Emulation mode will work over all interfaces offered for the
Model 1140A, although this mode was created for customers who were using Model 1120’s and
desired to upgrade to the Model 1140A without rewriting remote code for their calibration and
production systems. Nearly all of these customers were using the GPIB interface.
When the Model 1120 Remote Emulation option is installed and enabled, standby mode is
unavailable.
Changing the active interface
To change the active interface from the REMOTE menu, highlight ACTIVE INTERFACE, press ENTER, highlight the desired interface to activate, and again press ENTER.
USB Setup
No setup is needed in the Model 1140A to use the USB interface. If using LabVIEW, the
Model 1140A is a USB Test & Measurement Class (USBTMC) device.
GPIB Setup
The only setup necessary for GPIB use is setting the address. To set the address of the GPIB
interface, whether it is active or not, highlight GPIB SETUP and press ENTER. Then, using the
encoder or the arrow keys, enter a valid address (0 to 30) and again press ENTER.
Ethernet Setup
DHCP Enabled
Enable DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to allow adding the Model 1140A to a
network with little interaction required. To enable it, highlight ETHERNET SETUP and press
ENTER. Then using the arrow keys or the encoder, select ENABLE and press ENTER. When DHCP
is enabled, the IP ADDRESS, NETMASK, GATEWAY, and NAMESERVER are set by a DHCP server
on the network.
When DHCP is enabled, the user simply may give the Model 1140A a HOST NAME, which can be
blank, and the TELNET PORT number.
Host Name
The HOST NAME is the unique name by which the device is known on the network. To create or
change it, highlight HOST NAME and press ENTER. Create any name from 0 to 15 characters
using the keypad, arrow keys, and the ENCODER. Names can include numbers and letters. No
blanks or symbols are allowed. To remove a character, place the cursor under the character to be
removed and press the +/− key. When finished, press ENTER.
Telnet Port
The default setting for the TELNET PORT (Telecommunication Network) is 23. Valid port
numbers are any between 0 and 65535. To change it, highlight TELNET PORT and press ENTER.
Although the arrow keys and the ENCODER can be used to change the port, use the keypad to
4-19
Operation
directly enter desired port number and then press ENTER. If the user wished to use the arrow keys
and ENCODER, note that number places are added with the left arrow key.
DHCP Disabled
When DHCP is DISABLED, the user must enter additional settings: IP ADDRESS, NETMASK,
GATEWAY, and NAMESERVER. These settings should be obtained from the system administrator
for the network in which the Model 1140A is connected. To enter them, highlight the desired
number, press ENTER, key in the number, and again press ENTER.
Browser Screen
Once all the settings have been entered, the user may want to use a web browser to perform
remote changes to the Model 1140A. To begin this feature, open the computer’s browser. In the
address field type in the HOST NAME (default ECTRON1140A) or fully qualified domain name and
press the computer’s ENTER. Once the screen loads, the user can change settings on the computer
and click on SUBMIT to effect the changes. See Figure 4-12. If Javascript is supported in the
browser, the screen will update every second.
Figure 4-12: Web Browser Using the Ethernet Interface
4-20
Operation
MAINTENANCE MENU
10-MAY-2017 15:31:14
SET DATE
SET TIME
ALIGNMENT
POWER-ON STANDBY MODE
RESET INSTRUMENT TO DEFAULT VALUES
Figure 4-13: Maintenance Menu
Maintenance Menu
Use the MAINTENANCE MENU to SET DATE, SET TIME, and RESET INSTRUMENT TO DEFAULT
VALUES. The current settings for date and time are displayed above the menu options.
ALIGNMENT will not appear unless the alignment switch is “on.”
Set Date
Selecting SET DATE takes the user to a 100-year calendar (January, 2000 through December,
2099) from which the user can easily set the date using the ARROW KEYS or the ENCODER.
Set Time
The hours (0 to 23), minutes, and seconds can be set using ARROW KEYS or the ARROW KEYS
with the ENCODER. The KEYPAD is not active to set time.
Alignment
When the alignment-enable switch (recessed in a square hole in the bottom cover just to the rear
of the KEYPAD) is switched to the user’s right, the ALIGNMENT sub-menu can be accessed. For
alignment instructions, see Section X, Alignment.
Power-on Standby Mode
This option controls whether the Model 1140A will be in standby mode when first turned on. The
default setting is ON. If changed to OFF, the instrument will not enter standby mode on power-up.
In either case, the OPR/STBY (ENTER) key still toggles standby off or on.
Reset Instrument to Default Values
Selecting this option and then selecting YES with confirmation to reset all settings will reset the
Model 1140A to those settings in Table 4-2. ALIGNMENT of the instrument, MEMORY and
SEQUENCE settings, and settings from the DISPLAY MENU and MAINTENANCE MENU are not
affected.
4-21
Operation
Table 4-2: Default Settings
ParameterSetting
Thermocouple type / OutputK-MN175* / 0.00°C
Thermocouple offset unitsSystem units
Thermocouple offset0.00°C
Reference-junction-temperature unitsSystem units
Reference-junction temperature 0.00°C
Instrument modeSource
Output modeTemperature
System temperature unitsCelsius (°C)
System voltage unitsVolts (V)
Temperature resolution limit0.01°
Voltage resolution limit0.1 µV
Temperature scaleITS-90
MaterialAlloy
TerminalsThermocouple connector
Copper offset unitsSystem units
Copper voltage offset0.000000 V
Autozero enabledNo
Autozero temperature offset
+0.00°C
DIAGNOSTICS MENU
KEYPAD TEST
LCD TEST
ABOUT
Figure 4-14: Diagnostics Menu
Diagnostics Menu
The DIAGNOSTICS MENU is provided for the user to verify that the KEYPAD switches and the
LCD display bits are working properly.
Keypad Test
Select KEYPAD TEST to test any front-panel control for proper operation. The screen will indicate
any signal received from the front-panel controls, such as 6 PRESSED, ENTER RELEASED,
DECIMAL POINT HELD, or ENCODER TURNED CLOCKWISE. Press ESC when finished.
LCD Test
Select LCD TEST to test all the bits on the display. Initially, a horizontal bar slowly moves up and
down on the screen. By pressing either the up or down ARROW KEY or turning the ENCODER, the
user can manually control the position of the line to more closely observe the display bits.
4-22
Operation
About
Select ABOUT to display the versions for the FIRMWARE and the COMPILER, the compile date for
the firmware, and the serial number of the unit.
4-23
Operation
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4-24
SECTION V
5 APPLICATIONS
GENERAL
The Model 1140A is a high-accuracy thermocouple simulator-calibrator incorporating the latest
circuit design, a fast microcontroller, intuitive and user-friendly software, and many new
functions. Because this instrument offers a new level of accuracy and resolution, new applications are available not possible with lesser simulators. Some of these are outlined in this section.
FUNCTIONS
The following instrument modes are available selected either by front panel or by remote control:
Source Mode
With the output mode set to TEMPERATURE, the Model 1140A becomes a precision thermo-
couple simulator with six digits of display and resolution to 0.01 degrees.1 Because of this
display resolution, even high-temperature signals can have high resolution. For electrically noisy
environments, the resolution can be reduced.
For example it is possible to set a Type J thermocouple to 1155.55°C. The 6-month accuracy at
this setting is ±0.07°C.
When sourcing thermocouple voltages (without cold-junction compensation) the resolution is
0.1 µV with six digits of display. An example of its display and resolution capabilities could be
simulating a Type J thermocouple at 1150°C and a display of 66,679.2 µV.
In the linear mode (output mode set to VOLTAGE), it is a precision 0.002% dc source (30-day
specification) with 7 digits of display and resolution to 0.1 µV. For example, this allows a plus or
minus 9.876543 V signal to be generated with a resolution of 1.0 µV.
Meter Mode
With the output mode set to TEMPERATURE, the Model 1140A is a precision thermocouple-
measuring meter (auto-ranging digital thermometer) with resolution to 0.01 degrees1 and six
digits of display.
In the linear mode (output mode set to VOLTAGE), it is a precision dc-measuring meter (auto-
ranging digital voltmeter) with seven digits of display and resolution to 0.1 µV.
1 In any of the temperature modes of operation, resolution is automatically reduced to 0.1°C when the Seebeck
coefficient (change in emf per degree) is less than 10 µV/°C.
5-1
Applications
CAUTION
The battery pack, if installed, must be charged at
least once every two months. If this is not done, the
battery-pack voltage may decay beyond its ability to
recover.
BATTERY OPERATION
Although operation from either ac power or battery makes virtually no difference to the user,
there are some precautions that should be observed. The battery pack is of the nickel-metal
hydride (Ni-MH) type which, unlike Ni Cad batteries, should never be allowed to discharge
completely. Fortunately, the sophisticated charger circuitry used in this instrument prevents this
from happening.
To charge the battery pack optimally, its temperature is continuously monitored. In addition, if its
temperature is outside of recommended limits charging is not allowed. Two charge current levels
are incorporated. The first is a high-rate charge allowing a three-hour charge time. The second is
a lower charge current used to “top off” the battery.
This battery pack can be given a partial charge when necessary although a full charge period
should be used periodically to preserve optimum battery life.
Another very important characteristic of the Ni-MH battery is that it should be recharged at least
every two months to obtain maximum life. Normal performance can be obtained from the battery
over the full temperature range of this instrument: 0°C to 50°C.
For details of the battery-related messages that may appear in the display of the Model 1140A,
see Message Displays in the Operation section.
CONNECTIONS
Binding posts and a mini-three-pin thermocouple connector are provided for source and measure
connections. Four temperature sensors embedded in the front-panel terminals, two in the minithermocouple connector and two in the binding posts, allow the Model 1140A to compensate for
ambient temperature variations. Despite Ectron’s best efforts to minimize errors at these
terminals, certain thermal conditions can cause measurable errors in both measure and source
modes.
Thermocouple Connections
When using thermocouples, the choice of either the binding posts or the mini-connector is up to
the user and the application. However, better performance sometimes can be obtained using the
binding posts, because their higher thermal mass allows better sensing within each terminal. This
would only be a concern when highest possible accuracy is required and ambient conditions are
poor.
For instance, if local conditions include variable air temperature such as operation on a flight line
and in addition highest accuracy is required, then slightly more stable results may be obtained
when using the binding posts.
5-2
Applications
Temperature Variation
There are two primary sources of these errors: handling the thermocouple wires or the miniconnector and air flowing past the terminals. Typically these errors are well under 0.1°C
although some conditions can increase these errors, and precautions must be taken to maintain
the high accuracy of the instrument.
Air that flows past the front-panel terminals from fans or air ducts is a typical source of the
problem. The amount of error depends on the temperature of the air and its velocity as well as the
thermocouple type and the gage of the wires being used.
Shielding the terminals from air currents will minimize this problem and is usually sufficient.
When wires are heated by handling, the usual remedy is to wait for stabilization. When this is not
possible consider using smaller gage wire to reduce the effect.
NOTE
When in either source or measure modes using thermocouples, it is necessary to set the instrument to
the connector in use since the sensing of temperature of each of the terminals in use is required to
precisely cancel temperature effects at these junctions. Setup for the connection in use is accomplished through the Main Menu and its sub-menus.
CONSIDERATIONS
Polarity of Thermocouple Wires
Among the most common mistakes made when working with thermocouple wires is to reverse
the wire connections. Use the manufacturer’s designation and refer to Table 4-1 and to
http://www.omega.com/techref/thermcolorcodes.html2 to determine the positive and negative
wires. The negative wire is usually colored red for the following thermocouple wires: E, J, K, T,
R, S, and N.
When the output mode is set to TEMPERATURE, the positive wire is always connected to the
upper terminal of the binding posts. However, following standard convention, the minithermocouple connector is reversed. For this connector, the top pin is negative, and the middle
pin is positive.
When the output mode is set to VOLTAGE in either meter or source mode, the upper binding post
terminal is positive. Note that the thermocouple connector is also active with reversed terminals;
that is, positive is the middle terminal.
Shielding and the Guard Terminals
Historically, thermocouple cabling did not include shielding. This was acceptable for accuracies
of a few percent but as the requirement for higher accuracy and more resolution has increased,
the need for shielding increases. In addition, the preferred wiring is twisted-pair shielded cables.
2 Courtesy of Omega Engineering, Inc.
5-3
Applications
The twisted wires cancel induced noise from magnetic sources while the shield protects from
induced voltage noise.
Shielding of signal leads is recommended when high resolution or high accuracy is required.
Without shielding noise pickup can be as much as 50 µV. Depending on thermocouple type this
can amount to 1°C or to many degrees for low-output thermocouples. The shield should be
connected to the guard terminal of either the binding posts or the connector.
Shielded, twisted-pair wiring is recommended when noise-generating sources are near cable
runs. Typical noise sources include motors, generators, and electronic equipment emitting high
levels of pulse noise. Even the electromagnetic interference (EMI) from fluorescent lights,
especially those with electronic ballasts, can add noise when in close proximity to either the
thermocouple or dc wiring.
Grounding
The output of the Model 1140A is referenced to an internal floating ground. This ground is
isolated from the input power, chassis, and the remote interface. It is usually sufficient to connect
the low output terminal on the Model 1140A’s front panel to the input ground or common of the
instrument that the Model 1140A is feeding. Sometimes it may be desirable to use a separate
wire (other than the thermocouple leads) to connect to an instrument ground on the bench.
For safety reasons and for lowest noise, it is important that the chassis of the Model 1140A be
connected to an earth ground, as is normally provided by the ac power cord. The Model 1140A
contains a power line filter, which diverts noise to earth ground.
ITS-90 and IPTS-68
These temperature scales are defined by the National Institute of Standards Technology.
Although the higher-accuracy ITS-90 is the current temperature scale recommended by NIST,
many older instruments still use the IPTS-68. To satisfy these needs, Ectron provides both.
When using IPTS-68, the thermocouple types that are normally based on NIST Monograph 175
are instead based on older NIST standards: Types B, E, J, K, R, S, and T use Monograph 125 and
Type N uses Monograph 161.
Offset
Available both in thermocouple and in linear voltage operation, an offset can be added or
subtracted from the output. This is normally used when a thermocouple has a known offset;
adding this offset allows the Model 1140A to provide higher-accuracy measurements. When an
offset is set, OFFSET is noted in the lower middle right of the display, with the value underneath.
The available range of offset is ±5°C for all thermocouple types or ±11.000 V dc for dc voltages.
The thermocouple offset, accessible through the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET
menu, is intended to be an offset at the temperature of the Model 1140A terminals, and is not an
offset at the simulated (or measured) temperature.
The offset applied is computed using the Seebeck coefficient for the current thermocouple type,
at the temperature of the front-panel terminals in use. As such it can be used to compensate for
an error of a thermocouple calibrated at the environment of the Model 1140A, and is not
intended to compensate for thermocouple errors at other temperatures.
5-4
Applications
Note that the sense of the offset value can be thought of as a correction to the actual
thermocouple emf. Thus, if the calibrated thermocouple’s output was less than the standard emf
for that type, the correction applied would need to be positive. On the Model 1140A, a positive
value would be entered in the THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
NOTE
Each thermocouple type has its own offset. If the
thermocouple type is changed, for example, from
Type E to Type J, the offset that was set for Type E
will not affect Type J measurements.
Autozero
Available for both thermocouple and linear voltage operation when using the Model 1140A in the
meter mode, an autozero can be commanded by local or remote control. When an autozero is
commanded, the readout is forced to a zero reading and further changes in signal are shown as
changes around the zero reading. Autozero is noted in the display as AZ and is located in the
upper middle of the display.
For example, if monitoring a temperature chamber whose temperature was 1600°C, the user
could command an autozero. Immediately the instrument reads zero and thereafter follows the
temperature variation of the chamber about zero with a high degree of accuracy and resolution.
The readout signals are coupled to the user’s interface for data logging or computation as
desired.
NOTE
Until an autozero is canceled both the display and
the interface data will reflect the change of the
autozero.
Low Output Impedance
Unlike many dc or thermocouple calibrators, the Model 1140A offers very low output impedance
(0.05 Ω maximum) in the source mode at all output levels. This very helpful characteristic
provides some important advantages for general operation.
A precision dc source can have loading problems even with high-impedance loads. One very
popular high-precision calibrator has an output resistance of 220 Ω for all voltages under
200 mV. With a 1 MΩ load the error at 100 mV is 20 µV or 220 ppm, well over its claimed
accuracy at this voltage. In contrast, using the Model 1140A the error would be under 0.5 ppm.
Another advantage is that several loads can be simultaneously connected to the output of the
Model 1140A when operating as a source. For instance, when operating as a thermocouple
simulator, usually several loads can be paralleled with no problem. This instrument allows this
practice but most other simulators or precision dc sources do not.
5-5
Applications
Guard Bands
Guard bands enable test limits to be set to allow for the worst-case measurement error. The use
of guard bands in most instances improves the probability that there are no good instruments that
are found to be out of specification and no bad ones that are found to be in specification.
Calibrating instruments that use low-output thermocouples (TC’s) or those that provide only a
small change in emf per degree (Seebeck effect) is most difficult since testing these instruments
requires a highly accurate and stable TC simulator.
Because the Model 1140A offers a new level of TC simulation accuracy, guard banding can be
reduced giving more assurance that the device-under-test is meeting its specification. For
example, if a data system is using Type S thermocouple material, and a test point is required at
1500°C, the nominal TC output is 15,581.67 µV and the Seebeck coefficient (emf change per
degree) is only 12.0369 µV. A lesser calibrator can provide only a calibration to 0.46°C whereas
the Model 1140A has an accuracy of 0.26°C. With accuracy demands increasing, 0.46°C may not
be tolerable.
Even for thermocouples in their normally used ranges, the Model 1140A’s contribution to error
budget allows users virtually to ignore the calibrator’s error margins.
5-6
SECTION VI
6 REMOTE OPERATION
GENERAL
The Model 1140A can be controlled remotely via one of the available interfaces: USB, GPIB,
Ethernet, and RS-232. Three remote interfaces can be installed at any one time with any one of
them being active.
REMOTE MENU
ACTIVE INTERFACE: USB
GPIB SETUP
ETHERNET SETUP
1120 EMULATION MODE: DISABLED
1120 ASTERISK TC TYPE: N-MN175
Figure 6-1: Remote Menu
REMOTE MENU
The REMOTE MENU shows the user what interfaces, if any, are installed and which one is active;
and it allows the user to set the instrument’s remote address.
CHANGING THE ACTIVE INTERFACE
To change the active interface from the REMOTE menu, highlight ACTIVE INTERFACE, press ENTER, highlight the desired interface to activate, and again press ENTER.
SETTING THE INTERFACE ADDRESS (GPIB ONLY)
To set the address of a GPIB interface, active or not, highlight GPIB SETUP and press ENTER.
Then, using the KEYPAD, ENCODER, or ARROW KEYS, enter a valid address (0 to 30) and again
press ENTER.
ACTIVATING AND DE-ACTIVATING REMOTE CONTROL
Activating the remote-mode operation of the Model 1140A is typically done automatically by the
program(s) associated with remote operation, such as LabVIEW by National Instruments. In the
absence of such a program, a lower-level command such as the GPIB command REN (remote
enable) can be employed.
When any remote interface is active, the Model 1140A gives priority to remote control over
front-panel control. Receipt of any remote command causes the Model 1140A to enter remote
mode, and the letters REM are shown in the upper-right corner of the display. These letters blink
off momentarily any time a remote command is received.
6-1
Remote Operation
If any front-panel key is pressed while in remote mode, a warning is displayed and the operator
asked whether to return to local mode. Returning to local mode allows front-panel control.
However, receipt of any remote command will again place the Model 1140A in remote mode.
:SOURce:TEMPerature:VALueTemperatureSimulation temperature
:SOURce:VOLTage:VALueVoltageSource voltage
:OUTPut:OVERload?Output overload status
:OUTPut:STANdby{ON, OFF}Toggle standby mode
Meter Mode
:SENSe:VALue?Retrieve meter-mode value
Thermocouple
:INSTrument:THERmocouple:TYPE:CATalog?Catalog of thermocouple types
:INSTrument:THERmocouple:TYPEThermocouple typeThermocouple type
:UNIT:THERmocouple:OFFSet{C, F, R, K, SYSTEM}Thermocouple offset units
:INSTrument:THERmocouple:OFFSet:VALueTemperatureThermocouple offset value
:UNIT:REFJunction{C, F, R, K, SYSTEM}Reference-junction units
:OUTPut:REFJunction:VALueTemperatureReference-junction temperature
Instrument
:INSTrument:MODE{SOUR, METER}Source or meter mode
:INSTrument:MODE:ENTRy{VOLT, TEMP}Voltage or temperature mode
:UNIT:TEMPerature{C, F, R, K)System temperature units
:INSTrument:TEMPerature:STANdard{ITS-90,IPTS-68}System temperature standard
:UNIT:VOLTage{mV, V)System voltage unit
Output
:INSTrument:MATerial{ALLOY, COPPER}Thermocouple or copper wire
:INSTrument:TERMinal{TC, POST}Output terminal
:UNIT:VOLTage:OFFSet{mV, V, SYSTEM}Voltage offset units
:INSTrument:VOLTage:OFFSet:VALueVoltageVoltage offset
:INPut:AZERoPerforms autozero function
:INPut:AZERo:STATeOFFTurn autozero off
:INPut:AZERo:VALue?Retrieve autozero offset
System
:STATus:PRESetRevert user settings to defaults
:SYSTem:REMotePlace unit in remote control
:SYSTem:LOCalPlace unit in local control
:SYSTem:DATE?Retrieve system date
:SYSTem:TIME?Retrieve system time
:SYSTem:SERialno?Retrieve unit’s serial number
:MEMory:CATalogRetrieve memory file catalog
:SYSTem:ERRor?Retrieve first error from queue
:SYSTem:ERRor:ALL?Retrieve all errors from queue
:SYSTem:ERRor:CODE?Retrieve code of next error
:SYSTem:ERRor:CODE:ALLRetrieve code of all errors
:SYSTem:ERRor:COUNtRetrieve count of errors in queue
Data Logging
:LOG:SETup?Data LoggingRetrieve log setup conditions
:LOG:DATA?Retrieve logged data
:LOG:SETup:FIRst?Retrieve first log setup line
:LOG:SETup:NEXt?Retrieve next log setup line
:LOG:DATA:FIRst?Retrieve first log data point
:LOG:DATA:NEXt?Retrieve next log data point
* To query, type a question mark (?) immediately after the command string as shown on query-only commands.
6-2
Remote Operation
Because the Model 1140A gives priority to remote control over front-panel control, continuous
or nearly continuous remote commands will essentially lock out the front panel. Therefore, the
remote command stream must be stopped before the Model 1140A can be controlled from the
front panel.
MODEL 1140A COMMANDS
Ectron Corporation has developed commands that are unique to the Model 1140A. In general,
these commands control nearly all functions of the THERMOCOUPLE MENU, the INSTRUMENT MODE MENU, and the OUTPUT MENU as well as the amplitude of the temperature or voltage
either being generated (SOURCE MODE) or measured (METER MODE). Table 6-1 shows the
commands that correspond to the aforementioned menus along with special commands as shown.
Either short commands (shown in capital letters only) or long commands (full words, shown in
mixed case) may be used. In reality, commands are not case-sensitive entering them either way.
Commands can be concatenated, but they must be limited to 128 bytes in length including any
required termination character. When concatenating commands, place a semicolon, which counts
as a byte, between the commands. For USB and Ethernet, a newline (ASCII 0x0A) must be sent
as a termination character. GPIB does not require a termination character as it uses hardware EOI
(End or Identify) for message termination.
Following are examples and discussion of the commands in Table 6-1.
Source-mode Commands and Queries
Set the Simulation Temperature :SOURce:TEMPerature:VALue {Temperature}
{Temperature} must be a valid numeric value representing a temperature for the
thermocouple type and system unit of measure currently in use. When the system
temperature unit of measure is changed, the Model 1140A will convert the simulation
temperature to the new unit of measure. For example if a temperature of 200°C is set, and
then the unit of measure is set to °F, the new source value will be 392.
Example::SOUR:TEMP:VAL 200
Example::SOUR:TEMP:VAL −23.45
Query the Simulation Temperature :SOURce:TEMPerature:VALue?
Returns the temperature value followed by the system temperature unit of measure as a
single character.
Example::SOUR:TEMP:VAL? returns the value displayed, e.g. +200.00F.
Set the Source Voltage :SOURce:VOLTage:VALue {Voltage}
{Voltage} must be a valid numeric value representing a voltage within the range of the
Model 1140A, considering the current system voltage unit of measure and offset voltage.
Example::SOUR:VOLT:VAL 1.456.
6-3
Remote Operation
Query the Current Source Voltage :SOURce:VOLTage:VALue?
Returns the current source voltage followed by the system voltage unit of measure.
Example::SOUR:VOLT:VAL? returns the output value, e.g. +1.456000V.
Query the Overload Status :OUTPut:OVERload?
If there is an overload, the Model 1140A returns a 1; if not, a 0.
Example::OUTP:OVER? will return 0 for no overload.
Change Standby Status :OUTPut:STANdby {Standby Status}
{Standby Status} must be OFF or ON.
Example::OUTP:STAN ON will put the unit in standby mode
Query the Standby Status :OUTPut:STANdby?
Returns OFF or ON.
Example::OUTP:STAN? will return ON for standby mode.
Meter-mode Query
Query the Value Measured by the Model 1140A in Meter Mode :SENSe:VALue?
This is returned as a string containing the number followed by the unit of measure currently
used for that value.
Example::SENS:VAL? returns the presently measured value, e.g. +234.56C.
Thermocouple Commands and Queries
Query Available Thermocouple Types :INSTrument:THERmocouple:TYPE:CATalog?
Returns a comma-delimited string of available thermocouple types.
Set the Thermocouple Type :INSTrument:THERmocouple:TYPE {Type}
{Type} must be a type in the catalog of the available thermocouple types (see above).
Note: If the thermocouple type is changed without changing the simulation temperature, an
error could result if the current simulation temperature is out of range for the new
thermocouple type. The same can happen if the simulation temperature is set first but the
new simulation temperature is outside the range of the old thermocouple type.
6-4
Remote Operation
Setting either the thermocouple type or the simulation temperature first will usually resolve
the issue, but not always. There are pairs of thermocouple types for which neither the new
nor the old simulation temperature will be within range of both new and old thermocouple
types.
The solution is to first set the simulation temperature to a temperature from 250°C to 400°C
(482°F to 752°F, 523.15 K to 673.15 K, or 941.67°R to 1211.67°R), then change the
thermocouple type, and finally set the simulation temperature to the desired value. This
range of temperatures is within all supported thermocouple types and hence will not result in
an error.
Example::INST:THER:TYPE R-MN175 sets the thermocouple to Type R per NIST
Monograph 175.
Query the Active Thermocouple Type :INSTrument:THERmocouple:TYPE?
Returns the thermocouple type currently in use.
Example::INST:THER:TYPE? returns B-MN175, for example.
Set the Thermocouple Offset Unit of Measure
:UNIT:THERmocouple:OFFSet {Temperature unit of measure}
{Temperature unit of measure} must be C, F, R, K, or SYSTEM. If SYSTEM is entered, the
thermocouple offset will use the present system temperature unit of measure. When the
offset unit of measure is changed, the offset value may change, e.g. if the value is 4 and the
unit of measure is changed from °C to °F, the value will change to 7.2. No change will occur
when the unit of measure is changed from °F to °R or from °C to K.
Example::UNIT:THER:OFFS C sets the offset unit of measure to Celsius.
Query the Current Thermocouple Offset Unit of Measure :UNIT:THERmocouple:OFFSet?
Returns C, F, R, or K.
Example::UNIT:THER:OFFS? could return F.
Set the Offset for the Current Thermocouple Type
:INSTrument:THERmocouple:OFFSet:VALue {Temperature value}
{Temperature value} must be within the range of −5 to +5 for temperature in Celsius and
Kelvins and −9 to +9 for temperature in Fahrenheit and Rankine. If the offset unit of
measure is later changed, the offset value may change: e.g. if the value is 4 and the unit of
measure is changed from C to F, the value will change to 7.2. No change will occur when
the unit of measure is changed from F to R or from C to K. Note that separate offsets are
stored for each thermocouple type.
Example::INST:THER:OFFS:VAL 3.4.
Query the Thermocouple Offset Value :INSTrument:THERmocouple:OFFSet:VALue?
Returns the offset temperature followed by its unit of measure as a single character.
6-5
Remote Operation
Example::INST:THER:OFFS:VAL? could return +1.45C.
Set the Reference-junction Temperature Unit of Measure :UNIT:REFJunction {Unit of measure}
{Unit of measure} must be C, F, R, K, or SYSTEM. If SYSTEM is entered, referencejunction unit of measure will be the present system unit of measure. When the referencejunction temperature unit of measure is changed, the reference-junction temperature value
may change: e.g. if the value is 25 and the unit of measure is changed from C to F, the value
will change to 77. No change will occur when the unit of measure is changed from F to R or
from C to K.
Example::UNIT:REFJ F sets the reference-junction temperature unit of measure to
Fahrenheit.
Query the Reference-junction Temperature Unit of Measure :UNIT:REFJunction?
Returns C, F, R, or K.
Example::UNIT:REFJ? returns C.
Set the Reference-junction Temperature :OUTPut:REFJunction:VALue {Temperature}
{Temperature} must be a valid numeric value representing a temperature for the thermocouple type and reference-junction unit of measure currently in use. When the referencejunction unit of measure is changed, the offset value may change, e.g. if the value is 4 and
the unit of measure is changed from C to F, the value will change to 39.2. No change will
occur when the unit of measure is changed from F to R or from C to K. Note that the
reference-junction temperature is only used when the output entry mode and output material
differ in nature (temperature and copper connections, or voltage and alloy connections).
Example::OUTP:REFJ:VAL 77 sets the reference-junction-temperature value to 77.
Query the Reference-junction Value :OUTPut:REFJunction:VALue?
This will return the reference-junction temperature followed by its unit of measure as a
single character.
Example::OUTP:REFJ:VAL? could return +77F.
Instrument Commands and Queries
Set the Instrument Mode :INSTrument:MODE {Mode}
{Mode} must be SOURCE or METER.
Example::INST:MODE SOURCE sets the mode to source.
Query the Present Instrument Mode :INSTrument:MODE?
Returns SOURCE or METER.
Example::INST:MODE? returns SOURCE.
6-6
Remote Operation
Set the Output Entry Mode :INSTrument:MODE:ENTRy {Mode}
{Mode} must be VOLT (for voltage) or TEMP (for temperature).
Example::INST:MODE:ENTR TEMP sets the instrument entry mode to temperature.
Query the Entry Mode :INSTrument:MODE:ENTRy?
Returns either VOLT (for voltage) or TEMP (for temperature).
Example::INST:MODE:ENTR? returns VOLT.
Set the System-temperature Unit of Measure :UNIT:TEMPerature {Unit of measure}
Valid entries for {Unit of Measure} are C, F, R, and K. Any temperature except output offset
temperatures will be converted to the new system temperature unit of measure.
Example::UNIT:TEMP F sets the temperature unit of measure to Fahrenheit.
Query the System-temperature Unit of Measure :UNIT:TEMPerature?
Returns C, F, R, or K.
Example::UNIT:TEMP? may return C.
Set the Instrument Temperature Standard :INSTrument:TEMPerature:STANdard {Standard}
{Standard} must be ITS-90 or IPTS-68.
Note: Changing the instrument’s temperature standard will change the names used for
thermocouple Types B, E, J, K, N, R, S, and T. Refer to Thermocouple Commands and
Queries above for details.
Example::INST:TEMP:STAN ITS-90 sets the International Temperature Scale of 1990.
Query the Instrument Temperature Standard :INSTrument:TEMPerature:STANdard?
Returns ITS-90 or IPTS-68.
Example::INST:TEMP:STAN? returns ITS-90.
Set the System Voltage Unit of Measure :UNIT:VOLTage {Voltage unit of measure}
{Voltage unit of measure} must be mV (millivolts) or V (volts).
Example::UNIT:VOLT V sets the system voltage unit of measure to volts.
Query the System Voltage Unit of Measure :UNIT:VOLTage?
Returns mV or V.
Example::UNIT:VOLT? returns mV.
6-7
Remote Operation
Output Commands and Queries
Set the Material to be Connected :INSTrument:MATerial {Material}
Valid inputs for {Material} are ALLOY or COPPER.
Example::INST:MAT ALLOY sets the unit to work with alloy connections.
Query the Material of the Wires with which the Model 1140A is set to operate
:INSTrument:MATerial?
Example::INST:MAT? would return either COPPER or ALLOY.
Activate the connector to be used :INSTrument:TERMinal {Connector}
{Connector} must be TC (for the thermocouple connector) or POST (for the white binding
posts). This command only pertains to alloy connections. Temperature sensors are embedded
in the connectors, and only one set, either the thermocouple connector or the binding posts,
is active at a time.
Example::INST:TERM TC activates the thermocouple connector.
Query the Output Terminal in use :INSTrument:TERMinal?
Example::INST:TERM? returns TC for the thermocouple connector or POST for the
binding posts.
Set the Unit of Measure for Voltage-entry-mode Offset
:UNIT:VOLTage:OFFSet {Voltage unit of measure}
{Voltage unit of measure} must be mV (for millivolts), V (for volts), or SYSTEM . If
SYSTEM is commanded, the Model 1140A will use the system voltage unit of measure.
Example::UNIT:VOLT:OFFS mV sets the unit of measure to mV (millivolts).
Query the Current Unit of Measure for the Voltage-entry-mode Offset :UNIT:VOLTage:OFFSet?
Returns either mV (for millivolts) or V (for volts).
Example::UNIT:VOLT:OFFS? returns V (volts).
Set the Offset for Voltage-entry mode :INSTrument:VOLTage:OFFSet:VALue {Voltage}
{Voltage} must be in the range of −11 to +11. Note that this command is always in volts
regardless of the unit of measure setting.
Example::INST:VOLT:OFFS:VAL .0001 for 100 µV.
Example::INST:VOLT:OFFS:VAL −2E−2 for −20 mV.
Query the Offset for Voltage-Entry Mode :INSTrument:VOLTage:OFFSet:VALue?
Returns the voltage followed by the voltage-entry-mode offset unit of measure.
This command is only valid when the instrument mode is METER.
Example::INP:AZER. The instant that this command is sent, the Model 1140A will
read 0 V (or mV, °C, °F, °R, or K).
Disable the Autozero Offset :INPut:AZERo:STATe {OFF}
This command does not change stored value of the autozero.
Example::INP:AZER:STAT OFF.
Query the Autozero State :INPut:AZERo:STATe?
Returns OFF or ON.
Example::INP:AZER:STAT? returns OFF (autozero is off).
Query the Current Autozero Offset Value :INPut:AZERo:VALue?
This command returns a voltage or temperature depending on the current entry mode. It is
returned along with the corresponding voltage or temperature system unit of measure.
Example::INP:AZER:VAL? returns +26C.
System Commands and Queries
Reset the Model 1140A to Default Values :STATus:PRESet
The following command will reset the Model 1140A to its default values. Not affected are
screen contrast and brightness, contents of the MEMORY MENU and the SEQUENCE MENU,
and calibration parameters. Table 4-2 lists the default values.
Example::STAT:PRES.
Place the Unit in Remote Control :SYSTem:REMote
Example::SYST:REM places the unit under remote control.
Place the Unit in Local Control :SYSTem:LOCal
Example::SYST:LOC places the unit under local control.
Query the System Date :SYSTem:DATE?
Example::SYST:DATE? might return 10-MAY-2017.
Query the System Time :SYSTem:TIME?
Example::SYST:TIME? might return 15:07:37.
Query the Serial Number of the unit :SYSTem:SERialno?
Example::SYST:SER? might return 12345.
6-9
Remote Operation
Query the Unit’s Memory Files :MEMory:CATalog?
Returns a comma-separated list of file names.
Example::MEM:CAT? might return TEST1,TEST2.
Table 6-2: Model 1140A Error Codes
CodeDescription ReturnedExplanation
0 No error
101 Temperature out of rangeThe simulation temperature being programmed is out of
range for the current thermocouple type.
102 Reference junction temp
out of range
103 Temp out of range for
thermocouple
104 Ref jct out of range for
thermocouple
105 Voltage out of rangeThe voltage being programmed is out of range.
106 Output overloadThe Model 1140A is incapable of supplying the
107 Thermocouple invalid for
temperature scale
–100 Command errorUnrecognized query, command, or command parameter.
–101 Command not allowed in
Standby mode
–315 Nonvolatile memory errorAn internal memory error occurred at startup.
–350 Queue overflowAn overflow occurred in the error queue; the older error(s)
The reference-junction temperature being programmed is
out of range for the current thermocouple type.
The current reference-junction temperature is out of range
for the thermocouple type being programmed.
The current simulation temperature is out of range for the
thermocouple type being programmed.
programmed output.
The thermocouple type commanded is not available in the
current temperature scale.
A command was received which could not be acted on in
Standby mode.
have been discarded.
Query the First Error in the Queue :SYSTem:ERRor?
This command pops the oldest error out of the queue and returns its numeric code as well as
a brief description, separated by a comma. Refer to Table 6-2 for error codes.
This query returns all date, time, and data points, one line per reading. The line items are
delimited (separated) by commas for easy conversion to a spreadsheet. Each line is
numbered.
Example::LOG:DATA? returns:
1,10-MAY-2017,16:06:01,+24.53C
2,10-MAY-2017,16:07:01,+24.54C
3, etc.
The next four commands allow the user to query the setup and the data points one line at a time.
Query the First Line of Data Logging Setup :LOG:SETup:FIRst?
Query the Next Line of Data Logging Setup :LOG:SETup:NEXt?
Returns the next line of the setup in the same order that :LOG:SETup? lists them.
Example::LOG:SET:NEX? may return THERMOCOUPLE TYPE,J-MN175.
Query the First Line of Logged Data :LOG:DATA:FIRst?
Example::LOG:DATA:FIR? may return 1,10-MAY-2017,16:01:01,+23.53C.
Query the Next Line of Logged Data :LOG:DATA:NEXt?
Returns the next line of logged data following the previously retrieved data using this query.
Example::LOG:DATA:NEX? may return 2,10-MAY-2017,16:02:01,+23.54C.
MODEL 1120 REMOTE EMULATION OPTION
Background
The Model 1120 Remote Emulation option was developed for those customers who have been
controlling their Model 1120’s on a GPIB bus with dedicated programming. The Model 1120
Remote Emulation mode allows them to connect the Model 1140A to their existing systems and
have the Model 1140A function in those systems. Ectron does not recommend writing new code
for the Model 1140A using the Model 1120 Emulation mode.
While the Model 1120 was controlled remotely with either GPIB or RS-232, the Model 1140A
can be controlled by Ethernet and USB as well in the Model 1120 Remote Emulation mode. It is
anticipated by Ectron that customers who require the this option will be using GPIB.
Limitations
When a Model 1140A is equipped with the Model 1120 Remote Emulation option, and it is
ENABLED, the Model 1140A will respond to Model 1120 remote commands with certain
limitations as described below.
Packet Delimiter
The Models 1120 and 1140A both detect the EOI GPIB bus flag as a packet delimiter. In
addition, the Model 1140A also treats carriage return and newline characters as packet delimiters.
This is only significant if remotely editing output values over multiple packets (see below).
Command Processing
The Model 1120 processes commands sequentially regardless of whether they were received
over the remote interface or entered at the front panel. This allows users to send parts of
command strings over the remote interface and interleave commands from the front panel. The
Model 1120 Remote Emulation mode on the Model 1140A does not support this feature, and
does not interpret front-panel keys in the same way as remote characters. Thus remote commands
and front-panel keys cannot be interleaved.
6-12
Remote Operation
Numeric Editing
The Model 1120 allows remote editing of the numeric value of the current output. Sending the
‘W’ character deletes the right-most digit currently on the display, and sending multiple ‘W’
characters removes multiple digits from the right end of the value. These can then be replaced
with numeric characters sent over the interface. This feature allows changing only the last few
digits without having to send the entire value.
The current numeric value is always shown on the Model 1120, and the sign flashes to indicate
that the value is being edited or entered. The Model 1140A supports these operations, but the
output value shown in large characters on the display does not change in real time to show
editing in progress. When editing is completed within one remote packet, only the completed
value is displayed. If remote packets are received that contain editing commands but no
subsequent ‘Z’ or ‘X’ character, the partially edited value is shown just above the large digits in
the middle of the display. This value will continue to be displayed until a ‘Z’ or ‘X’ character is
received, which can aid in debugging the editing process. When a packet containing a ‘Z’ or ‘X’
character is received, the edited value is no longer displayed.
Storage and Recall of Saved Values
Storage and recall of saved values (‘X’ or ‘Y’ character) are not supported. The ‘X’ character is
discarded without error. Any unprocessed edits to the output value are lost when the ‘X’
character is received. The reference-junction temperature cannot be set using the ‘X8’ command
nor can the output be set using the ‘X0’ command.
GPIB Parallel and Serial Poll and Local Lockout
GPIB parallel poll and local lockout are not supported. Serial polling is allowed.
Default Thermocouple Type at Power-up
In the Model 1140A the thermocouple type at power-up is determined by what thermocouple
type was selected when the instrument was powered down. There are no thermocouple modules
in the Model 1140A with which to determine the default thermocouple type.
Meter and Source Modes
Since the Model 1120 only operated in source mode, the Model 1140A only operates in source
mode when the Model 1120 Remote Emulation mode is ENABLED. If this mode is enabled and
the user attempts to change the instrument mode to meter, the following error message will
appear on the screen:
METER MODE NOT ALLOWED
IN 1120 EMULATION MODE
PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE
If the Model 1140A is in the METER mode, and the user ENABLES the Model 1120 Remote
Emulation mode, the Model 1140A will switch to SOURCE mode.
Standby Mode
When the Model 1120 Remote Emulation mode is enabled, standby mode is unavailable.
6-13
Remote Operation
Model 1120 Remote Control Operation
Commands are sent to the Model 1120 as if the user were entering them at the front panel. For
example, the string of 4.581MUZ would return 4.581 mV in copper mode. If an error is made in
the command, the Model 1120 returns an Error Code. In the Model 1140A using Model 1120
Remote Emulation, when an incorrect command is sent the applicable Error Code is returned to
the front panel between the annunciator 1120 MODE and the large value in the middle.
Table 6-3 gives all the valid commands (keystrokes) of the Model 1120 that are emulated in the
Model 1140A. Although the STO (store) and RCL (recall) commands will not return an error,
they are not supported by the Model 1140A.
E1The Temperature selected is beyond the specification for the selected thermocouple type.
E2The voltage selected is beyond the voltage range of the Model 1140A.
6-14
SECTION VII
7 THEORY OF OPERATION
Figure 7-1: Model 1140A Block Diagram
OPERATING MODES
The Model 1140A has four basic modes of operation: thermocouple simulator, thermocouple
meter, precision voltage source, and precision voltmeter. Additionally, the instrument can support
connections to user wires of either thermocouple alloy or copper.
The following equations give the equivalent output for each of the above eight conditions. In the
equations, the function f
(T) represents the theoretical emf that would be produced by a
cn
thermocouple of the selected type at temperature T.
Thermocouple Simulator (Alloy Output)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is simulating a thermocouple in the alloy
mode is
T
where T
is the equivalent temperature of the simulated thermocouple, T
OUTPUT
specified simulation temperature shown on the display, and T
OUTPUT
= T
SIMULATED
+ T
OFFSET
,
SIMULATED
is the offset temperature set in
OFFSET
is the user-
the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
7-1
Theory of Operation
Precision Voltage Source (Copper Output)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used as a precision linear voltage source in
the copper mode is
where V
is the voltage produced at the terminals, V
OUTPUT
on the display, and V
V
is the offset voltage set in the OUTPUT → COPPER VOLTAGE OFFSET
OFFSET
OUTPUT
= V
SOURCE
+V
,
OFFSET
is the user-specified voltage shown
SOURCE
menu.
Thermocouple Meter (Alloy Input)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used to measure temperature using a
thermocouple as its input is
T
= T
METER
where T
is the measured temperature shown on the display, T
METER
temperature of an ideal thermocouple connected to the terminals, T
INPUT
− T
OFFSET
− T
AZ
,
is the theoretical
INPUT
is the thermocouple
OFFSET
offset set in the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu, and TAZ is the autozero
offset temperature (if autozero is enabled).
Precision Voltmeter (Copper Input)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used as a precision voltmeter is
V
where V
is the measured voltage shown on the display, V
METER
the terminals, V
= V
METER
is the offset voltage set in the OUTPUT → COPPER VOLTAGE OFFSET
OFFSET
INPUT
− V
OFFSET
−V
,
AZ
is the input voltage applied at
INPUT
menu, and VAZ is the autozero offset voltage (if autozero is enabled).
Thermocouple Simulator (Copper Output)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used as a precision thermocouple voltage
source in the copper mode is
V
where V
is the voltage produced at the output terminals, T
OUTPUT
temperature of the simulated thermocouple, T
junction set in the THERMOCOUPLE → REF JCT TEMP menu, and T
OUTPUT
= f
cn (TSIMULATED
) − f
cn (TREFJCN
is the temperature of the simulated reference
REFJCN
) + f
cn (TOFFSET
SIMULATED
OFFSET
),
is the equivalent
is the offset temperature
set in the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
Thermocouple Meter (Copper Input)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used to measure emf’s in terms of
temperature in the copper mode is
T
= T
METER
where T
is the measured temperature shown on the display, T
METER
temperature of an ideal thermocouple connected to the terminals, T
INPUT
+ T
REFJCN
+ TAZ + T
OFFSET
INPUT
,
is the theoretical
is the temperature of the
REFJCN
7-2
Theory of Operation
simulated reference junction set in the THERMOCOUPLE → REF JCT TEMP menu, TAZ is the
autozero offset temperature (if autozero is enabled), and T
is the offset temperature set in
OFFSET
the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
Precision Voltage Source (Alloy Output)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used as a precision voltage source in the
alloy mode is
V
where V
shown on the display, T
is the voltage produced at the output terminals, V
OUTPUT
REFJCN
THERMOCOUPLE → REF JCT TEMP menu, and T
OUTPUT
= V
SOURCE
− f
cn (TREFJCN
) + f
cn (TOFFSET
SOURCE
),
is the user-specified voltage
is the temperature of the simulated reference junction set in the
is the offset temperature set in the
OFFSET
THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
Precision Voltmeter (Alloy Input)
The general equation for the Model 1140A when it is used as a precision voltmeter in alloy mode
is
V
= V
METER
where V
the terminals, T
is the measured voltage shown on the display, V
METER
is the temperature of the simulated reference junction set in the
REFJCN
THERMOCOUPLE → REF JCT TEMP menu, T
INPUT
+ f
cn (TREFJCN
) − f
cn (TOFFSET
is the offset temperature set in the
OFFSET
) − V
INPUT
,
AZ
is the input voltage applied at
THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu, and VAZ is the autozero offset voltage (if
autozero is enabled).
Thermocouple Offset
The thermocouple offset, accessible through the THERMOCOUPLE → THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET
menu, is intended to be an offset at the temperature of the Model 1140A terminals, and is not an
offset at the simulated (or measured) temperature.
The offset applied is computed using the Seebeck coefficient for the current thermocouple type,
at the temperature of the front-panel terminals in use. As such it can be used to compensate for
an error of a thermocouple calibrated at the environment of the Model 1140A, and is not
intended to compensate for thermocouple errors at other temperatures.
Note that the sense of the offset value can be thought of as a correction to the actual
thermocouple emf. Thus, if the calibrated thermocouple’s output was less than the standard emf
for that type, the correction applied would need to be positive. On the Model 1140A, a positive
value would be entered in the THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu.
7-3
Theory of Operation
HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION
Firmware
All operations of the Model 1140A are controlled by firmware flashed onto the digital board. The
firmware performs the following tasks:
•Manages the user interface including the front-panel controls and display.
•Monitors the temperature of the instrument and each front-panel terminal.
•Monitors battery state.
•Controls the output of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) on the analog board.
•Manages instrument alignment.
•Controls the meter-mode feedback loop.
•Logs meter-mode readings for later retrieval.
•Manages the remote interface.
The firmware communicates directly with the remote interface plugged into the digital board.
The presence of the interface board is detected at power up and the appropriate configuration
made at that time. The remote interface is periodically checked for traffic and the appropriate
response made.
The battery state is monitored via the battery charge controller on the power supply board. All
other tasks are performed via the analog board.
Front-panel Assembly
The front-panel assembly contains the output binding posts, thermocouple connector, display,
KEYPAD, and ENCODER. Its function is to provide mechanical support for these components. It
also contains the faceplate and front-panel legend.
The keypad board contains the keypad controller, which scans the KEYPAD for key presses or ENCODER rotations and sends that information to the digital board firmware via a ribbon cable.
Analog Assembly
In response to firmware commands, the analog assembly produces output voltages, measures the
temperature of the analog board, measures the temperature of each of the binding posts and
thermocouple connector pins, measures the meter-mode input, measures the alignment system
output, and stores alignment data in nonvolatile memory.
System firmware commands are received through a serial link that passes through isolators on
the power-supply board. The firmware also retrieves readings from the analog board via this
same link. An absent or unplugged analog assembly is detected by the firmware and an error
message displayed at startup.
Storage of alignment data is done in EEPROM memory located on the analog assembly.
Communication with this memory is done via 6-pin ribbon cable J10 directly from the digital
assembly. If this memory malfunctions or fails to be detected at power-up, an error is displayed.
Source Mode
In the Model 1140A, source-mode operation is accomplished using a voltage reference, digitalto-analog converter (DAC), and output buffer (see Figure 7-2).
7-4
Theory of Operation
Figure 7-2: Source-mode Operation Diagram
As can be seen in the figure, the DAC passes a fraction of the reference voltage to the output
buffer and on to the instrument output. Firmware in the microprocessor decides what fraction of
the voltage should be passed to the output, based on user settings, output terminal temperature,
and the reference equations for the thermocouple type in use.
Meter Mode
As can be seen in Figure 7-3, meter-mode operation adds only a small amount of complexity, an
error amplifier.
Figure 7-3: Meter-mode Operation Diagram
During meter-mode operation, the positive input terminal is routed to an error amplifier that
informs the microprocessor of the difference between the input and the DAC output. The
microprocessor then adjusts the DAC output to minimize the difference between it and the DAC
output.
Optional Battery
The battery consists of sixteen nickel-metal hydride cells connected in series, a temperature
sensor, and fuse. The temperature sensor output is monitored by the charge controller to
determine battery condition and when to terminate a charge cycle.
Charging a battery from the fully discharged condition normally takes about 2.5 hours.
7-5
Theory of Operation
Battery run time should be greater than six hours from full charge with the display backlight off.
If run time is seen to be less than this, the ac power should be momentarily interrupted, then
plugged back in for at least 2.5 hours to allow for a full battery charge.
Power-supply Assembly
The Model 1140A power-supply assembly contains the battery charging circuit, dc-to-dc
converter, and analog power supplies.
Battery Charging Circuit
The charging circuit consists of a charge controller and associated circuitry. When ac power is
applied to the unit and it is turned on, operation does not involve the batteries. In this manner, the
unit can operate on line power with fully discharged batteries.
The charge controller initiates a charge cycle whenever the unit is plugged in and the battery
voltage is low enough to warrant charging. Charging will not start if the battery temperature is
below 5°C or above 45°C. If the battery temperature is outside this range, TEMP FLT will be
shown on the display. Once the battery temperature has returned to within limits, charging will
begin if the battery requires it. If the battery pack fails, charging will not start and BATT FLT will
be shown on the display.
Once the battery is charging, it can be terminated due to over or under temperature, over or under
battery voltage, if the charging takes too long, and of course if the battery reaches full charge.
When the battery reaches full charge, the display indicates CHARGED. If the charge terminates
for any of the other reasons, BATT FLT or TEMP FLT is indicated on the display.
If either of these fault conditions is indicated and the Model 1140A is not at room temperature,
the unit should be returned to room temperature and ac power momentarily interrupted to see if
the fault recurs. If the fault recurs, it may indicate a defective battery.
When the battery charge reaches a low state, the display flashes LOW BATT to warn that there is
approximately ½ hour of running time remaining.
Dc-to-dc Converter
The dc-to-dc converter circuitry encompasses an inverter and controller, transformer, rectifiers,
and filters. The converter operates at high frequency and is regulated to produce a constant
voltage to the analog power supplies.
As the power supply shuts down due to low battery, the dc-to-dc converter alerts the
microprocessor so it can ensure that no data is lost as power shuts down. On restoration of
power, normal operation resumes. If the power supply fails to properly restore power the display
indicates POWER FAILURE. This should never be seen and is an indication of a failure in the
power-supply circuitry.
Analog Power Supplies
The analog power supplies regulate and filter several voltages for the analog circuitry. This
power is fed to the analog assembly for use in producing the required voltages and
measurements.
7-6
SECTION VIII
8 TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL
Troubleshooting the Model 1140A, except for a few components, is limited to the assembly
level. Because it employs surface-mount technology, special equipment, often not available, is
required to troubleshoot to the component level. Additionally, there are many components that if
changed would necessitate special testing done only at the factory.
This section is arranged by possible faults that the user may encounter and possible solutions for
those faults. If the solution to a problem requires component or assembly replacement, refer to
Section IX for specific instructions.
Ectron Corporation Technical Support can be contacted at 800-732-8159 for additional
information and assistance.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Model 1140A Will Not Power Up
Fault: Model 1140A will not operate under dc power (with battery installed)
Solution: Plug unit into ac power to charge battery pack. This typically takes less
than three hours.
Fault: Model 1140A will not operate under dc power for at least six hours
Solution: Plug unit into ac power to charge battery pack. If the battery charge still
will not last more than six hours, the battery pack should be replaced. If the
operating screen displays BATT FLT, replace the battery pack. If the annunciator
displays TEMP FLT, turn power to the unit off to allow it to cool down and retry
charging the battery pack. The battery pack must be within a certain temperature
range (centered around 25°C) to commence charging.
Refer to the procedure for Battery Removal.
WARNING
In the following troubleshooting step, ac voltage
that can be harmful or lethal is present. Use proper
precautions to avoid coming into direct contact with
the charging supply barrier strip.
Fault: Model 1140A will not operate under ac power
Equipment required: Digital multimeter (DMM) capable of measuring ac and dc
voltages.
8-1
Troubleshooting
Solution: Ensure that the power cord is plugged into the unit and into an adequate
power source as given in Section II under Ac Operation. Loosen the screw that
holds the ac voltage guard to the charging supply, and remove the guard. Using
the DMM, check the ac voltage to the charging power supply at its terminals (see
Figure 8-1). It should measure the same as the power being supplied to the unit. If
the ac voltage is not present, check and replace, if necessary, the ac fuse located in
the ac plug module on the rear panel.
If ac voltage is present at the terminals, use the DMM to check the dc voltage out
of the charging power supply (see Figure 8-1). It should measure 26 V dc. If this
voltage is not present, the charging power supply is defective and should be
replaced. If the dc voltage is present, the main power supply is defective and
should be replaced.
Refer to the procedure for Charging Supply Removal (if replacing the charging
supply) or Power-supply Assembly Removal (if replacing the main power
supply).
Dc out
Ac in
Figure 8-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip (High Voltage Guard Removed)
Front-panel Problems
Fault: The operating screen is blank, or too light or dark to read text
Solution: Turn power to the unit on and within the first second press and hold the
ENCODER. The display will begin cycling from highest to lowest contrast. Release
the ENCODER when the contrast reaches a usable level.
If the screen is still not readable, replace the display.
Refer to the procedure for Front-panel Display Removal.
Fault: Neither the ENCODER nor any front-panel key works
Solution: Press and release the ENCODER as well as all front-panel keys, as a
stuck key will prevent any other input.
8-2
Fault: Turning or pressing the ENCODER has no effect
Solution: Make sure that the cable to the ENCODER is connected. If it still does
not function, replace the ENCODER.
Refer to the procedure for Encoder Removal.
Fault: Pressing one or more front-panel keys has no effect
Solution: In the DIAGNOSTICS MENU, select KEYPAD TEST. Watch the display
while pressing front-panel keys to determine if the key presses are detected. If
only one or two keys do not function, remove the rubberized KEYPAD, and clean
any contamination from the nonworking key. Additionally, clean the surface of the
keypad assembly that has the gold-plated patterns for the keys. If the KEYPAD still
does not work, replace the keypad assembly.
Refer to the procedure for Keypad Removal.
Fault: Pixels are missing from the display
Solution: Replace the display. Refer to the procedure for Front-panel Display
Removal.
Troubleshooting
Digital Assembly Problems
Fault: At power-on, a diagnostic message such as NVRAM CHECKSUM ERROR is
displayed
Solution: Replace the digital assembly. Refer to the procedure for Digital
Assembly Removal.
Fault: Internal clock not running
(This will be apparent when setting the time and when logging data.)
Solution: Replace the battery BT1 on the digital assembly. Refer to Figure 9-2.
Analog Assembly Problems
Fault: At power-on, a diagnostic message such as A/D ERRORS is displayed
Solution: Ensure that the ribbon cable from the power supply to the analog
assembly is plugged in. If it is, replace the digital assembly.
Refer to the procedure for Digital Assembly Removal.
Fault: Unit operates in neither meter nor source mode
Solution: Check the dc voltage at the charging supply terminals as described
above. If no problem is found, the power supply or the analog assembly may
require repair. Contact Ectron for further instructions.
8-3
Troubleshooting
Fault: Unit operates in meter mode but not in source
Solution: Replace the fuse on the analog assembly (see Figure 8-2). If the problem
persists, the analog assembly may require repair. Contact Ectron for further
instructions.
Front
Input-protection
fuse
Figure 8-2: Fuse on Analog Assembly
Fault: Unit fails alignment
Solution: The analog assembly may require repair. Contact Ectron for further
instructions.
Fault: In thermocouple operation, the output or the meter reading wanders over time
Solution: Ensure that the terminals being used are the active terminals.
Fault: A small (typically 1.5 mV or less) error exists when using either copper or alloy
wires
Solution: Ensure that the correct wire type is specified in the OUTPUT MENU under
MATERIAL. Then, if in the TEMPERATURE output mode, ensure that the correct
thermocouple type is specified in the THERMOCOUPLE MENU.
Fault: Erroneous readings are made using one connector, but not the other
Solution: The analog assembly may require repair. Contact Ectron for further
instructions.
8-4
SECTION IX
9 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
CLEANING
In general, a damp cloth is all that is needed for cleaning the Model 1140A. If using a chemical
cleaner, avoid any alcohol-based products.
When cleaning the front-panel LCD display, use a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the Model 1140A, take precautions to avoid static while performing any repair
procedure. Wear a grounded wrist strap and use
properly grounded tools and equipment.
REPAIR PROCEDURES
Equipment Required
The following tools may be required while performing repairs. Refer to the individual repair
procedures to determine which items will be needed for a specific situation.
•Screwdrivers
•3/16″ slot screwdriver
•#1 Phillips screwdriver
•#2 Phillips screwdriver
•Ratchet (socket wrench)
•6″ extension
•3/16″ socket
•5/16″ socket with 1/4″ or 3/8″ drive
•3/8″ socket
•Deep 1/2″ socket
•5/16″ hex wrench
•5/64″ hex driver (Allen wrench)
•3/8″ jam-nut wrench
•27 W soldering iron, with 63/37 Sn/Pb solder
•Vise or other suitable fixture to hold the front panel firmly in place
•Small utility knife, craft knife, or equivalent sharp blade
9-1
Maintenance and Repair
Orientation
Throughout this section, any references to the “left” or “right” side of the Model 1140A are given
from the point of view of looking at the front of the unit. Refer to Figure 9-1 for an overview.
Four screws for
top cover
Left side
Top panel
Front panel
Right side
Figure 9-1: Model 1140A Overall View
Ribbon Cable Connections
RTV adhesive may be present on some or all ribbon cable connectors in the Model 1140A to
prevent disconnection during shipment. In the repair procedures below, when disconnecting a
ribbon cable note whether this adhesive is present. If necessary, cut it with a small, sharp blade to
free the connector.
When reconnecting any ribbon cable, RTV adhesive may be applied to prevent accidental
loosening of the connection in future handling or shipment.
1Top Cover Removal
The following steps should be taken prior to performing any repair procedure:
1.Turn off the Model 1140A using the POWER button on the front panel.
2.Remove all connections to the Model 1140A including the ac power cord.
3.Use a 3/16″ slot screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws on the top cover. See
Figure 9-1.
4.Remove the top cover.
5.If a battery is installed: Locate the four-pin battery connector, shown in Figure 9-2,
and unplug it from the power-supply assembly.
9-2
Maintenance and Repair
Battery
(optional)
Analog
assembly
Charging supply
Rear panel
Battery connector
Power-supply
assembly
GPIB
interface
(optional)
Digital
assembly
TC connector
assembly
Front
Battery BT1
Figure 9-2: Model 1140A Overall View with Top Cover Removed
2Top Cover Installation
1.Plug the four-pin battery connector into the power-supply assembly. See Figure 9-2.
2.Place the top cover on top of the Model 1140A with the flange toward the front.
3.Using a 3/16″ slot screwdriver, install the four captive screws on the top cover.
Tighten them to 5 in-lb torque.
4.If any components have been repaired or replaced, it is recommended to perform an
alignment (see Section X) followed by a calibration (Section XI) to verify the unit’s
functionality.
3Battery Removal
Refer to Figure 9-2 for the locations of the components mentioned in this procedure.
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Using a 5/16″ socket, remove the two nuts and flat washers from the battery hold-
down bracket.
3.Remove the hold-down bracket and battery.
9-3
Maintenance and Repair
Charging supply
Charging supply
mounting bracket
Battery hold-
down bracket
↓ Front
Charging supply
barrier strip
Battery
Figure 9-3: Battery Assembly and Charging Supply (Voltage Guard Removed)
4.If disposing of the battery pack, be sure to do so properly following any applicable
regulations for hazardous materials.
4Battery Installation
Refer to Figure 9-2 for the locations of the components mentioned in this procedure.
1.Set the battery in the Model 1140A next to the charging supply. Be sure the battery
wires are at the top and toward the power-supply assembly.
2.Place the battery hold-down bracket over the battery and set it down over the two
studs.
3.Using a 5/16″ socket, install the two nuts and flat washers for the battery hold-down
bracket. Push the bracket toward the charging supply before tightening the nuts all the
way. Tighten the nuts to 10 in-lb torque.
4.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
5Charging Supply Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the ac voltage guard to
the side of the charging supply. Remove the guard.
3.Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the five screws on the charging supply barrier
strip and disconnect the wires. See Figure 9-3.
4.Place the Model 1140A on its left side.
9-4
Maintenance and Repair
Two screws for remote
interface bracket 1
Three screws for
charging supply
mounting bracket
↓ Front
Two screws for remote
interface bracket 2
Figure 9-4: Underside of Left Rear Corner
5.While supporting the charging supply and its mounting bracket, use a #2 Phillips
screwdriver from the underside of the Model 1140A to remove the three flat head
screws that hold the charging supply mounting bracket to the bottom plate. See
Figure 9-4.
6.Remove the charging supply and mounting bracket together.
7.Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that hold the charging supply
to the mounting bracket.
8.Remove the charging supply.
6Charging Supply Installation
1.Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to install the two screws that hold the charging supply
to the mounting bracket. Tighten the screws to 3.2 in-lb torque.
2.Place the Model 1140A on its left side.
3.Place the charging supply and mounting bracket so that the holes are aligned with the
holes in the bottom of the unit.
4.Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the three flat head screws that hold the
charging supply mounting bracket. These screws are installed from the underside of
the unit. Tighten to 10 in-lb torque. See Figure 9-4.
5.Connect the wires to the charging supply barrier strip according to the labels on the
charging supply and Table 9-1. See Figure 9-3. Tighten the screws using a #1 Phillips
screwdriver.
6.Place the ac voltage guard over the charging supply barrier strip and install its screw
using a #1 Phillips screwdriver. Tighten to 5 in-lb torque.
7.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
9-5
Maintenance and Repair
Table 9-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip Wires
FunctionWire Color
+V
−V or COM
Red
Black
GroundGreen/Yellow
LBrown
NBlue
7Remote Interface Assembly Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Unplug the appropriate remote interface ribbon cable from the digital assembly. See
Figure 9-5.
3.If removing a GPIB interface: Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw that
holds the GPIB interface board to the digital assembly. Remove the GPIB interface
board. See Figure 9-5.
4.Pull the remote interface ribbon cable out from under the power-supply assembly,
toward the rear of the unit.
5.Stand the instrument on its right side.
↑ Front
Encoder
connector
GPIB interface
card (optional)
Ethernet interface
header
Keypad
assembly
Keypad
connector
Figure 9-5: Digital and Keypad Assemblies
Display
connector
LCD display
assembly
Digital
assembly
USB connector
(not shown)
9-6
Maintenance and Repair
6.Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver from the bottom of the instrument, remove the three
flat head screws holding the charging supply mounting bracket to the bottom plate.
Support the charging supply when removing the last screw. See Figure 9-4.
7.Rotate the charging supply and mounting bracket until they rest on the side, allowing
access to the remote interface card(s) and bracket(s) underneath.
8.On the back of the unit, identify whether the remote interface to be removed is
located in the Optional Interface 1 or Optional Interface 2 position.
9.Using a 5/16″ socket, remove the nut and lock washer holding the top of the bracket
to the rear panel.
10.Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver from the underside of the unit, remove the two flat
head screws that hold the remote interface bracket to the bottom plate. See Figure 9-4.
11.Remove the remote interface connector assembly from the Model 1140A.
8Remote Interface Assembly Installation
1.Position the remote interface bracket into one of the two locations at the back of the
unit, labeled Optional Interface 1 and Optional Interface 2 on the rear panel. Using a
#2 Phillips screwdriver from the underside of the unit, install the two flat head screws
that hold the bracket to the bottom plate. Tighten to 12 in-lb torque. See Figure 9-4.
2.Using a 5/16″ socket, install the nut and lock washer holding the top of the remote
interface bracket to the rear panel. Tighten to 12 in-lb torque.
3.Position the remote interface ribbon cable against the rear panel.
4.Position the charging supply and mounting bracket into the chassis and install the
three flat head screws from the bottom of the unit. Ensure that the remote interface
ribbon cable is not pinched under the mounting bracket. Tighten the screws to
12 in-lb torque with a #2 Phillips screwdriver. See Figure 9-3.
5.Position the unit back upright.
6.Route the ribbon cable for the remote interface under the power-supply assembly, as
shown in Figure 9-2.
7.If installing a GPIB interface: Plug the GPIB interface board into the GPIB header on
the digital assembly. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the screw that holds the
board in place. See Figure 9-5.
8.Plug the remote interface ribbon cable into the appropriate header on the digital
assembly or GPIB board. Ensure proper polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable
with a brown wire) as marked on the board. See Figure 9-5.
9.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
9Digital Assembly Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.If a GPIB interface is installed: Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw
that holds the GPIB interface board to the digital assembly. Remove the GPIB
interface board. See Figure 9-5.
3.Unplug the USB cable from the digital board.
9-7
Maintenance and Repair
4.Unplug all interconnect ribbon cables from the digital assembly and position them out
of the way.
5.Remove the four digital assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located near
the four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
6.Remove the digital assembly.
10Digital Assembly Installation
1.Position the digital assembly into the chassis and align the four mounting holes with
the threaded standoffs in the bottom plate.
2.Install the four digital assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located near the
four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Tighten to 6 in-lb torque.
3.Plug all interconnect ribbon cables into the digital assembly. Ensure proper polarity,
with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) as marked on the board. See
Figure 9-5.
4.Plug the USB cable into the connector on the rear underside of the digital board.
5.If a GPIB interface is installed: Plug the GPIB interface board into the GPIB header
on the digital assembly. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the screw that holds
the board in place. See Figure 9-5.
6.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
11Encoder Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Using a 5/64″ hex driver, loosen the setscrew in the side of the ENCODER knob and
remove the knob.
3.Remove the encoder connector from the rear of the ENCODER. See Figure 9-5.
4.Remove the nut from the front of the ENCODER by using a deep 1/2″ socket.
5.Remove the ENCODER from the panel.
12Encoder Installation
1.Install the ENCODER from the rear of the front panel, and orient it so that the
connector is toward the top of the Model 1140A. See Figure 9-5.
2.Install the nut on the threads of the ENCODER. Take care not to cross-thread the nut as
the threads of the ENCODER are plastic.
3.Tighten the encoder nut with a 1/2″ socket to 3.0 in-lb torque.
4.Install the encoder connector on the rear of the ENCODER. Ensure proper polarity,
with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) of the cable toward the left side
of the unit.
5.Install the knob on the front panel using a 5/64″ hex driver. Tighten to 6 in-lb torque.
6.Verify that the ENCODER operates freely by turning and pushing it.
7.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
9-8
Maintenance and Repair
Left side rail
← Front
Top frontpanel bar
Three nuts holding
left side panel to left rail
Left side panel
Figure 9-6: Left Side Panel
13Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Remove the three nuts and lock washers from the inside of the left side rail using a
5/16″ socket or wrench. See Figure 9-6.
3.Place the Model 1140A on its right side.
4.Gently pull the left side panel away from the Model 1140A. The front panel bars are
secured to the side panels by 1/16″ dowel pins. Be careful not to lose these pins.
5.Remove the top and bottom front-panel bars by gently pulling them out of the right
side panel. Remove the dowel pins from the right side and set them aside. As with the
left side, be careful not to lose the dowel pins in the right side of the bars.
14Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation
1.Ensure that both top and bottom bars have all four dowel pins inserted as far as they
will go.
2.Place the Model 1140A on its right side.
3.Push the top bar into the right side panel, being careful to align the pins with the holes
in the right side panel.
4.Repeat the previous step with the bottom bar.
5.Push the left side panel into the left side of the instrument, being careful to align the
dowel pins in the top and bottom bars with the four holes in the left side panel.
6.Install the three nuts and lock washers to fasten the side panel to the left rail using a
5/16″ socket or wrench. Tighten to 10 in-lb torque. See Figure 9-6.
7.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
15Keypad Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Follow Procedure 13 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Removal.
3.Remove the display connector from the rear of the LCD display assembly. See
Figure 9-5.
9-9
Maintenance and Repair
4.Remove the keypad connector from the rear of the keypad assembly. See
Figure 9-5.
5.Remove the encoder connector from the rear of the keypad assembly. See
Figure 9-5.
6.Unsolder the black and red twisted wires (marked A and K) from the keypad board.
7.Remove the six mounting nuts and lock washers retaining the keypad board using a
3/16″ socket.
8.Remove the keypad assembly and elastomeric KEYPAD.
16Keypad Installation
1.Install the elastomeric KEYPAD from the rear of the front panel. Line up the holes
with the small studs.
2.Install the keypad printed circuit board on top of the KEYPAD. Line up the holes in the
printed circuit board with the small studs. See Figure 9-5.
3.Install the six keypad board mounting nuts and lock washers using a 3/16″ socket.
Tighten to 2.0 in-lb torque.
4.Solder the black and red twisted wires from the display assembly onto the keypad
printed circuit board. Solder the red wire to the pad marked A, and the black wire to
the pad marked K.
5.Install the encoder connector and the keypad connector to the rear of the keypad
assembly. Ensure proper polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire)
of each cable toward the left side of the unit. See Figure 9-5.
6.Install the display connector to the rear of the LCD display assembly. Ensure proper
polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) of the cable toward the
top of the unit.
7.Follow Procedure 14 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation.
8.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
17Analog Assembly Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Follow Procedure 13 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Removal.
3.Unplug the two interconnect ribbon cables from the analog assembly. See Figure 9-7.
4.Remove the temperature sensor wires from the plus and minus binding posts by
grasping the heat-shrink tubing of the temperature sensor wires and gently pulling
straight back to remove the sensor from each binding post. See Figure 9-8.
Note: The RTV adhesive holding the temperature sensors in the binding posts will
break as each sensor is removed.
5.Remove the four analog assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located near
the four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. This allows the analog
assembly to slide back for better access to the binding post printed circuit board.
9-10
← Front
Binding post
PC board
Maintenance and Repair
Binding post temperature
sensor wires
Figure 9-7: Analog Assembly
Front
Binding post
PC board
TC connector between
two mounting blocks
Binding post
temperature sensor wires
Figure 9-8: Binding Post Printed Circuit Board and TC Connector
6.Unsolder the two pairs of black and red twisted wires from the binding post printed
circuit board. See Figure 9-8.
7.Unsolder the two green guard wires from the binding post printed circuit board.
8.Remove the two thermocouple (TC) connector mounting screws from the left rail
using a #1 Phillips screwdriver. See Figure 9-9.
9.Carefully remove the analog assembly and TC connector assembly from the
instrument. Support the TC connector assembly to prevent stressing the wires that
connect it to the analog assembly.
9-11
Maintenance and Repair
Left side rail
TC connector
screws
Front
Figure 9-9: Front Left Rail with Side Panel Removed
10.If the analog assembly is to be stored or shipped, fasten the analog assembly and TC
connector assembly together with a shipping bracket provided by Ectron. Use the
screws supplied with the bracket, and tighten the screws to 10 in-lb torque.
18Analog Assembly Installation
1.If so equipped, remove the shipping bracket from the analog assembly and TC
connector. Be sure to support the TC connector as the bracket is removed to avoid
stressing the connecting wires. Save the bracket for future use.
2.Set the analog assembly onto the four mounting standoffs. Continue to support the TC
connector to avoid stressing the connecting wires.
3.Sandwich the TC connector between the two connector mounting blocks. See
Figure 9-8. Orient the TC connector such that the largest connector slot is at the top,
and position the mounting block with the threaded holes to the right of the connector,
as viewed from the front of the instrument.
4.Install the two TC connector mounting screws through the side rail using a #1 Phillips
screwdriver and tighten to 4 in-lb torque. See Figure 9-9.
5.Solder the two green guard wires to the binding post printed circuit board. There are
two single green wires, one from the analog assembly and one from the TC connector.
These wires go into the holes at the bottom of the TC connector, and either wire can
go in either hole. See Figure 9-10.
Hole for red wire from
analog assembly
Hole for black wire from
analog assembly
Holes for green wires
(interchangeable)
Hole for red wire from
TC connector assembly
Hole for black wire from
TC connector assembly
Figure 9-10: Wire Connections on Binding Post Printed Circuit Board
9-12
Maintenance and Repair
6.Solder the black and red twisted wires from the analog assembly to the binding post
printed circuit board. The red wire goes into the top open hole on the side toward the
display, the black wire into the open hole directly below the red wire. See
Figure 9-10.
7.Similarly, solder the black and red twisted wires from the TC connector assembly to
the binding post printed circuit board. The red wire goes into the top open hole, the
black wire into the lower open hole. See Figure 9-10.
8.Install the four analog assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located near the
four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Tighten to 6 in-lb torque.
9.Install the negative temperature sensor wire (soldered to Positions 3 and 7 on the
analog board) into the hole in the rear of the negative (lower) binding post. Be sure to
insert it all the way so that it bottoms in the hole. Note that there is a small amount of
thermally conductive compound inside the hole. See Figure 9-8.
10.Similarly, install the positive temperature sensor wire (soldered to Positions 1 and 5
on the analog board) into the hole in the rear of the positive (upper) binding post. Be
sure to insert it all the way so that it bottoms in the hole. Note that there is a small
amount of thermally conductive compound inside the hole. See Figure 9-8.
11.Apply a small amount of RTV adhesive to the sensor wires at the point where they
exit from holes in the binding posts. This retains the sensors in the binding posts.
12.Plug in the two interconnect ribbon cables on the analog assembly. Ensure proper
polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) of each cable toward the
rear of the unit. See Figure 9-7.
13.Follow Procedure 14 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation.
14.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
19Power-supply Assembly Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Unplug the two-pin charging supply connector from the power-supply assembly. See
Figure 9-11.
3.Unplug the two interconnect ribbon cables from the power-supply assembly. See
Figure 9-11.
4.Remove the four power-supply assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located
near the four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
5.Slide the power-supply assembly toward the front panel until it clears the ac line
filter. See Figure 9-11.
6.At the front of the unit, hold onto the power switch extension shaft and pull off the
push-button cap of the POWER button. Be careful not to pull the shaft out of the
switch coupling.
7.Lift the power-supply assembly up and rearward so that the power-switch shaft slides
out of the front-panel cutout.
8.Remove the power-supply assembly.
9-13
Maintenance and Repair
→ Front
Power switch
extension shaft
Charging
supply
connector
Ac line filter
Figure 9-11: Power Supply Assembly
20Power-supply Assembly Installation
1.Hold the power-supply assembly over the Model 1140A and insert the power switch
extension shaft through the cutout in the front panel.
2.Lower the power-supply assembly into the chassis in front of the ac line filter.
3.While holding the power switch extension shaft, install the push-button cap of the
POWER button onto the end at the front panel.
4.Slide the power-supply assembly back under the ac line filter until the four mounting
holes line up with the standoffs. While sliding it back, guide the push-button cap of
the power switch into the front-panel cutout.
5.Install the four power-supply assembly mounting screws and lock washers, located
near the four corners of the board, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Tighten to 6 in-lb
torque.
6.Plug the two interconnect ribbon cables into the power-supply assembly. Ensure
proper polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) of each cable
toward the rear or right side of the unit. See Figure 9-11.
7.Plug in the two-pin charging supply connector. See Figure 9-11.
8.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
21Front-panel Assembly Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Follow Procedure 13 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Removal.
3.Remove the keypad connector from the rear of the keypad assembly. See Figure 9-5.
4.Remove the display connector from the rear of the LCD display assembly. See
Figure 9-5.
5.Remove the encoder connector from the rear of the keypad assembly. See Figure 9-5.
9-14
Maintenance and Repair
6.Remove the temperature sensor wires from the plus and minus binding posts by
grasping the heat-shrink tubing of the temperature sensor wires and gently pulling
straight back to remove the sensor from each binding post. See Figure 9-8.
Note: The RTV adhesive holding the temperature sensors in the binding posts will
break as each sensor is removed.
7.Unsolder the two pairs of black and red wires from the binding post printed circuit
board. See Figure 9-8.
8.Remove the four front-panel mounting nuts and lock washers, located near the four
corners of the front panel, using a 5/16″ socket with a 6″ extension.
9.Pull the front-panel assembly forward to clear the thermocouple connector. This will
allow access to the two green guard wires on the binding post printed circuit board.
10.Unsolder these green wires from the binding post printed circuit board.
11.Carefully remove the front panel.
22Front-panel Assembly Installation
1.Position the front panel in front of the Model 1140A.
2.Solder the two green guard wires onto the holes near the bottom of the binding post
printed circuit board. Either wire may go in either hole.
3.Install the four front-panel mounting nuts and lock washers, located near the four
corners of the front panel, using a 5/16″ socket with a 6″ extension.
4.Solder the black and red twisted wires from the analog assembly to the binding post
printed circuit board. The red wire goes into the top open hole on the side toward the
display, the black wire into the open hole directly below the red wire. See Figure
9-10.
5.Similarly, solder the black and red twisted wires from the TC connector assembly to
the binding post printed circuit board. The red wire goes into the top open hole, the
black wire into the lower open hole. See Figure 9-10.
6.Install the negative temperature sensor wire (soldered to Positions 3 and 7 on the
analog board) into the hole in the rear of the negative (lower) binding post. Be sure to
insert it all the way so that it bottoms in the hole. Note that there is a small amount of
thermally conductive compound inside the hole. See Figure 9-8.
7.Similarly, install the positive temperature sensor wire (soldered to Positions 1 and 5
on the analog board) into the hole in the rear of the positive (upper) binding post. Be
sure to insert it all the way so that it bottoms in the hole. Note that there is a small
amount of thermally conductive compound inside the hole. See Figure 9-8.
8.Apply a small amount of RTV adhesive to the sensor wires at the point where they
exit from holes in the binding posts. This retains the sensors in the binding posts.
9.Install the display connector to the rear of the LCD display assembly. Ensure proper
polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire) of the cable toward the
top side of the unit. See Figure 9-5.
9-15
Maintenance and Repair
10.Install the encoder connector and the keypad connector to the rear of the keypad
assembly. Ensure proper polarity, with Pin 1 (the edge of the cable with a brown wire)
of the cable toward the left side of the unit. See Figure 9-5.
11.Follow Procedure 14 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation.
12.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
23Binding Post Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Follow Procedure 13 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Removal.
3.Follow Procedure 21 for Front-panel Assembly Removal.
WARNING
Use a properly grounded or double-insulated drill
when drilling out the binding posts. Use adequate
eye protection when drilling as well as when using
compressed air.
CAUTION
Use caution when drilling so as not to mar the front
panel.
4.Position the front panel in a suitable fixture or vise.
5.Using a 13/64″ drill bit, drill out each of the three binding posts from the front side of
the panel. It is not necessary to drill deeper than the metal front panel as the binding
posts will fall apart at that point.
6.Remove the binding post printed circuit board and the rear of the binding posts.
7.Blow off any debris from the panel with dry compressed air. Always use adequate eye
protection when using compressed air.
24Binding Post Installation
1.Ensure that the front-panel assembly is loose from the Model 1140A. If not, remove
the front-panel assembly using Procedure 21.
2.Install the binding post with the undrilled stud into the lowest post hole in the panel.
3.Install the two binding posts with drilled studs into the upper two holes; either post
can go into either hole.
4.Orient the posts such that the flat side of each is aligned with the flat side of its hole.
5.Loosely install one of the provided brass nuts on the rear of each binding post.
6.Loosen the plastic clamping nut on the front of each binding post as far as it will go.
Note that the clamping nuts are captivated and will not come off.
9-16
Maintenance and Repair
7.Insert the 3/32″ pin provided in the binding post kit through the cross-drilled hole in
the upper binding post. Ensure that the cross-drilled hole is in a horizontal position.
8.While maintaining this horizontal position with the 3/32″ pin, tighten the nut on the
rear of the binding post with a 3/8″ socket to 12 in-lb torque.
9.Repeat the previous step for each of the other two binding posts.
10.Install a second nut on the rear of each binding post as a locknut. Use a 3/8″ jam-nut
wrench to hold the first nut while tightening the second nut with a 3/8″ socket.
Tighten to 12 in-lb torque.
11.Install the binding post printed circuit board on the rear of the binding posts. Position
it such that the word ECTRON on the printed circuit board is readable from the rear
of the panel, and is located between the bottom two binding posts.
12.While holding the binding post printed circuit board against the brass nuts, solder the
printed circuit board to the threads and nuts of each of the three binding posts. Use a
soldering iron with sufficient heat capacity to ensure a good solder connection
between the printed circuit board and the binding post studs and nuts.
13.Follow Procedure 22 for Front-panel Assembly Installation.
14.Follow Procedure 14 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation.
15.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
25Front-panel Display Removal
1.Follow Procedure 1 for Top Cover Removal.
2.Remove the display connector from the rear of the LCD display assembly. See
Figure 9-12.
3.Remove the two nuts holding the top cover support bracket using a 5/16″ socket. See
Figure 9-12.
4.Remove the top cover support bracket.
5.Unsolder the black and red twisted wires from the pads labeled A and K on the
keypad board. See Figure 9-5.
LCD display
Top cover
support
bracket
Display
connector
assembly
Figure 9-12: Display Assembly Area
9-17
Maintenance and Repair
6.Remove the four nylon nuts holding the LCD display assembly in place, located near
the four corners of the board, using a 5/16″ socket.
CAUTION
Take care not to damage the front-panel overlay or
the display when separating them.
7.Remove the display assembly by carefully pulling it away from the front-panel
overlay.
26Front-panel Display Installation
1.If the left side panel and front-panel bars are installed, remove them using
Procedure 13.
2.Orient the LCD display assembly so that the header for the display connector is
toward the keypad assembly.
3.Install the LCD display assembly over the studs protruding from the rear of the front
panel. Nylon nuts should already be in place on each of the front-panel studs.
4.Check that the LCD display is flush with the front-panel overlay. While holding the
display against the four nylon nuts, note whether the overlay bulges out or can be
pressed in by lightly touching it next to the display. If either of these is seen, it is not
flush with the front surface of the panel and adjustment is necessary.
5.If adjustment is needed, use a 5/16″ jam-nut wrench to turn the nylon nuts supporting
the LCD display. Make adjustments until the display is just flush with the rear of the
overlay. When finished, all four nylon nuts must touch the display printed circuit
board when it is lightly pressed against the nuts.
6.Install the four additional nylon nuts to hold the LCD display in place. Tighten to
5 in-lb torque.
7.Solder the black and red twisted wires to keypad board. Solder the red wire to the pad
marked A and the black wire to the pad marked K.
8.Install the top cover support bracket using a 5/16″ socket. Tighten to 7 in-lb torque.
9.Install the display connector to the rear of the LCD display assembly. See
Figure 9-12.
10.Follow Procedure 14 for Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar Installation.
11.Follow Procedure 2 for Top Cover Installation.
9-18
SECTION X
10 ALIGNMENT
GENERAL
The Model 1140A is a self-aligning instrument. Once VOLTAGE ALIGNMENT and TERMINAL
ALIGNMENT have been performed, the instrument is ready for use. There are no potentiometers to
set or resistors or capacitors to select. Allow a 30 minute warm-up before performing the
alignment procedure.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
•Ten-volt dc standard: Fluke Model 732B or equivalent. The uncertainty of the voltage
must be <75 µV (for a minimum test-accuracy ratio, TAR, of 4:1) and be within the range
of 9.9 V dc to 10.1 V dc.
•Shorting bar or cable: Pomona Electronics Model 5145 or equivalent.
•Null detector/microvoltmeter: Keithley Model 155 or equivalent. This unit must be
capable of resolving 1 µV dc.
•Low-thermal cable, Pomona 1756-24 or equivalent.
•Ice-point bath: Hart Model 9101 zero-point dry well or equivalent. A properly made and
maintained distilled-water ice bath can also be used. An uncertainty of 0.01°C is required.
•Calibrated Type T thermocouple (24 AWG recommended) with its error at 26°C3, if any,
known to the nearest tenth of a microvolt. Appendix B provides a procedure to calibrate a
thermocouple. If copper wires are attached to the thermocouple, the copper ends should
be shorted together. The insulation on the thermocouple wire ends should be stripped
back approximately 0.4″ (10 mm).
•Optional: Cover to shield terminals from air flow, such as Ectron P/N 114-523-01.
•For units with firmware version 4.40 and above, the following items from the Calibration
Procedure are also needed during alignment:
•Digital multimeter (DMM), Hewlett Packard Model 3458A (with Option 02) or
equivalent.
•Four-wire Type E thermocouple (24 AWG recommended), calibrated at 26°C3 with
known microvolt error and with bare-wire ends for alloy and copper wires. Appendix
B provides a procedure to calibrate a thermocouple. The insulation on the
thermocouple wire ends should be stripped back approximately 0.4″ (10 mm).
PRELIMINARY
Turn the power to the Model 1140A off, set the alignment switch (recessed in a square hole in the
bottom cover just to the rear of the KEYPAD) to the right to enable ALIGNMENT, and turn the
Model 1140A on.
3 See Footnote 5 in Appendix B.
10-1
Alignment
VOLTAGE ALIGNMENT
From the MAIN MENU, select MAINTENANCE, ALIGNMENT, and then VOLTAGE ALIGNMENT. The
user should note that if any alignment step is aborted, any new voltage-alignment data will be
lost, and the instrument will revert to the previous alignment data.
DAC (Digital-to-analog Converter) Bit Alignment
As directed on the screen, connect the shorting bar or cable to the Model 1140A binding posts
and press ENTER. Positive and negative DAC bits will be aligned.
Divider Gain Alignment
When the DAC BIT ALIGNMENT is complete, the Model 1140A will automatically perform the
DIVIDER GAIN ALIGNMENT. When it is completed, the technician is directed to remove the
shorting bar from the binding posts and press any key to continue.
Source-mode Alignment
The dividers discussed in this paragraph are internal and invisible to the user. The 128:1 divider
is active from 0 V to about 0.087 V, the 8:1 divider is active from about 0.087 V to about
1.375 V, and the 1:1 divider is active from 1.375 V to 11 V. As directed on the screen, connect
the Model 1140A binding posts to the null detector using the low-thermal cable and then press
ENTER. The first zero setting is for the 128:1 divider. Using the front-panel controls, set the
Model 1140A binding-post output for 0 µV ± 0.5 µV, then press ENTER. Repeat the process for
the 8:1 divider and the 1:1 divider. For the 8:1 and 1:1 dividers, 0.5 µV may be unattainable.
Simply set it as close to 0 µV as possible. The zero error in the 8:1 and 1:1 dividers is a small
percent of the total error budget for those two ranges. When complete, remove the null-detector
connections from the Model 1140A and press any key to continue.
Meter-mode Zero Alignment
As directed on the screen, connect the shorting bar to the Model 1140A binding posts and press
ENTER. When the operation is complete, remove the shorting bar and press any key to continue.
LSB (Least-significant Bit) Alignment
Ensure there is no connection to the Model 1140A and press ENTER to continue. In approximately five seconds, the technician will be directed to connect the ten-volt standard to the
Model 1140A binding posts using the low-thermal cable and observing positive polarity. Key in
the actual voltage of the voltage standard to the nearest tenth of a microvolt and again press
ENTER.
When directed, remove the ten-volt connection from the Model 1140A and press ENTER to
continue.
In approximately five seconds, the technician will be directed to connect the ten-volt standard
using reverse polarity. Key in the actual reading of the voltage standard to the nearest tenth of a
microvolt and press ENTER (unless two voltage standards are used, this will be same number but
with negative polarity as that number used above). Again, when this alignment step is completed,
the user is directed to remove all connections to the Model 1140A and to press any key to
continue.
10-2
Alignment
Meter-mode Sensitivity Alignment
As directed on the screen, connect the shorting bar to the Model 1140A binding posts and press
ENTER to continue. When the alignment step is complete, remove the shorting bar and press any
key to continue.
This completes the VOLTAGE ALIGNMENT.
TERMINAL ALIGNMENT
The TERMINAL ALIGNMENT should be performed after the VOLTAGE ALIGNMENT. Set the
alignment switch (located recessed in a square hole in the bottom cover just to the rear of the
KEYPAD) to the right to enable ALIGNMENT. From the MAIN MENU, select MAINTENANCE,
ALIGNMENT, and then TERMINAL ALIGNMENT. The user should note that if any alignment step is
aborted, any new terminal-alignment data will be lost.
When ENTER is pressed, the technician is prompted to install the shorting bar on the binding
posts. Once this is done press ENTER again.
When prompted on the screen, connect a TYPE T thermocouple (with its error, if any, known in
microvolts) to the binding posts. Immerse the other end in either an ice bath of distilled water or
electronic ice-point set to 0°C. If copper wires are attached to the thermocouple, ensure that the
copper ends are shorted.
Optionally, cover the terminals to shield them from air flow. Enter the offset error, in microvolts,
of the thermocouple at 26°C, if any, and press ENTER.
Once ENTER is pressed, the Model 1140A will commence a countdown of two minutes before
making any necessary corrections. This will be true for all four thermocouple connections: two
on the binding posts and two on the thermocouple connector.
When the previous step is complete, the technician is prompted to reverse the thermocouple
leads at the binding posts and again to key in the offset error of the thermocouple. (If the same
thermocouple is used, this value should already be displayed on the screen with no further
correction needed.)
The above sequence is then repeated using the thermocouple connector in place of the binding
posts. The polarity of the thermocouple connector is the reverse of the binding post: the top
connection is the negative connection, the middle connection is positive, and like the binding
posts, the bottom connection is guard. Insert the bare wire ends all the way into the holes.
Thermocouple Alloy Corrections
This section applies only to units with firmware version 4.40 and above.
Set up the Model 1140A and equipment according to the instructions for binding post readings in
the Thermocouple Alloy Tests portion of the calibration procedure. If an out-of-tolerance reading
is found on the binding posts, it may be corrected as follows.
1.From the MAIN MENU, select MAINTENANCE, ALIGNMENT, and then BINDING POST CORRECTION.
10-3
Alignment
2.Convert the Model 1140A’s error from microvolts to degrees Celsius. For a Type E
thermocouple, the conversion is:
Error in °C = (error in µV) × 0.0164°C/µV.
3.Negate the polarity of the error to produce the correction amount. For example, if the
DMM reads 1.3 µV above the expected value, the correction is –0.021°C.
4.Add the correction from Step 3 to the value displayed on the screen and enter the
result as the new correction. Digits up to the thousandths place may be entered.
5.Press ENTER and verify that the reading on the DMM has changed by the desired
amount.
Repeat this section using the thermocouple connector instead of binding posts. If a correction is
needed, select THERMOCOUPLE CONNECTOR CORRECTION in Step 1.
10-4
SECTION XI
11 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
GENERAL
Prior to performing this calibration procedure the Model 1140A the user should become familiar
with its operation as described in Section IV of the Instruction Manual. If a parameter is not
mentioned in a setup, it is assumed that it is set to the proper setting when the settings of the
Model 1140A are restored to their defaults. This procedure should be followed in the order
presented. Deviation from it may result in an incorrect setting that is not specifically addressed in
this procedure but is addressed when RESET INSTRUMENT TO DEFAULT VALUES is performed.
Note that changes to the output using the ARROW KEYS and the ENCODER occur in real time.
When the KEYPAD is used, the user must press ENTER for the change to occur. Allow a 30 minute
warm-up before performing the calibration procedure.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
The equipment listed will ensure a test-accuracy ratio (TAR) of greater than 4:1 for all
measurements. If the user substitutes another instrument, care should be taken to ensure a TAR
of at least 4:1 for all measurements.
•Digital multimeter (DMM), Hewlett Packard Model 3458A (with Option 02) or
equivalent.
•Precision Voltage Source, Datron Model 4708 or equivalent.
•Four-wire Type E thermocouple (24 AWG recommended), calibrated at 26°C4 with
known microvolt error and with bare-wire ends for alloy and copper wires. Appendix B
provides a procedure to calibrate a thermocouple. The insulation on the thermocouple
wire ends should be stripped back approximately 0.4″ (10 mm).
•Ice-point bath: Hart Model 9101 zero-point dry well or equivalent. A properly made and
maintained distilled-water ice bath can also be used. An uncertainty of 0.01°C is required.
•Low-thermal cable, Pomona 1756-24 or equivalent.
•Shorting bar or cable: Pomona Electronics Model 5145 or equivalent.
•Optional: Cover to shield terminals from air flow, such as Ectron P/N 114-523-01.
TEST REPORTS
The calibration procedure below is designed for use with the test reports given in Appendix A of
this manual. Select the test report corresponding to the time since the unit was last aligned. The
user may want to print a blank copy of that report prior to beginning. If a custom test report is
used instead, some steps may need to be changed.
4 See Footnote 5 in Appendix B.
11-1
Calibration Procedure
PROCEDURE
Preliminary Setup
1.Turn on the Model 1140A.
2.Restore the Model 1140A to its default settings.
a.Press MENU to go the MAIN MENU. The cursor must be absent. If the cursor is
present, press ESC and then MENU.
b.Scroll to MAINTENANCE and press ENTER to go the MAINTENANCE MENU.
c.Scroll to RESET INSTRUMENT TO DEFAULT VALUES and press ENTER.
d.Scroll to YES and press ENTER.
e.Press ESC to return the MAIN MENU.
Linear-voltage-tests Setup
Program the Model 1140A as follows:
1.Set OUTPUT MODE to VOLTAGE.
a.Scroll to INSTRUMENT MODE and press ENTER to go to the INSTRUMENT MODE
MENU.
b.Scroll to OUTPUT MODE and press ENTER.
c.Select VOLTAGE and press ENTER.
d.Press ESC to return to the MAIN MENU.
2.Set MATERIAL to COPPER.
a.At the MAIN MENU, scroll to OUTPUT and press ENTER to go to the OUTPUT
MENU.
b.Scroll to MATERIAL and press ENTER.
c.Select COPPER and press ENTER.
3.Set TERMINALS to BINDING POSTS.
a.At the OUTPUT MENU, scroll to TERMINALS and press ENTER.
b.Select BINDING POSTS and press ENTER.
c.Press MENU to return to the operating screen.
d.The operating screen should be as is shown in Figure 11-1.
Figure 11-1: Initial Operating Screen for Voltage Tests
11-2
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