Ectron 1140A Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL 1140A
THERMOCOUPLE
SIMULATOR-CALIBRATOR
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.
Copyright May, 2017 Ectron Corporation Ectron Corporation 8159 Engineer Road All Rights Reserved San 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

Warranty After 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
Section VII, Theory of Operation
Operating Modes 7-1
Thermocouple Simulator (Alloy Output) 7-1 Precision Voltage Source (Copper Output) 7-2 Thermocouple Meter (Alloy Input) 7-2 Precision Voltmeter (Copper Input) 7-2 Thermocouple Simulator (Copper Output) 7-2 Thermocouple Meter (Copper Input) 7-2 Precision Voltage Source (Alloy Output) 7-3 Precision Voltmeter (Alloy Input) 7-3 Thermocouple Offset 7-3
Hardware Implementation 7-4
Firmware 7-4 Front-panel Assembly 7-4 Analog Assembly 7-4 Optional Battery 7-5 Power-supply Assembly 7-6
Section VIII, Troubleshooting
General 8-1 Potential Problems 8-1
Model 1140A Will Not Power Up 8-1 Front-panel Problems 8-2 Digital Assembly Problems 8-3 Analog Assembly Problems 8-3
Encoder Installation 9-8 Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar
Removal 9-9 Left Side Panel and Front-panel Bar
Installation 9-9 Keypad Removal 9-9 Keypad Installation 9-10 Analog Assembly Removal 9-10 Analog Assembly Installation 9-12 Power-supply Assembly Removal 9-13 Power-supply Assembly Installation 9-14 Front-panel Assembly Removal 9-14 Front-panel Assembly Installation 9-15 Binding Post Removal 9-16 Binding Post Installation 9-16 Front-panel Display Removal 9-17 Front-panel Display Installation 9-18
Section X, Alignment
General 10-1 Equipment Required 10-1 Preliminary 10-1 Voltage Alignment 10-2
DAC (Digital-to-analog Converter) Bit
Alignment 10-2 Divider Gain Alignment 10-2 Source-mode Alignment 10-2 Meter-mode Zero Alignment 10-2 LSB (Least-significant Bit) Alignment 10-2 Meter-mode Sensitivity Alignment 10-3
Terminal Alignment 10-3
Thermocouple Alloy Corrections 10-3
Section IX, Maintenance and Repair
Cleaning 9-1 Repair Procedures 9-1
Equipment Required 9-1 Orientation 9-2 Ribbon Cable Connections 9-2 Top Cover Removal 9-2 Top Cover Installation 9-3 Battery Removal 9-3 Battery Installation 9-4 Charging Supply Removal 9-4 Charging Supply Installation 9-5 Remote Interface Assembly Removal 9-6 Remote Interface Assembly Installation 9-7 Digital Assembly Removal 9-7 Digital Assembly Installation 9-8 Encoder Removal 9-8
Section XI, Calibration Procedure
General 11-1 Required Equipment 11-1 Test Reports 11-1 Procedure 11-2
Preliminary Setup 11-2 Linear-voltage-tests Setup 11-2 Linear-voltage Tests in Source Mode 11-3 Linear-voltage Tests in Meter Mode 11-4 Thermocouple Voltage Tests 11-5 Thermocouple Alloy Tests 11-6 Output-current Test 11-8
Section XII, Parts List
Names of Manufacturers 12-1 Parts List for the Model 1140A 12-2
ii
Table of Contents
Options and Accessories 12-3 Parts List for the Calibration Kit
(114-519-01) 12-3
Appendix A, Calibration Test Reports
Thirty-day Specifications, ITS-90 A-2 Six-month Specifications, ITS-90 A-7 One-year Specifications, ITS-90 A-12
Appendix B, Thermocouple Calibration
Procedure
General B-1 Equipment Required B-1 Procedure B-1
Index Index 1
iii
Table of Contents

LIST OF TABLES

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 1140A 4-5 Table 4-2: Default Settings 4-22 Table 6-1: Remote Command Summary 6-2 Table 6-2: Model 1140A Error Codes 6-10 Table 6-3: Model 1120 Remote Commands 6-14 Table 9-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip Wires 9-6
iv

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4-1: Front View of the Model 1140A 4-1 Figure 4-2: Main Menu 4-8 Figure 4-3: Thermocouple Menu 4-8 Figure 4-4: Instrument Mode Menu 4-10 Figure 4-5: Output Menu 4-11 Figure 4-6: Memory Menu with No Saved Files 4-12 Figure 4-7: Memory Menu with Saved Files 4-12 Figure 4-8: Sequence Menu 4-14 Figure 4-9: Data Logging Menu 4-16 Figure 4-10: Display Menu 4-17 Figure 4-11: Remote Menu 4-18 Figure 4-12: Web Browser Using the Ethernet Interface 4-20 Figure 4-13: Maintenance Menu 4-21 Figure 4-14: Diagnostics Menu 4-22 Figure 6-1: Remote Menu 6-1 Figure 7-1: Model 1140A Block Diagram 7-1 Figure 7-2: Source-mode Operation Diagram 7-5 Figure 7-3: Meter-mode Operation Diagram 7-5 Figure 8-1: Charging Supply Barrier Strip (High Voltage Guard Removed) 8-2 Figure 8-2: Fuse on Analog Assembly 8-4 Figure 9-1: Model 1140A Overall View 9-2 Figure 9-2: Model 1140A Overall View with Top Cover Removed 9-3 Figure 9-3: Battery Assembly and Charging Supply (Voltage Guard Removed) 9-4 Figure 9-4: Underside of Left Rear Corner 9-5 Figure 9-5: Digital and Keypad Assemblies 9-6 Figure 9-6: Left Side Panel 9-9 Figure 9-7: Analog Assembly 9-11 Figure 9-8: Binding Post Printed Circuit Board and TC Connector 9-11 Figure 9-9: Front Left Rail with Side Panel Removed 9-12 Figure 9-10: Wire Connections on Binding Post Printed Circuit Board 9-12 Figure 9-11: Power Supply Assembly 9-14 Figure 9-12: Display Assembly Area 9-17 Figure 11-1: Initial Operating Screen for Voltage Tests 11-2 Figure 11-2: Setup for Source Tests 11-3 Figure 11-3: Setup for Meter Tests 11-4 Figure 11-4: Initial Operating Screen for Temperature Tests 11-5 Figure 11-5: Operating Screen for Thermocouple Alloy Tests 11-7 Figure 11-6: Setup for Alloy Test at Binding Posts 11-7 Figure 11-7: Setup for Alloy Test at Thermocouple Connector 11-8 Figure 11-8: Setup for Output-current Test 11-8 Figure B-1: Type E Thermocouple Calibration Setup B-2
Table of Contents
v
Table of Contents
This page intentionally left blank.
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 Section XII. 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 at dc.
Output Current Will meet all specifications to 50 mA;
current-limited to <100 mA. Protection Fused to withstand 120 V ac rms applied to the inputs. Resolution
Temperature Selectable settings of 0.01°, 0.1°, and 1° (0.01, 0.1, and 1 if
the unit of measure is kelvin).
Voltage Selectable 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
Temperature 6 digits. Voltage 7 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 Voltage 100 V dc or peak ac. Common-mode Rejection 160 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

Accuracy See Tables 2-1 through 2-24. Units °C, °F, °R, and K.
2-1
Specifications
Conformity Error <0.4 µV. Cold-junction Compensation Error <0.004°C/°C.

Voltage Output Mode

Units mV and V.

METER MODE

Voltage Input 11 V dc to +11 V dc. Input Impedance >10 M nominal.
Pumpout Current <1 nA. Protection Same as Source Mode. Accuracy Same as Source Mode. Resolution
Temperature Selectable settings of 0.1° and 1° (0.1 and 1 if the unit of
measure is kelvin).
Voltage Selectable 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 Coefficient Same as Source Mode. Settling Time <10 s to rated accuracy.

SUPPORTED STANDARDS

Thermocouple Types
B, E, J, K, R, S, and T NIST Monograph 175 and Monograph 125.
N NIST Monograph 175 and Monograph 161.
C and D ASTM E230.
G and PLII ASTM E1751. Temperature Scales ITS-90 and IPTS-68.

GENERAL INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Ac Operation
Line Voltage 85 V ac to 250 V ac, 47 Hz to 63 Hz.
Line Current 140 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 Time More than six hours when the battery pack is fully charged.
Recharge Time Less 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
Display LCD 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 Interfaces USB included; Ethernet, GPIB, and RS-232 optional. Other Available Options Carrying case.
Calibration kit consisting of a terminal cover, shorting bar,
low-thermal cable, calibrated Type T thermocouple, and
calibrated Type E thermocouple. Temperature Ranges
Operating 0°C to +50°C. Storage, without battery 20°C to +60°C. Storage, with battery 0°C to +60°C. Battery Recharge +5°C to +45°C.
Dimensions
Bench Mount 368 mm (14.50) wide.
381 mm (15.00) deep. 102 mm (4.00) high, including feet.
Rack Mount 482 mm (19.00) wide.
396 mm (15.60) deep. 89 mm (3.50) high, without feet.
Humidity 10% to 90% noncondensing. Mass 4.5 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.
6. Conformity, ±0.4 µV.
2-3
Specifications
Table 2-1: Type B Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
250 <350 350 <445 445 <580 580 <750 750 <1000
1000 1820
Table 2-2: Type B Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
482 <662 662 <833
833 <1076 1076 <1382 1382 <1832 1832 3308
Table 2-3: Type C Thermocouple (°C)
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.58 ±0.85 ±0.95 ±0.41 ±0.60 ±0.74 ±0.33 ±0.49 ±0.58 ±0.26 ±0.38 ±0.45 ±0.21 ±0.31 ±0.37 ±0.17 ±0.24 ±0.29
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±1.04 ±1.53 ±1.71 ±0.74 ±1.08 ±1.33 ±0.59 ±0.88 ±1.04 ±0.47 ±0.68 ±0.81 ±0.38 ±0.56 ±0.67 ±0.31 ±0.43 ±0.52
Temperature Range
0 <250
250 <1000 1000 <1500 1500 <1800 1800 <2000 2000 <2250 2250 2315.56
Table 2-4: Type C Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
32 <482
482 <1832 1832 <2732 2732 <3272 3272 <3632 3632 <4082 4082 4200.01
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.12 ±0.16 ±0.20 ±0.10 ±0.13 ±0.16 ±0.11 ±0.15 ±0.18 ±0.13 ±0.18 ±0.21 ±0.14 ±0.20 ±0.23 ±0.17 ±0.24 ±0.29 ±0.19 ±0.26 ±0.32
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.22 ±0.29 ±0.36 ±0.18 ±0.23 ±0.29 ±0.20 ±0.27 ±0.32 ±0.23 ±0.32 ±0.38 ±0.25 ±0.36 ±0.41 ±0.31 ±0.43 ±0.52 ±0.34 ±0.47 ±0.58
2-4
Table 2-5: Type D Thermocouple (°C)
Specifications
Temperature Range
0 <100 100 <300 300 <1400
1400 <1650 1650 <1930 1930 <2100 2100 <2200 2200 2320
Table 2-6: Type D Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
32 <212 212 <572 572 <2552
2552 <3002 3002 <3506 3506 <3812 3812 <3992 3992 4208
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.16 ±0.23 ±0.27 ±0.12 ±0.17 ±0.20 ±0.10 ±0.13 ±0.15 ±0.10 ±0.15 ±0.17 ±0.12 ±0.16 ±0.20 ±0.14 ±0.19 ±0.23 ±0.15 ±0.21 ±0.25 ±0.18 ±0.25 ±0.30
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.29 ±0.41 ±0.49 ±0.22 ±0.31 ±0.36 ±0.18 ±0.23 ±0.27 ±0.18 ±0.27 ±0.31 ±0.22 ±0.29 ±0.36 ±0.25 ±0.34 ±0.41 ±0.27 ±0.38 ±0.45 ±0.32 ±0.45 ±0.54
Table 2-7: Type E Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
270 <245 ±0.95 ±1.10 ±1.20
245 <195 ±0.13 ±0.16 ±0.18
195 <155 ±0.07 ±0.09 ±0.10
155 <90 ±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.08
90
15 <890 890 1000
<15
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.05 ±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.05 ±0.06 ±0.06 ±0.05 ±0.06 ±0.07
Error After:
Table 2-8: Type E Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
454 <409 ±1.71 ±1.98 ±2.16
409 <319 ±0.23 ±0.29 ±0.32
319 <247 ±0.13 ±0.16 ±0.18
247 <130 ±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.14
130
59 <1634
1634 1832
<59
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.09 ±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.09 ±0.11 ±0.11 ±0.09 ±0.11 ±0.13
Error After:
2-5
Specifications
Table 2-9: Type G Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
0 <100 100 <300 300 <600 600 <1760
1760 <2030 2030 <2200 2200 2315.56
Table 2-10: Type G Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
32 <212 212 <572 572 <1112
1112 <3200 3200 <3686 3686 <3992 3992 4200.01
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±1.10 ±1.30 ±1.50 ±0.28 ±0.35 ±0.43 ±0.14 ±0.19 ±0.24 ±0.10 ±0.13 ±0.15 ±0.11 ±0.15 ±0.18 ±0.13 ±0.17 ±0.21 ±0.14 ±0.20 ±0.24
Error After:
30 Days Six Months One Year
±1.98 ±2.34 ±2.70 ±0.50 ±0.63 ±0.77 ±0.25 ±0.34 ±0.43 ±0.18 ±0.23 ±0.27 ±0.20 ±0.27 ±0.32 ±0.23 ±0.31 ±0.38 ±0.25 ±0.36 ±0.43
Table 2-11: Type J Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
210 <180 ±0.07 ±0.10 ±0.12
180 <120 ±0.06 ±0.09 ±0.10
120 <50 ±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.08
50
990 1200
<990
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.05 ±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.05 ±0.07 ±0.07
Error After:
Table 2-12: Type J Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
346 <292 ±0.13 ±0.18 ±0.22
292 <184 ±0.11 ±0.16 ±0.18
184 <58 ±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.14
58
1814 2192
<1814
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.09 ±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.09 ±0.13 ±0.13
Error After:
2-6
Table 2-13: Type K Thermocouple (°C)
Specifications
Temperature Range
270 <255 ±1.50 ±1.90 ±2.20
255 <195 ±0.30 ±0.40 ±0.70
195 <115 ±0.10 ±0.11 ±0.12
115 <−55 ±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.09
55
1000 1372
<1000
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.07 ±0.06 ±0.08 ±0.08
Error After:
Table 2-14: Type K Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
454 <427 ±2.70 ±3.42 ±3.96
427 <319 ±0.54 ±0.72 ±1.26
319 <175 ±0.18 ±0.20 ±0.22
175 <67 ±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.16
67
1832 2501.6
<1832
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.13 ±0.11 ±0.14 ±0.14
Error After:
Table 2-15: Type N Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
270 <260 ±3.50 ±4.00 ±5.00
260 <200 ±0.75 ±0.93 ±1.00
200 <140 ±0.15 ±0.19 ±0.23
140 <70 ±0.10 ±0.12 ±0.15
70
25 <160
160 1300
<25
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.08 ±0.10 ±0.12 ±0.07 ±0.09 ±0.10 ±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.09
Error After:
Table 2-16: Type N Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
454 <436 ±6.30 ±7.20 ±9.00
436 <328 ±1.35 ±1.67 ±1.80
328 <220 ±0.27 ±0.34 ±0.41
220 <94 ±0.18 ±0.22 ±0.27
94
77 <320
320 2372
<77
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.14 ±0.18 ±0.22 ±0.13 ±0.16 ±0.18 ±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.16
Error After:
2-7
Specifications
Table 2-17: Type Platinel II Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
0 <100 100 <925 925 <1200
1200 1395
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.10 ±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.10 ±0.08 ±0.09 ±0.11
Error After:
Table 2-18: Type Platinel II Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
32 <212
212 <1697
1697 <2192 2192 2543
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.18 ±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.18 ±0.14 ±0.16 ±0.20
Error After:
Table 2-19: Type R Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
50 <30 ±0.40 ±0.58 ±0.65
30
45 <160 160 <380 380 <775 775 1768.1
<45
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.34 ±0.48 ±0.55 ±0.24 ±0.32 ±0.40 ±0.18 ±0.26 ±0.30 ±0.15 ±0.21 ±0.26 ±0.13 ±0.18 ±0.22
Error After:
Table 2-20: Type R Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
58 <22 ±0.72 ±1.04 ±1.17
22
113 <320 320 <716 716 <1427
1427 3214.58
<113
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.61 ±0.86 ±0.99 ±0.43 ±0.58 ±0.72 ±0.32 ±0.47 ±0.54 ±0.27 ±0.38 ±0.47 ±0.23 ±0.32 ±0.40
Error After:
2-8
Table 2-21: Type S Thermocouple (°C)
Specifications
Temperature Range
50 <30 ±0.38 ±0.53 ±0.62
30
45 <105 105 <310 310 <615 615 1768.1
<45
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.32 ±0.47 ±0.56 ±0.23 ±0.34 ±0.40 ±0.20 ±0.30 ±0.33 ±0.17 ±0.25 ±0.29 ±0.15 ±0.22 ±0.26
Error After:
Table 2-22: Type S Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
58 <22 ±0.68 ±0.95 ±1.12
22
113 <221 221 <590 590 <1139
1139 3214.58
<113
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.58 ±0.85 ±1.01 ±0.41 ±0.61 ±0.72 ±0.36 ±0.54 ±0.59 ±0.31 ±0.45 ±0.52 ±0.27 ±0.40 ±0.47
Error After:
Table 2-23: Type T Thermocouple (°C)
Temperature Range
270 <255 ±1.40 ±1.60 ±1.80
255 <240 ±0.27 ±0.35 ±0.49
240 <210 ±0.17 ±0.24 ±0.30
210 <150 ±0.11 ±0.15 ±0.18
150 <40 ±0.08 ±0.10 ±0.12
40
100 400
<100
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.06 ±0.07 ±0.08 ±0.05 ±0.06 ±0.07
Error After:
Table 2-24: Type T Thermocouple (°F)
Temperature Range
454 <427 ±2.52 ±2.88 ±3.24
427 <400 ±0.49 ±0.63 ±0.88
400 <346 ±0.32 ±0.43 ±0.54
346 <238 ±0.20 ±0.27 ±0.31
238 <40 ±0.14 ±0.18 ±0.20
40
212 752
<212
30 Days Six Months One Year
±0.11 ±0.13 ±0.14 ±0.09 ±0.11 ±0.13
Error After:
2-9
Specifications
This page intentionally left blank.
2-10
SECTION III

3 UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

SHIPMENT CONTENTS

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
This page intentionally left blank.
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 Wire Negative Wire Temperature Range
250°C to 1820°C B-MN175 [B-MN125]
C 95% W – 5% Re Alloy 74% W – 26% Re Alloy
D 97% W – 3% Re Alloy 75% W – 25% Re Alloy
E-MN175 [E-MN125]
G 100% W 74% 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.
70% Pt – 30% Rh Alloy 94% Pt – 6% Rh Alloy
90% Ni – 10% Cr Alloy
(Chromel)
100% Fe
90% Ni – 10% Cr Alloy
(Chromel)
84% Ni – 14% to 14.4%
Cr – 1.3% to 1.6% Si Alloy
Proprietary Platinum Alloy Proprietary Platinum Alloy
87% Pt – 13% Rh Alloy 100% Pt
90% Pt – 10% Rh Alloy 100% Pt
100% Cu
55% Cu – 45% Ni Alloy
(Constantan)
55% Cu – 45% Ni Alloy
(Constantan)
96% Ni – 2% Mn –
2% Al Alloy (Alumel)
95% Ni – 4.2% to 4.6% Cr
– 0.5% to 1.5% Mg Alloy
55% Cu – 45% Ni Alloy
(Constantan)
50°C to 1768.1°C [1767.6°C]**
58°F to 3214.58°F [3213.68°F]
223.15 K to 2041.25 K [2040.75K]
401.67°R to 3674.25°R [3673.35°R]
50°C to 1768.1°C [1767.6°C]**
58°F to 3214.58°F [3213.68°F]
223.15 K to 2041.25 K [2040.75K]
401.67°R to 3674.25°R [3673.35°R]
482°F to 3308°F
523.15 K to 2093.15 K
22.33°R to 3767.67°R 0°C to 2315.56°C
32°F to 4200.01°F
273.15 K to 2588.71 K
491.67°R to 4659.68°R 0°C to 2320°C
32°F to 4208°F
273.15 K to 2593.15 K
491.67°R to 4667.67°R
270°C to 1000°C
454°F to 1832°F
3.15 K to 1273.15 K
5.67°R to 2291.67°R 0°C to 2315.56°C
32°F to 4200.01°F
273.15 K to 2588.71 K
491.67°R to 4659.68°R
210°C to 1200°C
346°F to 2192°F
63.15 K to 1473.15 K
113.67°R to 2651.67°R
270°C to 1372°C
454°F to 2501.6°F
3.15 K to 1645.15 K
5.67°R to 2961.27°R
270°C to 1300°C
454°F to 2372°F
3.15 K to 1573.15 K
5.67°R to 2831.67°R
0°C to 1395°C
32°F to 2543°F
273.15 K to 1668.15 K
459.67°R to 3002.67°R
270°C to 400°C
454°F to 752°F
3.15 K to 673.15 K
5.67°R to 1211.67°R
4-5
Operation

Message Displays

Standby
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.
MAIN MENU
THERMOCOUPLE INSTRUMENT MODE OUTPUT MEMORY SEQUENCE DATA LOGGING DISPLAY REMOTE MAINTENANCE DIAGNOSTICS
Figure 4-2: Main Menu

THERMOCOUPLE 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 (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.

SEQUENCE MENU

VIEW/START SEQUENCE INSERT SEQUENCE STEP DELETE SEQUENCE STEP MOVE SEQUENCE STEP DELETE ENTIRE SEQUENCE: 5 STEPS STEPPING: MANUAL STEP TIME: 0:00:04.0 REPEAT SEQUENCE: NO
Figure 4-8: Sequence Menu
Sequence Menu
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.

DISPLAY MENU

CONTRAST: 20 BACKLIGHT BRIGHT: 50% BACKLIGHT MODE: TIMED BACKLIGHT TIME: 1 MINUTE
Figure 4-10: Display Menu
Display Menu
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
Parameter Setting
Thermocouple type / Output K-MN175* / 0.00°C Thermocouple offset units System units Thermocouple offset 0.00°C Reference-junction-temperature units System units Reference-junction temperature 0.00°C Instrument mode Source Output mode Temperature System temperature units Celsius (°C) System voltage units Volts (V) Temperature resolution limit 0.01° Voltage resolution limit 0.1 µV Temperature scale ITS-90 Material Alloy Terminals Thermocouple connector Copper offset units System units Copper voltage offset 0.000000 V Autozero enabled No 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
This page intentionally left blank.
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 THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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 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 for all voltages under 200 mV. With a 1 M 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.
Table 6-1: Remote Command Summary
Command String (SCPI Syntax) Arguments Function Command * Query
Source Mode
:SOURce:TEMPerature:VALue Temperature Simulation temperature :SOURce:VOLTage:VALue Voltage Source 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:TYPE Thermocouple type Thermocouple type :UNIT:THERmocouple:OFFSet {C, F, R, K, SYSTEM} Thermocouple offset units :INSTrument:THERmocouple:OFFSet:VALue Temperature Thermocouple offset value :UNIT:REFJunction {C, F, R, K, SYSTEM} Reference-junction units :OUTPut:REFJunction:VALue Temperature Reference-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:VALue Voltage Voltage offset :INPut:AZERo Performs autozero function :INPut:AZERo:STATe OFF Turn autozero off :INPut:AZERo:VALue? Retrieve autozero offset
System
:STATus:PRESet Revert user settings to defaults :SYSTem:REMote Place unit in remote control :SYSTem:LOCal Place unit in local control :SYSTem:DATE? Retrieve system date :SYSTem:TIME? Retrieve system time :SYSTem:SERialno? Retrieve unit’s serial number :MEMory:CATalog Retrieve 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:ALL Retrieve code of all errors :SYSTem:ERRor:COUNt Retrieve count of errors in queue
Data Logging
:LOG:SETup? Data Logging Retrieve 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.
Example: :INST:THER:TYPE:CAT? returns
B-MN175,R-MN175,S-MN175,E-MN175,J-MN175,K-MN175,N-MN175, T-MN175,PLII,G,C,D.
If using IPTS-68 instead of ITS-90, this query returns
B-MN125,R-MN125,S-MN125,E-MN125,J-MN125,K-MN125,N-MN161, T-MN125,PLII,G,C,D.
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.
Example: :INST:VOLT:OFFS:VAL? might return +0.020000 mV.
6-8
Remote Operation
Perform an Autozero Function :INPut:AZERo
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
Code Description Returned Explanation
0 No error
101 Temperature out of range The 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 range The voltage being programmed is out of range.
106 Output overload The Model 1140A is incapable of supplying the
107 Thermocouple invalid for
temperature scale
–100 Command error Unrecognized query, command, or command parameter.
–101 Command not allowed in
Standby mode
–315 Nonvolatile memory error An internal memory error occurred at startup.
–350 Queue overflow An 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.
Example: :SYST:ERR? might return −100,Command error.
Query All Errors in the Queue :SYSTem:ERRor:ALL?
Example: :SYST:ERR:ALL? might return:
−100, Command error 105,Voltage out of range
etc.
6-10
Remote Operation
Query the First Error Code in the Queue :SYSTem:ERRor:CODE?
This command pops the oldest error out of the queue and returns its numeric code. Refer to
Table 6-2 for error codes.
Example: :SYST:ERR:CODE? might return −100.
Query All Error Codes in the Queue :SYSTem:ERRor:CODE:ALL?
Example: :SYST:ERR:CODE:ALL? might return:
−100 105
Query the Count of Errors in the Queue :SYSTem:ERRor:COUNt?
Example: :SYST:ERR:COUN? might return 2.

Data Logging Queries

Query the data-logging setup :LOG:SETup?
Returns all the parameters associated in the setup.
Example: :LOG:SET? returns:
START DATE,10-MAY-2017 START TIME,16:06:01 LOG INTERVAL,0:01:00 LOG ENTRIES,726 OUTPUT MODE,TEMPERATURE THERMOCOUPLE TYPE,J-MN175 TERMINALS,BINDING POSTS MATERIAL,ALLOY THERMOCOUPLE OFFSET TEMP,+0.00C TEMPERATURE SCALE,ITS-90
Query Logged Data :LOG:DATA?
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?
Example: :LOG:SET:FIR? returns START DATE,10-MAY-2017
6-11
Remote Operation
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.
Table 6-3: Model 1120 Remote Commands
Key Remote-programming Code Key Remote-programming Code
0 0 mV M
1 1 V V
2 2 Cu U
3 3 Aly S
4 4 STO/RCL Not supported
5 5 CLR W
6 6 EXECUT Z
7 7 E E
8 8 J J
9 9 K K
. . T T
+ + S S
C C B B
F F * *
R R

Errors

The possible errors the can occur are:
E1 The Temperature selected is beyond the specification for the selected thermocouple type.
E2 The 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 THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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 OUTPUTCOPPER 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 THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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 OUTPUTCOPPER 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 THERMOCOUPLEREF 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 THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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 THERMOCOUPLEREF JCT TEMP menu, TAZ is the autozero offset temperature (if autozero is enabled), and T
is the offset temperature set in
OFFSET
the THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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
THERMOCOUPLEREF 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
THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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
THERMOCOUPLEREF 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
THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE OFFSET menu, and VAZ is the autozero offset voltage (if autozero is enabled).

Thermocouple Offset

The thermocouple offset, accessible through the THERMOCOUPLETHERMOCOUPLE 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
Drill
13/64 drill bit
RTV adhesive: Dow Corning 3145, Ectron P/N E-410017-3
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.

1 Top 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

2 Top 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.

3 Battery 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.

4 Battery 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.

5 Charging 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.

6 Charging 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
Function Wire Color
+V
V or COM
Red
Black
Ground Green/Yellow
L Brown
N Blue

7 Remote 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.

8 Remote 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.

9 Digital 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.

10 Digital 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.

11 Encoder 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.

12 Encoder 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

13 Left 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.

14 Left 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.

15 Keypad 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.

16 Keypad 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.

17 Analog 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.

18 Analog 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.

19 Power-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

20 Power-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.

21 Front-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.

22 Front-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.

23 Binding 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.

24 Binding 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.

25 Front-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.

26 Front-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
Loading...