Measurement WLS-TEMP User Manual

WLS-TEMP

User's Guide

Document Revision 5
March 2013
© Copyright 2013

Wireless Sensor Measurement

HM WLS-TEMP.docx

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2

Table of Contents

Preface

About this User’s Guide ....................................................................................................................... 5

What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 5

Conventions in this user's guide ......................................................................................................................... 5

Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 1

Introducing the WLS-TEMP .................................................................................................................. 6

Overview: WLS-TEMP features ........................................................................................................................ 6

Remote wireless operation ................................................................................................................................................ 6

WLS-TEMP block diagram ................................................................................................................................ 7

Chapter 2

Installing the WLS-TEMP ...................................................................................................................... 8

What comes with your shipment? ....................................................................................................................... 8

Hardware .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Documentation .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................... 8

Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Installing the hardware ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Configuring the hardware ................................................................................................................................... 9

Temperature sensors ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Network parameters (remote operation) ..........................................................................................................................10

Connecting the external power supply for remote operation ............................................................................ 11

Calibrating the WLS-TEMP ............................................................................................................................. 11

Warm up time ................................................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 3

Sensor Connections ........................................................................................................................... 12

Screw terminal pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Sensor input .....................................................................................................................................................................12

Current excitation output .................................................................................................................................................13

Four-wire, two sensor common .......................................................................................................................................13

Two sensor common ........................................................................................................................................................13

CJC sensors ......................................................................................................................................................................13

Digital I/O ........................................................................................................................................................................13

Power output ....................................................................................................................................................................13

Ground .............................................................................................................................................................................13

Thermocouple connections ............................................................................................................................... 13

Wiring configuration ........................................................................................................................................................14

RTD and thermistor connections ...................................................................................................................... 14

Two-wire configuration ...................................................................................................................................................15

Three-wire configuration .................................................................................................................................................16

Four-wire configuration ...................................................................................................................................................16

Semiconductor sensor measurements ............................................................................................................... 17

Wiring configuration ........................................................................................................................................................17

Digital I/O connections ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Configuring the DIO channels to generate alarms ...........................................................................................................18

Chapter 4

Functional Details ............................................................................................................................... 19

Thermocouple measurements ........................................................................................................................... 19

Cold junction compensation (CJC) ..................................................................................................................................19

Data linearization .............................................................................................................................................................19

3

WLS-TEMP Specifications

Open-thermocouple detection (OTD) ..............................................................................................................................19

RTD and thermistor measurements .................................................................................................................. 20

Data linearization .............................................................................................................................................................20

AC power supply .............................................................................................................................................. 20

External components ........................................................................................................................................ 20

Screw terminals................................................................................................................................................................21

USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................21

Status LEDs .....................................................................................................................................................................21

LED Test button...............................................................................................................................................................22

Chapter 5

Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 23

Analog input ................................ ..................................................................................................................... 23

Channel configurations ..................................................................................................................................... 24

Compatible sensors ........................................................................................................................................... 24

Accuracy ........................................................................................................................................................... 25

Thermocouple measurement accuracy .............................................................................................................................25

Semiconductor sensor measurement accuracy .................................................................................................................25

RTD measurement accuracy ............................................................................................................................................26

Thermistor measurement accuracy ..................................................................................................................................26

Throughput rate to PC (USB or wireless) ......................................................................................................... 27

Digital input/output........................................................................................................................................... 27

Temperature alarms .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Memory ............................................................................................................................................................ 28

Microcontroller ................................ ................................................................................................................. 28

Wireless communications ................................................................................................................................. 28

USB +5V voltage ............................................................................................................................................. 29

Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 29

USB specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 30

Current excitation outputs (Ix+) ....................................................................................................................... 30

Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 30

Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 30

LED / button configuration ............................................................................................................................... 31

Screw terminal connector ................................................................................................................................. 32

Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................. 33

4

About this User’s Guide

What you will learn from this user's guide

This user's guide describes the Measurement Computing WLS-TEMP data acquisition device and lists device
specifications.

Conventions in this user's guide

For more information

Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,

damaging your hardware, or losing your data.

bold text Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.

italic text Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.

Where to find more information

Preface

Additional information about WEB-TEMP hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You can
also contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.

 Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
 Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
 Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
 Email: [e-mail]

5

Chapter 1

Introducing the WLS-TEMP

Overview: WLS-TEMP features

This user's guide contains all of the information you need to configure the WLS-TEMP for remote wireless
operation, and to connect to the signals you want to measure.

The WLS-TEMP is a wireless-based USB 2.0 full-speed temperature measurement module that is supported
under popular Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. The WLS-TEMP is fully compatible with both
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.

The WLS-TEMP provides eight differential input channels that are software programmable for different sensor
categories including thermocouple, RTD, thermistor and Semiconductor sensors. Eight independent, TTL­compatible digital I/O channels are provided to monitor TTL-level inputs, communicate with external devices,
and to generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are software programmable for input or output.

You can take measurements from four sensor categories:

 Thermocouple – types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B
 Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) – two, three, or four-wire measurements of 100 Ω platinum RTDs
 Thermistors – two, three, or four -wire measurements
 Semiconductor temperature sensors – LM35, TMP35 or equivalent

The WLS-TEMP provides a 24-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for each pair of differential analog input
channels. Each pair of differential inputs constitutes a channel pair. You can connect a different category of
sensor to each channel pair, but you can not mix categories among the channels that constitute a channel pair
(although it is permissible to mix thermocouple types).

The WLS-TEMP provides two integrated cold junction compensation (CJC) sensors for thermocouple
measurements, and built-in current excitation sources for resistive sensor measurements.

An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple. An onboard microprocessor
automatically linearizes the measurement data according to the sensor category.

The WLS-TEMP features eight independent temperature alarms. Each alarm controls an associated digital I/O
channel as an alarm output. The input to each alarm is one of the temperature input channels. The output of each
alarm is software-configurable as active high or low. You set up the temperature threshold conditions to activate
each alarm. When an alarm is activated, the associated DIO channel is driven to the output state.

All configurable options are software programmable. The WLS-TEMP is fully software-calibrated.
You can operate the WLS-TEMP as a standalone plug-and-play device which draws power through the USB

cable. You can also operate the WLS-TEMP as a remote device that communicates with the computer through
the WLS-IFC USB-to-wireless interface device. An external power supply is shipped with the device to provide
power during remote operations.

Remote wireless operation

When operating as a remote device, the WLS-TEMP communicates with the computer through the WLS-IFC
device connected to the computer's USB port

Before you can operate the WLS-TEMP remotely, you must connect it to the computer's USB port and
configure the network parameters required to establish a wireless link with the interface device. Only devices
with the same parameter settings can communicate with each other. All configurable options are programmable
with InstaCal.

LEDs on the WLS-TEMP indicate the status of communication over the wireless link. An LED bar graph shows
the fade margin of signals received by the WLS-TEMP.

For more information on setting up network parameters, refer to "Network parameters (remote operation)" on
page 10.

6

WLS-TEMP Specifications

WLS-TEMP block diagram

WLS-TEMP functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

Figure 1. Functional block diagram

7

Installing the WLS-TEMP

What comes with your shipment?

The following items are shipped with the WLS-TEMP:

Hardware

 WLS-TEMP
 AC-to-USB power adapter (2.5 watt supply for wireless operations) and USB cable (2 meter length)

Software

 MCC DAQ Software CD

Documentation

 Quick Start Guide

This booklet provides an overview of the MCC DAQ software you received with the device, and includes
information about installing the software. Please read this booklet completely before installing any software
or hardware.

 Setup Options

An overview of installation options is provided in the Wireless Setup document that ships with the device.

Chapter 2

Unpacking

As with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the WLS-TEMP from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by
simply touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.

If any components are missing or damaged, contact us immediately using one of the following methods:

 Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
 Phone: [phone] and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support
 Fax: [phone] to the attention of Tech Support
 Email: [e-mail]

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.

Installing the software

Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing the software on the MCC DAQ CD. This booklet is
available in PDF at www.mccdaq.com/PDFmanuals/DAQ-Software-Quick-Start.pdf.

Installing the hardware

Before you operate the WLS-TEMP as a local or remote device, first install it onto your system and configure it
with InstaCal.

Install the MCC DAQ software before you install the WLS-TEMP

The driver needed to run your board is installed with the MCC DAQ software. Therefore, you need to install the
MCC DAQ software before you install your board. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on installing
the software.

8

WLS-TEMP Specifications

Complete the following steps to connect the WLS-TEMP to your system:

1. Turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port on your computer or to an external USB

hub that is connected to your computer. The USB cable provides power and communication to the WLS­TEMP.

Always connect an external hub to its power supply

If you are using a hybrid hub (one that can operate in either self-powered or bus-powered mode), always
connect it to its external power supply.

If you use a hub of this type without connecting to external power, communication errors may occur that could
result in corrupt configuration information on your wireless device. You can restore the factory default
configuration settings with InstaCal.

When you connect the WLS-TEMP for the first time, a notification message opens as the WLS-TEMP is
detected. After your system detects new hardware, the Found New Hardware Wizard opens and prompts
you to respond to the question "Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software?"

2. Click on the No, not this time option, and then click on the Next button.

The next dialog prompts you for the location of the software required to run the new hardware.

3. Keep the default selection "Install the software automatically" and then click on the Next button.

The wizard locates and installs the software on your computer for the WLS-TEMP. A dialog appears when
the wizard completes the installation.

4. Click on the Finish button to exit the Found New Hardware Wizard.
A dialog box opens when the hardware is installed and ready to use. The Command LED will blink and then

remain on to indicate that communication is established between the WLS-TEMP and your computer. The

Wireless Power LED turns on to indicate that the internal RF module is receiving power.

If the Command LED turns off

If the Command LED is on but then turns off, the computer has lost communication with the WLS-TEMP. If
the WLS-TEMP is connected to the computer USB port, disconnect the USB cable from the computer and then
reconnect it. This should restore communication, and the LED should turn back on.

If the Command LED turns off when you are operating the WLS-TEMP remotely through the wireless
interface, disconnect the USB cable from the USB power adapter, and then reconnect it. This should restore
communication, and the Command LED should turn back on.

Configuring the hardware

Before using the WLS-TEMP, configure the temperature sensors and network parameters for remote wireless
communication. All hardware configuration options on the WLS-TEMP are programmable with InstaCal.

Configuration options are stored on the WLS-TEMP in non-volatile memory in EEPROM, and are loaded on
power up.

Temperature sensors

Use InstaCal to set the sensor type for each channel pair. The configurable options dynamically update
according to the selected sensor category. You can modify sensor settings when you operate the WLS-TEMP
remotely.

9

WLS-TEMP Specifications

RF
Channel

Transmission
Frequency (GHz)

RF
Channel

Transmission
Frequency (GHz)

12

2.410

18

2.440

13

2.415

19

2.445

14

2.420

20

2.450

15

2.425

21

2.455

16

2.430

22

2.460

17

2.435

23

2.465

You can configure sensor settings when the WLS-TEMP is connected locally to the computer through the USB
port, or when the device is operated remotely through the wireless interface.

The factory-default sensor configuration is Disabled. The Disabled mode disconnects the analog inputs from the
terminal blocks and internally grounds all of the A/D inputs. This mode also disables each of the current
excitation sources.

Network parameters (remote operation)

The following network parameter options are programmable with InstaCal.

 Identifier: Text that identifies the device (optional).
 PAN (hex): The personal area network (PAN) ID assigned to the device.

The PAN value is a number used to identify the interface device with which you want to communicate. The
WLS-TEMP can only communicate with a device whose PAN is set to the same value.

Most users do not need to change the default value assigned to the device. However, you may want to
assign a different PAN ID in the following situations:

o You have multiple WLS Series devices, and do not want to allow communication between all of them.

Set the PAN ID to the same value on each device that you want to communicate.

o If other WLS Series devices are operating in the vicinity, you can avoid accidental changes to your

device settings by changing the default PAN value.

 CH: The radio frequency (RF) channel number assigned to the device.

The channel number is used to transmit and receive data over the wireless link. You may want to change
the channel number in InstaCal when another WLS Series device is already transmitting on that channel, or
when noise is present on the channel.

The table below lists each available channel and its corresponding transmission frequency:

 AES Key: Value used to encrypt data (optional).

AES encryption is disabled by default. Unless you suspect that there are other users of WLS Series devices
in the area, there should be no need to enable encryption. However, if you suspect that there are other WLS
Series devices in the area, and you need to secure the devices from being accessed by other users, enable
AES encryption.

Enabling encryption does NOT secure the device from access through a local USB connection. A remote
device configured for encryption can be connected locally through the USB port to access other remote
WLS Series devices with the same settings; you may need to physically secure the remote devices to
prevent tampering of the of device's network.

Set the PAN ID, RF channel, and AES key to the same value for each device that you want to
communicate

Only devices with matching parameter settings for PAN, CH, and AES Key (if set) can communicate with each
other.
For information on setting up the network parameters for your WLS-TEMP, refer to the "WLS Series" section
of the "Temperature Input Boards" chapter in the Universal Library User's Guide.

After configuring the network parameters, disconnect the WLS-TEMP from the computer, and move the device
to its remote location. The WLS-TEMP can be located up to 150 feet (50 meters) indoors, or up to ½ mile
(750 m) outdoors from the interface device.

10

WLS-TEMP Specifications

Restoring factory default settings

You can restore the factory default configuration settings with InstaCal.

Connecting the external power supply for remote operation

Connect the USB cable to the AC-to-USB power adapter when you are operating the WLS-TEMP remotely
through the wireless interface. The Command and Wireless Power LEDs turn on approximately five seconds
after you connect the AC power adapter.

Caution! To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, maintain a separation

distance of 20 cm (0.66 feet) or more between the antenna of this device and personnel during
device operation. To ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not
recommended. The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

Calibrating the WLS-TEMP

You can fully calibrate the WLS-TEMP using InstaCal. Allow a 30-minute warm up before calibrating.
InstaCal prompts you to run its calibration utility if you change the sensor category. If you don't change the
sensor category the normal calibration interval is once per year.

You can calibrate the WLS-TEMP when it is connected locally to the computer through the USB port, or when
it is operated remotely through the wireless interface.

Warm up time

Allow the WLS-TEMP to warm up for 30 minutes before taking measurements. This warm up time minimizes
thermal drift and achieves the specified rated accuracy of measurements.

For RTD or thermistor measurements, this warm-up time is also required to stabilize the internal current
reference.

11