NOVUS myPCLab User Manual

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myPCLab

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

INSTRUCTION MANUALINSTRUCTION MANUAL

PCLab

PCLabPCLab

INTRODUCTION

myPCLab is a very compact Data Acquisition tool that connects to a PC via a USB port and monitors two universal input
analog variables along with one digital input. From hobbyists to scientists, from simple technical tasks to complex
engineering activities, myPCLab can be an invaluable tool for on-line monitoring and data logging in school, laboratory
research, machine data recording and industrial understanding.

It comes with intuitive and easy-to-use Windows software which plots and records data, shows gauges, bargraphs and
digital readouts. The USB port is accessed as a virtual serial port, which makes myPCLab compatible with SCADA
software with Modbus RTU driver or with any program with ASCII serial communication.

Multiple units of myPCLab can be connected to the same computer, easily expanding the number of inputs. The
myPCLab software can simultaneously communicate with multiple modules.

This manual describes software installation and connection of input signals to a myPCLab module. Instructions on using
the software are available on its help system.

READ THIS RECOMENDATION TO AVOID DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER.

myPCLab inputs are not electrically isolated from the USB port. Before connecting signals from sensors or
transducers, make sure that they are not in contact with any source of electrical power (wires or conductive
surfaces which may get energized). Input channels are not isolated from each other.

SPECIFICATIONS

Analog Input Signals: Configurable for channels 1 and 2. The input signals and measuring ranges are listed in the

following table.

• Thermocouples: J, K, T, E, N, R, S and B types.
Input Impedance >> 1 MΩ

• Pt100: Three wires connection, 625 µA bias current, α = 0.00385.

• Linear Signals: 0 to 50 mVdc: Input Impedance >> 1 MΩ

0 to 10 Vdc: Input Impedance = 1 MΩ. Available only in channel 1.
4 to 20 mAdc: Input Impedance: 22 Ω (+ 2,0 Vdc)

Input Type Maximum Range

J Thermocouple
K Thermocouple
T Thermocouple
E Thermocouple
N Thermocouple
R Thermocouple
S Thermocouple
B Thermocouple
Pt100 RTD

0 to 50 mVdc Adjustable from -32767 to +32767
0 to 10 Vdc (Channel 1) Adjustable from -32767 to +32767
4 to 20 mAdc Adjustable from -32767 to +32767

myPCLab module sensors and signals

-130,0 to 940,0 °C (-202,0 to 1724,0 ºF)

-200,0 to 1370,0 °C (-328,0 to 2498,0 ºF)

-200,0 to 400,0 °C (-328,0 to 752,0 ºF)

-100,0 to 720,0 °C (-148,0 to 1328,0 ºF)

-200,0 to 1300,0 °C (-328,0 to 2372,0 ºF)
0,0 to 1760,0 °C (-32,0 to 3200,0 ºF)
0,0 to 1760,0 °C (-32,0 to 3200,0 ºF)
500,0 to 1800,0 °C (932,0 to 3272,0 ºF)

-200,0 to 650,0 °C (-328,0 to 1202,0 ºF)

Digital Input: Logic voltage or dry contact signals.
“0” Logic Level: contact closed or voltage lower than 0,5 Vdc.
“1” Logic Level: contact opened or voltage from 2,0 V to 5,0 Vdc.
Digital input special features: Digital input can be configured for counting, timing or frequency measuring (pulses per

time unit). Configurable: debounce time and scale factor.

Counting: It counts from 0 up to 4294967295. It is selectable to count on input rising edge, falling edge or

both. Maximum input frequency: 1 kHz (square wave, no debounce).

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myPCLab

Timing: It times up to 4294967295 miliseconds (more than 49 days). It is selectable to run timing when

input in logic level "0" or when in "1". Accuracy: 0.5 % of the indicated time.

Frequency: It counts the number of pulses (rising edge, falling edge or both) in each base time,

configurable from 1 to 65535 seconds (18 hours). Maximum input frequency: 500 Hz (square wave, no
debounce). Maximum input frequency: 500 Hz (square wave, no debounce). Accuracy: 0.5 %.

Ambient Temperature Sensor: Internal thermistor.
Total Accuracy: Thermocouples R, S and B: 0.25% of the maximum range ± 3 °C (with maximum A/D resolution);

Other thermocouples: 0.25% of the maximum range ± 1 °C (with maximum A/D resolution);
Pt100, voltage and current: 0.20% of the maximum range (with maximum A/D resolution);
Ambient temperature channel: ± 1.5 °C (after 20 minutes connected to the USB port).

A/D Resolution: Configurable from 15 to 11 bits.
Input Sampling Rate: From 8 to 128 samples per second, depending on configured A/D resolution and number of

enabled channels.

Computer Interface: USB V1. 1 Plug and Play, virtual serial port interface.
USB connection: Mini-B receptacle.
Power supply: From the USB bus. Typical current 30 mA.
Operating environment: 0 to 50°C, 10 to 90% relative humidity, non-conden sing.
Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN 50081-2, EN 50082-2.
Built-in cold junction compensation for thermocouples and wire resistance for Pt100.
ABS case, dimensions: 70 x 60 x 18 mm. See figure.

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myPCLab

CONNECTIONS

This module operates only when connected to a PC USB bus, using the included type-A to mini-B cable. The following
figure shows all possible input connections.

Signal wires connected to all inputs should be kept separated from power wires, and when possible
installed inside of grounded electrical ducts.

Pt100 WIRING

Connections of channel 1 are on terminals 6, 7 and 8. For channel 2 on terminals 2, 3 and 4.
Connection with 3 wires from the sensor element to the module is necessary to cancel the
cable resistance error in the measurement. The 3 wires must have the same length and
gauge.

To connect a Pt100 with 2 wires, connect terminals 7 and 8 (channel 1) or 3 and 4 (channel

2).

THERMOCOUPLE WIRING

Connections of channel 1 are on terminals 6 and 7. For channel 2 on terminals 2 and 3.
Observe indicated polarity.

Cables for thermocouple connection must have the same thermo-electrical characteristics of
the thermocouple element (compensation or extension cable). Observe that both the
thermocouple and the compensation cable must be connected with correct polarity.

If compensation cable is not used or is not connected with the correct polarity, large
measurement errors will arise.

4-20 mA WIRING

Connections of channel 1 are on terminals 6 and 7. For channel 2 on terminals 2 and 3.
Observe indicated polarity.

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