Rotronic XB Instruction Manual

E-M-XB-V1_25

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Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland

XB Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide

Document title

XB

Humidity Temperature Transmitter

User Guide

Instruction Manual

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XB Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide

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Instruction Manual

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Table of contents

1

Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Dimensional drawings ......................................................................................................................... 4

3 General description ............................................................................................................................. 5

3.1 Power supply ...................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Measured parameters ........................................................................................................................ 5

3.3 Calculated parameters ....................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 Analog output signals ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.5 Direct RTD option (XB2 and XB3) ...................................................................................................... 6

3.6 Service connector ............................................................................................................................... 7

3.7 Sensor protection (dust filter) ............................................................................................................. 7

User configurable settings and functions ................................................................................................... 8

3.8 Function overview .............................................................................................................................. 8

3.9 Factory default settings .................................................................................................................... 10

4 Mechanical installation ...................................................................................................................... 11

4.1 General guidelines ........................................................................................................................... 11

5 Electrical installation ......................................................................................................................... 13

5.1 General guidelines ........................................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Wiring and terminal block diagrams ................................................................................................. 14

6 Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 19

6.1 Minimum load requirements for the XB3 with voltage outputs .......................................................... 19

6.2 XB2 and XB3 transmitters (analog outputs) ..................................................................................... 19

7 Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 20

7.1 Service cable .................................................................................................................................... 20

7.2 Location of the service connector (mini USB type) ........................................................................... 21

7.3 Periodic calibration check ................................................................................................................. 22

7.4 Cleaning or replacing the dust filter .................................................................................................. 22

7.5 Validation of the output signals transmission ................................................................................... 22

8 Firmware updates .............................................................................................................................. 23

9 Technical data .................................................................................................................................... 24

9.1 Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 24

9.2 Dew point accuracy .......................................................................................................................... 27

10 Accessories ........................................................................................................................................ 28

11 Supporting documents ...................................................................................................................... 28

12 Document releases ............................................................................................................................ 29

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XB Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide

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Instruction Manual

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Applicability:

This manual applies to all ins tr uments of the XB transmitter series with firmware version 3.0 or higher. Changes
to the last digit of the versi on n umber reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the manner in w hich th e
instrument should be operated.

1 Overview

The XB transmitter measures temper ature , re lative humid ity and the dew or fr ost p oint and is designed f or OEM
applications. The XB transmitter consists of a probe that is hard wired to a small open board with a 2 m / 6.5 ft
cable. Humidity is measured with the ROTRONIC HYGROMER IN-1 capacitive humidity sensor. This sensor
offers fast response and ex cep tiona l stabi lity, ev en in hi gh humidi ty env ironment s. Se nsor d urabilit y ha s proven
to be excellent in a wide range of applications.

The XB transmitter i s suit abl e for measuring humidity within the range of 0 to 100 %R H and temperature within
the range of -100 to 200 °C (-100 to 392 °F) at the probe. At temperature values above 80°C, the maximum
humidity to which the humidity sensor can be exposed is gradually limited. Both the probe and sensor survive
exposure to temperature within the range of -100 to 200°C / -148 to 392°F.

The probe of the XB transmitter is equipped with a Pt100 RTD temperature sensor. Data from this sensor is
used to compensate the effect of temperature on the humidity sensor so as to maintain accurate humidity
measurements over a wide range of temperature values. Depending on the model (see ordering codes), data
from the RTD is also used to provide a linear temperature output signal

As an option, the pr obe of the XB transmitter can be equipped w ith an addi tional Pt100 RTD tempera ture sensor .
In that case, the XB transmitter is equipped with a 4-position terminal block for direct connection to the
temperature sensor.

Two basic types of electronic circuit are available: XB2: 2-wire, loop powered (4…20 mA current signal) and
XB3: 3-wire (voltage or current signal). The analog output signal is linear and can be transmitted over a length
of cable to a remote dis play , r e corder , co ntro ller or data processing unit. Digital signal proce ssi ng within the XB
transmitter ensures consistent product performance and also facilitates the task of field maintenance:

Based on the ROTRONIC AirChip 3000 digital technology, the XB transmitter series offers the following user
functions which can only be accessed with the HW4 software:

• User configurable settings

• Calculation of the dew or frost point

• Humidity temperature calibration and adjustment

• Simulator mode

• Automatic humidity sensor test and drift compensation

• Sensor failure mode

• Data recording

The ability for the user to easily update the AirChip 3000 firmware means that instruments of the XB series can
be kept up-to-date regarding any future functionality improvement.

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Board thickness:

Overall probe length: 116 / 266 mm (4.57 / 10.47”)

Cable length: 2 m (6.5 ft)

Dimensions in mm

4 x mounting hole

V+

-

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2 Dimensional drawings

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1.7 mm / 0.07”
Clearance bottom:

5 mm / 0.20”
Clearance top (component side):

15 mm / 0.60”

dia: 4.4 mm / 0.173”

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Diameter: 15 mm (0.59”)

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User Guide

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3 General description

3.1 Power supply

Depending on the circuit type, the XB transmitter requires the following power supply:
a) XB2 (2-wire, loop pow ered): 10…28 VD C - depending on the load c onnected to the output(s). T he minimum

supply voltage can be determined as follows:
V min = 10 V + (0.02 x Load*) *Load resistance in ohms.
For the maximum load of 500 Ω, the minimum supply voltage is 10 + (0.02 x 500) = 20 VDC. With both

output circuits closed, the maximum current consumption is 40 mA.

b) XB3 (3-wire w ith anal og out put s): 15 t o 40 VD C ( see not e bel ow ) or 12 to 28 VAC. With both output cir cuit s

closed, the maximum current consumpt ion is 50 mA.
Note: depending on the type of output signal, the XB3 will operate with the following minimum voltage
0…1 V outputs: 6 VDC or 5 VAC

0…5 V outputs: 10 VDC or 8 VAC
0…10 V outputs: 18 VDC or 13 VAC
0…20 mA or 4 …20 mA outputs: 6 VDC or 5 VAC with 0 Ω load
18 VDC or 13power with 500 Ω load

3.2 Measured parameters

The XB transmitter measures relative humidity with a ROTRONIC Hygromer® IN1 capacitive sensor and
temperature with a Pt100 RTD.

3.3 Calculated parameters

Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, the XB transmitter can be configured by the user to calculate either the
dew point or the frost point.

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Signal type

Maximum offset at range bottom

0…1 V

10 mV

0…5 V

50 mV

0…10 V

100 mV

0…20 mA

0.2 mA

4…20 mA

No offset

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3.4 Analog output signals

XB2 and XB3

With the ROTRONIC HW4 software any of the two analog output signals can be made to correspond to one of
the following:

• Relative humidity

• Temperature

• Dew or frost point

Any output can also be disabled.
The scale of each analog output can be set within the numerical limits of -999.99 and 9999.99.
The D/A converters used to generate the analog output signals feature a 16-bit resolution and exhibit a small

positive offset at the bottom of the signal range as indicated below:.

XB3

The ROTRONIC HW4 software allows changing the type of output signal to one of the following: 0…20 mA,
4…20 mA, 0…1V, 0…5V or 0… 10V. Both output si gnals are automati cally c onfigured w ith the same sig nal type .
No calibration or adjustment is required after changing the type of output signal.

In the case of voltage output signals, load requirements apply to the external device or circuit connected to the
XB3 transmitter. These requirements are defined in the “Operation” chapter

3.5 Direct RTD option (XB2 and XB3)

The standard XB tr ansmitt er is equip ped w ith on e Pt 100 R TD. When ordered with t he dire ct R TD opt ion, the X B
transmitter is supplied w ith a second Pt100 RT D installed on the probe. T his additional RT D is directly connecte d
to a terminal block. (4-wire connection)

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3.6 Service connector

The service connector is a UART digital interface (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) with a mini­USB type connector. This allows connecting the XB transmitter ei ther to a PC ru nning the ROTRO NIC HW4
software or to a probe input of another instru me nt that is compatible w ith the HygroClip 2 (HC 2) pr ob es. In bot h
cases a service cable is required. See “Maintenance” for the location of the service connector and for the type
of service cable to be used.

• Connecting the XB transmitter to a PC is used to configure the transmitter, gain access to the transmitter
functions such as humidi ty and temperatur e adjustment, read data from the transmitter on the PC and update
the AirChip 3000 firmware.

• Connecting the XB transmitter to the probe input of another instrument is useful only when the other
instrument has its own display and keypad, and has an internal menu equivalent to the menu of the HP23
hand-held calibrator. The connection allows showing the data measured by the XB transmitter on the other
instrument display and also allows using the other instrument internal menu to do for example a humidity
and temperature adjustment of the XB transmitter.

3.7 Sensor protection (dust filter)

A dust filter is required to protect the sensors against dust particles and high air velocity. The probe of the XB
transmitter is equipped with a with a metal filter base mod. NSP-ME. The filter cartridge must be ordered
separately (see Accessories 11.5). Filter cartridge mod. SP-M15 is suitable for most applications.

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AirChip 3000 Functions

Description

► Humidity / temperature adjustment

o 1-point or multi-point humidity calibrat ion or adjus tme nt

o Generate calibration and adjustment protocols

► Automatic humidity sensor test

Tests the humidity sensor for drift caused by contaminants

for drift) or Bad (defective)

► Data recording

The data recording function differs from a true data logging

HW4 software, time stamped and viewed

AirChip 3000 Functions

Description

► Simulator mode

Used to make the XB transmitter generate fixed values for
configured, enabled or disabled

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User configurable set ti ngs a nd f unctions

The XB transmitter ship s conf i gured as spe cif ied on the cust omer order . The analog outputs can be used just
as with any conventional humidity and temperature transmitter and most users will never need to use the XB
transmitter configurable settings and functions.

Making use of the XB transmitter configurable settings and functions is entirely up to the user and the
appropriate settings depend on the user application. We have provided below a short description of the XB
transmitter functions and also indicated the factory default settings.

3.8 Function overview

MEASUREMENT ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY

o 1-point or 2-point temperature calibrat ion or adjus tme nt
o Generate a time stamp for calibrations and adjust ment s
o Retain and view last adjustment date and adjustment

values

and optional drift compensation

MEASUREMENT LOOP VALIDATION

and can be used to automatically apply a correction. The test
is automatically carried out at regular intervals of time. Can
be configured, enabled, or disabled

The humidity sensor status can be verified either with the
HW4 software and is shown as Good, SQ-tuned (corrected

function in the sense that the AirChip 3000 does not time
stamp the data. This data recording function can be used to
investigate events such as a sensor malfunction as well as to
retrieve data that would otherwise be lost

o Start or stop data recording - up to 2000 value pairs

(%RH and temperature). Starting a recording session
erases all previously recorded data

o The recording mode and log interval can be specified
o When the device is powered off, the recording session is

paused but not ended As long as the recording session
has not been ended, the device automatically resumes
recording data when powered up again

o The recorded data can be downloaded to a PC with the

© 2015; Rotronic AG E-M-XB-V1_25

the humidity, temperature and calculated parameter. Can be

E-M-XB-V1_25

AirChip 3000 Functions

Description

► Device write protection

Used to protect the XB transmitter with a password to
configured, enabled or disabled

AirChip 3000 Functions

Description

► Limit humidity output to 100 %RH

Used to prevent the humidity signal from exceeding
enabled or disabled

► Out-of-limit value alarm

Used to specify the normal range for humidity, temperature

be seen on the optional display

► Bad sensor alarm

Built-in function. Cannot be disabled

which can be also be seen on the optional display

► Fail safe mode

Used to specify a "safe" fixed value for humidity and for
configured, enabled or disabled

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XB Humidity Temperature Transmitter
User Guide

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DEVICE SAFEGUARDS

prevent unauthorized digital access by a digital user. Can be

PROCESS PROTECTION / PROTECTION OF OTHER DEVICES

100 %RH when condensation forms on the sensor. Can be

and the calculated parameter depending on the user
application. Can be configured, enabled or disabled

Out-of-limit values trigger a digital alarm which can be also

A bad humidity or temperature sensor triggers a digital alarm

Instruction Manual

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temperature in the event of a sensor failure. Can be

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Configurable Settings

Applicability

Factory default

Unit system (Metric or English)

XB2, XB3

As per ordering code

Analog signal type (4…20 mA or other)

XB3

As per ordering code

Psychrometri c cal cu l at ion

XB2, XB3

As per ordering code

Output 1 parameter, scale and unit

XB2, XB3

As per ordering code (%RH or DP)

Temperature, unit as per ordering
code

Functions

Applicability

Factory default

Humidity / temperature adjustment

XB2, XB3

Device write protection

XB2, XB3

Disabled

Limit humidity output to 100 %RH

XB2, XB3

Enabled

Out-of-limit value digital / display alarm

XB2, XB3

Disabled

Enabled (loop mode – 10 min.
interval)

Automatic humidity sensor test

XB2, XB3

Disabled

Humidity sensor drift compensation

XB2, XB3

Disabled

Fail safe mode

XB2, XB3

Disabled

Simulator mode

XB2, XB3

Disabled

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3.9 Factory default settings

Configuration of the XB transmitter by the user and access to its functions requires a PC with the ROTRONIC
HW4 software (version 2.1.1 or higher) installed. Service cable AC3006 or AC3009 is used to connect the XB
service connector to a USB port of the PC (see Maintenance > Service Cable).

Output 2 parameter, scale and unit XB2, XB3

Data recording XB2, XB3

• For a detailed description of all AirChip 3000 / XB transmitter main functions see document

E-T-AC3000-DF-V1

• Instructions regarding the configuration of the XB transmitter and access to its functions are provided in

the following manuals:

E-M-HW4v3-Main
E-M-HW4v3-F2-009
E-M-HW4v3-DR-001
E-M-HW4v3-A2-001

• The factory default setting for dew / frost point calculation is frost point below freezing

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4 Mechanical installa t ion

4.1 General guidelines

Relative humidity is extremely dependent on temperature. Proper measurement of relative humidity requires
that the probe and its sensors be at exactly the temperature of the environment to be measured. Because of
this, the location where you choose to install the probe can have a significant effect on the performance of the
instrument. The following guidelines should guarantee good instrument performance:

a) Select a representative location: install the probe where humidity, temperature and pressure

conditions are representative of the envir on me nt to be meas ured.

b) Provide good air movement at the probe: air velocity of at least 200 ft/ minute (1 meter/second)

facilitates adaptation of the probe to changing temperature.

c) Avoid the following: (1) Close proximity of the probe to a heating element, a cooling coil, a cold or

hot wall, direct ex posure to sun rays, etc. ( 2) Close proximity of the probe to a stea m injector, humidifier ,
direct exposure to precipitation, etc. (3) Unstable pressure conditions resulting from excessive air

turbulence.
d) Immerse as much of the probe as possible in the environment to be measured.
e) Prevent the accu mulation of condensation wat er at the le vel of the sensor leads. Instal l the probe

so that the probe tip is looking downward. If this is not possible, install the probe horizontally.

Insufficient probe immersion typically creates errors in the measurement of both humidity and temperature and
may even cause a malfunction.

• Standard 100 mm (3.9”) probe: this probe is generally not suitable for through wall installation and is
designed for full immersion in the environment to be measured. At least 15 to 20” of the probe cable should
be inserted together with the probe.

• Optional 250 mm (9.8”) probe: this probe is designed for through wall installation. To facilitate probe
installation and removal, we recommend using a probe holder mod. QMA-15. This holder is a mounting
flange that is equipped with a compression fitting.

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Wall

AC1306
and
AC1304

Installation of the 250 mm or longer probe

Make sure that about 230 mm (9”) of the probe are immersed in the environment to be measured.

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-M

Installation Note: You may want to provide an orifice at a distance of about 3” from the probe of the transmitter
for future use by a reference probe and HygroPalm indicator.

Mounting hardware:

Part AC 1306 is a flange and part AC1304-M is a compression fitting designed to hold the probe of the XB
transmitter when mounted through a wall (see Accessories).

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coaxial cables for CRT monitors

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5 Electrical installation

5.1 General guidelines

Power supply wiring

Heavy machinery and instru mentation shoul d not share the sa me power supply w iring. If this cannot be avoided,
noise filters and surge protectors should be used. Most UPS devices have those features already integrated.

General guidelines for signal cables

The following guidelines are derived from European Standard EN 50170 for the transmission of signals by
copper wires. When planning an installation, the rules provided by EN 50170 should be followed under
consideration of local circumstances to determine the position of machines and equipment.

All ROTRONIC produc ts are t e sted for Electromagnetic C om patib ili ty ac cord ing t o EMC Directive 2004/10 6/EG
and following European stand ards:

- EN 61000-6-1: 2001, EN 61000-6-2: 2005

- EN 61000-6-3: 2005, EN 61000-6-4: 2001 + A11

Whenever the level of electromagnetic interference is expected to be high, both the instruments and signal
cables should be placed as far away as possible from the source of interference.

In general, signal cables should be installed in bundles or channels / conduits, separate from other cables as
indicated in the table below:

• Bus signals such as RS485

• Data signals for PCs, printers etc.

• shielded analog inputs

• unshielded direct current (<= 60V)

• shielded process signals (<= 25 V)

• unshielded alternate current (<= 25V)

•

• direct current from 60 V to 400 V

(unshielded)

• alternate current from 25V to 400 V
(unshielded)

in common bundles or channels / conduits

in separated bundles or channels /
conduits, without minimum distance

• direct and alternate current > 400 V
(unshielded)

• Telephone lines

• lines leading into EX-rated areas

Lightning protection

Cabling in areas with a risk of lightning requires a lightning protection. For cabling underground in between
buildings, we recommen d th e use of special fiber opti c cabl e s. If this is not possible, us e c o pper cables that are
suitable for underground installation.

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in separated bundles or channels /
conduits, without minimum distance

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5.2 Wiring and terminal block diagrams

5.2.1 XB2: 2-wire, loop powered transmitter

Electrical diagram

The maximum permissib le cable length connecting th e
XB2 to other devices is determined by the total
resistance resulting from the addition of the cable
resistance and that of the devices connected in series
with the unit. This resistance should not exceed 500
ohms.

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Terminals

Description

K1-1: H+V

Power supply: 10…28 VDC (+)

Relative humidity or dew point (+)
OUT-1

K1-3: T+V

Power supply: 10…28 VDC (+)

Temperature output (+)
OUT-2

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Terminal block diagram

Note:

Connect the + of the pow er su pply to only one of the V+ terminals. The two terminals marked H +V a nd T+V are
internally connected.

Measuring humidity or temperature only

Unless configured to measure either humidity only or temperature only, proper operation of the XB2 requires
both current loops to be close d. The XB2 can be directly orde r ed fro m the f ac tory to m eas ure either humidity or
temperature only. When necessary, any unused output of the XB2 can be disable d wit h t he RO TRON IC HW4
software. When the XB2 is configured with one of the two outputs disabled, close only the loop that is being
used.

K1-2: H-OUT

K1-4: T-OUT

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5.2.2 XB3: 3-wire transmitter

Electrical diagram for voltage outputs

The maximum permissible cable length can be determined under consideration of the voltage drop caused by
the current flowing to the devices connected to the unit. The voltage drop in the cable depends both on cable
resistance and on th e e quiv al e nt re si stan ce of the devices connected i n para lle l to the unit. T he total r e sist an ce
connected to each unit output should be at lea st 1000 ohms . C able res ist anc e shou ld not be more t han 1/100 0
of the load resistance.

Minimum load requirements apply to the external device or circuit connected to the XB3 trans mitter. These
requirements are defined in the “Operation” cha pter

Electrical diagram for current outputs

The maximum permissible cable length, connecting
the unit to other devices, is determined by the total
resistance resulting from the addition of the cable
resistance and that of the devices connected in series
with the unit. This resistance should not exceed 500
ohms.

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Terminals

Description

Power supply: 15…40 VDC (+)
or 12…28 VAC (Phase)

Power supply (-) or neutral
(tied with other GND)

V+

-

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Terminal block diagram

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K1-1: OUT1 Relative humidity or dew point (+)

K1-2: OUT2 Temperature output (+)

K1-3: GND Ground (tied with other GND)

K1-4: GND Ground (tied with other GND)

K2-1: V+

K2-2: V-

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Measuring humidity or temperature only

Operation of the XB3 does not require both current loops to be closed. When using the XB3 to measure either
humidity only or temperature only, close only the loop that is being used.

Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, any unused output of the XB3 can be disabled.

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Terminals

Description

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5.2.3 Optional terminal block - Pt100 direct (XB2 and XB3)

Terminal block K3 is present only when the XB transmitter is equipped with an additional Pt100 RTD installed
on the probe

K3-1

K3-2

K3-3

K3-4

Pt100 direct - R

Pt100 direct - AR

Pt100 direct – AS

Pt100 direct – S

5.2.4 Grounding

We generally recommend grounding the (-) side of the power supply, especially if the electronics will be
subjected to a low humidity environment (35 %RH or less).

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XB3 output signal

Input resistance RL

0…1V

>=1kOhm

0…5V

>=5kOhm

0…10V

>=10kOhm

XB3 signal

VCC

R pull-up

RL

0…1V

3.3V

≥ 250 kOhm

1 kOhm

XB3 signal

VCC

R pull-up

RL

0…1V

5.0V

≥ 400 kOhm

1 kOhm

0…5V

5.0V

≥ 400 kOhm

5 kOhm

XB3 signal

VCC

R pull-up

RL

0…1V

10.0V

≥ 1 MOhm

1 kOhm

0…5V

10.0V

≥ 1 MOhm

5 kOhm

0…10V

10.0V

≥ 1 MOhm

10 kOhm

RL

GND

XB3

Voltage Output

R Pull-up

RL

GND

VCC

XB3

Voltage Output

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6 Operation

6.1 Minimum load requirements for the XB3 with voltage outputs

The following requirement s apply to any ex ter nal device or ci rcuit connect ed to the X B3 t ransmitter w ith v oltage
outputs:

In the situation where the external device uses an internal pull-up resistor the value of this resistor should meet
the requirements show n below. It is al so nece ssary to add a p ull-dow n resis tor RL c onnect ed to gr ound in order
to be able to read 100% of the range of the XB3 voltage output.

6.2 XB2 and XB3 transmitters (analog outputs)

If so desired, use the HW4 software to configure the XB transmitter. Complete the mechanical and electrical
installation and simply power up the transmitter.

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7 Maintenance

7.1 Service cable

IMPORTANT:

• Use service cable AC3009 with the 2-wire, loop powered XB transmitter. This cable powers up the
transmitter via the service connector. Do not use any other method for powering the transmitter when
using this cable AC3009 as this will create a ground loop and damage the transmitter. For the same
reasons do not use cable AC3006 with a 2-wire, loop powered transmitter.

• Use service cable AC3006 with the 3-wire XB transmitter. This cable does not provide power to the
transmitter and the transmitter should powered separately when using this cable

• Both cables AC3006 and AC3009 convert UART (service connector) to USB and are used to connect
the transmitter to a USB port of a PC running the ROTRONIC HW4 software. Prior to using any of
these cables, the ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC. Both the driver and the
installation instructions (document E-M-HW4v3-Main) are located on the HW4 CD.

• As an alternative, cable AC2001 is used to connect the XB transmitter to a probe input of the HP23
hand-held calibrator. For service purposes, the HP23 offers essentially the same functionality as the
HW4 software.

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Service
V+

-

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7.2 Location of the service connector (mini USB type)

WARNING: the service connector is a UART interface with a mini-USB connector type. Do not connect the

service connector directly to the USB port of a PC or hub.

The service connector is located on the XB printed
circuit board.

Connector
(Mini USB)

V

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7.3 Periodic calibration check

Both the Pt 100 RTD temperat ure sensor a nd asso ciated el ectron ics ar e very stable and should n ot requ ire any
calibration after the initial facto ry adjustme nt.

Long term stability of the ROTRONIC Hygromer humidity sensor is typically better than 1 %RH per year. For
maximum accuracy, calibra tion of the XB tr ansmitter should be v erified every 6 to 12 months. Applicati ons where
the XB transmitter is exposed to significant pollution may require more frequent verifications.

Procedure for adjusting the XB transmitter with the ROTRONIC HW4 software:

• Use the appro pr iat e mo del of s er v ice cable (see Maintenance > S erv ice Cabl e) to connect the service
connector of the XB transmitter to a USB port of a PC with the HW4 software installed. Note that the
ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC as explained in the HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-
Main.

• Start HW4 on the PC and search for the XB transmitter (HW4 Main Menu Bar > Devices and Groups
> Search for USB Masters).

• After finding the XB transmitter with HW4, expand the device tree to see the XB transmitter functions.
Select Probe Adjustment. Instructions for using the ROTRONIC calibration devices and humidity
standards are provided in document E-M-CalBasics

• For further instructions see HW4 manual E-M-HW4v3-A2-001

7.4 Cleaning or replacing the dust filter

Depending on the conditions of measurement, the filter should be checked from time to time. Corroded,
discolored or clogged filters should be repla ced .

The probe of the XB transmitter has a removable filter cartridge. Simply replace the cartridge (leave the metal
base on the probe).

7.5 Validation of the output signals transmission

If so desired, tran smis sion of the XB transmitter output signals can be val idated by using the si mul ator f un cti on.
The HW4 software is required to enable and configure this function. When this function is enabled the XB
transmitter generates fixed digital and analog signals as specified by the user. For instructions see document
E-M-HW4v3-F2-009

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8 Firmware updates

Firmware updates w ill be avail able on the R OTRONIC website for dow nloading. F irmware files are given a name
that shows both to which device the file applies and the version number of the firmware. All firmware files have
the extension HEX. Procedure for updating the firmware:

• Use the appropriate model of s erv ice c able (see Maintenance > S erv ice Cabl e) to connect the service
connector of the XB transmitter to a USB port of a PC with the ROTRONIC HW4 software installed.
Note that the ROTRONIC USB driver must be installed on the PC as explained in the HW4 manual E-
M-HW4v3-Main.

• Copy the firmware update file from the ROTRONIC website to the PC.

• Start HW4 software on the PC and search for the XB transmitter (HW4 Main Menu Bar > Devices and

Groups > Search for USB Masters).

• After finding the XB transmitter, expand the device tree to see the XB transmitter functions. S elect
Device Manager. In the Device Manager menu bar select Tools > Firmware Update. For instructions
see document E-M-HW4v3-F2-009

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General

XB2

XB3

Device type

Humidity temperature transmitter

Circuit type

2-wire, loop powered

3-wire

Power supply and connections

XB2

XB3

10…28 VDC
resistance in ohms.

Nominal current consumption

2 x 20 mA

<50 mA

Electrical connections

Terminal block

Humidity measurement

XB2

XB3

Sensor

ROTRONIC Hygromer ® IN-1

Measuring range

0…100 %RH

Measurement accuracy at 23 °C

±1.0 %RH

Repeatability

0.3 %RH

Long term stability

<1 %RH / year

Typical 10 sec, 63% of a 35 to 80 %RH step change (1m/sec air flow at
sensor)

Temperature measurement

XB2

XB3

Sensor

Pt100 RTD, IEC 751 1/3 class B

Measuring range

-100…200 °C (see also environmental limits)

Measurement accuracy at 23 °C

±0.2 °C

Repeatability

0.05 °C

Long term stability

<0.1°C / year

Sensor time constant

Typical 4 sec, 63% of a step change (1m/sec air flow at sensor)

Calculated parameters

XB2

XB3

Psychrometric calculations

Dew or frost point (user configurable option)

Start-up time and data refresh rate

XB2

XB3

Start-up time

3.4 s (typical)

1.9 s (typical)

Data refresh rate

3.4 s (typical)

1.7 s (typical)

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9 Technical data

9.1 Specifications

Supply voltage (VDD)

Polarity protection Protective diode on V+

V min = 10 V + (0.02 x Load*) *Load

Instruction Manual

Page

18…40 VDC or
13…28 VAC

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Sensor time constant

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Configurable analog outputs

XB2

XB3

Output 1

Can be made to correspond to any parameter

Factory default parameter

Relative humidity or dew / frost point

Factory default scale

As per ordering code

Output 2

Can be made to correspond to any parameter

Factory default parameter

Temperature

Factory default scale

As per ordering code

Output 1 and Output 2

0…20 mA

(user configurable)

±20 µA
±5 mV (0-10V)

User configurable scaling limits

-999.99 … 9999.99 engineering units

0…1V signal range : 10 mV

4…20 mA signal range : no offset

Short circuit tolerant

Yes

Maximum external load

500 Ω

500 Ω (current output)

1 kΩ (0…1 V output)

0 Ω (current output)

Digital interface (service connector)

XB2

XB3

Interface type

UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter)

Maximum service cable length

5 m (16.4 ft)

General specifications

XB2

XB3

Probe material

Polycarbonate

Probe dust filter material

Depends on filter type

Physical dimensions

See Models

Weight

225 g (8.0 oz)

Conformity with standards

XB2

XB3

EMC Directive 2004/108/EG: EN 61000-6-1: 2001, EN 61000-6-2: 2005
EN 61000-6-3: 2005, EN 61000-6-4: 2001 + A11

Solder type

Lead free (RoHS directive)

FDA / GAMP directives

compatible

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Signal type 4…20 mA

Accuracy of analog output ±30 µA

Maximum offset at bottom of
signal range

no offset

Instruction Manual

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Page

4… 20 mA
0… 1 V
0… 5 V
0… 10 V

±2 mV (0-1V)

0…5 V signal range : 50 mV
0…10 V signal range : 100 mV
0…20 mA signal range : 0.2 mA

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Minimum external load 0 Ω

CE / EMC imm unity

5 kΩ (0…5 V output)
10 kΩ (0…10 V output)

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Environment a l limits

XB2

XB3

-50…+70 °C
0…100 %RH, non condensing

Operating limits at electronics

-40…85 °C, 0…100 %RH, non condensing

Temperature limits at probe

-100…200 °C

100 %RH up to 80 °C (176 °F)

15 %RH at 150 °C (302 °F)

Maximum air velocity at probe

40 m/s (7,870 ft /min) – depends on dust filt er type

Critical environments

Humidity sensor: as per DV04-14.0803.02 - Critical chemicals

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Storage and transit

Maximum humidity at sensor

75 %RH at 100 °C (212 °F)
45 %RH at 125 °C (260 °F)

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9.2 Dew point accuracy

The XB transmitter c an be con figure d to calc ulate eit her the d ew point or frost p oint bas ed on the me asurem ent
of relative humidity and temperature. The accuracy of this conversion varies, depending on the humidity and
temperature conditions as shown in the graph below:

Example:
At a temperature of 20 ˚C, a dew point value of -37 ˚C is measured with an accuracy of ±1.0 ˚C or better.

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Document File Name

Contents

HW4 software version 3: General instructions and functions common to
all devices

HW4 software version 3: Probe Adjust ment fun ctio n AirChip 3000
devices

HW4 software version 3: Data Recording Function AirChip 3000
Devices

Temperature and humidity adjustment basics
Instructions for using the ROTRONIC humidity standards

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10 Accessories

For accessories and parts such as the HW4 configuration software, service cables, calibration accessories
and spare dust filters, please see document E-M-HC2-accessories

11 Supporting documents

E-M-HC2-accessories

E-T-AC3000-DF-V1

E-M-HW4v3-DIR

E-M-HW4v3-Main

Accessories and parts for probes, indicators and transmitters

AirChip 3000 Description and Main Functions

List of the HW4 manuals

E-M-HW4v3-F2-009

E-M-HW4v3-A2-001

E-M-HW4v3-DR-001

E-M-AC3000-CP

E-M-CalBasics

E-T-HumiDefs

Note: All document file names have an extension corresponding to the document release number. This

extension is not shown in the above table.

HW4 software version 3: Device Manager - XB transmitter

AirChip 3000 Communication Prot ocol

Humidity Definitions

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Updated this document regarding the model of service cable
to be used with 2-wire and 3-wire models.

Changes for XB with firmware v3.0

Offset specifications updated

Picture on front side adapted for devices with firmware v3.x
Drawing on page 4 adapted for devices with firmware v3.x

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12 Document releases

Doc. Release Date Notes

_20 Apr. 11, 2009 Original release
_21 Jun. 20, 2010 Updated document to HW4 software v.3

_22 Oct. 28, 2011

_23 March 26, 2015

_24 April 01, 2015
_25 April 07, 2015 All descriptions of terminals adapted

Accuracy of analog outp uts ad ded
Power supply specifications updated

Instruction Manual

Document Type

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