07-09-2013 09:09 AM
Hi,
we have the following setup: A 9265 sends a 4-20mA signal to an intrinsic amplifier (to boost the signal) which sends it to a positioner (device to open/close a valve). From the positioner the signal goes into channel 1 of the 9203 to measure/check the signal. From the 9203 the com is connected with the ground of the amplifier. The amplifier is powered with a 24Vdc supply. On channel 0 & COM of the 9203 an 4-20mA signal from a ruler is measured to see the real position of the valve. This ruler is also powered from the 24Vdc supply, and so is the 9265. (see attachment for layout).
Channel 0 measure without any problems from 4-20mA. Now the following happens up to 11.6mA the 9203 measures fine on channel 1. Anything above the 11.6mA is not measured! Disconnecting the ruler (channel 0) has no influence. Using a multimeter (Fluke 787 ProcessMeter) to measure the signal (I replace the 9203 with the multimeter) gives me a perfect output up to 20mA. What can be wrong? We have two 9203's and both have the same issue!
Please help.
Solved! Go to Solution.
07-14-2013 01:24 PM
Good afternoon sir:
From the diagram you supplied, you are trying to measure two series current points in the same loop. To do this, you will need an isolator in one or both of the current loops before attempting to measure current with the 9203's different inputs, as all of its inputs have a common point at the negative terminal. As it is, the reading you are getting on the second channel is probably a float on the 9203 internal multiplexer. Even if you tried to use the two cards you have at the same time, you would be out of luck, as both the commons would still be tied together. Either get some external isolation in the loop to be measured, or a current measurement card with isolated inputs that you can float.
Good luck,
Dave
07-18-2013 04:01 AM
First of all thank you for your thoughts.
We managed to solve the problem; it appears that the maximum impedance over the system could reach up to about 680Ohm while our amplifier was only capable of handling 500Ohm.
Replaced it with one the handles a maximum of 800Ohm and the problem was solved. We have a very nice measurement within our specs.