Connection of analog RTD signal lines

The RTD input terminals of the EL32xx series measure the analog resistance of the sensor. The voltage drop at the sensor (including the line resistances, depending on the connection technology) is equivalent to the sensor resistance and therefore a measure for the sensor temperature, if the characteristic sensor curve is known. The following procedure serves for connecting analog signal cables in order to ensure error-free measurement of the analog signals.

Measures

• Sensor cable to be used
• Tightly twisted
• Shielded copper braid
• Use low-impedance cable, particularly for 2-wire connection
• Keep the sensor and sensor cables free from external potential.
  On no account should the GND connections (3/7 for EL3201, EL3202) be connected with other potentials.
• The resistor for the RTD sensor (e.g. 100 or 1000 Ω nominal) should be chosen based on the ratio between sensor resistance and line resistance, taking account of the connection type (2/3/4-wire).

Shielding measures

Shielding measures Due to the complexity in the "EMC" area, there is no generally applicable guideline, but only technical measures in accordance with the state of the art, which can sometimes contradict each other. These must be checked for feasibility and effectiveness, taking into account the plant specifications, and applied by the plant installer following assessment. The following notes on shielding are to be understood as technical suggestions that have proven themselves from time to time in practical use. It must be checked in each case which measures can be applied, depending on the installation and plant. The effectiveness of each measure must be checked individually. The formal transferability of measures to other types of plant is in general not possible. Priority is to be given to typical national or general normative specifications.

A shielding approach is described below that in many cases improves the measurement quality. The suggested measures must be checked for feasibility and effectiveness in the actual plant.

• Apply the shield with a low resistance and enveloping the cable by 360°
• at the entry point into the control cabinet, the shield should be earthed conductively
• the shield should be earthed again at the terminal
• at the terminal connection point, if present
• if no terminal connection point is available, earth the shield as close to the terminal as possible.
• to avoid ground loops the shield can be undone after entry into the control cabinet.
  A capacitive connection to the terminal shield contact is possible.
• avoid unshielded cable lengths of > 50 cm!