SensorLex® 8B Series

Yes, Output Ground Common (SCOM in DB-25 & COM in screw terminal blocks) is the same as Power Ground Common (COM in Main Power & Alternate Power screw terminal blocks).
This is true for 8BP01, 8BP02, 8BP04, 8BP08, and 8BP16.

KEYWORDS/PHRASES: SCOM, COM, 8BP01, 8BP02, 8BP04, 8BP08, 8BP16, common, signal common

Think of the backpanel as a bidirectional signal transfer device whose direction is determined by the module in a particular channel.
For an input module, the signal is transferred from the field-side screw terminals to the system/power supply-side screw terminals or to a signal access ribbon cable header or D-sub connector.
For an output module it is just the reverse, the signal is transferred from the system/power supply-side screw terminals or from a signal access ribbon cable header or D-sub connector to the field-side screw terminals.

Keywords/Phrases: backpanel, 5B backpanel, 7B backpanel, 8B backpanel, SCMD backpanel

Not just SCM5B modules, but any signal conditioning module series and MAQ20 I/O modules can be hot swapped. A minimal amount of signal settling time may result, but there will be no damage to the device.

Long story short, they believe the modules may be less accurate than specified. The biggest error seems to be a low voltage (1-2V), with error decreasing as Vin approaches 10V.

The biggest error at low voltage with error decreasing as Vin approaches 10V means that they are calculating error as % of reading.
Accuracy of Dataforth modules is specified and calculated as % of Span. The method is the following.

Set the test voltage.
Apply it to the module input.
Measure the voltage at the module input.
Calculate the expected module output voltage using the measured input voltage.
Measure the output voltage.
Calculate the % of Span error by the following formula.

Accuracy error % Span = ((Measured Vout – Calculated Vout) / Output Span V ) x 100

This method works for input or output modules.

Keywords/Phrases: Module accuracy, accuracy %, accuracy % of Span, Dataforth method for calculating Span accuracy

Yes we can provide calibration reports for the modules that you purchased.

You can either
a) visit https://www.dataforth.com/TestDataReport.aspx to search for Test Report Datasheets by Serial Number or
b) you can send us a list of model numbers and their serial numbers to support@dataforth.com

Dataforth modules are all designed to be highly stable, thus they do not require re-calibration.

8B modules cannot be re-calibrated in the field, but they can be re-calibrated by Dataforth.

We do offer a re-calibration service. For details, please contact sales by email at sales@dataforth.com or by phone at 1 800 444 7644 press 1 for Sales.

Yes, calibration of Dataforth modules is traceable to NIST standards.

Yes, in general, Dataforth signal conditioning modules are a direct replacement for all Analog Devices signal conditioning modules. e.g. "SCM5B35-xx: Linearized 4-Wire RTD Input Modules" will replace Analog Devices "5B35: Isolated 4 Wire RTD Input Signal Conditioning Module".

Please note that Dataforth signal conditioning modules are RoHS II compliant.

On the isolated field side of the 8B backpanel, use the shorter screw terminals that are offset to the right and marked “-“ and “+” for the inputs to the module. Use the taller screw terminals that are offset to the left and marked “-EXC” and “+EXC” for modules that provide excitation.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B, 8B module, 8B input module, 8B backpanel

In the 8B33 data sheet, Note 4, For 0-5% Span measurements add 1% accuracy error (-02, -03, -04, -05) or 1.5% accuracy error (-01, -06). Accuracy error includes linearity, hysteresis and repeatability but not source or external shunt inaccuracy (if used).

Keywords/Phrases: 8B RMS, 8B True RMS, 8B RMS input module, 8B True RMS input module, 8B33 accuracy, span, offset

The sensitivity is listed on the datasheet to help determine what strain gages/load cells will be compatible with that module. Strain gages do not have a specific voltage output range (i.e. -30mV to 30mV) but rather a voltage output range that varies depending on the excitation voltage applied to the strain gage (its "sensitivity"). Since our strain gage modules have a fixed voltage input range and a fixed excitation voltage, the sensitivity is the most reliable way to determine if a strain gage is compatible with our module.

For example, a load cell with a 3mV/V sensitivity will output 30mV at full scale with a 10V excitation voltage, because 3mV/V * 10 V = 30mV. A signal conditioner with a 10V excitation and a -30mV to 30mV input range will be compatible with a load cell of 3mV/V sensitivity.

You can use a single 5V power supply to power multiple backplanes, but you need to be aware of the current rating of your power supply and the current draw of your 8B modules. The current rating of your power supply needs to be greater than the total current draw of all the modules in your system (ideally 1.5x the total current draw). You can check the current draw of various 8B modules by checking their datasheets.

The recommended power supply for the Dataforth SCM5B and 8B modules are the linear power supplies in our SCMXPRT/SCMXPRE series. The SCMXPRT/SCMXPRE power supplies output 5V and have options for 1A output current (SCMXPRT-001) or 3A output current (SCMXPRT-003).

The SCMXPRE series is identical to its SCMXPRT counterpart, but is configured for European voltage standards.

The SCMXPRT-001/SCMXPRE-001 both have the option for DIN rail mounting as well (SCMXPRT-001D/SCMXPRE-001D).

Other power supplies that meet that power requirements of the SCM5B and 8B modules can be used as well, but it is strongly recommended to use a linear power supply rather than a switch-mode power supply. Switching power supplies can add noise artifacts to the output of your modules.

Our linearized thermocouple modules have a bandwidth of 3-4 Hz in order to reject any induced noise along the sensor line. If a wider bandwidth is needed, a custom module could be designed and manufactured to meet the required specifications. Contact Dataforth at support@dataforth.com to discuss your specific needs.

No, the optional plug-in conversion resistor is not shipped with nor is it required in order to use the 8B32 module. The current/voltage conversion is achieved by an internal resistor as shown in the block diagram in the data sheet.

The optional plug-in resistor could be used to shunt off some of the current from the module and allow a larger input current range; then it could also be used with voltage input modules to convert a non-standard current range into an input voltage range.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B32, internal resistors, plug-in conversion resistor

The 8B41-12 module can withstand 300VDC continuous on its input terminals without damage. However, the output voltage will go to one of the internal power supply rails and remain there for several seconds after the input returns within the specified +/-60V input range."

Yes. Backplanes with no CJC will still come with the CJC enable installed on the backplane.

Thermistor interface has never been designed for SCM7B, 8B, DSCT, or MAQ20 product lines. However, we do have some custom products in the SCM5B line that can accept thermistor interface. Any SCM5B36, SCM7B36, 8B36, DSCA36, DSCT36 module with potentiometer input 0-10kohm may also be suitable for some sensors.

All Signal COMmon (SCOM) for all channels are connected to one signal common COM.

This is true for 8BP02, 8BP04, 8BP08, and 8BP16.

KEYWORDS/PHRASES: SCOM, COM, 8BP02, 8BP04, 8BP08, 8BP16, common, signal common, backpanel

The 5B42 has separate passive input connections on +In and -In and the 8B42 does not. If you notice, the - input (pin 3) on the 8B42 has NC (No Connection) to the internal circuits of the module.
The 8BB42 can only be used with passive 2-wire transmitters because the only connection into the module is through the +EXC (excitation power out) and the + (return signal current input) connection.
In the 8B product line, the customer will have to use the 8B32-01 passive current input module.

Keywords/Phrases: 5B, 5B42, 8B, 8B42, 8B32-01, passive 2-wire transmitters, passive current input

The total power requirement on the 5VDC power rail is the summation of the power requirement of the individual modules as specified in each module specification. For power budget purposes, multiply the total power requirement you calculated by 1.5 for maximum power needed.

KEYWORDS/PHRASES: 8B backpanel, power consumption, power requirement, total power, total power requirement

The user does not have to do anything special; the module operates seamlessly over the full frequency range of 45Hz to 10kHz. We needed to split the full frequency range into two ranges so we could define and specify the different accuracy levels associated with each subrange.
If you look further down the 8B33 Specifications under Accuracy, you will notice the extended frequency range carries an additional +/-1.375% Span error and +/-3.25% Span error (-06). This error is in addition to the +/-0.25% Span error at 50/60Hz. So the total accuracy error will be +/-0.25% + (+/-1.375%) = +/-1.625% Span and . +/-0.25% + (+/-3.25%) = +/-3.50% Span.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B RMS, 8B True RMS, 8B RMS input module, 8B True RMS input module, 8B33

Dataforth does not currently offer an equivalent True RMS module for DC coupled inputs, but a two module solution could be implemented depending on the parameters of the DC offset and the AC waveform.

Such an implementation was tested with an SCM5B33-03D True RMS Input Module (0-10Vrms input and 0-10VDC output) and an SCM5B31-02 Narrow Bandwidth Voltage Input Module (+/-5V input and +/-5V output). The inputs to these modules were tied in parallel and connected to a waveform generator with a specified VDC offset and VAC waveform within the input limits of the two modules. The outputs of the modules were then connected in series to get a combined output equal to the sum of their individual output voltages. Both modules were mounted on their own SCMPB03 single channel backplanes in order to maintain separate I/O COM lines for the required series connections to be made on the outputs. Alternatively a single SCMPB07 8-channel backplane could have been used since it allows for isolation of each channel's I/O COM line via a provided jumper. Please note that this combined module configuration will result in a small increase in total error since each module's parameters for accuracy are added up.

If a two module configuration is not possible for a specific application, a custom version of the SCM5B33 with revised coupling circuitry might be possible depending on the required specifications. Be aware that custom module designs are subject to NRE charges and require a 10pc minimum quantity order.

Static shielding bags are not necessary since the 8B backpanels are not ESD sensitive. The risk of physical damage is greater than the risk of ESD damage.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B backpanel, 8B backpanel ESD sensitivity, ESD, ESD sensitivity

Normally, a response time figure refers to how quickly a module's output can "respond" to a change in the input signal. "Response time, 90% span" refers to how fast a module can adjust its output when a step signal is applied at the input, where the magnitude of this step input is 90% of the input span of the module.

Although we do not carry signal conditioners that can interface with AC LVDTs, we do have the SCM5B43, 8B43 and DSCA43 which can interface with DC LVDTs.

Information on MTBF for SCM5B, SCM7B, 8B and DSCA is available on our website. Please see application note AN802 for more details. Application notes can be found under the "Literature" tab on the top navigation bar.

No, the optional plug-in conversion resistor is not shipped with nor is it required in order to use the 8B42 module. The current/voltage conversion is achieved by internal an resistor as shown in the block diagram in the data sheet.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B42, internal resistors, plug-in conversion resistor

That’s because the 8B49 and the 8B39 are output modules, are connected the reverse of input modules, they have their inputs on the system side (power supply side) of the backpanel. They provide their output on the isolated field side of the backpanel.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B, 8B module, 8B output module, 8B49, 8B39

This can be done only if the voltage source is floating (isolated); this pertains also to the SCM7B modules.
Better modules for true differential operation for which a floating source is not needed are the DSCA30/31/40/41. Other modules for this type of operation are the SCM5B30/31/40/41 used with an SCMPB07-x with the I/O COM jumpers Jn removed in the channels for which true differential operation is desired. Both the DSCA and the SCM5B outputs can float +/-50V with respect to power supply common.

Keywords/Phrases: 8B51, reverse input leads, true differential

The thermocouples must be isolated so current does not come from the circuit under test and run through them. SCM5B, SCM7B, 8B, DSCA, DSCT, MAQ20 all offer the required isolation.

The 8B51-12 can accept up to +/-60V input.
It has >500k Ohms input and <1 Ohm output resistance.
It could be sampled at 250kHz, but it will present unchanging data within +/-0.08% up to 92% of the samples. For it to provide new data it can be sampled up to a 20kHz sample rate.

Noise at the output of a module is independent of load resistance.

The 8B51-03 has an output resistance < 1 Ohm.
Its filter is a five-pole low pass filter which attenuates gradually up to the -3dB frequency of 20kHz above which it attenuates sharply at 100dB per decade of frequency. The filter has no overshoot because it is critically damped.

If you were to put a 120ohm bridge into an 8B38-02 the excitation voltage won’t regulate, and it won’t provide the proper amount of excitation. The load range must be in the specified range.

Yes, you can. The 8BPWR-2 is not required to power the 8B backplanes, it is used in situations where you don't have a +5VDC power supply and need to regulate the voltage of whatever current power supply you are using down to +5VDC so that it can be used for the 8B backplane.

Please make sure when choosing your +5VDC power supply that the current rating of the supply is acceptable for the total current draw of your system.

Some 8B modules (such as 8B34 and 8B47) cannot have bipolar output due to limitations in the internal linearization circuitry.

A signal conditioner with these I/O ranges does not mean that the module ignores the polarity of your voltage input. The output of voltage input modules are scaled linearly, meaning an input of -1V would correspond to an output of 0V, an input of 0V would correspond to an output of 5V, an input of +1V would correspond to an output of 10V, and so on.

For the DSCA38-02, the +/-30mV range maps to the +/-10V output; -30mV input = -10V output and +30mV input = +10V output. The sensitivity is a specification that refers to the sensitivity of the strain gauges that are fully compatible with the module.

If a DSCA38-02 is used with a load cell that has 2mV/V sensitivity, then the module's output is limited to two thirds of the full range (i.e. +/-20mV). This assumes the load cell has a rated excitation voltage of 10V. This reduced output range might be okay depending on the specific use case.

The 8B47 is input protected up to 240VAC and can withstand common mode voltages up to 1500Vrms max. A 32kV signal would damage the module.

The 8B47 has an upscale open input response. Standard product 5V output modules will go to 8V for upscale. Standard product 10V output modules will go to 13V for upscale.

The 8B backpanels identify the module slots and their associated terminal block with silkscreen text (this includes the +/- inputs). The text is descriptive and matches up with the diagrams in our datasheets.

A 3kHz bandwidth on an input module means it can accept voltages from DC to 3000Hz. Any frequency higher than that and the signal will start to be attenuated by the filter at the input.

To convert an RMS voltage to its corresponding peak voltage, you simply take the RMS voltage value and multiply it by the square root of 2, or roughly 1.414.

For example, 1500Vrms corresponds to a peak voltage of 1500 * 1.414 = 2121 Vp

The SCMXPRT-001 has an option for DIN rail mounting (part number: SCMXPRT-001D) but the SCMXPRT-003 does not. Instead, it can be mounted on the SCMXRK-002 which is a 19 inch metal rack for mounting the SCMXPRT-003 as well as various Dataforth backpanels and the SCMXIF interface board.

Two dimensional CAD models can be generated upon customer request. Please contact Customer Service for assistance.

The CJC jumper is actually not required for the 8B36. In this case it is a “don’t care.” Some modules require it to be removed, but for the ones that don’t it is easier to just have it remain installed.

No, the CJC will work for all thermocouple modules that can be mounted to that backplane.

CJC is mandatory when using thermocouple input modules, or else you will not get an accurate measurement. Make sure to always purchase a backplane with CJC installed if you are using a thermocouple input module.

Any of the backpanels in the 8B series will work for the 8B38 module. In fact, any of the 8B modules can be mounted to any of the 8B backpanels.

The 8B38 has an input protection of 240VAC continuous, so a 0-5V input will not damage the device. You can apply a continuous signal of up to 240VAC before the input will start to get damaged.

SCM5B, SCM7B, 8B SensorLex, and DSCA modules are well suited for use in high vibration environments. These modules and their associated accessories have undergone testing for random vibration, shock, and swept sine wave vibration. Details of each of these testing methods are provided below:

Random Vibration (Operating):
○ MIL-STD 202G, Method 214A, Condition 1
- Frequency Range: 50-2000Hz, flat spectrum
- Vibration Intensity: 7.56 Grms
- Duration: 10min/axis (X, Y, Z)

Shock (Operating):
○ MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.5
- Pulse Shape: Sawtooth
- Test Level: 30G
- Duration 11ms
- Orientation: +/-X, +/-Y, +/-Z

Swept Sine Vibration (Operating)
○ MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.6, modified
- Frequency Range: 10-2000Hz
- Vibration Intensity: 5Gp-p
- Sweep Rate: 1 octave/min
- Orientation: X, Y, Z

Declaration of conformity for the above-listed tests can be provided upon customer request. Please contact customer service if a copy of the declaration is needed.

No, the microcontroller used for analog I/O on the SLX300 can only support 4 channels of analog output.