SENSORAY Model 2218

Available February 2022

Features

• Measures thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, voltage and resistance
• Provides complete sensor signal conditioning
• High-accuracy differential inputs
• Excellent 50/60 Hz rejection
• Pulsed excitation minimizes sensor self-heating
• 4-wire circuits eliminate lead-loss errors
• Isothermal connectors for high thermocouple accuracy
• 8 GPIOs with input debounce and edge detection
• Powered by USB

Model 2218 is a USB-compatible module that interfaces eight sensors to a host computer. It provides excitation for passive sensors and complete signal conditioning for thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and strain and pressure gauges. Each channel can be independently configured to measure voltage, resistance, or any supported sensor type. In addition, eight independent digital I/O lines (3.3 V logic) are available for general-purpose use. All GPIOs support edge detection, programmable direction and software-configurable pull-up/pull-down control. The module is USB-powered; no external power supply is required.

The module automatically scans the eight sensor channels and produces up to five samples/second per channel. When scanned, a sensor is excited, cold-junction compensated, amplified, digitized, and linearized as required by the sensor type. Samples are automatically converted to appropriate engineering units (e.g., °C, Ω, and V) and sent over USB at a programmable rate so that the host computer never needs to initiate or wait for data conversion.

Smart excitation
Sensoray's exclusive pulsed excitation system provides the ideal stimulus for passive sensors. Excitation is applied only when measuring, thus reducing both sensor self-heating and overall module power consumption. The excitation type and level is automatically reconfigured, on-the-fly, for each channel to optimize sensor stimulation.

Lossless measurement
Each channel has provision for a four-wire connection, enabling it to completely eliminate lead loss errors from RTD, thermistor, and resistor measurements.

Accurate thermocouples
The module eliminates several common sources of thermocouple measurement error. Its novel internal design eliminates module-induced thermal gradients, and a removable cover is provided to insulate thermocouple cold junctions from disruptive thermal transients.

Calibration
Fully electronic calibration is used to ensure rock-solid performance in high-vibration environments. Factory-programmed calibration data is stored in the module to enable quick and easy installation.

Sensor Connections
Robust, removable screw terminal blocks are provided for all field wire connections. Analog signals connect to a cluster of four terminal blocks along one side of the module; digital signals connect to a single terminal block on the opposite side.

Specifications