Linearizing Option offered for panel meters and counters.
Press Release Summary:
Custom Curve Linearization option for Laureate digital panel meters and counters is implemented in form of 20 nonlinear spline-fit segments. Typical error will be 0.1-0.01% of full scale, depending on number of data points used for setup, error in data points, and severity of nonlinearities or discontinuities. Setup is accomplished using external PC, RS232 cable, and linearizing software, with spreadsheet, actual input, and polynomial programming methods offered.
Original Press Release:
Custom Curve Linearizing Digital Panel Meters and Counters
Costa Mesa, CA - Laurel Electronics, Inc. announces Custom Curve Linearization as an option for its Laureate digital panel meters and counters, excluding only temperature meters, which already have built-in linearization curves.
Custom Curve Linearization can improve accuracy of low-cost transducers, extend the working range of transducers, and solve special application problems where there is a non-linear relationship between the input and desired reading.
Linearizing is implemented in the form of 20 nonlinear spline-fit segments, which provide much better accuracy than a larger number of straight line segments. The typical error will be from 0.1% to 0.01% of full scale, depending on the number of data points used for setup, the error in the data points, and the severity of nonlinearities or discontinuities.
Applications including the following:
o Non-linear transducers, such as thermistors or CdS cells.
o Fine-calibration of nominally linear transducers.
o Extending the working range of transducers at the low and high ends.
o Compensating for inaccuracy of low-cost transducers.
o Altimeters, since the relationship between pressure and altitude is non-linear.
o Rate of ascent based on successive altimeter readings.
o Square root extraction from differential pressure transducers when the signal has a zero offset.
o Volume of irregularly-shaped tanks, such as horizontal cylinders, based on the measured liquid level or pressure at the base of the tank.
Setup is easily accomplished using an external PC, an RS232 cable, and linearizing software furnished by Laurel Electronics. This software can be downloaded at no charge from www.laurels.com. A Laureate serial communications board is also required in the meter, but can be removed following setup. Three meter programming methods are offered:
1. Spreadsheet Method: From 2 to 240 data points consisting of the input signal in Volts or Amps and the desired reading are entered into an Excel spreadsheet or into a text file. Laurel's software then calculates 20 spline-fit segments and downloads their coefficients into the meter.
2. Actual Input Method: From 2 to 240 input / reading combinations are collected with the meter hooked up to the actual signal source. Laurel's software then calculates 20 spline-fit segments and downloads their coefficients into the meter. This method automatically compensates for any errors in the transducer and meter.
3. Polynomial Method: The mathematical formula relating the input to the output is entered into the computer, which then calculate the spline-fit segments. This method is ideal if the mathematical relationship is known, for example to calculate the contents of a tank based on the known geometry of the tank.
For more information, go to www.laurels.com/linearizing.htm. Also contact Jim Way, VP Sales & Marketing, phone: 866-709-7713 or 714-434-1631, email sales@laurels.com.
Founded in 1990, Laurel Electronics, Inc. is a leading U.S. manufacturer of programmable industrial digital panel meters, counters, timers, and DIN rail transmitters.
