Process Controller handles harsh electrical environments.

Press Release Summary:




Model CPC400 supports thermocouples, RTDs, linear voltage, current, and frequency. It offers PID, cascade, ratio, and differential-control strategies, and combines 4-8 control loops with user-written logic. Programs can be added to adjust closed-loop control variables, respond to PID control events, and perform sequential functions. Sensor-to-sensor isolation is 280 Vac, sensor-to-digital-circuitry isolation is 530 Vac, and serial-communications-to-digital-circuitry isolation is 530 Vac.



Original Press Release:



Watlow Updates Process Controller to Improve Durability in Harsh Electrical Environments



St. Louis - Watlow recently expanded the range of applications for its CPC400, a compact process controller that combines four to eight control loops with user-written logic. Improvements to the CPC400 now permit the controller to be used in thermal systems in which analog inputs are subject to a high level of electrical noise.

"The CPC400 is now exceptionally resistant to electrical surges resulting from the coupling of high voltage AC between heaters and thermocouples," explains Bill Jesswein, Watiow product manager. "Thermal designs that embed thermocouples within heaters, or in close proximity to heaters, often suffer from this effect; a controller must have isolation circuitry to perform in this environment."

Watlow redesigned the CPC400's measurement and communications electronics so that it could be used to control temperature in a wide variety of applications, including systems that are predisposed to electrical noise. The updated CPC400's specifications include:
o Sensor to sensor isolation: 280 VAC
o Sensor to digital circuitry isolation: 530 VAC
o Serial communications to digital circuitry isolation: 530 VAC

The CPC400's original features and benefits remain unchanged. Users can still customize the controller to meet their specific needs by adding their own logic programs. Programs can added to adjust closed-loop control variables, respond to PID control
events and perform sequential functions. Additionally, despite the modifications, the CPC400 still boasts a small footprint and requires no more front panel space than many single-loop controllers.

The CPC400 also eliminates the need to use two different products when a system requires both closed-loop and sequential control. Prior to the CPC400, products such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were combined with loop controllers, leading to increased costs, extra wiring and integration issues.

"Many of our customers require controllers with highly-specific features," adds Jesswein. "Normally, that means we'd have to custom design a product for them. Since the CPC400 is programmable and very easy to use, our clients can customize the unit themselves. Not only does this reduce expenses and save time, it also means the controller is adaptable and can change with the customer's needs."

The CPC400 supports thermocouples, RTDs, linear voltage, current and frequency. It offers PID, cascade, ratio and differential control strategies. Other features include diagnostics that automatically detect sensor failures, and built-in communications that allow designers to interface additional controllers to host computers for operator controls and data acquisition.

About Watlow
Since the company's founding in 1922, Watlow has brought its thermal expertise to numerous applications, including semiconductor, plastics processing, foodservice equipment, life sciences, power generation, aerospace and others. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Watlow is the largest custom designer and manufacturer of industrial heaters, sensors, controllers and software with offices and manufacturing facilities around the world.

For additional information or the name of the nearest Watlow representative:
Watlow
Phone: 1+ (800) 4-WATLOW, 1+ (314) 878-4600
Fax: 1+ (877) 893-1005, 1+ (314) 878-6814
Internet: www.watlow.com
E-mail: info@watlow.com

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