Meriam Process Technologies’ New RIO4000 RTD Modules Help Ensure Loop Accuracy

Calibrate the entire loop -- from the field device to the IO module.

Meriam Process Technologies has introduced an RTD Measurement & Simulation Module for use with MFT 4000, MFT 4010 and MFT 4020 multifunction calibrators and multifunction calibrators/HART® communicators. The RIO4000 accurately measures or simulates resistance for any of twenty (23) different RTD sensor types with nominal resistances up to 4000 ohms. RTD materials may be platinum, copper, nickel or iron and most popular alpha coefficients are supported. 2-, 3-, and 4-wire RTDs are supported.

In measure mode, the RIO4000 module converts measured resistance from an RTD to corresponding temperature values in user-selected unit of °F, °C, °R or °K. Ohms can also be displayed for direct reading or troubleshooting assistance.

In simulation mode, the RIO4000 module provides an accurate resistance value to simulate RTD input to a temperature transmitter or other receiving device. Users can enter precise temperature values to simulate RTD output, change the values with ramping controls, or set-up and then select desired test sequences from stored procedures. Test points are determined by the user and can be stepped through automatically or manually with user controls on the MFT.

Typical RTD measurement accuracy is 50 ppm + 10 ppm/° C (Ref. Temp. = 22° C). Displayed temperature resolution is user selectable at 0.1° or 1.0°. Resistance measurement range is 0 - 4000 ohms with resolution better than 0.1 ohms. Field recalibration of the module is provided through the MFT’s “Rcal” feature. Connections are made to/from the module with an accessory connector.

The RIO4000 is part of the Meriam Complete Device Management Solution, and is compatible with existing MFT models using operating firmware version 3.XX or higher. Firmware upgrades are available from Meriam’s convenient download site located at www.meriam.com.

Meriam Process Technologies, a division of Berkshire Hathaway’s Scott Fetzer Company, is a leading supplier of process monitoring, calibration and communication instrumentation and software. For more information, please contact Meriam Process Technologies, 10920 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Telephone: (216) 281-1100. FAX: (216) 281-0228. E-mail: meriam@meriam.com.