Custom Curve Linearization
 Easy Programming for Custom Nonlinear Curve Fits
  

Applicable to Laureate™ Process, Strain Gauge, Load Cell Meters,
Frequency / Rate Meters, Totalizers

DC Voltmeters & DC Ammeter
CE Mark   UL Mark RoHS Mark Made in California Logo

Features

  • Achieves exceptional accuracy with low-cost transducers.
  • Extends transducer operating range on high and low ends.
  • Solves application problems involving non-linear relationships.
  • Available with Extended versions of Laureate digital panel meters, counters and timers.
  • Easy setup by entering data points into a computer spreadsheet, or typing in desired readings for actual signal inputs. 
  • Exceptional accuracy from 0.1% to 0.01% of full scale with few data points, made possible by curvilinear spline fits.

Description

Linearizing digital panel meter by Laurel Electronics

Custom curve linearization is a feature available with the Extended option version of all Laureate digital panel meters, counters and timers, excluding only the temperature meter, which already has built-in linearization curves.

Benefits. Custom curve linearization can provide exceptional accuracy from low cost transducers of these are repeatable. It can extend the working range of transducers on their high and low ends. It can also solve special application problems where there is a non-linear relationship between the input and the desired readout.

Implementation. 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 non-linearities or discontinuities.
Easy Setup
Setup of a Laureate Linearizing Process Meter requires an external PC, which is connected to the meter via RS232 or USB cable, and utilizes linearizing software furnished by Laurel Electronics. To download, go to our Software Download Page. A serial communications board is required, but can be removed from the meter following setup. Three meter programming methods are offered:
  1. Spreadsheet Method:  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 using a space, comma or tab as the delimiter. There can be up to 180 data points. Laurel's software then calculates 20 spline-fit segments and downloads their coefficients into the meter.
      
  2. Actual Input Method:  The meter is hooked up to the actual signal source, and the user enters the desired readings for different signal levels. There can be up to 180 input / reading combinations. 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.
      
  3. Polynomial Method: The mathematical formula relating the input to the output is entered into the computer, which then uses this data to calculate the spline-fit segments. This method is ideal if the mathematical relationship is knows, for example to calculate the contents of a tank based on the known geometry of the tank.

Application Examples
  • Altimeters, since the relationship between pressure and altitude is very non-linear.

  • Rate of ascent based on successive altimeter readings.

  • Volume of irregularly-shaped tanks, such as horizontal cylinders, based on measured liquid level or liquid pressure at the base of the tank.

  • Non-linear transducers, such as thermistors or CdS cells.

  • Fine-calibration of linear transducers, since even nominally linear transducers will have nonlinear components.

  • Extending the working range of transducers, since many transducers become nonlinear at their low and high ends.

  • Compensating for inaccuracy of low-cost transducers.

 

Measuring tank volume

The Extended Laureate process meter can display the volume of irregularly shaped tanks based on measured tank level or static pressure at the base of the tank. An example is a cylindrical tank lying on its side. The tank can further be tilted to facilitate drainage, as illustrated.

Displaying tank volume using a linearizing digital panel meter

Ordering Guide
Laureate™ Custom Curve Linearizing Process Meters
 Click on the radio buttons to build a model number with pricing (shown below the Ordering Guide).

Main Board Compatible Signal Conditioner
L3 or L4 DC, P, SG, WM
L7 or L8 FR, VF
  Quantity
Main
Board
L3  Extended DPM Main Board, Green LEDs.
L4 
Extended DPM Main Board, Red LEDs.
L7  Extended Counter Main Board, Green LEDs.
L8  Extended Counter Main Board, Red LEDs.
$260
$260

$270

$270

Note: Extended capability is required for custom curve linearization or for display of time rate of change, such as flow rate from changing tank level or acceleration from changing speed. Not applicable to temperature meters.

 
Power Isolated 85-264 Vac
Isolated 12-32 Vac or 10-48 Vdc
NC
$30
Relay
Output
None
Two 8A Contact Relays
Two Solid State Relays
  Four 8A Contact Relays
  Four Solid State Relays
NC
$80

$55

$100
$75
Analog
Output
None
Isolated 0-20 mA & 0-10 V
Dual isolated output, 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V
NC
$90
$135
Digital
Interface
None
Isolated RS232
Isolated RS485
Isolated RS485 Modbus
USB
USB-to-RS485 converter
NC
$60

$80

$90
$60
$100
Signal
Input
 DC Volts
DCV1  ±200.00 mV
DCV2  ±2.0000 V
DCV3  ±20.000 V
DCV4  ±200.00 V
DCV5  ±300.0 V
 
NC
 DC Amps
DCA1  ±2.0000 mA
DCA2  ±20.000 mA
DCA3  ±200.00 mA
DCA4  ±5.000 A
 
NC
 Process Signals (e.g., 4-20 mA, 0-5 V)
P    Default Scaling. 4-20 mA = 0-100.00
 
NC
 Strain Gage, Potentiometer (4-wire ratio)
SG    Default Scaling. 0-200 mV = 0-100.00
 
NC

Note: The same DC signal conditioner board can be user-configured for DC Volts, DC Amps, process, or strain. Precalibrated in EEPROM for all DC Volt and DC Amp ranges listed.

 
 Load Cells (6-wire ratio)
WM    Default Scaling. 0-20 mV = 0-100.00
 
$55
Pulse Rate or Totalizing
FR  Dual-Channel Frequency. Scalable to ±999,999 for frequency or rate.
 
NC
 Voltage-to-Frequency Converter
VF1  V-to-F Converter, 4-20 mA
VF2  V-to-F Converter, 0-1 mA
VF3  V-to-F Converter, 0-10 V
VF4  V-to-F Converter, Special Range.
 Specify min input, min reading; max input, max reading. Component
 changes by the factory may be required.
  
NC

NC

NC

$35
Add-on
Options
EB  Extra-bright Red LED Display
BL  Blank Lens without Button Pads
CBL01  RJ11-to-DB9 Cable
CBL02  USB-to-DB9 Adapter
CBL05  USB Cable, A to B
IPC  Splash-proof Cover
BOX1  NEMA-4 Enclosure
BOX2  NEMA-4 Enclosure plus IPC
$30
NC

$19
$39
$15
$40
$140
$180
 

Configured model number

L30000DCV1

Configured price per model

$260

Quantity

1

Extended price

$260


 
  

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