LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Serial Data Communication and Analog Outputs for True RMS AC Voltage and Current Applications P/N LT41RMA4

LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Serial Data Communication and Analog Outputs for True RMS AC Voltage and Current Applications

Price: $421.00
  • P/NLT41RMA4
- +

Features

  • 0.2, 2, 20, 200, 300 and 600V AC voltage ranges
  • 2, 20, 200 mA & 5A AC or AC+DC current ranges
  • Accuracy to 0.03%  of full scale, 0.1%  to 100%  of FS, 10 Hz to 5 kHz
  • 0.03%  accuracy of full scale at crest factor to 3.0
  • True RMS AC measurement with crest factor of 3.0 at full scale
  • Measurements from 0.1%  to 100%  of full scale
  • AC or DC coupling for signals from DC to 5 kHz
  • Fast response: reading in 0-16.7 ms after each signal cycle to full accuracy
  • All input ranges are user selectable and factory calibrated
  • Up to 60 conversions per second, Ideal for peak or valley capture
  • 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V or -10V to +10V transmitter output, (isolated)
  • Analog output resolution 0.0015%  of span, accuracy ±0.02%  of span
  • RS232 or RS485 serial data, Modbus or Laurel ASCII protocol (isolated)
  • Dual 120 mA solid state relays for alarm or control (isolated)
  • Power 85-264 Vac / 90-300 Vdc or 10-48 Vdc / 12-32 Vac (isolated)
  • DIN rail mount housing, 22.5 mm wide, detachable screw-clamp connectors
  • Operating temperature from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
    Optional - Extended allows up to 180 data points for custom curve linearization and a rate derived from consecutive readings.

The Laureate™ LT Series DIN rail analog transmitter with serial data communication and analog outputs for versatile connectivity.

The digitally programmable transmitter features two relays for alarm or control. The series offers exceptional accuracy of 0.01% of reading ± 2 counts, with high read rates at up to 60 or 50 conversions per second. The LT Series transmitters offer the same high performance, signal conditioning, and programmable features as Laureate digital panel meters, counters, and timers.

The Laureate 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V or -10V to +10V and RS232/RS485 output transmitter for true RMS AC voltage or current input offers the same high performance, signal conditioning, and programmable features as Laureate digital panel meters, counters, and timers. It provides six voltage input ranges and four current input True RMS meter ranges, all factory calibrated and jumper selectable. A special 5.000A range utilizes a built-in 0.01 ohm shunt to accept the output of 5A current transformers, eliminating the need for a step-down transformer. The voltage readings can be scaled digitally as needed. High common mode rejection allows for stable readings with current shunts located on the high side of the line. Digital filtering is selectable for noisy signals.

  • True RMS readings in 0-16 ms after completion of one input signal cycle allow anomalies to be detected and alarmed before they become expensive problems. Fast On/Off control and alarm can be achieved with two solid state relays. The transmitter can also capture peak and valley readings that occur at the nominal rate of 50/60 Hz.
  • Accuracy is 0.03%  of full scale for the transmitters with 1 Megohm input resistance, signals from DC to 5 kHz, and signal amplitude down to 0.5. The crest factor (Vp / Vrms) is 3.0 at full scale, increasing to 300 for a signal amplitude of 1% of full scale. A version with 10 Megohm input resistance is available as a factory special, but decreases the maximum frequency from 5 kHz to 1 kHz for three of the voltage ranges. Power
  • AC or DC coupling is jumper selectable. AC coupling is suitable for applications such as measuring the ripple on a DC power supply. Multiple integral cycles are averaged for signals above 50/60 Hz. A single cycle is captured for signals from 3 Hz to 50/60 Hz. Below 3 Hz and at DC, the capture rate is every 333 ms.

current TransformersUse with current Transformers. High common mode rejection allows stable readings with current shunts located on the high side of the line. Five amp input capability allows the output of 5A current transformers to be applied directly to the transmitter, with no need for a stepdown transformer. The transmitter reading can easily be scaled for the current transformer ratio. Digital filtering is selectable for noisy signals.

All signal conditioner board ranges are factory-calibrated, with calibration factors for each range securely stored in an onboard EEPROM. These factors can be scaled via software to accommodate external shunts, enabling field replacement of signal conditioner boards without necessitating recalibration of the associated transmitter. For optimal accuracy, factory recalibration is recommended annually. All Laurel Electronics instruments undergo factory calibration using the industry-leading Fluke calibrators, which are recalibrated yearly and certified traceable to national standards, ensuring the highest level of precision and reliability.

The optional extended Laureate computer board enhances Laureate transmitter by displaying rates derived from successive readings and enabling highly accurate custom curve linearization. For example, it can calculate liquid volume or flow rate in a horizontal cylindrical tank using levels from a 4-20 mA transmitter. Setup is straightforward: users input up to 180 data points into a spreadsheet or text file, and the computer calculates spline-fit segments, which are then downloaded to the transmitter for precise operation.

Laureate Transmitters are easily programmed with Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, downloadable from our website and compatible with Windows PCs, requiring a data interface board for setup.

High read rate of up to 50 or 60 conversions per second, the Laureate™ LT Series transmitter uses Concurrent Slope (US Pat. 5,262,780) analog-to-digital conversion to integrate signals over a full power line cycle (50 Hz or 60 Hz). This read rate enables peak and valley capture, real-time computer interfacing, and control applications. Peak and valley values are automatically captured and can be viewed using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software (compatible with Windows PCs) or transmitted as serial data.

Standard Hardware Features of Laureate LT Transmitters Include:

  • Serial communications output, (isolated), RS232 or RS485 (half or full duplex), jumper selectable. Three protocols are user selectable: Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, or Laurel ASCII. Modbus operation is fully compliant with Modbus Over Serial Line Specification V1.0 (2002). The Laurel ASCII protocol is simpler than the Modbus protocol and is recommended when all devices are Laureates.
  • 4-20 mA, 0-10V or -10V to +10V analog transmitter output, (isolated), jumper-selectable and user scalable. All selections provide 0.0015% resolution of output span and 0.02%  output accuracy of a reading from -99,999 to +99,999 counts that is also transmitted digitally. Output isolation from signal and power grounds eliminates potential ground loop problems. Note that Ethernet data I/O is provided by Laurel's LTE series transmitters.
  • Dual solid state relays, (isolated), for alarm or control. Rated 120 mA at 130 Vac or 180 Vdc.
  • Selectable transducer excitation output, (isolated), user selectable 5V@100 mA, 10V@120 mA, 12V@100mA, or 24V@50 mA.
  • Power 85-264 Vac, (isolated), low-voltage 10-48 Vdc or 12-32 Vac power is optional.

Digital signal filtering modes can be selected to ensure stable readings in electrically noisy environments.

  • An unfiltered selection provides true peak and valley readings and aids in control applications.
  • A batch average filter selection averages each 16 conversions.
  • An adaptive moving average filter selection provides a choice of 8 time constants from 80 ms to 9.6 seconds. When a significant change in signal level occurs, the filter adapts by briefly switching to the shortest time to follow the change, then reverts back to its selected time constant. An Auto setting selects the time constant selection based on signal noise.

Two tare functions: auto-tare and manual tare. In auto-tare, an input line is grounded by an external pushbutton. This causes the current weight, which is normally the empty weight of the container to be stored in memory as an offset. In manual tare, the tare value can be entered manually via a control input pushbutton or using Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software.

Peak and valley values are automatically captured. These may be displayed via Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software,  which runs on a PC under MS Windows or can be transmitted as serial data.

Two control inputs (CMOS/TTL levels, logic 0 = tied to digital ground, logic 1 = open) or dry contacts that can be set to control / activate 14 transmitter commands.

Removable screw terminal connections of Laurel transmitters

LT series DIN rail Transmitters & signal conditioners can be interfaced to a wide range of sensors and transducers using one of seven available plug-in signal conditioner boards. The transmitters duplicate the high performance (high accuracy, high read rate) and extensive programmable features of Laureate 1/8 DIN digital panel meters, counters and timers. They utilize the same signal conditioners boards, much of the same firmware, and Laurel's free Windows-based Instrument Setup Software. They come in a compact DIN rail mount package with detachable screw-clamp connectors for easy wiring.

The LT series Transmitters feature isolated, user-selectable analog outputs (4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, or -10V to +10V), an RS232 or RS485 serial data interface, and dual 120 mA solid state AC/DC relays. Most models, except those with temperature or AC RMS signal conditioners, include an isolated 5, 10, 12, or 24 Vdc transducer excitation output.

Connecting Laureate LT Transmitters to a Local Area Network (LAN)

Up to 30 Laureate LT Transmitters and/or Digital Panel Meters can be configured for RS485 and daisy-chained to an LT Transmitter for seamless LAN integration. Alternatively, Laurel LTE series Ethernet transmitters can connect directly to a LAN via an Ethernet cable. Setup for both configurations is streamlined using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, which simplifies node discovery and transmitter configuration.

Flexible Communication Options for LT Transmitters

Laureate Transmitters can be equipped with Laurel communication boards to support various interfaces and protocols. These include serial interfaces with ASCII or Modbus RTU protocols, and Ethernet interfaces with web access, ASCII, or Modbus TCP/IP protocols, ensuring versatile connectivity for your commercial applications.

Laurel network with Ethernet-to-analog converter board

4-20 mA and RS232/RS485 transmitter for AC RMS voltage input signal

Analog Input Range Resolution Input Ohms Error at 25°C
Voltage Ranges
0-100% of FS
10 Hz - 5 kHz (AC coupling)
DC - 5 kHz (DC coupling)
±200.00 mV 10 µV 1 MΩ 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.1-100% of FS
±2.0000 V 100 µV 1 MΩ 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 2.0-100% of FS
±20.000 V 1 mV 1 MΩ 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.5-100% of FS
±200.00 V 10 mV 1 MΩ 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.1-100% of FS
±600.0 V* 100 mV 1 MΩ ± 0.8 V
±300.0 V 100 mV 1 MΩ ± 0.8 V
* Range not ETL certified
Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months.

4-20 mA and RS232/RS485 transmitter for AC RMS current Input signal

Analog Input Range Resolution Input Ohms
Error at 25°C
Current Ranges
0-100% of FS
10 Hz - 5 kHz (AC coupling)
DC - 5 kHz (DC coupling)
2.0000 mA 0.1 µA 100 Ω 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.1-100% of FS
20.000 mA 1 µA 10 Ω 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.1-100% of FS
200.00 mA 10 µA 1 Ω 0.03% FS ± 2 cts, 0.1-100% of FS
5.000 A 1 mA 0.01 Ω ± 20 mA
Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months.

Analog Output (standard)
Output Levels 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10 Vdc, -10 to +10Vdc (user selectable)
Compliance, 4-20 mA 10V (0-500Ω load)
Compliance, 0-10V 2 mA (5 kΩ load)
Output Resolution 16 bits (65,536 steps)
Output Accuracy 0.02% of output span plus conversion accuracy
Output Isolation 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 minute test
Serial Data Output (standard)
Signal Types RS232 or RS485 (half or full duplex), jumper selectable
Data Rates 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 baud
Output Isolation 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test
Serial Protocols Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Custom ASCII
Modbus Compliance Modbus over Serial Line Specification V1.0 (2002)
RS232/485 Connector Screw terminals for easy daisy chaining
Digital Addresses 247 for Modbus, 31 for Custom ASCII
Dual Relay Output (standard)
Relay Type Two solid state relays, SPST, normally open, Form A
Load Rating 120 mA at 140 Vac or 180 Vdc
Power Input
Standard Power 85-264 Vac or 90-300 Vdc
Low Power Option 10-48 Vdc or 12-32 Vac
Power Frequency DC or 47-63 Hz
Power Isolation 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test
Power Consumption at 24V 1.5W typical, 3W with max excitation output
Environmental
Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Storage Temperature -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Relative Humidity 95% at 40°C, non-condensing
Cooling Required Mount transmitters with ventilation holes at top and bottom. Leave 6 mm (1/4") between transmitters, or force air with a fan.
Mechanical
Enclosure Rugged black polycarbonate housing material
Mounting 35 mm rail per DIN EN 50022
Dimensions 129 x 104 x 22.5 mm case
Connectors Detachable screw clamp connectors meet VDE / IEC / UL / CSA standards. RJ45 jack for Ethernet
Tightening Torque Screw terminal connectors: 5 lb-in (0.56 Nm)
Weight Complete transmitter: 183 g (6.5 oz)
Replacement Case Screws
Size 6
Thread Pitch 6-19
Length 1/2"
Head Style Pan Head
Drive Style Phillips
Head Diameter 0.256-0.270
Head Height 0.087-0.097
Full/Partial Thread Full
Drive Size 2
Material Steel
Finished Black Oxide
General
Programming Utilize Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software, which runs on a PC under MS Windows
Security Lockout options available using Laurel's free Instrument Setup Software
Warranty 3 years parts & labor
Recalibration: All ranges are calibrated at the factory. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months.
* For purposes of accuracy calculation, the 600V range is 2000V (20,000 counts), and the 5A range is 20A (20,000 counts).

Transmitter Pinout

Laureate LT transmitter pinout

 

Free Instrument Setup Software for Series 2 Laureates

Digital Panel Meter Laurel Electronics Digital Transmitters
1/8 DIN Digital Panel Meters DIN Rail Transmitters

Free Downloadable Windows-based Instrument Setup (IS) software (Data Interface Board Required) for use with our programmable Digital Panel Meters, Scale Meters, Counters, Timers, Remote Displays, and Transmitters, are an easy method to set up Laureate 1/8 DIN digital panel meters, counters, timers, remote displays, and DIN-rail transmitters, as explained in the Instrument Setup Software Manual. Laureate 1/8 DIN instruments can also be set up from the front panel, as explained in their respective Owners Manuals. Instrument Setup software is of benefit whether or not the PC is connected to the instrument.

  • When the PC is connected to the instrument, Instrument Setup software can retrieve the setup file from the instrument or open a default setup file or previously saved setup file from disk View Setup, then provides graphical user interface (GUI) screens with pull-down menus applicable to input, display, scaling, filtering, alarms, communications, analog output, and front panel lockouts. Fields that are not applicable to the instrument as configured are either left out or grayed out. Clicking on any item will bring up a detailed Help screen for that item. After editing, the setup file can be downloaded, uploaded to the instrument, or saved to a disk. The same setup file can then be downloaded into multiple instruments.
  • When the PC is not connected to the instrument, the above GUI screens can be used to set up a virtual instrument. The setup file can then be saved to disk. Switching toView Menu then brings up a screen with the required front panel programming steps. This view can be printed out for use at the instrument site and to serve as a hard copy record.

    Download Free Instrument Setup Software


Installation

Set User Account Control (UAC) of MS Windows to "Never notifiy me" so that Instrument Setup Software can create directories. The UAC change screen can be reached as follows:

  • Under Windows 7, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop and enter "UAC" in the search field.
  • Under Windows 8, navigate to Control Panel, then to the "User Accounts and Family Safety" section, and click on "Change User Account Control Settings."
  • Under Windows 10, click on the Windows Start button in the lower left of the desktop, then on "Settings", and enter "UAC" in the search field.
  • Reboot your computer for the changed UAC setting to take effect.
Meter board with USB Type-B connector

RJ11-to-DB9 cable with rear view of DB9 connector to PC

Laurel USB cable, P/N CBL05

RS232 cable, meter to PC, P/N CBL01

Laureate 1/8 DIN Laureate instruments must be equipped with a serial communications board and be connected to the computer via a serial communications cable. The connection can be via RS232, RS485, USB or Ethernet. Following setup, the serial communications board may be removed from the instrument if desired. The wiring of the RS232 cable is illustrated above with end views of the two connectors.

Laureate LT Series transmitters come standard with a 3-wire serial interface, which can be jumpered for RS232 or RS485.
Laureate LTE Series transmitters come standard with an Ethernet interface.

Meter Setup Screens

Click on any of the reduced screens below for a full-size screen view, then click on the Back button of your browser to return to this page. The screens examples below are for a fully-loaded Series 2 Digital Panel Meter (DPM), which is connected to the PC via RS232. If the meter is a Series 1 meter (pre-2007), this is sensed by the software, and somewhat different screens are brought up. Please see Series 1 setup screens.

Laurel Dual Channel Pulse Input Rate Meter
Welcome Screen
From the computer desktop, click on Start > Programs > IS2 > IS2. Or click on the IS icon on your desktop. This splash screen will be displayed for three seconds. The software revision number is in the lower right.
more
Setup Screen 02s for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
Communications Selection Screen
Specify your desired communication protocol and the serial communications bus type, which should match the jumper setup of the instrument. Select None if the PC is not connected to the instrument.
more
Setup Screen 3 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
Establish Communications Screen
If you selected RS-232, you will be asked to specify the PC Com Port and Baud Rate, which should match the jumper setup of the instrument. Click on Establish. With the right settings, the Communications Established field will light up in green, and the Meter Type will be recognized. If so, click onMain Menu.
more
Setup Screen 4 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
Main Menu Screen
Click on File > Default Setup to retrieve the default setup file from disk for your type of meter. Click on File > Open Setupto retrieve a previously saved setup file from disk or on File > Save Setup to save your edited setup file to disk. Click onDPM > Get Setup to retrieve the setup file from your meter or on DPM > Put Setup to download your edited setup file into the meter.
more
Setup Screen 5 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Input + Display Setup Screen
From the Main Menu, click on View > Setup, then on theInput+Display tab. You can now specify the meter hardware, signal type, display mode, and functions of control inputs A and B. Clicking on any item brings up a pull-down menu with the available choices.
more
Setup Screen 6 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Scaling Setup Screen
Click on the Scaling tab, which provides three scaling methods to relate the signal to the displayed reading: 1) Scale and Offset method, 2) Coordinates of two points method, and 3) Reading Coordinates of Two Points method. The last method uses actual high and low signals, and the computer will prompt you.
more
Setup Screen 7 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Filter Setup Screen
Click on the Filter tab, which allows you to specify the digital filter time constant (if any), the adaptive filter threshold, and whether Peak / Valley values are filtered or unfiltered. As for all setup screens, clicking on the F1 key while an item is highlighted brings up a Help screen for that item, as illustrated.
more
Setup Screen 8 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Relay Alarms Setup Screen
Click on the Relay Alarms tab, which allows you to set up Alarms 1 and 2 for the optional dual relay output board. Clicking on any of the four numeric fields changes these to green and brings up a special field to enter the desired numeric value, which is tied to the displayed reading.
more
Setup Screen 9 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Communications Setup Screen
Click on the Communications tab so set up serial communications. In particular, you can special the Serial Protocol and the meter address if multiple meters are to be addressed on the same serial data line.
more
Setup Screen 10 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Analog Output Setup Screen
Click on the Analog Out tab so set up the optional analog output board. Three output ranges are selectable, the endpoints of which can be tied to user-specified High and Low readings.
more
Setup Screen 11 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Lockouts Setup Screen
Click on the Lockouts tab to check off menu items which will no longer be accessible from the front panel of the meter. This will simplify meter operation and prevent unintended setup changes.
more

Meter Setup Utilities

Setup Screen 12 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Front Panel Setup Screen
As an aid to programming the meter from the front panel when a serial connection is not available, you can return to the Main Menu and click on View > Menu. The required sequence of front panel screens will then be displayed. Click on any step in the sequence for the meaning of each digit, as illustrated for the FILtEr step. For a hardcopy, simply press on Print.
more
Setup Screen 13 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Jumper Setup Screen
Specify your desired communication protocol and the serial communications bus type, which should match the jumper setup of the instrument. Select None if the PC is not connected to the instrument.
more
Setup Screen 14 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Jumper Setup Screens
Click on any of the displayed plug-in boards, and you will be presented with the jumper positions and electrical connections for your selected board. This minimizes the need to refer to the printed manual.
more
Setup Screen 15 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Commands Screen
This page allows you set up external input, serial communications, an analog output proportional to the display (optional), and lockouts for Laureate digital counters. The grayed out area at the top right of the screen applies to Laureate remote displays.
more
Graphical Output Screens (not available with Ethernet)

From the Main Menu, click on Readings if your PC is connected to the meter. A pull-down menu then offers three choices: ListPlot and Graph.

  • List presents the latest readings in a 20-row by 10-column table. Press Pause at any time to freeze the display. This is one method to capture peak readings.   
  • Plot generates a plot of readings vs. time in seconds. It effectively turns the DPM-PC combination into a printing digital oscilloscope.
    more 
  • Graph generates a histogram where the horizontal axis is the reading and the vertical axis is the number of occurrences of readings. The display continually resizes itself as the number of readings increases.
    more
Setup Screen 18 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
DPM Calibration Screens
Click on the Scaling tab, which provides three scalClick on the Scaling tab, which provides three scaling methods to relate the signal to the displayed reading: 1) Scale and Offset method, 2) Coordinates of two points method, and 3) Reading Coordinates of Two Points method. The last method uses actual high and low signals, and the computer will prompt you.
more
Setup Screen 19 for Digital Panel Meters and Digital Transmitters
Frequency Meter Calibration Screen
Calibration of the quartz crystal of the Laureate frequency meter requires the input of a known frequency from a calibrator. Apply the frequency, then enter the frequency in Hertz. Calibration will be automatic, with storage of the calibration factor stored in non-volatile memory.
more

 

Dimensions

Laurel transmitter case

Dimensioned CAD assembly drawings in EPRT, STEP, x_t, .dwg, pdf file formats: Laureate-transmitter-case.zip (zipping prevents browser from opening CAD files as text files).

 

 

CAL-Analog

Certificate of Calibration

$65.00

CBL02

USB-to-RS232 Adapter Cable

$47.00

CBL04

RS232 Cable for LT Transmitters

$47.00

CBL12

12-foot Power Cable

$47.00

CBL6

6-foot Power Cable

$41.00
Ordering Guide
Part Number as Configured: LT41RMA4
Price as Configured: $421.00

Click on the Option Board Links for More Product Information

Base Item
$164.00
Main Board
$0.00
Extended allows up to 180 data points for custom curve linearization and a rate derived from consecutive readings.
$33.00
Power (Isolated)
$89.00
$89.00
Signal Input (Isolated)
DC Voltage Ranges (DC Voltage ranges are jumper selectable)
$135.00
$135.00
$135.00
$135.00
$135.00
$135.00
DC Current Ranges (DC Current ranges are jumper selectable)
$135.00
$135.00
$135.00
Note: All ranges are factory calibrated and user selectable
$135.00
Part Number as Configured:
LT41RMA4
Price as Configured:
$421.00
Quantity:
- +
Extended Price:
$421.00

What Is the LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter for True RMS AC Voltage and Current?

In industrial and automation environments, precise and dependable measurement of electrical parameters is vital. True RMS (Root Mean Square) AC voltage and current are key to assessing the performance and condition of electrical systems, since RMS quantifies the effective magnitude of a fluctuating value — the DC equivalent that would deliver the same power to a resistive load. Unlike basic average or peak readings, True RMS measurement captures all waveform nuances, including non-sinusoidal distortion, making it essential for systems requiring exact power assessment.

What Is an LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter?

The LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter is a specialized instrument crafted to measure electrical parameters like True RMS AC voltage and current, converting them into standardized output signals for further analysis or monitoring. It's mounted on a DIN rail, a standard metal rail widely used to mount circuit breakers and industrial control equipment, simplifying installation and ensuring a secure fit in control panels.

Key Features

  1. True RMS Measurement: These transmitters accurately determine the True RMS value of AC voltage and current, delivering reliable data even for distorted or non-sinusoidal waveforms.
  2. Analog Outputs: The transmitter converts the measured value into an analog signal, typically 4-20 mA or 0-10V, easily integrated with industrial devices like PLCs, SCADA systems, or data loggers.
  3. Serial Data Communication: Serial communication options such as RS-485 or Modbus RTU enable digital network connectivity for remote monitoring and control, valuable in distributed systems requiring centralized oversight.
  4. High Accuracy: Engineered for precision at 0.03% of full scale ±2 counts, these transmitters perform reliably in demanding industrial conditions.
  5. Compact and Modular Design: DIN rail mounting supports a space-saving, modular setup, allowing multiple transmitters to be mounted adjacent to each other for efficient wiring.

Applications

  • Power Monitoring — tracking AC voltage in distribution systems to ensure stable and efficient performance.
  • Energy Management — analyzing power usage in industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency, including identifying power quality issues like sags or surges.
  • Electrical Safety — identifying abnormal voltage levels that may signal safety risks, such as equipment malfunctions or short circuits, supporting predictive maintenance.
  • Automation Systems — supplying accurate voltage or current data to PLCs and control systems for automated decisions and adjustments.
  • Building Automation — in HVAC systems and lighting controls, ensuring proper functioning of electrical components and supporting voltage feedback for energy conservation.
  • Test and Measurement — used in labs for precise voltage and current assessments in electrical testing and research projects.

Conclusion

The LT DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with serial data communication and analog outputs for True RMS AC voltage and current is a versatile tool across industrial, commercial, and research settings. Its precision in capturing the effective value of AC signals, combined with seamless digital integration through serial communication, makes it valuable for monitoring, regulating, and analyzing electrical and automation systems — whether improving energy efficiency, ensuring electrical safety, or supporting research and predictive maintenance.

True RMS AC Voltage and Current Transmitter Frequently Asked Questions

Why does True RMS measurement matter compared to average-responding measurement?

Average-responding meters are typically calibrated assuming a pure sine wave and can read significantly wrong on distorted or non-sinusoidal waveforms. True RMS measurement calculates the actual effective value of the waveform regardless of its shape, giving an accurate reading on distorted signals that an average-responding instrument would misrepresent.

What is crest factor, and why does it matter for this transmitter?

Crest factor is the ratio of a waveform's peak value to its RMS value. This transmitter is rated for a crest factor of 3.0 at full scale, increasing to 300 at 1% of full scale, meaning it can accurately measure signals with significant peaks relative to their RMS value — important for distorted waveforms like chopped or rectified AC.

What's the difference between AC coupling and DC coupling on this transmitter?

AC coupling blocks the DC component of a signal, making it suited to applications like measuring ripple on a DC power supply. DC coupling passes the full signal including any DC offset. Both are jumper selectable, and the transmitter accepts frequencies from DC to 5 kHz depending on the coupling and range selected.

Why does the 5A current range use a built-in shunt instead of requiring a step-down transformer?

The 5A range uses a built-in 0.01 ohm shunt sized specifically to accept the standard output of 5A current transformers directly, eliminating the need for an external step-down transformer between the CT and the transmitter.

Can this transmitter be used safely with a current shunt on the high side of the line?

Yes — high common mode rejection allows for stable readings even with current shunts located on the high side of the line, which is a common requirement in AC current monitoring installations.

How fast does this transmitter produce a reading after a signal changes?

True RMS readings are available 0-16.7 ms after completion of one input signal cycle, allowing anomalies to be detected and alarmed quickly, before they escalate into more costly problems.

Why is accuracy specified differently across the full-scale range (0.1% to 100% of FS)?

Accuracy is specified as 0.03% of full scale ±2 counts across most of the range, but as the signal amplitude decreases toward the low end, the relative measurement uncertainty naturally increases; the specified accuracy holds down to a stated minimum signal level rather than all the way to zero.

Is there a version of this transmitter with higher input impedance?

A 10 Megohm input resistance version is available as a factory special, though it reduces the maximum frequency from 5 kHz to 1 kHz for three of the voltage ranges compared to the standard 1 Megohm version.

Does this transmitter include an excitation output like the DC and load cell variants?

No — most LT models include an isolated transducer excitation output, but AC RMS signal conditioners are a noted exception, since excitation isn't relevant to true RMS AC voltage or current measurement.

Can multiple AC RMS transmitters be networked together?

Yes — up to 30 LT Transmitters and/or Digital Panel Meters can be daisy-chained on RS485 for LAN integration, or an LTE series Ethernet transmitter can be used instead for a direct Ethernet connection.

True RMS AC Voltage and Current Transmitter Questions From the Field

My AC reading looks different from what another meter on the same circuit shows — which one is right?

If the other meter is an average-responding instrument rather than a True RMS meter, a difference is expected on any non-sinusoidal or distorted waveform, since average-responding meters are typically calibrated for a pure sine wave and will read incorrectly on distorted signals; a True RMS reading is the more accurate one in that case.

My current reading from a CT seems consistently off by a scaling factor — what should I check?

This is commonly a CT ratio scaling issue rather than a transmitter fault — verifying that the transmitter's scaling matches the actual current transformer's turns ratio is the standard first step, since the transmitter reads the CT's secondary output directly and relies on correct ratio scaling to display the primary value.

My reading is unstable on a load with a lot of harmonic distortion — is that a transmitter problem?

Not necessarily — highly distorted waveforms are exactly the case True RMS measurement is designed to handle accurately, but very high crest factor signals beyond the transmitter's rated 3.0 at full scale can push measurement accuracy outside spec; checking the actual crest factor of the signal against the transmitter's rating is a useful diagnostic step.

Why does my reading change when I switch from AC coupling to DC coupling?

AC coupling removes any DC component from the measurement, while DC coupling includes it; if the monitored signal has a genuine DC offset (such as ripple riding on a DC supply), the two coupling modes will legitimately produce different readings by design, not due to a fault.

My transmitter reads correctly at low signal levels but seems to lose accuracy near the top of the range — what's going on?

This is worth checking against the specified accuracy range for the selected input range, since some ranges are specified with a minimum signal level for rated accuracy; confirming the selected range matches the actual signal level (rather than using an oversized range for a small signal) typically resolves apparent accuracy issues.

Can noise from a nearby VFD or motor affect this transmitter's readings?

Yes — like other precision instrumentation, this transmitter's signal wiring is susceptible to noise from variable-frequency drives and motors; checking cable shielding, grounding, and physical separation from the noise source is the standard remedy before suspecting the transmitter itself.

My RS485-networked AC RMS transmitter intermittently drops off the network — what should I check first?

Confirming that transmitter's address is unique and correctly configured is a common first step, since an address conflict is one of the more frequent causes of a single unit going silent while the rest of a daisy-chained network continues operating normally.