Features
- 20, 50, 100, 250 and 500 mV full-scale input ranges
- Accuracy ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts
- 4 or 6-wire hookup to avoid power supply and lead resistance effects
- 10V excitation supply for up to four 350-ohm load cells in parallel
Certificates of Compliance
The Laureate 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V or -10V to +10V and ethernet output transmitter for load cell or microvolt input is designed for use with load cells, strain gauges and microvolt input signals where exceptional sensitivity and stability are required. A most sensitive full-scale input range ±20 mV can be scaled internally to ±99,999 counts. The selected input range for the full 0-20 mA output span can be as wide as ±99,999 counts or as narrow as 150 counts, limited only by considerations of electrical noise and time constants of the programmable moving average digital filter. The unit's serial data is accurate to ±0.01% of reading ±2 counts in ratiometric load cell mode and ±0.01% of full scale in ±2 counts in absolute microvolt mode.
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 Transmitters 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™ LTE 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 Features of Laureate LTE Transmitters Include:
- Ethernet I/O, (isolated). The supported protocols are Modbus RTU and ASCII, which are tunneled via Modbus TCP. Note that RS232 or RS485 data I/O is provided by Laurel's LT Series transmitters.
- 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA or 0-10V analog transmitter output, (isolated), jumper-selectable and user scalable. All selections provide 16-bit (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. The supply can drive 20 mA into a 500 ohm (or lower) load for 10V compliance, or 10V into a 5K ohm (or higher) load for 2 mA compliance.
- Dual solid state relays, (isolated). Available for local 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.
An (isolated) 5, 10, 12, or 24 Vdc excitation output is standard to power transducers or two-wire transmitters. Ratiometric operation, which automatically compensates for changes in the applied excitation, is jumper selectable for applications, such as bridges, where the signal to be measured is proportional to the excitation level.
LTE 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 LTE series Transmitters accessible from this page include a 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-10V, or -10V to +10V analog output (isolated, user selectable), an ethernet serial data interface (isolated, user selectable), and dual 120 mA solid state AC/DC relays (isolated). An (isolated) 5, 10, 12, or 24 Vdc transducer excitation output is included with all models other than those with a temperature or AC RMS signal conditioner.
Load Cell Transmitter Connections
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In 4-wire connection, the excitation and sense lines are tied together. The transmitter can make ratiometric corrections for supply voltage variations, but does not compensate for variations in lead resistance. This connection is often used with short cable runs. |
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In 6-wire connection, the sense lines are separate from the excitation lines, thereby eliminating effects due to variations in lead resistance. This allows long cable runs in outdoor environments with temperature extremes. |
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For large scales, up to four 350 ohm load cells can be powered by a single Laureate, whose excitation output is rated 120 mA at 10V. The excitation and sense points of the four bridges are connected in parallel. The load cell outputs will be averaged if the load cells have the same sensitivity in mV/V. |
Connecting Laureate LTE Transmitters to a Local Area Network (LAN)
Laurel LTE series Ethernet transmitters can connect directly to a LAN via an Ethernet cable. 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. Setup for both configurations is streamlined using Laurel’s free Instrument Setup Software, which simplifies node discovery and transmitter configuration.
Flexible Communication Options for LTE 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.
| LTE Transmitter Signal Input & Function | Model Series | Analog Output | Ethernet I/O | Dual Relays | |
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| 1 | DC Input Voltage and Current | LTE-DC |  |
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| 2 | AC RMS Voltage or Current | LTE-RMS | |
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| 3 | Process Voltage or Current | LTE-P | |
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| 4 | Strain Gauge or Potentiometer Follower | LTE-SG | |
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| 5 | Weighing Applications | LTE-WA | |
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| 6 | Load Cell & Microvolt Signals | LTE-WM | |
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| 7 | Thermocouple (Types J, K, T, E, N, R, S) | LTE-TC | |
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| 8 | RTD Temperature | LTE-RTD | |
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| 9 | Resistance in Ohms | LTE-R | |
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| 10 | Frequency, Rate, Speed | LTE-FR | |
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| 11 | Pulse Input Totalizer | LTE-FR | |
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| 12 | Process Signal Totalizer | LTE-VF | |
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| 13 | Batch Controller Analog Input | LTE-FR | |
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| 14 | Batch Controller Pulse Input | LTE-FR | |
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| 15 | Sum, Difference, Ratio, Product of 2 Inputs | LTE-FR | |
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| 16 | On/Off Duty Cycle | LTE-FR | |
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| 17 | Stopwatch Timing for Single Events | LTE-FR | |
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| 18 | Average Time of Periodic Events | LTE-FR | |
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| 19 | AC Phase Angle and Power Factor | LTE-FR | |
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| 20 | Quadrature Position or Rate | LTE-QD | |
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| Analog Input | Range | Scaling | Input Ohms | Error at 25°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load Cell Input | ±20.000 mV | -99,999 to +99,999 zero adjust. 0 to ±99,999 span adjust. |
1 GΩ | ±0.01% of rdg ± 2 cts |
| ±50.0000 mV | ||||
| ±100.00 mV | ||||
| ±250.00 mV | ||||
| ±500.00 mV | ||||
| Microvolt Input | ±20.000 mV | 1 µV | 1 GΩ | ±0.01% of FS ± 2 cts |
| ±50.0000 mV | 2.5 µV | |||
| ±100.00 mV | 5.0 µV | |||
| ±250.00 mV | 12.5 µV | |||
| ±500.00 mV | 25 µV | |||
| Reading Resolution | 16 bits (65,536 steps) | |||
| Reading Accuracy | ±0.01% of reading ± 2 counts in ratiometric mode, ±0.01% of full scale ± 2 counts in absolute mode. |
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| Update Rate, Max | 50/sec at 50 Hz, 60/sec at 60 Hz | |||
| Max applied voltage | 100 V | |||
| 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 (jumper selectable) | |||
| Compliance, 4-20 mA | 10V (0-500Ω load) | |||
| Compliance, 0-10V | 2 mA (5 kΩ load or higher) | |||
| 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 | |||
| Excitation Output (standard) | ||||
| 5 Vdc | 5 Vdc ± 5%, 100 mA (jumper selectable) | |||
| 10 Vdc | 10 Vdc ± 5%, 120 mA (jumper selectable) | |||
| 12 Vdc | 12 Vdc ± 5%, 100 mA (jumper selectable) | |||
| 24 Vdc | 24 Vdc ± 5%, 50 mA (jumper selectable) | |||
| Output Isolation | 50 Vdc from signal ground | |||
| Ratiometric operation | Automatically compensates for changes in excitation level. | |||
| 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 | |||
| Ethernet Data I/O (standard) | ||||
| Type | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet per IEEE 802.3 | |||
| Data Rates | 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 baud | |||
| Output Isolation | 250V rms working, 2.3 kV rms per 1 min test | |||
| Serial Protocol | Modbus TCPI | |||
| Modbus Compliance | Modbus over Serial Line Specification V1.0 (2002) | |||
| Digital Addresses | 247 | |||
| 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 | 2.5W at 24V, 4.0W at 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. | ||||
Transmitter Pinout
Free Instrument Setup Software for Series 2 Laureates
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| 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.
RJ11-to-DB9 cable with rear view of DB9 connector to PC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meter Setup Utilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: List, Plot 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Dimensions
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).
Scale Transmitter for Weighing
Accuracy of 0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. High read rates at up to 60 or 50 conversions per second.
DC Voltage & Current Input Signal
Accuracy of 0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. High read rates at up to 60 or 50 conversions per second.
$558.00Process & Ratiometric Signals
Accuracy of 0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. High read rates at up to 60 or 50 conversions per second.
True AC RMS Voltage & Current
Accuracy of 0.01% of reading ± 2 counts. High read rates at up to 60 or 50 conversions per second.
What Is the LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Ethernet Communication for Load Cell, Strain Gauge and Microvolt Input?
In modern industrial and automation systems, precise measurement and control are paramount. A key component that facilitates these processes is the analog transmitter, which converts physical measurements into a standardized electrical signal for further processing, monitoring, or control. Among these, the LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Ethernet Communication and Analog Outputs stands out, especially when dealing with microvolt-level signals from load cells or strain gauges.
What Is a DIN Rail Analog Transmitter?
A DIN rail analog transmitter is a device designed to be mounted on a standard DIN rail, commonly used in industrial control panels. It takes an analog input signal, typically from a sensor like a load cell or strain gauge, and converts it into a different signal format, such as a standardized analog output (e.g., 4-20mA or 0-10V). This output can then be used by controllers, data acquisition systems, or other instrumentation.
The Role of Ethernet Communication
The Ethernet communication capability of the LTE Series transmitter adds a significant layer of functionality, allowing the device to communicate over a network. This feature is crucial in modern industrial settings, where data from various sensors and transmitters need to be integrated into a centralized control system or shared across different platforms for monitoring, analysis, or logging purposes.
Handling Microvolt Input Signals from Load Cells and Strain Gauges
Load cells and strain gauges are precision sensors used to measure force, weight, or strain. These devices typically output very small signals, often in the microvolt (µV) range, which need to be accurately amplified and converted into a more manageable signal for further processing. The LTE Series transmitter is specially designed to handle these low-level signals with high precision, ensuring that the measurements are accurate and reliable.
Key Features
- Microvolt Input Signal Compatibility: The LTE Series is engineered to handle extremely low-level signals from load cells and strain gauges, critical for applications requiring high accuracy and sensitivity.
- Ethernet Communication: The built-in Ethernet port enables the transmitter to send data over a network, making it easier to integrate with modern industrial control systems, supporting remote monitoring, data logging, and integration with IoT systems.
- Analog Outputs: The transmitter provides standard analog outputs, such as 4-20mA or 0-10V, which are widely used in industrial control systems and can be connected to controllers, PLCs, or other instrumentation.
- DIN Rail Mounting: Designed for easy installation on a standard DIN rail, common in industrial control panels, allowing for compact and organized wiring setups.
- High Precision and Stability: Built with high-quality components to ensure accurate signal conversion and long-term stability, even in demanding industrial environments.
Where Is This Transmitter Used?
Industrial Weighing Systems
Load cells, which are sensors that convert force into electrical signals, are widely used to measure weight in various industrial processes. The microvolt signals generated by load cells are extremely low and require precise amplification and conversion. The transmitter amplifies these signals and converts them into usable analog or digital outputs, ensuring accurate weight measurements in real-time — particularly important in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and food processing, where accurate weight measurement is crucial for quality control and operational efficiency.
Structural Health Monitoring
In civil engineering, monitoring the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure is essential. Strain gauges are often used to measure the strain in structural components, which can indicate stress or potential failure. The LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Ethernet communication allows for remote monitoring and real-time data analysis, making it a vital component in structural health monitoring systems.
Machine Condition Monitoring
In manufacturing and heavy industries, machine condition monitoring is essential to prevent downtime and extend equipment life. Strain gauges and load cells can be used to monitor the forces and stresses experienced by machinery during operation. The transmitter converts these signals into analog outputs that can be integrated with monitoring systems, providing valuable insights for predictive maintenance.
Automated Control Systems
Automation systems in industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics often require precise measurement of forces and strains. The LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter plays a key role in such systems by providing accurate, real-time data from load cells and strain gauges, used to control robotic arms, manufacturing equipment, and other automated processes, ensuring high precision and efficiency.
Remote Monitoring and IoT Integration
With the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), there is a growing demand for devices that can connect to networks and provide real-time data. The Ethernet communication capability of the LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter makes it ideal for remote monitoring applications — whether monitoring the structural health of remote infrastructure or tracking the performance of machinery in distant locations, this transmitter ensures that critical data is always accessible.
Research and Development
Laboratories and R&D facilities often require precise measurement of small forces or deformations. The LTE Series transmitter provides the necessary precision and flexibility for these applications.
Conclusion
The LTE Series DIN Rail Analog Transmitter with Ethernet Communication and Analog Outputs for load cell, strain gauge, and microvolt input signals is a versatile and essential tool in modern industrial and research applications. Its ability to accurately measure and transmit low-level signals, combined with Ethernet connectivity for remote monitoring, data logging, and IoT integration, makes it invaluable wherever precision and real-time data are paramount — from industrial weighing and structural health monitoring to machine condition monitoring, automated control systems, and remote infrastructure tracking, this transmitter ensures operations run smoothly and efficiently.
LTE Load Cell, Strain Gauge and Microvolt Transmitter Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this transmitter and the LT Series load cell transmitter?
The underlying load cell and microvolt signal conditioning, ranges, and accuracy are identical; the difference is entirely in the communication interface — LT uses RS232/RS485 serial data, while LTE uses a direct 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connection with Modbus TCP.
Why does the specified accuracy differ between ratiometric and absolute microvolt modes?
Ratiometric mode is specified as 0.01% of reading ±2 counts, while absolute mode is specified as 0.01% of full scale ±2 counts, reflecting how each mode references its measurement — reading-based in ratiometric mode versus fixed-scale in absolute mode.
How many load cells can this transmitter's excitation output support?
The built-in 10V, 120 mA excitation supply can power up to four 350-ohm load cells wired in parallel, with their outputs averaged together provided the load cells share the same sensitivity in mV/V.
When should I use a 6-wire connection instead of 4-wire?
6-wire connections separate the sense lines from the excitation lines, eliminating the effect of lead resistance on the reading — useful for long cable runs or outdoor installations with significant temperature swings.
Does the Ethernet interface affect measurement accuracy or update rate?
No — accuracy and the update rate of up to 50 or 60 conversions per second are determined by the same Concurrent Slope signal conditioning used across the Laureate line; Ethernet only changes how the reading is transmitted digitally.
Do I need a gateway device to connect this transmitter to my network?
No — the transmitter connects directly to a LAN via its own RJ45 jack over Modbus TCP, without requiring a separate RS485-to-Ethernet gateway.
What's the maximum applied voltage this transmitter's input can tolerate?
The specified maximum applied voltage on the load cell/microvolt input is 100V, a protection limit rather than an operating range — actual signal ranges top out at ±500.00 mV.
Can this transmitter be used for something other than weighing?
Yes — any sensor producing a millivolt-level ratiometric or absolute signal, such as certain pressure transducers or custom strain-based sensors, can be read by the same hardware, provided its output falls within the transmitter's supported ranges.
What is auto-tare, and how does it differ from manual tare?
Auto-tare zeroes out the current reading automatically when an external pushbutton grounds a designated input line. Manual tare instead lets a specific tare value be entered directly via a control input or Laurel's setup software.
Can multiple LTE load cell transmitters be networked together?
Yes — the transmitter supports up to 247 digital addresses via Modbus TCP, allowing many individually addressable transmitters to coexist on the same Ethernet network.
LTE Load Cell, Strain Gauge and Microvolt Transmitter Questions From the Field
My scale reading drifts slowly even though the load on it hasn't changed — what should I check first?
Slow drift with a genuinely stable load is commonly traced to temperature effects on the load cell or its cabling; correlating the drift against ambient temperature changes over the same period is a typical first diagnostic step.
Why does my reading change when I touch or move the cabling near the load cell?
Because this is a microvolt-level signal, it's highly sensitive to noise picked up by nearby cabling, especially with degraded shielding or a poor ground connection; checking cable shielding continuity and connector integrity is the standard first troubleshooting step.
My transmitter isn't showing up on the network — what should I check?
Confirming the transmitter's IP configuration matches what the network expects, and that the physical Ethernet cable and switch port are functioning, are the standard first checks before suspecting a transmitter fault.
One load cell in a four-cell parallel setup seems to be skewing the total reading — how is that isolated?
The standard approach is to disconnect and test each load cell individually against a known reference load before reconnecting it to the parallel arrangement, since a single faulty or mismatched-sensitivity cell can distort the averaged reading in a way that's difficult to isolate once all four are summed.
My reading is correct at zero but off across the rest of the range — what does that suggest?
A correct zero paired with an inaccurate span usually points to a span/scaling mismatch between the load cell's actual rated output and the value entered during setup, rather than a wiring fault.
My Modbus TCP polling occasionally times out even though the transmitter appears connected — what's the likely cause?
Network congestion or too many devices polling the same transmitter simultaneously can cause intermittent timeouts; checking polling frequency from all connected clients and network traffic load is a common troubleshooting step.
Why would switching from 4-wire to 6-wire wiring change my calibration?
Moving to 6-wire sensing changes how lead resistance is compensated, so a calibration performed under a 4-wire connection won't necessarily carry over correctly after rewiring to 6-wire; recalibrating after any wiring configuration change is the recommended practice.
Can moisture or humidity affect a load cell reading in the field?
Yes — moisture ingress into a load cell body or its junction box is a commonly documented cause of erratic or drifting readings, since it can create unintended resistance paths across the bridge circuit; checking for condensation or water ingress is a standard step when a previously stable installation starts behaving erratically.
