Novus TxRail-USB User manual

NOVUS AUTOMATION 1/6
Tx
Rail-USB
TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTER
– USER MANUAL – V2.0x C
1. INTRODUCTION
TxRail-USB is an advanced programmable temperature transmitter
for DIN rail mounting. Its microprocessor technology accepts
configuration via USB, which allows you to select the input type, the
measurement range, the output type, and to perform the calibration
process. The output can be configured via software for 4-20 mA or 0-
10 Vdc.
The output current or voltage is linearized according to the selected
input sensor and adjusted to the configured range.
2. SPECIFICATIONS
Sensor input: User defined. The supported sensors are listed in
Table 1, along with their maximum ranges.
Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E and B, according to
IEC 60584 (ITS-90). Impedance >> 1 MΩ
Pt100: Excitation: 0.8 mA, α= 0.00385, according to IEC 60751
(ITS-90).
For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4 together.
Pt1000: 3-wire type, Excitation: 0.8 mA, α= 0.00385, according to
IEC 60751 (ITS-90).
For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4 together.
NTC R25°C: 10 kΩ±1 %, B25/85 = 3435
Voltage: 0 to 50 mVdc. Impedance >> 1 MΩ
0 to 100 mVdc. Impedance >> 1 MΩ(*)
(*) Feature available for devices with firmware version
starting at V2.0x.
Sensor Type
Maximum Measurement
Range
Minimum Measurement
Range
Voltage
0 to 50 mV
5 mV
Voltage 0 to 100 mV 10mV
Thermocouple K -150 to 1370 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple J -100 to 760 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple R -50 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple
S
-50 to 1760 °C
400 °C
Thermocouple T -160 to 400 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple N -270 to 1300 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple E -90 to 720 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple B 500 to 1820 °C 400 °C
Pt100
-200 to 650 °C
40 °C
Pt1000
-200 to 650 °C
40 °C
NTC -30 to 120 °C 40 °C
Table 1 –Sensors accepted by the transmitter
Switch-on delay: < 2.5 s. The accuracy is only guaranteed after 15
minutes.
Reference terms: Ambient: 25 ° C; voltage: 24 Vdc, load: 250 Ω;
settling time: 10 minutes.
Temperature effect: < ±0.16 % / 25 °C
Response time: Typical 1.6 s.
Maximum allowable voltage at input terminals: 3 V
RTD current: 800 µA
RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C / Ω
Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω
Sensor Type Typical
Accuracy
Maximum
Accuracy
Pt100 / Pt1000
(-150 to 400 °C)
0.10 % 0.12 %
Pt100 / Pt1000
(-200 to 650 °C)
0.13 % 0.19 %
K, J, T, E, N, R, S, B
0.1 % (*)
0.15 % (*)
mV
0.1 %
0.15 %
NTC 0.3 °C 0.7 °C
Table 2 –Calibration error, percentage of the full measurement range
(*) Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C
Power supply influence: 0.006 % / V typical (percentage of the full
measure range).
Output (4-20 mA):4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired; and
proportional to the configured range.
Output resolution (4-20 mA):2 µA
Output (0-10 Vdc): 0-10 Vdc or 10-0 Vdc voltage, and proportional
to the configured range.
Output resolution (0-10 Vdc): 0.0025 V (12 bits)
Power supply: 10 to 35 Vdc (output 4-20 mA) and
12 to 35 Vdc (output 0-10 Vdc).
Maximum load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 [Ω]
Where: Vdc = Power supply voltage (10-35 Vdc)
Operating temperature: -40 to 85 °C
Humidity: 0 to 90 % RH
Electromagnetic compatibility: EN 61326-1:2006
No electrical isolation between input and output.
Internal protection against polarity inversion.
Cold junction compensation for thermocouples.
Connection wire cross section: 0.14 a 1.5 mm²
Screw tightening: 0.8 Nm
Housing: ABS UL94-HB
Certification: CE, UKCA

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 2/6
3. CONFIGURATION
When you need to change the configuration, you should use SigNow
software, TxConfig II software, or the SigNow application.
On the NOVUS website, you can download any of the configuration
software for free. For installation, simply run the SigNowSetup.exe
or TxConfigIISetup.exe file and follow the installer instructions.
To configure the device through the software, you must use the
transmitter configuration interface (USB cable), which can be
purchased from the manufacturer or its authorized representatives:
Figure 1 –USB cable connection
During the setup, the transmitter is powered by the USB, not
requiring an external power supply.
The transmitter setup can also be made by connecting it to the loop,
using the loop power supply. There is no electrical isolation between
the transmitter and the communication port (interface). It is not
recommended to configure it with the sensor connected to the
process. See Figure 2.
Figure 2 –USB cable connections – Loop powered
After connecting the device and the PC, simply run SigNow or
TxConfig II.
SigNow application can be downloaded for free from Google Play
Store or App Store.
To configure the device via the application, you must use an On The
Go (OTG) adapter. The procedure for using this adapter will be
explained in the SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS section.
There you will also find more information on how to connect the
TxRail-USB to the smartphone itself and set up the device.
The USB communication port (interface) of the
TxRail-USB is not electrically isolated from the
transmitter input.
3.1 SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION
3.1.1 SIGNOW SOFTWARE
When running the SigNow software and connecting to the device,
the following screen will appear:
Figure 3 –SigNow configuration screen
The bottom part of the screen displays information about the model,
serial number, and firmware version.
The configuration screen is divided into 5 sections: General, Settings,
Custom Calibration, Diagnostics, and Firmware Update.
In the General (see above) and Settings screens, you can configure
the device by setting values and information for the following
parameters:
1. Sensor Type: Allows you to select the sensor to be used. See
Table 1.
2. Lower Limit: Allows you to select the desired temperature for
minimum retransmission value.
3. Upper Limit: Allows you to select the desired temperature for
maximum retransmission value.
4. Output Status (Sensor Failure): Allows you to establish the
output behavior when the transmitter indicates a failure:
Minimum: Output current goes to < 3.8 mA or output voltage is
0 V (down-scale). Typically used for refrigeration.
Maximum: Output current goes to > 20.5 mA or output voltage is
10 V (up-scale). Typically used for heating.
5. Output Type: Allows you to select the output type to be used.
6. Offset (Zero Adjustment): Allows you to correct small
deviations presented in the transmitter output, such as when a
sensor is replaced.
In the SigNow manual, available on NOVUS website, you can get
more specific information about the buttons and the process of
diagnostics and firmware update.

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 3/6
3.1.2 LOGCHART II SOFTWARE
When running the TxConfig II software and connecting to the device,
the following screen will appear:
Figure 4 –TxConfig II software main screen
The fields in the screen mean:
1. General Information: This field contains the data that identifies
the transmitter. During requests for technical assistance, this
information should be presented to the manufacture.
2. Sensor: Allows you to select the sensor to be used. See Table
1.
3. Measuring Range: Allows you to set the transmitter
measurement range.
4. Lower Range Limit: Allows you to select the desired
temperature for minimum retransmission value.
5. Upper Range Limit: Allows you to select the desired
temperature for maximum retransmission value.
6. Sensor Range
The values chosen cannot exceed the sensor range shown in
this field. See Table 1.
7. Minimum Range
Do not set a lower band (span) that the Minimum Range
indicated below in this same field. See Table 1 of this manual.
8. Sensor Failure: Allows you to establish the output behavior
when the transmitter indicates a failure:
Minimum: Output current goes to < 3.8 mA or output voltage is
0 V (down-scale). Typically used for refrigeration.
Maximum: Output current goes to > 20.5 mA or output voltage is
10 V (up-scale). Typically used for heating.
9. Zero Correction: Allows you to correct small deviations
presented in the transmitter output, such as when a sensor is
replaced.
10. Send Configuration: It applies the new setup. Once sent, the
setup will be immediately adopted by the transmitter.
11. Read Configuration: It reads the current setup in the transmitter
connected. The screen now presents the current setup that may
be changed by the user.
3.1.3 SIGNOW APPLICATION
When running the SigNow application and connecting to the device,
the following screen will appear:
Figure 5 –Information screen
Here you can see information about the device, such as name, serial
number, and firmware version.
By opening the Basic section or the Advanced section, you can
configure the parameters displayed in the SIGNOW SOFTWARE
section.
In the SigNow manual, available on the NOVUS website, you can
get more specific information about the buttons and the process of
diagnostics and firmware update.
3.2 FACTORY SETTING
•Sensor: Pt100 3-wire, range: 0 to 100 °C.
•Sensor failure: Upscale (maximum).
•0 °C zero correction.
•Unit: °C.
•Output: 4-20 mA.
4. SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS
Smartphones with On the Go (OTG) technology can be directly
connected to the device via the Micro-USB input. This allows the
smartphone to recognize and configure the TxRail-USB when
running the SigNow application.
As can be seen in Figure 6, it is necessary to observe how the On
the Go cable is connected to the device:

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 4/6
Figure 6 –On the Go connection cable
If you position the cable end incorrectly, it is
possible that the device will not be recognized by
the application.
4.1 CONFIGURING TXRAIL-USB WITH SIGNOW
APPLICATION
Once the connection between the smartphone and the TxRail-USB
is made, the device will send the following message:
Figure 7 –USB device connected
For the correct operation of the application, you must check the
option "Use by default for this USB device" and then click the OK
button.
After that, it will automatically run the SigNow application, which has
already been previously installed on the smartphone, and will display
the following message:
Figure 8 –SigNow home screen
When you click on the Configuration option, the application will
connect to the device and allow you to configure the TxRail-USB.
5. MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
The TxRail-USB transmitter is suitable to be installed in 35 mm DIN
rail. Vibrations, moisture and extreme temperatures, electro-magnetic
interference, high voltage, and other interferences can permanently
damage the device and could cause error in the measured value.
5.1 DIMENSIONS
Figure 9 –Transmitter dimensions
5.2 OPENING THE TRANSMITTER
To open the transmitter, you must press the orange lockers located
on both sides of the enclosure and pull the frontal cover very
carefully, just like shown in Figure 10:
Figure 10 –Opening the transmitter
6. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Figure 11 shows the electrical connections required. The TxRail-
USB wiring for thermocouple, RTD, resistance, and voltage are
done according figure below:
Figure 11 –Electrical connections

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 5/6
LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current or the 0-10 V voltage
measuring device (indicator, controller, data logger etc.).
•Polyamide housing.
•Section of the cable used: 0.14 to 1.5 mm².
•Recommended torque in the terminal: 0.8 Nm.
6.1 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
•Sensor signals conductors must go through the plant system
separate from power leads (loop). If possible, in grounded
conduits.
•The instruments must be powered from the instrumentation
power supply circuit.
•In control and monitoring applications is essential to consider
what can happen when any part of the system fails.
•It is recommended the use of suppressors in contact coils,
solenoids, and any inductive load.
6.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The figures below show the electrical connections required. The
terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 are dedicated to the sensor connection.
LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current or 0-10 V voltage measuring
device (indicator, controller, data logger etc.).
6.2.1 PT100 / PT1000 2-WIRE / NTC
Note: When using the Pt100 / Pt1000 2-wire, terminals 1 and 3 must
be interconnected, as shown in the figure below.
To use the Pt100 / Pt1000 2-wire, you need to configure the Pt100 /
Pt1000 3-wire option in SigNow or TxConfig II software or in the
SigNow application.
To avoid errors in the cable resistance, the Pt100 / Pt1000 cable
length should be less than 30 cm.
Figure 12 –Pt100 / Pt1000 2-wire / NTC
6.2.2 PT100 / PT1000 3-WIRE
Figure 13 –Pt100 / Pt1000 3-wire
6.2.3 PT100 4-WIRE
Figure 14 –Pt100 4-wire
Pt100 3 and 4-wire: To properly compensate for the RTD cable
resistances, they must be equal on all terminals and must not exceed
25 Ωper cable. To ensure these conditions, it is recommended to use
a 3 or 4 wire cable with the same length and gauge.
6.2.4 THERMOCOUPLES
Figure 15 –Thermocouple
6.2.5 VOLTAGE (0-50 mV / 0-100 mV)
Figure 16 –0-50 mV / 0-100 mV
6.2.6 OUTPUTS (0-10 V AND 4-20 mA)
Figure 17 –0-10 V and 4-20 mA

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 6/6
7. OPERATION
You can change the sensor offset through the SigNow or TxConfig
II software or the SigNow app.
The USB cable may be connected to the transmitter without causing
any measurement errors (see information about the Offset (Zero
Adjustment) parameter in the CONFIGURATION chapter).
You must choose the most suitable sensor and range to the process.
The chosen range must not exceed the maximum range of
measurement defined for the sensor and should not be smaller than
the minimum range for the same sensor.
It is important to note that the transmitter accuracy is based on the
maximum range of the sensor used, even when a narrower range is
programmed.
Example:
•If the Pt100 sensor is in the range 0 to 100 °C and the accuracy
is 0.12 %, there is a maximum error of up to 1.02 °C (0.12 % of
850 °C).
•If the Pt100 sensor is in the range 500 to 600 °C and the accuracy
is 0.19 %, there is a maximum error of up to 1.61 °C (0.19 % of 850
°C).
Note: When measurements are made at the transmitter, make sure
that the excitation current of Pt100 required by the calibrator used is
compatible with the excitation current of Pt100 used in the
transmitter: 0.8 mA.
8. WARRANTY
Warranty conditions are available on our website
www.novusautomation.com/warranty.