pico Technology PT-104 User manual

Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
PT-104 Data Logger
User's Guide
usbpt104.en r2


IPT-104 Data Logger User's Guide
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
Contents
....................................................................................................................................11 Introduction
........................................................................................................................................1
1 Overview
........................................................................................................................................2
2 Safety warnings
........................................................................................................................................3
3 Legal information
....................................................................................................................................42 Product information
........................................................................................................................................4
1 Pack contents
........................................................................................................................................5
2 Specifications
........................................................................................................................................6
3 Installing the driver
........................................................................................................................................6
4 Connection: USB port
........................................................................................................................................7
5 Connection: Ethernet port
........................................................................................................................................9
6 Connection: PRT inputs
........................................................................................................................................10
7 Setting up
........................................................................................................................................12
8 The back panel
....................................................................................................................................133 Background information
........................................................................................................................................13
1 Platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs)
....................................................................................................................................15
Index


PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 1
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The PT-104 Data Logger is a four-channel, high-resolution temperature converter for
use with PT100 and PT1000 type platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs). It can be
used to measure temperature, resistance and voltage.
In PT100, PT1000 and resistance modes, the unit can use a two, three or four-wire
circuit. Four-wire measurement gives the greatest accuracy.
In voltage mode, the input connector can be treated as a differential input with
ground, or as two single-ended inputs.
Programmer's Guide
All the software that you need for everyday use of the PT-104 Data Logger is supplied
with the unit. For more advanced applications, you can write your own software.
Information on programming is published in a separate guide:
PT-104 Data Logger Programmer's Guide (usbpt104pg.en.pdf)

Introduction2
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
1.2 Safety warnings
We strongly recommend that you read the general safety information
below before using your product for the first time. If the equipment is not
used in the manner specified then the protection provided may be
impaired. This could result in damage to your computer and injury to
yourself and others.
DO NOT exceed the maximum input range. The PT-104 Data Logger is designed to
measure voltages in the range 0 to +2.5 V. Any voltages in excess of ±30 V may
cause permanent damage to the unit.
DO NOT use in contact with mains (line) voltages. This product is not designed
for use on circuits carrying mains voltages. Take great care when measuring
temperatures near mains (line-powered) equipment. If in doubt, use a meter to check
that there is no hazardous AC or DC voltage on the equipment. If a sensor is
accidentally connected to a mains voltage, you risk damage to the converter and your
computer, and your computer chassis may become live resulting in injury to yourself
and others.
DO NOT exceed the maximum input voltage range of the device. Incorrect
configuration or use of the device to measure voltages outside this range can be
hazardous.
DO NOT rely upon the product's ground connection as a protective safety
earth. If there is any possibility of contact with hazardous voltages, the equipment
under test must be safely earthed.
DO NOT attempt to repair the unit. The unit contains no user-serviceable parts.
Repair or calibration of the unit requires specialised test equipment and must be
performed by Pico Technology or its authorised distributors.

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 3
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
1.3 Legal information
The material contained in this release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology grants a
licence to the person who installs this software, subject to the conditions listed below.
Access. The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have
been informed of these conditions and agree to abide by them.
Usage. The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data
collected using Pico products.
Copyright. Pico Technology Limited claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to,
all material (software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and
distribute the entire release in its original state, but must not copy individual items
within the release other than for backup purposes.
Liability. Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or
injury, howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or
software, unless excluded by statute.
Fitness for purpose. No two applications are the same: Pico Technology cannot
guarantee that its equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It is your
responsibility, therefore, to ensure that the product is suitable for your application.
Mission-critical applications. This software is intended for use on a computer that
may be running other software products. For this reason, one of the conditions of the
license is that it excludes usage in mission-critical applications, for example life
support systems.
Viruses. This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production.
However, you are responsible for virus-checking the software once it is installed.
Support. If you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact
our technical support staff, who will try to fix the problem within a reasonable time. If
you are still dissatisfied, please return the product and software to your supplier
within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
Upgrades. We provide upgrades, free of charge, from our web site at
www.picotech.com. We reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent
out on physical media.
Trademarks. Pico Technology Limited, PicoScope and PicoLog, are trademarks of Pico
Technology, registered in the United Kingdom and other countries. Windows XP,
Windows Vista and Windows 7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Product information4
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
2 Product information
2.1 Pack contents
Please check that your PT-104 pack (order code PP682) contains the following items:
Quantity
Reorder code
Description
1
PP682
PT-104 Data Logger
1
DO112
USB Installation Guide
1
MI106
USB lead
1
DI025
Software and Reference CD
1
TA076
Ethernet patch cable

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 5
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
2.2 Specifications
Temperature
Resistance
Voltage
Sensor
PT100*, PT1000
N/A
N/A
Range
-200 to +800 °C
0 to 375 *
0 to 10 kΩ
0 to 115 mV
0 to 2.5 V*
Linearity
20 ppm
20 ppm
20 ppm
Accuracy @25°C
0.01 °C*
20 ppm*
0.2% (0 to 2.5 V)
2% (0 to 115 mV)
Temperature
coefficient
5 ppm/°C
5 ppm/°C
100 ppm/°C
RMS Noise
(using filter)
0.01 °C
10 ppm
10 ppm
Resolution
0.001 °C
1 µ
0.156 µV
Conversion Time
Per Channel
720 ms
Number of inputs
4
Connectors
4-pin mini-DIN
Input impedance
>> 1 M
Overvoltage
protection
±30 V
Output
USB or Ethernet
Power
Powered by USB or Ethernet:
USB 1.1: 5 V ±10% @ <100 mA
USB 2.0: 5 V ±10% @ <200 mA
Ethernet: 48 V ±20% @ <40 mA (< 2 W)
Temperature
range
20 °C to 30 °C for stated accuracy
0 °C to 70 °C operating
-20 to +80 °C storage
Humidity range
20% to 90% RH non-condensing, operating
5% to 95% RH non-condensing, storage
Dimensions
W 135 x L 184 x H 36 mm
(5.31 x 7.24 x 1.42 in)
Software
PicoLog data logging software.
Drivers for Windows XP SP3/Windows Vista/Windows 7/
Windows 8.
Examples for C/C++, Excel, LabVIEW.
Ethernet port
Conforms to IEEE 802.3 10Base-T.
Compatible with 10/100/1000Base-T networks.
Conforms to IEEE 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).
USB port
Conforms to USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps)
*Quoted accuracy is for options marked

Product information6
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
2.3 Installing the driver
The driver is installed automatically when you install the PicoLog software.
Alternatively, you can download the driver from our website at http://
www.picotech.com.
2.4 Connection: USB port
To use the PT-104 Data Logger, connect its USB port to a USB port on your computer
using the cable provided.
The first time you connect the device, Windows will install the driver and then tell you
that the device is ready for use. You can then run the PicoLog software to start making
measurements.

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 7
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
2.5 Connection: Ethernet port
Setup utility
Before connecting to the PT-104 Data Logger's Ethernet port, you must first configure
the Ethernet settings. Proceed as follows:
1. Connect the unit to your computer using the USB port.
2. Run the Ethernet Settings utility. There is a shortcut to this utility in the Pico
Technology program group under the Windows Start menu.
3. Set the Device Types control to "PT-104 (USB)".
4. The serial number of your device should appear in the device list. Click the device
once to select it.
5. Set the Enable Ethernet Settings check box.
6. Enter the IP address and port that you wish to give the device. You may need to
ask your network manager for an IP address that does not conflict with existing
devices on the network.
7. Click Save.
8. You can now either continue to use the PT-104 Data Logger as a USB device, or
unplug the USB cable and reconnect the device using its Ethernet port.

Product information8
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
Power-saving tip
If you wish to stop using the PT-104 Data Logger in Ethernet mode, you
can use the Ethernet Settings utility to disable its Ethernet port. This
reduces the power consumption of the device when used in USB mode.
Ethernet and USB
Do not use the PT-104 Data Logger in USB mode when it is being powered
by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). This could cause the unit to radiate
electromagnetic energy outside the limits permitted by FCC and EU
regulations, and could also cause it to produce spurious measurements. It
will not, however, cause permanent damage to the unit.
LAN connection
To use the PT-104 Data Logger on a local-area network (LAN), connect it to your
network switch or network router using the Ethernet cable provided.
Direct connection
You can also connect the PT-104 Data Logger directly to the network port on your
computer. For this connection, you will need to use an Ethernet crossover cable (not
supplied).
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The PT-104 Data Logger can obtain its power from the Ethernet port as a Powered
Device (PD) according to the PoE standard. To use this feature, you must connect the
unit to Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a network switch, router or power
injector that also supports the PoE standard. Any standard Ethernet cable up to 100 m
(about 328 ft) in length can be used.

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 9
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
2.6 Connection: PRT inputs
The PT-104 Data Logger is compatible with PT100 and PT1000 type platinum
resistance thermometers (PRTs). Connect each one of these devices to the unit as
follows.
Pin Connections to the PT-104 Data Logger Mini-DIN socket
Pin
PT100, PT1000
or Resistance
4-Wire
PT100, PT1000
or Resistance
3-Wire
PT100, PT1000
or Resistance
2-Wire
Differential voltage
1
White
Connect to pin 3
Connect to pin 3
Do not connect
2
Red
Red
Red
V -
3
White
White
White
V +
4
Red
Red
Connect to pin 2
Gnd
Single-ended voltage connection
Single-ended mode allows you to double the number of channels from 4 to 8. It is
supported by the driver, so you can use it in your own applications. It is not, however,
supported by the PicoLog software.
Connector
Channel
Pin
1
1
3
5
2
2
2
3
6
2
3
3
3
7
2
4
4
3
8
2
Note on Differential Voltage Mode
The maximum input voltage range of the PT-104 Data Logger is 2.5 V. Any voltage in
excess of ±30 V on any input pin may cause permanent damage to the unit.
In Differential Voltage Mode, the input connector should be treated as a differential
input with reference to ground. Both inputs (V+ and V-) must be zero volts or above
(it does not matter which input has the higher voltage) and must remain within the
input range. A ground reference connection is also required for correct operation. The
ground connection of each mini-DIN socket consists of a 100 resistor to mains
earth/ground through the USB cable outer braiding and the PC chassis.

Product information10
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
2.7 Setting up
Set up the PT-104 Data Logger as follows:
1. From the File menu in the PicoLog software Recorder, select New settings.
The Recording dialog box appears:
2. Click OK. The Sampling Rate dialog box appears:
3. Click OK. The Converter details dialog box appears.
4. From the Converter type drop-down list, select either PT-104 (USB) or PT-104
(Ethernet).The dialog box will then show the converter list, as in the following
examples:

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 11
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
5. USB connection: Select the device with the correct type and serial number, and
click OK.
Ethernet connection: Any PT-104 Data Logger devices visible to your
computer on your local network will appear in the list. Select the device with the
correct type and IP address, and click OK. If your device does not appear in the
list, type its IP address and port number in the boxes below the list.
When you click OK, the PT-104 Data Logger channels window will appear:
6. In the PT-104 Data Logger channels window, double-click on Ch1 unused.
The Edit PT-104 Data Logger Channel dialog box appears:
7. Type in a name for the channel, if required.
8. Select the data type required i.e temperature, resistance or voltage.
9. Select circuit - for PT100, PT1000 and Resistance data types only.

Product information12
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
10.Now click OK. Readings from the PT-104 Data Logger should appear in the monitor
window:
2.8 The back panel
A: Ethernet port
B: USB port
C: Ethernet Data indicator - Flashes to indicate Ethernet data transfer.
D: Ethernet Link indicator - On when Ethernet port connected to an active device.
E: Power/Status indicator - On when power is applied. Flashes to indicate conversion
in progress.

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 13
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
3 Background information
3.1 Platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs)
PRTs (Platinum Resistance Thermometers) offer excellent accuracy over a wide
temperature range (from -200 °C to 850 °C). Sensors are interchangeable between
different manufacturers, and are available in various accuracy ratings in packages to
suit most applications. Unlike thermocouples, it is not necessary to use special cables
to connect to the sensor.
The principle of operation is to measure the resistance of a platinum element. The
most common type (PT100) has a resistance of 100 at 0 °C and 138.4 at 100 °C.
The relationship between temperature and resistance is approximately linear over a
small temperature range. For example, if you assume that it is linear over the 0 °C to
100 °C range, the error at 50 °C is 0.4 °C. For precision measurement, it is necessary
to linearise the resistance to give an accurate temperature. The most recent definition
of the relationship between resistance and temperature is International Temperature
Standard 90 (ITS-90). This linearisation is done automatically with software.
The linearisation equation is:
Rt= R0(1 + A·t + B·t2+ C·(t-100)·t3)
A = 3.9083 x 10-3
B = -5.775 x 10-7
C = (below 0°C) -4.183 x 10-12
(above 0°C) 0
For a PT100 sensor, a 1 °C temperature change will cause a 0.384 change in
resistance, so even a small error in measurement of the resistance (for example, the
resistance of the wires leading to the sensor) can cause a large error in the
measurement of the temperature. For precision work, sensors have four wires - two to
carry the sense current, and two to measure the voltage across the sensor element. It
is also possible to obtain three-wire sensors, although these operate on the (not
necessarily valid) assumption that the resistance of each of the three wires is the
same.
The current through the sensor will cause some heating. For example, a sense current
of 245 µA through a 100 resistor generates 6 µW of heat. If the sensor element is
unable to dissipate this heat, it reports an artificially high temperature. This effect can
be reduced by either using a large sensor element, or by making sure that it is in good
thermal contact with its environment.
Using a 1 mA sense current gives a signal of only 100 mV. Because the change in
resistance for a degree Celsius is very small, even a small error in the measurement of
the voltage across the sensor produces a large error in the temperature measurement.
For example, a 100 µV voltage measurement error would give a 0.4 °C error in the
temperature reading. Similarly, a 1 µA error in the sense current would give a 0.4 °C
temperature error.

Background information14
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
Because of the low signal levels, it is important to keep any cables away from electric
cables, motors, switchgear and other devices that may emit electrical noise. Using
screened cable, with the screen grounded at one end, may help to reduce
interference. When using long cables, it is necessary to check that the measuring
equipment is capable of handling the resistance of the cables. Most equipment can
cope with up to 100 per core.
The type of probe and cable should be chosen carefully to suit the application. The
main issues are the temperature range and exposure to fluids (corrosive or
conductive) or metals. Clearly, normal solder junctions on cables should not be used
at temperatures above about 170 °C.
Sensor manufacturers offer a wide range of sensors that comply with BS1904 class B
(DIN 43760). These sensors offer an accuracy of ±0.3 °C at 0 °C. For increased
accuracy, you can use BS1904 class A (±0.15 °C) or tenth-DIN sensors (±0.03 °C).
Companies like Isotech can provide standards with 0.001 °C accuracy. Please note
that these accuracy specifications relate to the SENSOR ONLY. It is necessary to add
on any error in the measuring system as well.
Related standards are IEC751 and JISC1604-1989. IEC751 also defines the colour
coding for PRT sensor cables: the one or two wires attached to one end of the sensor
are red, and the one or two wires at the other end are white.

PT-104 Data Logger User's Guide 15
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbpt104.en r2
Index
A
Access 3
Accuracy 5
B
Back panel 12
C
Connection
Ethernet 7
PRTs 9
USB 6
Connectors 5
Conversion time 5
Copyright 3
D
Dimensions 5
E
Environmental conditions 5
Ethernet
connection 7
indicators 12
port 12
F
Fitness for purpose 3
I
Indicators 12
Inputs
impedance 5
number of 5
Installation 6
L
LAN connection 7
Legal information 3
Liability 3
Linearity 5
M
Mains voltages 2
Maximum input range 2
Mission-critical applications 3
N
Noise, RMS 5
O
Output 5
Overview 1
Overvoltage protection 5
P
Pack contents 4
Power indicator 12
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 7
PRT
background information 13
connection 9
R
Range 5
Repairs 2
Resolution 5
S
Safety warnings 2
Sensor 5
Setting up 10
Software 5
Specifications 5
Status indicator 12
Support 3
T
Temperature coefficient 5
Trademarks 3
U
Upgrades 3
Usage 3
USB
connection 6
port 12

Index16
Copyright © 2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbpt104.en r2
V
Viruses 3
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