Pulsar dBi Series User manual

dBi Series ( )
Intelligent Transducer
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

dBi SERIES (HART)INTELLIGENT TRANSDUCER (FIRST EDITION REV 1)
September 2012
Part Number M-dBi-H-001-1P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Process Measurement Limited, 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in
any form without the written permission of Pulsar Process Measurement Limited.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery that it
will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Process Measurement
Limited if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the defect not being due to
unfair wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident, misapplication or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product, and
shall have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Process
Measurement Limited cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant development and improvement and
reserves the right to amend technical details as necessary.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
Please contact Pulsar Process Measurement Limited for technical support.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
If you have any comments or suggestions about this product, then please contact:
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited
Pulsar Process Measurement Inc.
Cardinal Building
Enigma Commercial Centre
Sandy’s Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1JJ
United Kingdom
PO Box 5177
Niceville
FL 32578-5177
USA
Tel: + 44 (0) 1684 891371
Fax: + 44 (0) 1684 575985
Tel: + 1 850 279 4882
Fax: + 1 850 279 4886
Web Site: http://www.pulsar-pm.com
e-mail: [e-mail] (general
information)
e-mail: support@ pulsar-pm.com (product
support)
Web Site: http://www.pulsar-pm.com
e-mail: [e-mail] (general
information)
e-mail: support.usa@ pulsar-pm.com (product
support)

Contents
Chapter 1 Start Here….........................................................................................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................................................................................1
About thedBi Series (HART) Intelligent Transducer...................................................................................2
Functional Description............................................................................................................................2
Product Specification....................................................................................................................................... 4
Physical....................................................................................................................................................4
Environmental..........................................................................................................................................4
Performance.............................................................................................................................................5
Communications Protocol.......................................................................................................................5
PC interface..............................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2 Installation............................................................................................................................................9
Power Supply Requirements...........................................................................................................................9
Dimensions....................................................................................................................................................10
The dimensions of thedBi Series Intelligent Transducer are as shown below...........................................10
Rear Thread Mount ...............................................................................................................................10
Front Thread Mount..............................................................................................................................11
Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation..........................................................................................................12
Closed Vessel Installation.............................................................................................................................13
Stand Pipe Installations.........................................................................................................................13
Cable..............................................................................................................................................................14
Typical wiring fora Non-Hazardous location..............................................................................................15
................................................................................................................................................................15
Loop Resistance.....................................................................................................................................15
Preparation for Operation..............................................................................................................................16
Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................17
Hazardous Area Installation..........................................................................................................................17
Information specific to Hazardous Area Installation............................................................................17
HazardousArea specific Power Supply andbarrier Requirements....................................................18
Chapter 3 How To Use Your dBi Series Intelligent Transducer.....................................................................23
4 –20 mADevice..........................................................................................................................................23
Accessing Parameters....................................................................................................................................24
Hart Commands.............................................................................................................................................24
Universal................................................................................................................................................24
Common practice..................................................................................................................................24
dBi Hart PC Lite............................................................................................................................................24
Connection.............................................................................................................................................26
Configuration.........................................................................................................................................28
Communication Port Configuration.....................................................................................................29
Parameter Defaults........................................................................................................................................30
FactoryDefaults.....................................................................................................................................30
Chapter 4 Getting Results With Your dBi Series Intelligent Transducer.......................................................31
Settingup YourApplication.........................................................................................................................31
Empty Distance......................................................................................................................................31
Span........................................................................................................................................................31
Near and Far Blanking..........................................................................................................................31
Using the 4-20 mAOutput............................................................................................................................31
Setting SecurityPasscodes............................................................................................................................32
Changing The Passcode........................................................................................................................32
Resetting Factory Defaults............................................................................................................................32
Checking the Information Specific to your dBi Series Intelligent Transducer...........................................33

Checking the Software Revision and Serial Number ..........................................................................33
Chapter 5 Parameter Guide................................................................................................................................35
Parameter Listing...........................................................................................................................................35
Application.....................................................................................................................................................35
Operation................................................................................................................................................35
P100 Mode of Operation.......................................................................................................................35
P102 Material.........................................................................................................................................35
Distances................................................................................................................................................36
P104 Measurement Units......................................................................................................................36
P105 Empty Level.................................................................................................................................36
P106 Span..............................................................................................................................................36
P107 Near Blanking Distance...............................................................................................................36
P108 Far Blanking Distance .................................................................................................................37
Data Logs.......................................................................................................................................................37
Temperature...........................................................................................................................................37
P580 Minimum Temperature................................................................................................................37
P581 Minimum Temperature Date.......................................................................................................37
P582 Minimum Temperature Time......................................................................................................37
P583 MaximumTemperature...............................................................................................................37
P584 Maximum Temperature Date......................................................................................................37
P585 Maximum Temperature Time.....................................................................................................37
P586 Current Temperature....................................................................................................................38
Transducer Power Information.............................................................................................................38
P940 Number of Starts..........................................................................................................................38
P941 Last Power Off Date....................................................................................................................38
P942 Last Power Off Time...................................................................................................................38
P943 Last Run Time (minutes).............................................................................................................38
P944 Last Run Time (hours).................................................................................................................38
P945 Total Runtime (hours)..................................................................................................................38
Volume...........................................................................................................................................................39
Conversion.............................................................................................................................................39
P600 Vessel Shape ................................................................................................................................39
P601-P603 Vessel Dimensions.............................................................................................................41
P604 Calculated Volume.......................................................................................................................41
P605 Volume Units...............................................................................................................................42
P606 Correction Factor .........................................................................................................................42
P607 Max Volume................................................................................................................................42
Breakpoints............................................................................................................................................43
P610-P641 Level/Volume Breakpoints................................................................................................43
P696 Reset Breakpoints........................................................................................................................44
P697 Number of Breakpoints Set........................................................................................................44
mA Output.....................................................................................................................................................45
P834 mALow Level.............................................................................................................................45
P835 mAHigh Level ............................................................................................................................45
P838 mALowTrim..............................................................................................................................45
P839 mAHigh Trim..............................................................................................................................45
P808 Fail-safe Mode.............................................................................................................................45
P809 Fail-safe Time ..............................................................................................................................46
Compensation................................................................................................................................................46
P851 Measurement Offset.....................................................................................................................46
P852 Temperature Source.....................................................................................................................46
P854 Fixed Temperature.......................................................................................................................46
P860 Sound Velocity.............................................................................................................................47
P645 Vapour Temperature Compensation...........................................................................................47
Stability..........................................................................................................................................................48
Damping.................................................................................................................................................48

P870 Fill Damping ................................................................................................................................48
P871 Empty Damping...........................................................................................................................48
Filters......................................................................................................................................................48
P881 Fixed Distance..............................................................................................................................48
P884 Peak Percentage ...........................................................................................................................48
System............................................................................................................................................................48
Password................................................................................................................................................49
P921 Enable Code.................................................................................................................................49
P922 Passcode.......................................................................................................................................49
System Information...............................................................................................................................49
P926 Software Revision........................................................................................................................49
P927 Hardware Revision.......................................................................................................................49
P928 Serial Number..............................................................................................................................49
P930 FactoryDefaults...........................................................................................................................49
Date & Time..........................................................................................................................................49
P931 Date...............................................................................................................................................49
P932 Time..............................................................................................................................................49
LOE Save Trace ....................................................................................................................................50
P950 Save DATEM Trace on LOE......................................................................................................50
DATEM.........................................................................................................................................................50
P020 Set DATEM.................................................................................................................................50
P021 Set Dist .........................................................................................................................................50
P905 Peak Clearance.............................................................................................................................51
P906 Side Clearance..............................................................................................................................51
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................53
Parameter Record.................................................................................................................................................54

Page1
Chapter 1 Start Here…
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar dBi Series Intelligent
Transducer Level Monitoring System. This quality system has been
developed over many years and represents the latest in high technology
ultrasonic level measurement and control. It has been designed to give you
years of trouble-free performance, and a few minutes spent reading this
operating manual will ensure that your installation is as simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation and
operation.
There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help or
information as shown:
Tips
TIP
At various parts of this manual you will find tips to
help you.
Additional Information
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific items in more detail.

Page 2
About the dBi Series (HART) Intelligent Transducer
Functional Description
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer is a highly developed ultrasonic
level measurement system which provides non-contacting level
measurement for a wide variety of applications in both liquids and solids. Its
unique design gives unrivalled performance in echo discrimination and
accuracy in a loop powered device.
Easy calibration and maintenance free “fit and forget” performance mean
that you can install the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer Level
Monitoring System rapidly and with confidence, with calibration being
achieved either by the use of a HART programmer/calibrator or via a PC
utilising the Pulsar interface and software.

Page3
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer operates on the principle of timing
the echo received from a measured pulse of sound transmitted in air and
utilises “state of the art” echo extraction technology.
dBi Series Intelligent Transducer comes in four models:
dBi 3 with a range from 0.125m (0.41 feet) to 3.00m (9.84 feet), dBi 6 with
a range of 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 6.00m (19.69 feet), and dBi 10 with a range of
0.3m (0.98 feet) to 10.00m (32.81 feet) and dBi 15 with a range of 0.5m
(1.64 feet) to 15.00m (49.213 feet).
All models can be mounted via a rear, 1” BSP/NPT, thread (Standard) with
a model with alternative front thread mounting being available, in addition
flange mount and PVDF options are also available. See Chapter 2
Installation for further details.
All model types are available for use in hazardous area installations with
either Ex mb or Ex ia ATEX certification.
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer has a 4 to 20mA output which can
be programmed to give an output proportional to level, space, distance or
volume, dependant on the measurement mode selected and provides a ‘fault
condition’ alarm of either 3.8mA or 22mA.

Page 4
Product Specification
Physical
Model
Housing
Material
Mounting
Connection
Overall
Diameter
Overall
Height
Nominal
Weight
dBi 3 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
77 mm
(3 inches)
134 mm
(5.3 inches)
1.0Kg
dBi 6 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86 mm
(3.4 inches)
121 mm
(4.8 inches)
1.2Kg
dBi 10 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86 mm
(3.4 inches)
121 mm
(4.8 inches)
1.3Kg
dBi 15 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86mm
(3.4 inches)
135mm
(5.3 inches)
1.4Kg
dBi 3 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Front
1½″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.0Kg
dBi 6 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Front
1½″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.2Kg
dBi 10 metre
Valox
357 PBT
Front
2″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.3Kg
dBi 3 metre
PVDF
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
77 mm
(3 inches)
134 mm
(5.3 inches)
1.0Kg
dBi 6 metre
PVDF
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86 mm
(3.4 inches)
121 mm
(4.8 inches)
1.2Kg
dBi 10 metre
PVDF
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86 mm
(3.4 inches)
121 mm
(4.8 inches)
1.3Kg
dBi 15 metre
PVDF
Rear
1″ BSP or NPT
86mm
(3.4 inches)
135mm
(5.3 inches)
1.4Kg
dBi 3 metre
PVDF
Front
1½″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.0Kg
dBi 6 metre
PVDF
Front
1½″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.2Kg
dBi 10 metre
PVDF
Front
2″ Thread
77mm
(3 inches)
160mm
(6.3 inches)
1.3Kg
Environmental
oTemperature range -40 to +80°C. Ambient Electronics
oTemperature range -40 to +80°C. Transducer in process
oIP rating IP68

Page5
Performance
oDigital signal processing
oInput Voltage range 10-28volts DC.
oFrequencey
dBi 3 125KHz
dBi 6 75Khz
dBi 10 50Khz
dBi 15 41Khz
oBeam Angle
dBi 3, 6and 10 <10o
dbi 15 <8o
oMeasurement range
dBi 3 0.125m (0.41 feet) to 3.00m (9.84 feet)
dBi 6 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 6.00m (19.69 feet)
dBi 10 0.3m (0.98 feet) to 10.00m (32.81 feet)
dBi 15 0.5m (1.64 feet) to 15.00m (49.213 feet)
oAccuracy ± 0.25% of measured range or 6mm which ever is greatest.
o4-20mA output resolution 1uA.
oTemperature compensation via internal digital temperature sensor with ±
0.5°C accuracy.
oCurrent consumption 3.8ma to 22ma
oBoot time from power up to stable reading, cold boot 9 seconds, warm
boot 4 seconds(if within 12hrs from last start up). For 4 to 20ma set
proportional to measured level/distance.
Communications Protocol
oHart 7
PC interface
oAll parameters can be accessed and changed via Hart Modem and dBi
Hart Lite Communicator.
oTrace viewing ability and parameter upload/download capability via
Hart Modem and dBi Hart PC.
Pulsar Process Measurement Limited operates a policy of constant
development and improvement and reserve the right to amend technical
details as necessary.

Page 6
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Declaration No. 001001
We, the undersigned:
Name of Manufacturer
/ Authorised
representative
Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd.
Address:
Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd
Cardinal Building
Enigma Commercial Centre
Sandy's Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1JJ
Country:
England
Declare under our sole responsibility that the following apparatus:
Product description:
Ultrasonic Transducers, HART dBi range
Model or Type No.:
dBi 3, dBi 6, dBi 10 & dBi 15 Ex ia & Ex mb versions
Brand name:
HART dBi range
Are in conformity with the following relevant EC legislation:
ATEX directive 94/9/EC
EMC directive 2004/108/EC
Based on the following harmonised standards:
EN60079-0:2009
EN60079-11:2012 (Ex ia)
EN60079-18:2009 (Ex mb)
EN60079-26:2007 (Ex ia)
EN61326-1:2006 EN55011 Class B
radiated emissions
EN61000-4-2 Level 4 Immunity to static discharge
EN61000-4-3 Immunity to radiated fields EN61000-4-5 Level 4
immunity to surges
EN61000-4-6 Level 4 immunity to conducted interference

Page7
And therefore complies with all of the relevant essential requirements of
those other directives.
The following Notified Body has been involved in the conformity
assessment process:
Notified Body
TRaC Global Ltd
Notified Body No.
0891
Role:
Issue of ATEX EC Type Examination certificate
Certificate No.
TRaC12ATEX0022X (Ex ia) & TRaC12ATEX0023X (Ex
mb)
(Additional information:
ATEX coding
II 1 G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga & II 1 D Ex ia IIIC T130°C Da
Tamb -40°C to +80°C
II 2 G Ex mb IIC T4 Gb & II 2 D Ex mb IIIC T130°C Db
Tamb -40°C to +80°C
Limitations on use
1. The dBi transducers must be routinely inspected to avoid
the build up of dust layers when installed in a Zone 21 &
22.
2. Electrostatic hazard –The dBi transducers must only be
wiped with a damp or antistatic cloth
3. Only the fuses listed on drawing D-0804-0978-A are
permitted to be used with the Ex approved dBi transducers.
Name and position of person binding the manufacturer or authorised
representative:
Signature
Name
Steve Lycett
Function
Authorised Person
Location
Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd, WR14 1JJ
Date of issue
2012-11-09

Page 8
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Page9
Chapter 2 Installation
Power Supply Requirements
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer operates from a DC supply of 10 to
28V and will typically draw less than 22mA.
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic
shock, so follow proper grounding procedures during
installation.
The compact one-piece construction of the dBi Series Intelligent
Transducer can be mounted easily using either the 1″BSP/NPT rear
mounting thread or the integral 1.5" or 2" BSP/ NPT, nose thread, dependent
on model.
When choosing a location to mount the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer,
bear in mind the following:
The ultrasonic signal path should be free of falling material and
obstructions such as pipes, beams etc.
The dBi 3 should be mounted at least 12.5cm (0.41 feet) above the
maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to the surface.
While the dBi 6 and 10 should be mounted at least 30cm (0.98 feet)
above the maximum level of the material and be perpendicular to
the surface. And the dBi 15 should be mounted at least 50cm (1.64
feet) above the maximum level of the material and again should be
perpendicular to the surface
The ambient temperature is between -40ºC and 80ºC.
There should be no high voltage cables or electrical inverter wiring
in close proximity to the transducer cabling.

Page 10
Dimensions
The dimensions of the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer are as shown below.
Rear Thread Mount
dBi 3
dBi 6 & 10
dBi 15

Page11
Front Thread Mount
dBi 3 & 6
dBi 10

Page 12
Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation
The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer can be simply mounted on a
bracket, suitable for the application and secured using either the 1"
BSP/NPT rear thread or via the 1½″ or 2″front thread, dependant on model.
Care should be taken to ensure that the dBi Series Intelligent Transducer
is not installed in direct sunlight, in order to avoid errors in the measurement
of ambient temperature.
Attention should also be taken, when mounting the unit, to ensure that
strong windy conditions are avoided, wherever possible, to prevent
abnormal operation.
dBi Model
Range
L = Blanking
dBi 3
3 metres (9.84 feet)
125mm (0.41 feet)
dBi 6
6 metres (19.69 feet)
300mm (0.98 feet)
dBi 10
10 metres (32.18 feet)
300mm (0.98 feet)
dBi 15
15 metres (49.21 feet)
500mm (1.64 feet)
‘L’ (Blanking) should as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the
table above, but can be greater if required.
Mounted via Rear 1″BSP?NPT
Thread
Mounted via optional Front Thread