IS230TBTCH4B - Thermocouple Terminal Board

SPECIFICATIONS

Part Number: IS230TBTCH4B
Manufacturer: General Electric
Series: Mark VIe
Span: -8 mV to +45 mV
Number of channels: 24
Thermocouple: E, J, K, S, T
Temperature Operating: -30 to 65oC
Function: Thermocouple Terminal Board
Availability: In Stock
Country of Manufacture: United States (USA)

Functional Description

IS230TBTCH4B is a Thermocouple Terminal Board manufactured and designed by General Electric. It is a part of the Mark VIe Control System. The terminal board is capable of accommodating up to 24 different types of thermocouples, including E, J, K, S, or T types. This flexibility allows users to choose the most suitable thermocouple for their specific temperature measurement needs. The 24 thermocouple inputs are expertly wired to two barrier-type terminal blocks situated on the terminal board. These barrier-type blocks offer secure and organized connections, ensuring that each thermocouple input is correctly and reliably integrated into the system. The use of two terminal blocks helps to simplify the wiring process and improves the overall organization of the connections.

Features

• To facilitate seamless communication with the I/O (Input/Output) processor, the TBTC employs DC-type connectors. These connectors provide a reliable and efficient interface between the terminal board and the I/O processor. The use of DC-type connectors ensures that the temperature data collected from the thermocouples is accurately transmitted to the processor, where it can be processed and utilized for control or monitoring purposes.
• The communication between the TBTC and the I/O processor allows for real-time temperature data acquisition and monitoring. The I/O processor acts as the central hub where all the data from the thermocouples is collected, and the necessary control actions or data analysis is performed.
• It is designed with precision and accuracy in mind. Thermocouple inputs are well-known for their ability to provide highly accurate temperature measurements, making them invaluable in various industries, including manufacturing, chemical processing, and scientific research.
• The use of barrier-type terminal blocks, coupled with DC-type connectors, enhances the overall reliability and safety of the TBTC. The barrier-type blocks ensure that the thermocouple inputs are electrically isolated from one another, preventing cross-talk or interference that could compromise the accuracy of temperature readings. The DC-type connectors securely lock into place, minimizing the risk of accidental disconnections during operation, and providing a robust and reliable connection.

Installation

• The thermocouples play a critical role in temperature measurement applications, and in the thermocouple terminal board setup, they are expertly integrated for precise and reliable data acquisition. The terminal board design features two I/O terminal blocks to which the thermocouples are directly wired. These terminal blocks are mounted securely on the board and held in place with two screws, ensuring stable connections and ease of maintenance.
• Each of the I/O terminal blocks is ingeniously designed with 24 terminals, capable of accepting wire sizes of up to #12 AWG. This versatility allows for a wide range of compatible wire thicknesses to be used, accommodating different wiring requirements and simplifying the connection process.
• To provide additional protection against electromagnetic interference, a shield terminal strip is thoughtfully placed on the left side of each terminal block. This strip is attached to the chassis ground, providing a reliable grounding path for any unwanted electrical noise. This shielding ensures that the thermocouples' signals remain free from disturbances, preserving data accuracy and minimizing the risk of erroneous temperature readings.
• The board is used in two different systems - the Mark VI and Mark VIe systems, both of which offer their unique advantages. In Mark VI systems, cabling from the board's J-type connectors is used to connect to the I/O processors located in the VME (Versa Module Eurocard) rack. This setup ensures efficient data transfer and seamless communication between the terminal board and the I/O processors, enabling real-time temperature monitoring and control.
• On the other hand, Mark VIe systems utilize I/O packs that directly plug into the board's J-type connectors. This configuration offers a modular and convenient approach, allowing users to customize the number of I/O packs based on the level of redundancy required for their specific application. The Mark VIe system's modular nature enhances flexibility and makes it easier to scale the system based on the complexity of the temperature measurement task at hand.

Cold Junctions

• Functionality of Cold Junctions: Cold junctions are reference points where the thermocouple wires (measuring the temperature of interest) are connected to extension wires that lead to the measurement instrument. The temperature at the cold junction is crucial because it affects the accuracy of the entire temperature measurement system.
• Signal Processing and Monitoring: The signals from the cold junctions are processed in the signal space of the temperature measurement system. Typically, the average temperature of the two cold junctions is used to establish a reference temperature. This average temperature is critical for accurate compensation of the thermocouple readings.
• Configuration of Acceptable Limits: To ensure accurate temperature measurement, acceptable limits for the cold junction temperature are configured within the system. If a cold junction temperature exceeds these configured limits, a logic signal is triggered. This signal alerts operators or control systems to take corrective action, such as recalibration or maintenance.
• Impact of Cold Junction Errors: Even small errors in cold junction compensation can lead to significant inaccuracies in thermocouple temperature readings. For instance, a 1oF error in cold junction compensation will directly translate into a 1oF error in the thermocouple reading. Therefore, precise monitoring and calibration of cold junction temperatures are essential to maintaining measurement accuracy.

WOC is happy to assist you with any of your automation requirements. For pricing and availability on any parts and repairs contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is IS230TBTCH4B?
It is a Thermocouple Terminal Board manufactured and designed by General Electric

Can the hardware-limit checking levels be adjusted or configured?
No, the hardware-limit checking levels are non-configurable and preset by the manufacturer. They are specifically set near the ends of the thermocouple's operating range to ensure optimal safety and performance. Users cannot adjust these levels to avoid any potential mishaps.

What happens if a thermocouple input triggers the hardware-limit checking alarm?
If any of the thermocouple inputs trigger the hardware-limit checking alarm due to exceeding the preset high or low levels, a logic signal is activated, and the respective input is no longer scanned. This action helps to isolate the potentially problematic input and ensures that accurate and safe temperature measurements are maintained.

What is a composite diagnostic alarm on the thermocouple terminal board?
A composite diagnostic alarm is created when any one of the thermocouple inputs triggers the hardware-limit checking alarm. When this happens, all the individual alarms from the affected inputs are combined into a single composite diagnostic alarm. This alarm serves as an indicator of a potential system-wide issue and should be promptly addressed for continued safe and accurate operation.