An isolated 10 Vdc excitation supply can provide up to 120 mA of current to power up to four 350-ohm load cells in parallel. The meter operates in a ratiometric mode to eliminate errors due to supply variations. When excitation sense inputs are used in 6-wire connection, the meter compensates for variation in resistance of the transducer leads, thereby allowing long cable runs. All Laureate meters use Concurrent Slope (Pat 5,262,780) analog-to-digital conversion, which allows up to 60 conversions per second, while integrating the signal over a full power cycle. High read rate is ideal for peak value capture and for real-time computer interface and control. Peak capture is standard The displayed readings and the data outputs can be separately selected to be either unfiltered or filtered.

An unfiltered selection updates after each conversion for fastest response, up to 60/sec, while integrating the input signal over a full power cycle. Fast read rate provides true peak readings and aids in control applications.

A batch average filter selection averages each 16 conversions for an update every 1/4 sec.

An adaptive moving average filter selection provides a choice of 8 time constants from 80 ms to 9.6 s. 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. Another choice is Auto, which provides an automatic time constant selection based on the signal noise characteristics.

All Laureate DC, process and load cell meters allow easy setting of scale and offset by either of two methods.

With the coordinate reading method, the meter reads the high and low signal values, and the user enters the desired high an low reading values. The meter then calculates the span multiplier and offset. This method is ideal if an external calibration reference is available.

With the manual coordinate method, the user enters the high and low input values in Volts plus the desired high and low reading values. This method is suitable if an no external calibration reference is available. For weighing applications, auto-tare is standard. Auto-tare can set the displayed value to zero to subtract the weight of an empty container. Auto-tare may be controlled by an external pushbutton contact closure or logic signal through an input on the power supply connector. The tare value is stored in memory. Additional capabilities for weighing applications are provided by the Laureate weight / scale meter, as described in a separate web page. Plug-in isolated analog output, dual setpoint controller and RS-232/485 commu- nications or BCD output boards can upgrade the Laureate from a stand-alone monitor to system interface and control. All Laureates meet NEMA 4X (IP-65) standards for high pressure washdown when panel mounted. All connections are via safety-rated screw-terminal connectors.