Measurement Display

Display Resolution Is Not Accuracy

Casual users of digital instrumentation often assume that more resolution on the display provides a more accurate measurement – that an extra digit in the readout gives a decade improvement in accuracy. This is rarely the case. (more...)

sensor output

Which Sensor Output is Best?

Industrial sensors for pressure, flow, temperature, position and other process parameters typically include signal conditioning that generates a dc output. This output can be either a voltage or a current. Which output is best for a particular application depends on several factors. (more...)

Inductive Load

Relay Contact Protection

Many digital panel meters include electro-mechanical relay outputs to control external devices. Protecting relay contacts from excessive voltage and current is important to achieving the long operating life that digital instrumentation is designed to provide. (more...)

setpoint

Meter Setpoints and Hysteresis

Many digital meters provide relay outputs to activate external alarms or controls. Two parameters, setpoint and hysteresis, are used to configure these outputs. The setpoint is a predetermined level, within the range of the meter, where a protective or control action is initiated. (more...)

Meter Relays

What is a Meter Relay?

A meter relay is a meter with a switched output that can be used to control a process or activate an alarm. In its simplest form, an analog meter relay uses mechanical contacts or a microswitch to operate an external device when the analog meter pointer reaches the level of the set pointer. (more...)