Process multimeter doubles as a calibrator

28th January 2011

ES Admin

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The new Yokogawa CA450 process multimeter is an on-site measuring instrument that not only offers the functionality of a digital multimeter for basic measurements such as voltage, current, and resistance, but can also act as a calibrator for electrical and process measurements.

With specialised functions for repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of plant equipment, the CA450 is a single-unit, on-site measuring solution that reduces the engineering load and improves plant efficiency by accomplishing tasks that have traditionally required two on-site measuring instruments.

The CA450 is a true RMS digital multimeter with a basic measurement and generator accuracy of 0.05% and dedicated sensor modes for direct inputs from sensors such as AC/DC clamp probes. In addition, it incorporates a number of process-related features including loop check and 4-20 mA output generation and measurement functions.

With the loop check function, designed for tests on 2-wire transmitters, the CA450 supplies 24 VDC power to the transmitter and measures the DC output in milliamperes to an accuracy of 0.05% up to 30 mA. A HART mode with loop power and 250 ohm resistance allows HART and BRAIN communications to be tested.

A transmitter simulator function allows transmitter I/O to be checked by drawing in ('sinking') designated currents from the external voltage generators of the instrumentation. The 4-20 mA generator output includes span, step, auto-step and sweep capabilities.

The CA450 can also be used to carry out operating checks and adjustments on valve positioners, including zero span adjustment, response testing using the auto-step function, and tests for hunting, sticking/slipping and valve open/close errors. Controller programs can also be verified using the CA450's 4-20 mA step generation function, which switches between 4 and 20 mA in 4mA output steps.

Electrical measurements include power supply peak-to-peak measurement with instantaneous detection in the DC voltage measurement mode, and AC/DC current measurement up to 180 A AC and 3000 A AC in sensor mode. The CA450 can also be used to check panel meters for correct connection, reproducibility and errors.

The CA450 features a safe design with current terminal shutters to protect both the operator and the instrument against incorrect connection. It conforms to the 600 V CAT.4 and 1000 V CAT.3 standards.

An optional adaptor allows the instrument to be linked with a PC, with data transferred via an infrared USB interface.