Understanding Temperature and Transmitters
w easy installation and maintenance, and can be configured for use with a diverse selection of sensor types. The primary disadvantage is the lack of explosion proofing and the tendency to have somewhat lower accuracy due to the long wiring required to mount the sensor remotely.
Head-mount transmitters. This type of transmitter can be mounted directly in DIN connection heads. The primary advantage is low cost of installation, small size, and compatibility with a diverse selection of sensor types. Because the transmitter is installed directly in the connection head, electrical connections and sensor wiring is simplified.
Communication protocols used in temperature transmitters have followed the general trend of other field devices in the process industries, with the predominant protocols being HART, Foundation Fieldbus, and Profibus. Intelligent temperature transmitters are widely available in all these protocols.
César Cassiolato is product manager, Smar Equipamentos Ind. Ltd.; Chris Murphy is Sales Engineer, Smar Research Corp.; www.smar.com