TxBlock-USB Transmitter

TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTER - OPERATING MANUAL – V1.0x J

PT100 2-WIRE
INTRODUCTION
Note: When the Pt100 2-wire is selected, the terminals 3 and 4 must
The TxBlock-USB is a 4-20 mA 2-wire temperature transmitter for
be interconnected, according to the figure below.
head mount, powered by the current loop. The output current is
linearized and adjusted in fuction of the input sensor type and range The Pt100 wire length should be less than 30 cm to maintain the
configured. measurement error within specifications (electrical resistance).
Its configuration is accomplished by connecting the transmitter to a
PC USB port without the need of any dedicated interface. The
configuration does not require that the transmitter be powered.

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
The TxBlock-USB transmitter is suitable to be installed in heads.
Vibrations, moisture and extreme temperatures, electro-magnetic
interference, high voltage and other interferences can permanently
damage the unit, and could cause error in the measured value.
DIMENSIONS:

Fig. 2 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 2-wire)

PT100 3-WIRE

Fig. 1 – Transmitter dimensions

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
• Section of the cable used: 0.14 to 1.5 mm ².
• Recommended torque in the terminal: 0.8 Nm.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTALLATION

• Sensor signals conductors must go through the plant system
separate from power leads (loop), if possible in grounded
conduits. Fig. 3 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 3-wire)
• The instruments must be powered from the instrumentation power
supply circuit. PT100 4-WIRE
• In control and monitoring applications is essential to consider
what can happen when any part of the system fails.
• It is recommended the use of suppressors in contact coils,
solenoids and any inductive load.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The figures below show the electrical connections required. The
terminals 3, 4, 5 and 6 are dedicated to the sensor connection.
LOAD represents the 4-20 mA current measuring device (indicator,
controller, recorder, etc.).

Fig. 4 – Transmitter electrical connections (Pt100 4-wire)

NOVUS AUTOMATION 1/5

 TxBlock-USB

Pt1000 3-wire / Pt100 3-wire and 4-wire: For appropriate cable CONFIGURATION
resistance compensation they should be equal for all legs. Maximum
wire resistance is 25 Ω per wire leg. Usage of a 3 or 4 wire with When the trasmitter is used with the factory setting, no further action
conductors of equal length and gauge is recommended. is required and the transmitter is ready to be installed.
Changes to the configuration are possible through the TxConfig II
NTC 2-WIRE software or the TxConfig application, provided free of charge.
The transmitter configuration interface (USB cable) can be purchased
from the manufacturer or its authorized sales representatives.
The software is continuously updated and new versions can be
downloaded at no charge from the manufacturer’s website. To install,
execute the TxConfigIISetup.exe file and follow the instructions.
The setup application is only available for Android smartphones and
also can be downloaded for free in the Google Play Store. To configure
the device through the application, an On The Go (OTG) adapter is
required. The procedure for using this adapter will be explained
throughout this manual.

Fig. 5 – Transmitter electrical connections (NTC 2-wire)

THERMOCOUPLES

Fig. 8 – USB cable connection

During the setup, the transmitter is powered by the USB, not

requiring an external power supply.
The transmitter setup can also be made by connecting it to the loop,
using the loop power supply. There is no electrical insulation between
the transmitter and the communication port (interface), therefore it is
not recommended to configure it with the sensor inlet connected to the
process. See Fig. 9.

Fig. 6 – Transmitter electrical connections (Thermocouple)

VOLTAGE (0-50 mV) Fig. 9 – USB cable connections – Loop powered

After these connections, the user must run the TxConfig II software
and, if necessary, consult the Help topic to help using the software.
For more information on how to connect the TxBlock-USB to the
smartphone itself and to configure the device, see chapter
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS.

The USB communication port (interface) of the

TxBlock-USB is not electrically insulated from the
transmitter’s input.

Fig. 7 – Transmitter electrical connections (0-50 mV)

NOVUS AUTOMATION 2/5

 TxBlock-USB

SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION CONFIGURATION: Sensor Range

The values chosen cannot exceed the range of sensor shown in
this field. See Table 1 of this manual.
Minimum Range
Do not set a lower band (span) that the Minimum Range
indicated below in this same field. See Table 1 of this manual.
4. Sensor Failure: It establishes the output behavior, when the
transmitter indicates a failure:
Minimum: Output current goes to < 3.6 mA (down-scale),
typically used for refrigeration.
Maximum: Output current goes to > 22.0 mA (up-scale), typically
used for heating.
5. Zero Correction: It corrects small deviations presented in the
transmitter output, for example, when the sensor is replaced.
6. Send Configuration: It applies the new setup. Once sent, the
setup will be immediately adopted by the transmitter.
7. Read Configuration: Reads the current setup in the transmitter
connected. The screen now presents the current setup that may
be changed by the user.

FACTORY SETTING:
Fig. 10 – TxConfig II software main screen
• Sensor: Pt100 3-wire, range 0 to 100 °C
• Sensor failure: upscale (maximum).
• 0 °C zero correction.
• Unit: °C;
• Output: 4-20 mA.

Upon purchase order, the user can define a specific setup.

SMARTPHONE CONNECTIONS
With the help of a specific cable, which allows smartphones to
recognize and configure TxBlock-USB when running the TxConfig
application, Android smartphones with On the Go (OTG) technology
can be directly connected to the device via the Micro-USB.
To do this, it is necessary to observe the connection mode of the
cable On the Go in the device, as can be seen in Fig. 12:

Fig. 11 – TxConfig application main screen Fig. 12 – On the Go connection cable

The fields in the screen mean: Incorrectly positioning the cable end may cause
1. General Information: This field shows information that identifying the device to be unrecognized by the application.
the transmitter. This information should be sent to the
manufacturer in an eventual request for technical assistance.
2. Sensor: Select the type of sensor to be used. See Table 1.
3. Measuring Range: Sets de measurement range of the
transmitter.
Lower Range Limit: equivalent temperature for a current of 4 mA.
Upper Range Limit: equivalent temperature for a current of 20 mA.

NOVUS AUTOMATION 3/5

 TxBlock-USB

CONFIGURING TXBLOCK-USB WITH TXCONFIG APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS

FOR ANDROID:
Sensor input: User defined. The supported sensors are listed in
Once the connection between the smartphone and the TxBlock-
Table 1, along with their maximum ranges.
USB is made, the device will send the following message:
Thermocouples: Types J, K, R, S, T, N, E and B accoding to
IEC 60584 (ITS-90). Impedance >> 1 MΩ
Pt100: Type 3-wire, Excitation 0.8 mA, α= 0.00385,
according IEC 60751 (ITS-90).
For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4
together.
Pt1000: Type 3-wire, Excitation 0.65 mA, α= 0.00385,
Fig. 13 – USB device connected according IEC 60751 (ITS-90).
For the correct operation of the application, the option "Open For 2-wire sensors, tie terminals 3 and 4
TxConfig when this USB device is connected?" must be checked and together.
then click the OK button. NTC R25°C: 10 kΩ ±1 %, B25/85 = 3435
After that, it will automatically run the TxConfig application, which Voltage: 0 to 50 mVdc. Impedance >> 1 MΩ
has already been previously installed on the smartphone, and will
display the following message: Maximum Measurement Minimum Measurement
Sensor Type
Range Range
Voltage 0 to 50 mV 5 mV
Thermocouple K -150 to 1370 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple J -100 to 760 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple R -50 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple S -50 to 1760 °C 400 °C
Thermocouple T -160 to 400 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple N -270 to 1300 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple E -90 to 720 °C 100 °C
Thermocouple B 500 to 1820 °C 400 °C
Pt100 -200 to 650 °C 40 °C
Pt1000 -200 to 650 °C 40 °C
NTC -30 to 120 °C 40 °C
Table 1 – Sensors accepted by the transmitter

Switch-on delay: < 2.5 s. The accuracy is only guaranteed after 15

Fig. 14 – Reading device minutes.
Terms of reference: Ambient: 25 ° C; voltage: 24 Vdc, load: 250 Ω;
The application will automatically switch to the configuration screen settling time: 15 minutes.
(see Fig. 11), where it will be possible to configure the TxBlock-USB.
Temperature Effect: < ±0.16 % / 25 °C
Response time: Typical 1.6 s.
OPERATION Maximum voltage allowed at input terminals no sensor: 3 V.
The sensor offset can be changed through the TxConfig II software RTD current: 800 µA.
or the TxConfig app. RTD cable resistance effect: 0.005 °C / Ω
The USB cable may be connected to the transmitter without causing Maximum allowable cable resistance for RTD: 25 Ω .
any measurement errors. See item Zero Correction in the chapter
Typical Minimun
CONFIGURATION of this manual. Sensor Type
Accuracy Accuracy
The uer must choose the most suitable sensor and range to the
Pt100 / Pt1000
process. The chosen range must not exceed the maximum range of 0.10 % 0.12 %
measurement defined for the sensor and should not be smaller than (-150 to 400 °C)
the minimum range for the same sensor. Pt100 / Pt1000
0.13 % 0.19 %
It is important to note that the transmitter accuracy is based on the (-200 to 650 °C)
maximum range of the sensor used, even when a narrower range is mV, K, J, T, E, N, R, S, B 0.1 % (*) 0.15 % (*)
programmed. NTC 0.3 °C 0.7 °C
Example: Table 2 – Calibration error, percentage of the full measurement range
• The Pt100 sensor in the range 0 to 100 °C and accuracy of (*) Add cold junction compensation: < ± 1 °C.
0.12 %, the maximum error will be 1.02 °C (0.12 % de 850 °C).
Power supply influence: 0.006 % / V typical (percentage of the full
• The Pt100 sensor in the range 500 to 600 °C and accuracy of 0.19 %, measure range).
the maximum error will be 1.61 °C (0.19 % of the 850 °C).
Output: 4-20 mA or 20-4 mA current, 2-wired; linear in relation to the
Note: When measurements are made at the transmitter, see if the temperature measurement by the selected sensor.
Pt100 excitation current required by the calibrator is compatible with
the Pt100 excitation current used in the transmitter: 0.8 mA. Output Resolution: 2 µA.
Power supply: 10 to 35 Vdc, across the transmitter;
Maximum load (RL): RL (max.) = (Vdc – 10) / 0.02 [Ω]
Where: Vdc= Power supply voltage (10-35 Vdc)
Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C
Humidity: 0 to 90 % RH
Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN 61326-1:2006

NOVUS AUTOMATION 4/5

 TxBlock-USB

No electrical isolation between input and output.

Internal protection against polarity inversion.
Cold junction compensation for thermocouples.
Dimensions: 43.5 mm (diameter) x 20.5 mm (height)
Connection Wire Cross Section: 0.14 a 1.5 mm²
Screw Tightening: 0.8 Nm
Housing: ABS UL94-HB

SAFETY INFORMATION
Any control system design should take into account that any part of
the system has the potential to fail. This device is not a protection or
safety device and its alarms are not intended to protect against
device failures. Independent safety devices should be always
provided if personnel or property are at risk.
Device performance and specifications may be affected by its
environment and installation. It’s user’s responsibility to assure
proper grounding, shielding, cable routing and electrical noise
filtering, in accordance with local regulations, EMC standards and
good installation practices.

SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE

This device contains no serviceable parts inside. Contact our local
distributor in case you need authorized service.

WARRANTY
Warranty conditions are available on our website
www.novusautomation.com/warranty.

NOVUS AUTOMATION 5/5