High-Density Signal Conditioning Modules Offer Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Configuration of I/O Ranges and Alarms

A full line of microBlox™isolated signal conditioning modules are now available from Acromag. 

Offering over 175 models, microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement & control systems. Users can select modules with fixed ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth wireless technology on an Android™ or iOS^® mobile device.

For further information on the Acromag Embedded Board Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248-295-0310 or solutions@acromag.com

Application Note: Voltage Measurement of Multiple Cascaded Cells

Defining the Problem:
A proper method is needed to measure each cell voltage within a series of cells and withstand high nominal or open circuit voltages. The maximum series voltage is greater than the common-mode range of the connected instruments. This requires isolated floating inputs to measure each cell voltage. Channel-to-channel isolation will extend the common-mode range to the maximum input/output isolation rating. Typical applications include cascaded solar cells, fuel cells and batteries. 

System Requirements: 
The Acromag microBloxTM products have a maximum continuous input/output isolation voltage of 350V DC. This would be the limit for the maximum series voltage of the cascaded cells. Each cell voltage can be elevated anywhere within the 0 – 350V DC window. Use shielded wiring and minimise the distance between the cells and the microBlox. This will reduce the chances of developing electrical noise and improve measurement accuracy

Implementing the Solution: 
1. The Bluetooth enabled uB41-B model supports input ranges from ±1 up to ±60V DC with 1KHz bandwidth. 
2. Configure each module using the Acromag Agility mobile application for an Android or iOS device. 
3. Follow the proper wiring practices as detailed in the user manual. Connect earth ground to the minus lead of the first cell in the series (lowest voltage). 
4. Test the system connections using the built-in Polling feature in the mobile app. The app will show a digital reading or display a Trending Graph. 

Featured Products: microBlox, AgilityTM Mobile App for communicating with Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth.

Why Acromag: The microBlox have CE marking and ATEX, UL, cUL ratings for Class 1 Div 2 hazardous locations. With an over-molded housing, channel-to-channel isolation, wide operating temperature (–40 °C to 80 °C), 4g vibration and 25g shock, the microBlox can be mounted in the most severe installations. 

For further information on the Acromag MicroBlox in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au


If outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0880 or sales@acromag.com

Application Note: Voltage Measurement of Multiple Cascaded Cells

Defining the Problem:
A proper method is needed to measure each cell voltage within a series of cells and withstand high nominal or open circuit voltages. The maximum series voltage is greater than the common-mode range of the connected instruments. This requires isolated floating inputs to measure each cell voltage. Channel-to-channel isolation will extend the common-mode range to the maximum input/output isolation rating. Typical applications include cascaded solar cells, fuel cells and batteries. 

System Requirements: 
The Acromag microBloxTM products have a maximum continuous input/output isolation voltage of 350V DC. This would be the limit for the maximum series voltage of the cascaded cells. Each cell voltage can be elevated anywhere within the 0 – 350V DC window. Use shielded wiring and minimise the distance between the cells and the microBlox. This will reduce the chances of developing electrical noise and improve measurement accuracy

Implementing the Solution: 
1. The Bluetooth enabled uB41-B model supports input ranges from ±1 up to ±60V DC with 1KHz bandwidth. 
2. Configure each module using the Acromag Agility mobile application for an Android or iOS device. 
3. Follow the proper wiring practices as detailed in the user manual. Connect earth ground to the minus lead of the first cell in the series (lowest voltage). 
4. Test the system connections using the built-in Polling feature in the mobile app. The app will show a digital reading or display a Trending Graph. 

Featured Products: microBlox, AgilityTM Mobile App for communicating with Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth.

Why Acromag: The microBlox have CE marking and ATEX, UL, cUL ratings for Class 1 Div 2 hazardous locations. With an over-molded housing, channel-to-channel isolation, wide operating temperature (–40 °C to 80 °C), 4g vibration and 25g shock, the microBlox can be mounted in the most severe installations. 

For further information on the Acromag MicroBlox in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au


If outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0880 or sales@acromag.com

Application Note: Voltage Measurement of Multiple Cascaded Cells

Defining the Problem:
A proper method is needed to measure each cell voltage within a series of cells and withstand high nominal or open circuit voltages. The maximum series voltage is greater than the common-mode range of the connected instruments. This requires isolated floating inputs to measure each cell voltage. Channel-to-channel isolation will extend the common-mode range to the maximum input/output isolation rating. Typical applications include cascaded solar cells, fuel cells and batteries. 

System Requirements: 
The Acromag microBloxTM products have a maximum continuous input/output isolation voltage of 350V DC. This would be the limit for the maximum series voltage of the cascaded cells. Each cell voltage can be elevated anywhere within the 0 – 350V DC window. Use shielded wiring and minimise the distance between the cells and the microBlox. This will reduce the chances of developing electrical noise and improve measurement accuracy

Implementing the Solution: 
1. The Bluetooth enabled uB41-B model supports input ranges from ±1 up to ±60V DC with 1KHz bandwidth. 
2. Configure each module using the Acromag Agility mobile application for an Android or iOS device. 
3. Follow the proper wiring practices as detailed in the user manual. Connect earth ground to the minus lead of the first cell in the series (lowest voltage). 
4. Test the system connections using the built-in Polling feature in the mobile app. The app will show a digital reading or display a Trending Graph. 

Featured Products: microBlox, AgilityTM Mobile App for communicating with Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth.

Why Acromag: The microBlox have CE marking and ATEX, UL, cUL ratings for Class 1 Div 2 hazardous locations. With an over-molded housing, channel-to-channel isolation, wide operating temperature (–40 °C to 80 °C), 4g vibration and 25g shock, the microBlox can be mounted in the most severe installations. 

For further information on the Acromag MicroBlox in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au


If outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0880 or sales@acromag.com

Application Note: How to reduce PLC costs with signal conditioners

Defining the Problem: 
A small scale bottling operation will be controlled by PLCs. Multiple sensors including conveyor speed (frequency), bearings temperature (RTD), liquid level (4–20mA) and tank pressure (4–20mA) will connect to the PLCs. An affordable solution to convert these various signals to one common signal type will allow procurement of one type of PLC input card instead of multiple cards for many different signals. Also, inserting low cost front-end devices will add extra protection against transients for the higher cost PLC hardware. 

System Requirements: 
MicroBloxTM are available in 4, 8 or 16 channel boards and include a wide variety of inputs for voltage, current, thermocouple, RTD, frequency and high-speed operation. Each input type has many fixed ranges to select from, no programming or configuration is necessary. These backpanels can be mounted on a DIN-rail or backpanel.

Implementing the Solution: 
1. Select the microBlox fixed range model for each type of input. All models should have the same output, for example 0 to 5V. 
2. Apply either 24V or 5V DC power to the back panel. MicroBlox modules are hot swappable and can be inserted or removed with power applied. 
3. Follow the proper wiring practices as detailed in the user manual. 
4. Validate the I/O before connection to the PLC input card.

 Featured Products: microBlox, uB45, uB34 and uB32 

Why Acromag: The microBlox is a low cost, high performance series with easy set up and installation. It can be mounted in a wide variety of applications from general purpose to hazardous locations. 

For further information on the Acromag MicroBlox in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

If outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0880 or sales@acromag.com

New High-Density Signal Conditioning Modules Offer Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Configuration of I/O Ranges and Alarms

Miniature isolated analogue I/O modules are available with fixed or user-defined I/O ranges, configured wirelessly on a mobile app, to provide a high-performance front-end for data acquisition systems

 A full line of microBlox™ isolated signal conditioning modules are now available from Acromag microBlox™ uB Signal Conditioning Module. Offering over 175 models the microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement & control systems.

Users can select modules with fixed ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth® wireless technology on an Android™ or iOS® mobile device. Acromag’s free AgilityTM app for smartphones and tablets simplifies setting custom I/O ranges and optional alarm functions. The app can also display input signal values and create sharable trend charts. uB modules snap securely into compact back-panels (no screws) in any mix with 4, 8 or 16-channel capacities. With 1500Vac peak (350Vdc continuous) channel-to-channel and field-to-host isolation, the hot-swappable modules are ideal to front-end data acquisition systems or Acromag remote I/O for communication to Ethernet, Modbus, or Profibus networks. High performance is assured with up to 0.05% accuracy and 130dB noise rejection.

Advanced microcontroller and wireless technologies enable microBlox modules to bring greater flexibility and signal processing capabilities into such a small, economical package.

The microBlox module’s small size (1.11" x 1.65" x 0.4") and channel-by-channel scalability is ideal for embedded or portable applications such as test stands, defence systems, and process control applications. Well-suited for use in harsh industrial environments, the over-moulded modules resist shock, dirt, and moisture with dependable operation from -40 to 85°C. Hazardous location UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX Zone 2 approvals are also available.

Accessories include a selection of back-panels with slots to insert 4, 8, or 16 modules. Fuse clips hold the modules securely without screws for easy insertion/removal. The back-panels support surface or DIN rail mounting and include CJC for use with temperature input modules. Blue LEDs indicate modules that are ready for Bluetooth wireless technology communication. Connections are provided for a 5V power source or a 10-32Vdc supply when used with the plug-in 5V power module. A DB25 header facilitates a single cable connection to interface all uB I/O signals directly to the host data acquisition system.