Troubleshooting Discrepancies in mA Signal Readings from IF4I and Fluke 789

Question:

Hello, I have an IF4I card set up for a 4mA to 20mA range using signed 2's complement at 1200 Hz. Here are my readings: Fluke Card4mA - 3.72mA 8mA - 5mA 12mA - 8mA 20mA - 20.99mA Could my conversion rate be incorrect? Thank you.

Top Replies

The modules are pre-set for operation at 150/300/600 Hz, but if you switch to 1200 Hz, you will need to perform a recalibration.

Thank you, Darryl. It seems that we may have had some incorrect settings, specifically set for signed 2's %. I will be sure to re-run it tomorrow and make the necessary adjustments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

It seems like the Fluke card is giving lower readings at the lower end and getting more accurate towards the higher end of the scale. Check your conversion method to ensure accuracy. It might be worth considering factors like electronic noise or impedance mismatches that could affect readings at lower currents. Also, review whether you might be experiencing any conversion errors; for example, using 12-bit conversion instead of 16-bit could lead to some inaccuracies.

From the readings you provided, it certainly seems like there's some issue with the conversion as you're not getting correct values at lower end of the scale (below 20mA). However, the value at 20mA seems fairly accurate. Before considering the conversion rate to be the culprit, I would suggest double-checking your wiring and sensor calibration first. Also, measurement error with the Fluke could be a factor. If everything is correctly set up, then you might need to look into your conversion formula or even your card could be faulty.

It seems like your conversion might indeed be off. The discrepancy between the expected 4mA, 8mA, 12mA outputs and the actual readings you're getting suggests an improper mapping on your IF4I card or potential linearity issues. However, the exact 20.99mA reading for an expected 20mA might indicate that the card itself is correct, and your disparities for lower values could be due to external factors such as wiring impedance or noise. Double-check your setup and ensure you isolate the card from such interferences.

From your readings, it seems like there might be an issue in the lower range of your conversion. It could either be a calibration issue or indeed the conversion rate might be off. I would recommend revisiting the setup process, particularly how you have implemented the Signed 2's complement. Additionally, ensure your input filter frequency matches with the frequency of the IF4I card. If the issue persists, professional calibration might be needed.

It sounds like you might be experiencing a calibration or conversion error given those readings, especially the significant deviation at the lower end. Have you checked the scaling of your IF4I card and ensured your calculations align with the specifications for the signed 2's complement? It could also be worth verifying the input connections and making sure there's no interference affecting your readings. A thorough check of the calibration settings and verification against a known reference might help pinpoint the issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be causing discrepancies in mA signal readings between the IF4I card and the Fluke 789?

Answer: Answer: Discrepancies in mA signal readings could be caused by factors such as incorrect conversion rates, calibration issues, or signal processing errors.

FAQ: 2. How can I troubleshoot discrepancies in mA signal readings between the IF4I card and the Fluke 789?

Answer: Answer: To troubleshoot discrepancies, you can check the conversion rate settings, ensure proper calibration of both devices, verify the integrity of the signal path, and confirm the sampling frequency and data interpretation methods.

FAQ: 3. Is it common to encounter variations in mA signal readings between different measurement devices like the IF4I card and the Fluke 789?

Answer: Answer: Variations in mA signal readings can occur due to differences in device specifications, calibration methods, sampling rates, and signal processing algorithms, highlighting the importance of thorough calibration and troubleshooting procedures.

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