CR1000 Manual - Campbell Scientific

Section 8. Operation
8.1.5.4 Pulse Measurement Problems
8.1.5.4.1 Pay Attention to Specifications
The table Example of Differing Specifications for Pulse Input Channels (p. 320)
compares specifications for pulse-input channels to emphasize the need for
matching the proper device to application. Take time to understand signals to be
measured and compatible channels.
Table 72. Example of Differing Specifications for Pulse-Input
Channels
Pulse Channels
P1, P2
Digital I/O Channels
C1, C2, C3, C4,
C5, C6, C7, C8
High Frequency Max 250 kHz 400 kHz
Max Input Voltage 20 Vdc 16 Vdc
State Transition
Thresholds
Count upon transition from
2.2 Vdc
Count upon transition from
3.8 Vdc
8.1.5.4.2 Input Filters and Signal Attenuation
Pulse-input channels are equipped with input filters to reduce spurious noise that
can cause false counts. The higher the time constant (τ) of the filter, the tighter
the filter. Table Time Constants (p. 321) lists τ values for pulse-input channels. So,
while TimerIO() frequency measurement may be superior for clean signals, a
pulse channel filter (much higher τ) may be required to get a measurement on a
dirty signal.
Input filters, however, attenuate the amplitude (voltage) of the signal. The
amount of attenuation is a function of the frequency passing through the filter.
Higher-frequency signals are attenuated more. If a signal is attenuated enough, it
may not pass the state transition thresholds required by the detection device (listed
in table Pulse-Input Channels and Measurements (p. 39) ). To avoid over
attenuation, sensor output voltage must be increased at higher frequencies. As an
example, table Filter Attenuation of Frequency Signals (p. 321) lists low-level ac
frequencies and the voltages required to overcome filter attenuation.
For pulse-input channels P1 – P2, an RC input filter with an approximate 1-μs
time constant precedes the inverting CMOS input buffer. The resulting amplitude
reduction is illustrated in figure Amplitude Reduction of Pulse-Count Waveform (p.
321). For a 0- to 5-Vdc square wave applied to a pulse channel, the maximum
frequency that can be counted in high-frequency mode is approximately 250 kHz.
320