Electricity + Control May 2017

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ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION
Fastest electrical
connection through the
MagWIK configuration
adapter. Source: WIKA
Temperature
transmitter T15 (head
and rail mounting
version). Source: WIKA
Configuration software WIKAsoft-TT (for digital temperature
transmitters).Source: WIKA
Jens Baar is Product Manager (CoE Europe Electrical) Tempera-
ture Measurement at WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG.
Enquiries: WIKA Instruments. Tel +27 (0) 11 621 0000 or email
take note
control system, the associated integration tools and expensive certifi-
cations for a standard protocol are all dispensed with. Therefore, the
communication element of the instruments can be sleeker and thus
made more cost-effectively.
Without the connection to a PCS with the appropriate protocol,
smart transmitters must be set to the respective sensor type andmeas-
uring range using separate tools and specific software. This step is
often carried out prior to installation in the plant. It can also constitute
a considerable cost factor. The more complicated and problematic
such programming is, the more time a technician must spend on site.
To facilitate such a process, WIKA has developed a new configu-
ration model. It is currently used in the new model T15 temperature
transmitter. The instrument features a large clamping range, captive
screws and a printed circuit diagram for rapid handling already dur-
ing the probe connection. In parallel, the electrical connection and the
programming of the T15 has been speeded up as much as possible.
The mechanical part of the configuration is being advanced,
mainly, by the magWIK magnetic quick connector, developed and
patented by WIKA. With it, the transmitter can be connected to the
modem via the loop terminals in seconds. This eliminates the time-
consuming loosening and tightening of screws or the often very
complicated opening of the interface cover. The quick connector
supports the head mounting version of the T15. The rail mounting
version can be connected, at the same speed, via two connectors
accessible from the front.
The second pace-setter is new software (WIKAsoftTT). The pro-
gram can run without a separate driver on all current versions of
Windows. With its assistance, within a few seconds, the desired con-
figuration can be intuitively selected and stored in the instrument. The
software can be activated as an option – via a standard .exe file or via
a drop-in version, for which no installation is necessary. By using the
drop-in file, the users do not need to have any special IT knowledge,
nor do they need to seek admin rights in advance.
The T15 counts as a smart transmitter, which offers users – as al-
ready known from the high-end devices – another economic advantage
as a result of its digital features. These instruments can be combined
with different sensors and can switch to the desired measuring range
respectively. They contribute to the minimisation of variants and thus
the optimisation of stockholding and order management.
Conclusion
It is obvious that the new generation of smart transmitters combines
more and more of the benefits from the high-end devices with the
cost efficiency of earlier analogue instruments. It is not purely about
technology-driven developments. The user-friendliness is the decisive
factor – keyword 'usability'.
DD – Device Description
DTM – Device Type Manager
FDT – Field Device Tool
IT – Information Technology
PCS – Process Control System
• For smart transmitters, manufacturer-specific protocols
– and the modems suited to them – can be used.
• In this way, the connection to the PCS, the associated
integration tools and expensive certifications for a
standard protocol, are dispensed with.
• Smart transmitters are in a class of their own.
5 May ‘17 Electricity+Control