Information

5
5
Universal input connector
The 2638A incorporates the Fluke
Universal Input Connector to bring
more accuracy to thermocouple
measurements than most other instru-
ments in its class. The Universal Input
Connector supports 14 worldwide
thermocouple types. Temperature-
focused menu selections make
the 2638A especially suitable for
temperature validation applications. If
you need to “zero” a large number of
thermocouples to a known reference
temperature before starting a temper-
ature profiling or validation test, the
2638A will normalize all readings to
your reference channel at the push
of a button and store the offsets
for reference in a supporting data
file. If you are conducting chamber
tests, heat treating tests under ASM
guidelines, or validating temperature
devices under 21 CFR regulations,
Hydra Series III makes it that much
easier to comply.
The Universal Input Connector
plugs into any open slot in the
2638A that contains a relay card.
The Universal Input Connector has
22 input channels (20 universal
inputs and 2 dedicated, low-burden
input current channels). Each input
connector contains a CJC (cold junc-
tion compensation) device, which is
calibrated at the factory. The calibra-
tion date and input connector serial
number are programmed into the
input connector and are read by the
2638A when installed. This informa-
tion is saved in the test setup data
file, which is available for review
with any associated scan data from a
test setup. This feature is a valuable
form of traceability if you are working
in a regulated industry.
Wiring a test or system setup for
20 to 60 or more channels can be
time consuming. With the inexpensive
plug-in Universal Input Connector, you
can wire your system once, quickly
disconnect the connector from your
Hydra, and then reconnect the Hydra
to another input connector for use in a
different area.
Other data loggers require you
to wire your inputs directly to an
expensive “plug-in” active component
signal conditioning module. If you
need your instrument at another loca-
tion for another test, you must remove
your wiring or use another expensive
plug-in signal conditioning module.
With Hydra Series III, all your signal
conditioning is inside the mainframe,
not in your input connector.
Using multiple low-cost Universal
Input Connectors gives you the flex-
ibility to leave your input connector
at the test site, completely wired, and
ready to use. When you need data from
that site, simply “plug in” and load your
saved setup file. It’s that simple!
Expandable channel
capacity
Each 2638A has three slots in the
rear panel. Each slot can hold a relay
card and a 22-channel Universal Input
Connector. Three models are available,
from 22 channels to 66 channels per
mainframe. Select a base model with
22 channels and add 22-channel
expansion kits when needed. The low
cost per channel makes a 2638A a
good value for any budget.