Field Set-up of Transducer

and Instrument
The most common method for quick field calibration is the “shunt calibration” technique. This
method applies a known, accurate resistance across one leg of the transducer, which simulates
an actual physical stimulus when one is not present. Upon application of this resistance, the out-
put of the transducer changes exactly as it would if a known pressure or load were applied.
In performing shunt calibration, the transducer should have no pressure or load applied, so that
it is at “zero” initially. The data instrument’s ZERO control can then be adjusted to give a zero
output on its indicator, or a zero voltage on its output terminals. (In the case of 4-20 milliampere
outputs, this value would be a 4 milliamperes.) The shunt calibration circuitry may then be acti-
vated by use of the front-panel SHUNT CAL button. A step change in amplifier out put or read-
ing will occur. If the amount of the step change does not agree with the expected change as
indicated by the Transducer Calibration Data sheet, adjust the SPAN or GAIN control until it
does. This will insure that the amplification given by the data device will be correct, so that an
actual stimulus will give correct readings.
It is advisable to recheck the zero when the shunt calibration resistance is removed, since there
may be some interaction if the GAIN or SPAN control adjustments were large.
Strain gage transducers with internal amplifiers usually have a shunt calibration resistor
installed. The shunt calibration resistor may be activated by interconnecting two terminals on the
connector. The wiring code section of the Transducer Calibration Data sheet will indicate which
terminals are to be interconnected to activate the shunt calibration. For current output units (4-
20 milliamperes), several full cycles of adjusting the ZERO and SPAN controls may be required,
since these controls interact greatly in such units.
Shown is a typical Transducer Calibration Data sheet. This sheet will be used as an example to
illustrate the setup procedure for both unamplified transducers, as well as instruments with an
amplified output. The calibration record for amplified transducers includes the “amplified” shunt
cal value so no calculation is required.

Calibration
Data Sheet

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 Step-by-Step 1. Make all required connections between the transducer and the instrument.
Procedure for 2. Apply power and allow 10 to 20 minutes for stabilization.
3. Turn the ZERO adjustment so that the indicator reads zero. (If you are working with a PSIA
Shunt Cal transducer, the transducer must be evacuated to get zero. However, the unit can be shunt cali-
brated at atmosphere, and the atmospheric reading added to the shunt calibration reading.)
4. From the Transducer Calibration Data sheet, obtain the transducer full scale output in millivolts
per volt, and the shunt calibration output in millivolts per volt.
5. Select and perform the proper calculation from the discussion below.
6. Depress the SHUNT CAL switch and turn the SPAN or GAIN adjustment to obtain the value
calculated in step 5.

Unamplified Transducers with millivolt outputs usually do not have internal shunt calibration circuitry, but the
Transducers effect of a known shunt calibration resistor being connected across the leads will be noted on the
Transducer Calibration Data sheet. To determine the output of an unamplified transducer under
shunt calibration conditions, perform the following calculation:
(Shunt Cal Value in mv/v) x Excitation Voltage = Output Voltage
Substituting the values from the sample Transducer Calibration Data sheet into the above equa-
tion provides the following:
(1.4848 mv/v) x (10 V) = 14.848 millivolts

Instrument with 0 Consider next an amplified transducer with a 0 to 5 volt output, or an instrument which has been
to 5 Volt Output factory calibrated with a transducer. Determining the output under shunt calibration conditions is
done with the following equation:
Shunt Cal Output in mv/v
x Full-Scale Output = Output Voltage
Full-Scale Output in mv/v
Using the same data sheet as before, and assuming an amplified transducer with a 5 volt full scale
provides:
(1.4848 mv/v)
x 5 volts = 2.469 volts
(3.0057 mv/v)

Instrument with Consider next the case of a 4-20 milliampere output from an amplified transducer. Notice that this
4-20 Milliampere represents a span of 16 milliamperes, offset upward by 4 milliamperes. To calculate the shunt cal
output, use the following equation:
Output Shunt Cal Output in mv/v
Full-Scale Output in mv/v x 16 ma. + 4 ma. = Output Current
Using the same data sheet again, and assuming a 4-20 ma. case,
(1.4848 mv/v)
x 16 ma. + 4 ma. = 11.904 ma.
(3.0057 mv/v)

Instrument Display The following equation applies to instruments with a display:

Shunt Cal Output in mv/v Full-Scale Display Shunt Cal Display
x =
Full-Scale Output in mv/v Value Value
Since the transducer shown on the Transducer Calibration Data sheet is a 1,000-pound unit, the
display should read:
(1.4848 mv/v)
x 1,000 lbs. = 494 lbs.
(3.0057 mv/v)
APPENDIX
FIELD SET-UP

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 Two Wire Gage/Absolute
Pressure Transmitters
Model 811 FMG and 811 FMA

HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

4-20mA, 2 WIRE APPROVED

EXPLOSION PROOF

BULKHEAD MOUNTING
The Two Wire Factory Mutual Approved Models 811 FMA and 811 FMG transmitters have weld-
ed, stainless steel diaphragms for use with liquid, gas, or corrosive vapors. Both models have
hermetically sealed, stainless steel cases which require no adjustments. These transducers are
corrosion and shock resistant, as well as reverse polarity protected. The two wire 4-20mA output
permits cable runs up to 10 miles long with high signal to noise ratio. Model 811 FMG utilizes
SENSOTEC’s proprietary “true gage” design. Both models are approved for outdoor hazardous
Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C and D; Class 2, Dust ignition proof Division 1, Groups E, F,
and G; and Class 3. A dual pipe thread pressure fitting is provided for easy bulkhead mounting.

Model 811 FMG (Gage): Order Code BP421

Model 811 FMA (Absolute): Order Code BP422
PERFORMANCE Pressure Range ........................... 0-2 to 10,000 psi
Accuracy (min) ............................. ±0.25% F.S.
Non-linearity (max) ....................... ±0.15% F.S.
Hysteresis (max) .......................... ±0.10% F.S.
Non-repeatability (max) ................ ±0.05% F.S.
Output (std) .................................. 4.20mA
Resolution .................................... Infinite

ENVIRONMENTAL Temperature, Operating ............... 0° F to 180° F

Temperature, Compensated ........ 60° F to 160° F
Temperature Effect
- Zero (max) ............................. .01% F.S./° F
- Span (max) ............................ .01% Rdg./° F

ELECTRICAL Strain Gage Type ......................... Bonded foil

Excitation ...................................... 15 to 40VDC
Insulation Resistance ................... 5000 megohm @ 50VDC
Wiring Code (std) ......................... #22 (See Pg. AP-8)
Electrical Termination (std)........... 1/2-14NPT male w/7/8”
wrench flat. 20GA,
2 ft. cable with case ground

MECHANICAL Media............................................ Gas, Liquid

Overload-Safe .............................. 50% over capacity
Pressure Port ............................... 1/4-18NPT female
1/2-14NPT male w/1" Hex
Wetted Parts Material................... 17-4 PH Stainless
Type ............................................. Gage or Absolute
Case Material ............................... Stainless steel

Dimensions
Available Ranges
2; 5; 10; 15; 25; 50; 75; 100; 150; 200; 300; 500; 750; 1000; 1500; 2000; 3000; 5000; 7500; 10,000 psi

o2.25"
[5.72 cm]

1
/4-18 NPT Female
4" [10.16 cm] MAX. 1
/2-14 NPT Male
Pressure Port on a 1" HEX

Options (See Appendix)

Wetted diaphragm 10a (25-1000 psi only)
PR-16
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 SENSOTEC Wiring Codes
STANDARD WIRING CODES
Standard Standard Submersible
Cable Connector Cable
Unamplified – no shunt cal.
– no shunt cal. .............................................................. #1 #2 #3
– with shunt cal. (50%)* ................................................ #4 #5 #6
– with sense leads ........................................................ #7 #8 #9
OPTION 2c Voltage amp. (Vehicle powered)
0-5 VDC with 11-28 VDC supply @ 25mA
– with shunt cal. (80%)* ................................................ #14 #15 #16
OPTION 2t Voltage amp. 0-10 VDC with 15-28 VDC supply @ 40mA
– with shunt cal. (80%) ................................................. #46 #47 #48
OPTION 2j Current amp. (3wire, 4-20mA)
with 22-32 VDC supply @ 65mA
– no shunt cal. .............................................................. #17 #29 #18
– with shunt cal. (75%)* ................................................ #19 #20 #21
OPTION 2k Current amp. (2-wire, 4-20mA), Not FM approved
– no shunt cal. .............................................................. #22 #23 S
OPTION 2n (2N) Current amp. (2-wire, 4-20mA), FM approved
– no shunt cal**............................................................. #22 #23 S
* Interconnecting shunt cal. 1 terminal with shunt cal. 2 terminal (see wiring code) provides 50%
(unamplified units) or 75% (4-20mA 3 wire only), .80% (voltage amp) of full scale output for
quick calibration.
** Relay buffered shunt cal is optional consult Sensotec.
S Special (consult factory)

DEFINITIONS
Supply: Positive lead of source (power supply) used to drive amplified transducer.
Supply Return: Negative lead of source (power supply) used to drive amplified transducer.
+ Output or Output: Signal side of output.
– Output or Output Return: Reference side of output signal.
Supply Common: Center terminal if bipolar supplies (i.e. ±15VDC) are used.
+ Excitation: Positive lead of source (power supply) used to drive unamplified transducer.
– Excitation: Negative lead of source (power supply) used to drive unamplified transducer.
+ Sense: Positive lead used for sensing bridge excitation with long cables.
– Sense: Negative lead used for sensing bridge excitation with long cables.

Typical Unamplified Wiring Diagram

a - Zero temperature compensation resistor

b - Span temperature compensation resistors
c - Trim resistors for output standardization
d - Zero balance trim resistors

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#1 Cable/Unamplified #12 Connector/Voltage (+/-5VDC Output with +/-15VDC
Red (+) Excitation /Int. Shunt Cal
Black (-) Excitation +/–15VDC Supply Pin
Green (-) Output (+) Supply (+15VDC) A
White (+) Output (-) Output/Supply com. B
#2 Connector/Unamplified (-) Supply (-15VDC) C
A&B (+) Excitation (+) Output (+/-5VDC) D
C&D (-) Excitation Shunt cal 1* E
E (-) Output Shunt cal 2* F
F (+) Output #13 Cable/Voltage (+/-5VDC Output with +/-15VDC
#3 Cable/Unamplified/Submersible /Int. Shunt Cal/Submersible
Red (+) Excitation +/–15VDC Supply Wire
Brown (-) Excitation (+) Supply (+15VDC) Red
Yellow (-) Output (-) Supply (-15VDC) Brown
Orange (+) Output (-) Output/Supply com. Orange
(+) Output (+/-5VDC) Green
#4 Cable/Unamplified/Int. Shunt Cal Shunt cal 1* Blue
Red (+) Excitation Shunt cal 2* Yellow
Black (-) Excitation
Green (-) Output #14 Cable/Vehicle Voltage 0-5VDC
White (+) Output Supply/Internal Shunt Cal
Blue Shunt Cal 1* Red (+) Supply (+11-26VDC)
Brown Shunt Cal 2* Black, Green Output Common/Supply Return
(Internal Connection)
#5 Connector/Unamplified/Int. Shunt Cal White (+) Output (0-5VDC)
A (+) Excitation Blue Shunt Cal 1*
B (-) Excitation Brown Shunt Cal 2*
C (+) Output
D (-) Output #15 Connector/Vehicle Voltage 0-5VDC
E Shunt Cal 1* w/11-26VDC Supply/Internal Shunt Cal
F Shunt Cal 2* A (+) Supply (+11-26VDC)
B, C Output Common/Supply Return
#6 Cable/Unamplified/Int. Shunt Cal/ Submersible (Internal Connection)
Red (+) Excitation D (+) Output (0-5VDC)
Blue (-) Excitation E Shunt Cal 1*
Orange (+) Output F Shunt Cal 2*
Green (-) Output
Brown Shunt Cal 1* #16 Cable/Vehicle Voltage 0-5VDC
Yellow Shunt Cal 2* w/11-26VDC Supply/Internal Shunt Cal/Submersible
Red (+) Supply (+11-26VDC)
#7 Cable/Unamplified/Sense Leads Brown, Orange Output Common/Supply Return
Red (+) Excitation (Internal Connection)
Black (-) Excitation Green (+) Output (0-5VDC)
Green (-) Output Blue Shunt Cal 1*
White (+) Output Yellow Shunt Cal 2*
Blue (-) Sense
Brown (+) Sense #17 Cable/3 wire current
Red (+) Supply
#8 Connector/Unamplified/Sense Leads Black Output common/
A (+) Excitation Green Supply return (Internal Connection)
B (+) Sense White (+) Output
C (-) Excitation
D (-) Sense #18 Cable/3 wire current, 4-20mA/Submersible
E (-) Output Red (+) Supply
F (+) Output Brown, Output common/
Yellow Supply return (Internal Connection)
#9 Cable/Unamplified/Sense/Leads/Submersible Green for outputs
Red (+) Excitation Orange (+) Output (4-20mA)
Blue (-) Excitation
Orange (+) Output #19 Cable/3 wire current, 4-20mA/Shunt Cal
Green (-) Output Red (+) Supply
Brown (+) Sense Black, Output common/
Yellow (-) Sense Green Supply return (Internal Connection) APPENDIX
White (+) Output (4-20mA)
#10 Cable/Voltage (+/-5VDC Output with +/-15VDC supply) Blue Shunt Cal 1*
/Submersible Brown Shunt Cal 2*
+/–15VDC Supply Wire
(+) Supply (+15VDC) Red #20 Connector/3 wire current, 4-20mA/Shunt Cal
(-) Supply (-15VDC) Orange A (+) Supply
(+) Output (+/-5VDC) Yellow B, C Output common/Supply return
(-) Output/Supply Com. Brown (Internal connection)
WIRING CODES

D (+) Output (4-20mA)

#11 Cable/Voltage (+/-5VDC Output with +/-15VDC supply) E Shunt Cal 1*
/Int. Shunt Cal F Shunt Cal 2*
+/–15VDC Supply Wire
(+) Supply (+15VDC) Red
(-) Supply (-15VDC) Black
(-) Output/Supply com. Green
(+) Output (+/-5VDC) White
Shunt cal 1* Blue
Shunt cal 2* Brown
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 #21 Cable/3 wire current, 4-20mA/ #31 DC/DC LVDT (single power supply)
Int. Shunt Cal/Submersible Reverse polarity protected w/voltage regulator
Red (+) Supply
Brown, Output common/ Dual Supply
Green Supply return (Internal Connection) Red +12 to +20V input
Orange (+) Output (4-20mA) Blue -12 to -20V input
Blue Shunt Cal 1* Black OV common
Yellow Shunt Cal 2*
Single Supply
#22 Cable/2 wire current, 4-20mA Red +24 to 40V input
Red (+) Supply Blue Supply negative
Black (+) Output (4-20mA)
White Case Ground Outputs
Yellow 0-5-10 Volt
#23 Connector/2 wire current, 4-20mA Green ±5 VDC
A (+) Supply
B, C & F No Connection * Must be floating output common = 1/2 supply voltage
D (+) Output (4-20mA)
E Case Ground
#32 DC/DC LVDT (single power supply) without reverse
#24 Cable/Frequency Output/ polarity protection or voltage regulation
Internal Shunt Cal Red (+) Supply (+6 to +12VDC)
Red (+) Supply Blue Supply return
Black, Output common/ Yellow Note: See below
Green Supply return (Internal Connection) Green for outputs
White (+) Output Black
Blue Shunt Cal 1* Brown
Brown Shunt Cal 2* – Short Black and Brown for internal
10,000 ohm load
#25 Connector/Frequency Output/ – Filtered output – Yellow and Black/Brown
Internal Shunt Cal – Unfiltered output – Green and Black/Brown
A (+) Supply
B, C Output common/Supply return Cable shield is not connected to transducer.
(Internal Connection)
D (+) Output
E Shunt Cal 1*
F Shunt Cal 2*

#27 Microtech Connector

#35 DC/DC LVDT (single power supply)
Reverse polarity protected w/voltage regulator
Yellow +5V, Regulated Input
Brown +5V, Regulated Output
Red +6V to 18V, Unregulated
Blue OV, supply common/ground
Black Output (lo)
Green Output (hi)
#28 Consult Sensotec Shield Connect to Instrument ground
Link the Yellow and Brown wires together when using the
#29 Connector/3 wire current, 4-20mA/w/22-32VDC Supply +6V./+18V. Input Option. Ensure the Red and Brown wires
A (+) Supply (+22-32VDC) are disconnected when using the 5V. The D.C. Output sig-
B, C Output common/Supply return nal is electrically isolated from the Input voltage.
(Internal Connection)
D (+) Output (4-20mA)
E&F No Connection
#30 AC/AC LVDT
Red Supply (Calibrated @ 3V RMS 5 KHz)
Yellow Supply return
Blue Output
Green Output return
Black Secondary Center Tap (normally not connected)
Cable shield is not connected to transducer.

#36 Connector/2 wire current, 4-20 mA

1 + Supply
2 + Output
3 N/C
Case Ground

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#37 Connector/Unamplified #52 FP2000, voltage output, cable exit
1 + Excitation (+) Supply 9-28VDC (red)
2 + Output Supply return (black)
3 – Output (-) 0VDC output (green)
– Excitation
(+) 5VDC output (white)
#38 Connector/Voltage
1 + Supply #53 FP2000, current output, I.S., DIN connector, opt 2N
2 + Output 1 (+) Supply
3 Supply/Output Common 2 (+) Output
N/C to Case 3 Case ground
#54 FP2000 current output DIN connector, option 2p
#39 Connector/Unamplified 1 + supply
A + Excitation 2 + output 4-20 mA
B + Output 3 No connection
C – Output
D – Excitation GND No connection
#40 Unamplified, 6 pin Connector with Signature Module #55 FP2000 current output DIN connector, option 2y
A (+)Excitation with shunt cal.
B (+)Signature 1 + supply
C (–) Excitation 2 + output 4-20 mA
D (–) Signature 3 N/C
E (–) Output GND Shunt Cal
F (+)Output #56 FP2000 voltage output pin conn opt. 2e/2f
#41 Unamplified, 6 Conductor for Signature Module with shunt calibration
Red (+)Excitation 1 + supply
Black (–) Excitation 2 + output 4-20 mA
Green (–) Output 3 Supply ret/-output
White (+)Output GND Shunt Cal
Blue (–) Signature (Memory –) #57 FP2000 Millivolt output Bendix conn opt. 2u
Brown (+)Signature (Memory +) A + excitation
#44 Cable, 4-20mA out B - excitation
Red (+)Supply C + output
Black (+)Output (4-20mA) D - output
White Case Ground E N/C
#45 Unamplified, 6 pin header for coil connections on LVDT F Shunt Cal
1&6 Primary Coil #58 FP2000 current output Bendix conn opt. 2y
2&5 Secondary Coils A + supply
3 or 4 Secondary Centre Tap (whichever is longer) B N/C
#46 Vehicle amplifier 0-10VDC C N/C
Red (+)Supply D + output (4-20mA)
Black Supply return E N/C
Green (–) Output F Shunt Cal
White (+)Output (0-10VDC) #59 FP2000 current output Bendix connector shunt cal
Blue Shunt Cal 1 opt. 2N IS
Brown Shunt Cal 2 A + supply
#47 Vehicle amplifier 0-10VDC B N/C
A (+)Supply C N/C
B (–) Output D + output (4-20mA)
C Supply return E Case ground
D (+)Output (0-10VDC) F Shunt Cal
E Shunt Cal 1 #60 Voltage output with shunt cal Bendix conn. opts. 2e/2f
F Shunt Cal 2 A + supply
#48 Vehicle amplifier 0-10VDC/ B - supply return
Submersible Cable C - output
Red (+)Supply D + output
Brown (–) Output E N/C
Orange Supply return F Shunt Cal
Green (+)Output (0-10VDC) #61 Current output with shunt cal & integral cable opt. 2y/6r
Blue Shunt Cal 1 Red + supply
Yellow Shunt Cal 2 Black + output
#49 FP2000, current output, Bendix connector Green Shunt Cal
A (+)Supply 9-28VDC (red) #62 Current output with shunt cal & integral cable
APPENDIX

B N/C opt. 2N IS/6r

C N/C Red + supply
D (+) Output 4-20 (black) Black + output (4-20mA IS)
E N/C Green Shunt
F N/C White Case ground
#50 FP2000, voltage output, Bendix connector #63 Voltage output with shunt cal & integral cable opt.
A (+) Supply 9-28VDC (red) 2e/2f/6r
WIRING CODES

B (-) Supply return (black) Red + supply

C (-) Output (green) Black - supply return
Green Shunt Cal
D (+) Output 0-5VDC (white) White + output
E N/C #64 Current output 2N is with shunt cal & DIN connector
F N/C 1 + supply
#51 FP2000, current output, cable exit 2 + output (4-20mA)
(+) Supply 9-28VDC (red) 3 Case ground
(-) Output 4-20 mA (black) GMP Shunt Cal

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 Troubleshooting Guide
Unamplified
Transducers
Symptom/Problem Action/Troubleshooting
No Output Verify correct wiring
Verify excitation per calibration sheet.
Make sure pressure, load, etc. is being applied.
Check strain gage bridge for continuity per calibration sheet.

Erratic/Intermittent
Output or Zero Drift Check electrical connections for discontinuity or damage.
Check for isolation resistance between bridge wiring and transducer body.
Make sure pressure, load, etc. is constant.
Check stability of excitation power supply.
Check millivolt output with volt meter.
Check for RFI/EMI interference.
Make sure there are no rapid changes in temperature.

Incorrect Output Check actual input and output resistance against calibration sheet data for possible change or
open bridge.
Check Zero offset to see if high.

High Zero Offset Usually indicates transducer was overranged beyond specifications. Overranged transducers
should be recalibrated.
Check actual input and output resistance measurements against calibration sheet for possible
changes or open bridge.
Check for possible mechanical preload or damping on transducer body.

Amplified Transducers
Symptom/Problem Action/Troubleshooting
No Output Make sure power supply voltage meets transducer requirements.
Check wiring connections and wiring code.
Check transducer specifications for type of output provided (i.e. voltage, frequency, etc.)
Make sure pressure, load, etc. is being applied.
Make sure that the output load is not shorted.

Incorrect Zero Level Check for pre-load on transducer.

Adjust zero or balance control.
For load cells check mounting fixture bias.
For pressure transducers, check for orientation bias.
Erratic/Intermittent
Output or Zero Drift Make sure pressure, load, etc. is constant.
Make sure power supply remains within specifications.
Check for RFI interference.
Make sure there are no rapid changes in temperature.
Check electrical connections for discontinuity or damage.
Check output with volt meter.
Check for insulation resistance between amplifier wiring and transducer shell.

Incorrect Output Check “shunt” calibration output value against calibration sheet and adjust span control per
instructions.
Verify that transducer is being operated within its temperature compensated range.
Check transducer range on label.
Check for insulation resistance between amplifier wiring and transducer shell.
Transducers with
Instrument Readout
Symptom/Problem Action/Troubleshooting
Erratic Display Check electrical connections for continuity and wiring code for pin layout.
No Display/No Output
Voltage Check powerline fuse per instrument instructions.

Blinking Display Indicated overload; make sure wires are all connected, and transducer is within its range.

Incorrect Readout Value Check transducer range on label.

Verify that system was set-up per instructions. Review set-up procedure.
Refer to transducer troubleshooting guide and verify that transducer operates properly.
Use Shunt-Cal to verify calibration.
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