Postfach 1106, D71301 Waiblingen

Esslinger Str. 26, WN-Hegnach

Tel. 07151/956230
Fax 07151/956250
E-mail: info@braun-tacho.de
Internet: www.braun-tacho.de

Qualitt
zertifiziert nach ISO 9001.
-

Frequency to Analogue Converter

D421.31

Contents

Instructions and
Operation Manual

page

Specifications........................................................................................................2
Instructions for the Operation
Display and Keys .......................................................................................3
Application .................................................................................................3
Function principle.......................................................................................3
Programming procedure ............................................................................4
Programmable parameters ..........................................................................6

Installation
Mounting ....................................................................................................8
Wiring general information ....................................................................8
Dimensions ................................................................................................9
Function diagram and Wiring terminal Nos. ............................................10
Specific wiring diagrams to sensors .........................................................11

S:\Betranl\D421e31.doc

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

9.2008

Page 1 of 13

Specifications
Design

snap-on track enclosure for DIN 50022 rail 35 mm,

Dimensions: length 70 mm, width 75 mm, height 111 mm.

Installation Conditions

Ambient temperature in operation .......................... 0C...+50C

storage .........................-40C....+85C
Electrical insulation grade ......................................................... I
Voltage grade ............................................................................ I
Protection class.................................................................... IP20

Power Supply

Supply voltage for D421.31U1:

for D421.31U2
Consumption

Signal input
high level path

high sensitivity path

18...40 volts AC/DC

85...265 volts AC/DC
5 watts

matching speed sensors series A5S05...A5S09...

and series A4S....
to other sources:
response level on/off >6.8 volts/<6.6 volts
input impedance 100 kohms
sensor supply approx. 12 volts/max. 60 ma
to NAMUR type sensors: >2.0 ma/<1.2 ma into 1k load with
8 volts supply,
response 500 mv RMS within frequency range 0.1...1 Hz
response 50 mv RMS within frequency range 1 Hz...10 kHz,
response 500 mv RMS within frequency range 10...100 kHz,
maximum rating 100 v with 35 v DC superposed.

Measuring period time

floating, with minimum programmable 5 millisec ....99.999 sec

Accuracy

+ 0.05 % of measurement + 1 in LSD

Analog output

isolated and programmable 0/4...20mamps resp. 0/2..10 volts

resolution 12 bit
max. load 750 ohms
linearity error 0.1 %

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 2 of 13

Display and Keys

26

25

24

23

22

16

15

PE

14

13

12

0V

U3

11
U2

10

mV

OUT
SENSOR

D421

Keys

938.5 /s
P

ANALOG
OUTPUT

POWER
+
L1

(U)
3

Application and Characteristics

Conversion of speed, flowrate, frequency (or any other physical quantity
which can be transmitted as a pulse train) into an analog signal. Programmable in conversion characteristics and signal output: dc-voltage or current,
with or without live zero.
Characteristics features are extremely wide range, fast tracking response by
pulse interval measurement, free programmable conversion parameters, and
electronic programming by keys, with display assistance.
Function Principle
The time interval between signal pulses is evaluated to measure the process
variable. Obviously, this ensures the fastest response to the process signal,
tracking from one to the other signal period. A minimum measuring time of
30 milliseconds however is maintained, to ensure stabilization at high signal
frequency. Time interval measurement, pulse counting, and result computing
use digital means only, for invariable accuracy.
If the input signal is cancelled, the output zeroes in a step-down sequence,
with its descent automatically adjusted by the previous frequency level. At a
programmable low end the output eventually shuts off.
Signal from the Process Variable
The converter signal input is designed to accept a wide range of transmitters:
contact free speed sensing probes, incremental encoders, pulse wheel transmitters. Any flowmeter pulse signal output can be converted into an analog
flowrate signal. Preamplifiers can be used, and also ex-barriers.
The fast and precise converter response requires an adequate repeatability of
the input signal in its reference to the process variable. Variable pulse intervals obviously will be interpreted as process variations. Pulse signal repeatability should be given preference over a high frequency in transmission.
Optimum repeatability in signalizing a rotary motion will be achieved by just
one pulse per revolution. If several marks (bore holes, slots, screws etc.) are

+
5

-mA

-U

converting a process
variable into analog

characteristics

time interval
measurement

shut-down performance

applicable sensors

requirements to the signal

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 3 of 13

used for scanning, they must be placed equidistant on the rotating object.
Piston type flowmeters may introduce a periodical oscillation into the pulse
rate. The input predivider, accordingly set, can balance this.

Important Note:
Use of shielded cable between signal input and sensor is imperative, to protect against interferences.

Programming procedure (detailed description on next page)

Access to program with key

Select parameter no with key
Display information to parameter with key
Access to the parameter value with key
Shift active digit with key
Change value of active digit with key
Set new value with key
, return to old value (no change) with key
Return to normal operation with double press of key

Initial Parameter Settings

The unit comes programmed with these parameters (if not specified otherwise):
step
no:
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12

infotext

parameter
function
SECRET
password
C.SECRET
new password
ACCESS ?
access locked/unlocked
DECP /U
decimals of pulse factor
/U
pulse factor
DP FREQU
decimals of measurement
FMAX
high end of range
FMIN
low end of range
TIMEBASE time reference of
ZERO MODE zero level
OFF-RATE
cut-off low end
PREDIV
input frequency divider
TMIN
minimum measuring time (millisec)

parameter value
X = any number 090
0000
0000
1 = unlocked
0 = (no decimals)
1 (pulse/unit)
0 = (no decimals)
00100 (pulses/sec)
00000
0 = ... /sec
1 = live zero
01 % (of high end)
001
00030

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 4 of 13

Programming Procedure
4 keys do the programming, assisted by display readings. The display indicates the selected program step No., and the actual data. Key
calls the
infotext which names the parameter to be programmed in the actual step. The
infotexts are listed in the description of the parameters, and in the program
scope.
If not engaged in programming, the display reads actual measurements, by
the programmed unit terms
The converter has its keys accessible through holes in the frontplate. Actuate
by a pin, or screwdriver, or pencil through the hole. The converter must
receive power when being programmed.
Programming procedure
Actuate key P to start the programming. By key you can switch to the info
text concerning the step. Info texts are listed in the scope on page Return
to programming by actuating P again.
Programming begins with step 00 (as underlined). Touch E and write the
pass number, starting with the LSD (right), now blinking underlined. Move
on to the correct figure with key . When it appears, shift to the next digit
to be varied by key
. It is always the blinking digit which is active. When
the entire pass number appears correct, acknowledge by E. If the pass number was correct, you are authorized to alter all parameters.
In every step follow the same procedure:
To enter the "write" condition, use key E. Alter the blinking digit by key ,
then shift to the left by
. Once the parameter appears correct in the display, acknowledge by E again. Proceed to the next parameter by
Skip
over those parameters not to be altered by , without E.
If the entry pass number has not been served (and the access is not generally
unlocked by parameter 02) you can read all parameters (except the pass
number) but not alter them (no response to E).
From any step, you can leave the programming phase by key P. The display
returns to read actual measurements.

programming the
converter
keys

power supply during

programming

short form instructions to

programming and parameter
scope on page
Standard Procedure:
start programming by P
enter parameter setting by E
select required digit by
move to required figure by
move to next digit by
acknowledge parameter by E
move to next step No. by
terminate programming by P

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 5 of 13

program step No. and

infotext shown

Programmable Parameters
Password number
A passnumber locks the access to the parameters, to protect against unauthorized or inadvertent alteration. Parameters can be recalled into the display
but not altered without the passnumber.
Use of an incorrect passnumber cancels the programming mode.
If the key request is properly served, a new passnumber can be programmed
in the next step, henceforth substituting the previous one.
In case the passnumber was lost for same reason, the actually valid figure
can be recalled following a special procedure (see separate instructions K0095 E).
In a subsequent step, the lock function can be disabled, by programming "1".
This may be useful during the installation an start-up phase of the unit when
parameters must be changed more frequently. Once ready, lock by programming "0".
Pulse per Unit
This parameter regards how many pulses the transmitter supplies per one
unit of the quantity to be measured. For instance, 1 pulse/revolution, or
152.4 pulses/meter, or 0.125 pulses per gallon. This parameter converts all
measurements, and also other parameters into readings by required engineering units.
Note: The input-predivider (step No. 11), if set other than 001, must be regarded. See example under step No. 11.
First select the decimal point position, then in the subsequent step the number itself.
Examples:
To program 152.4 pulses/meter, first set to one decimal by step No. 03, then
152.4 by step 04. For 0.125 pulses/gallon place the decimal point for 3 decimals by step 03, then set 0.125 by step 04.
All readings now will be in terms of meter/min (or m/sec), resp. gallons/min
(or gallons/sec).
Note:
The time base of the unit (/min or /sec) is selected by program step 08.
Decimals in Readings and Ranges
Set the number of decimals to be effective for display readings and range
definition, according to the application requirements.
Selections offered:

access opening
step No. 00
info SECRET
step No. 01
info SECRET

step No. 02
info ACCESS ?

scaling and calibration

step No. 03
info DECP/U
(decimals of pulse factor)

step No. 04
info /U
(pulse factor numerical)

step No. 05
info DP FREQ

up to 9.999
up to 99.99
up to 999.9
up to 99999
Note:
Do not select more decimals as reasonable, considering the steadiness of the
process quantity and repeatability of the transmitter signal, to avoid fluctuations in the last digits.
Range Definition
Low end and high end of the conversion range, in terms of the process variable, are free programmable, to provide the optimum in adaptation to the
meter, recorder, or controller in use.

conversion range

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 6 of 13

Selecting the low end at a level of the process variable off zero, results in a
"enhancing" effect of the conversion. The low end can be approached as
close as 90 % to the high end of the range. This equals an enlargement by a
factor 10. Further enhancement is programmable, but not recommended
because of the natural fluctuations of any process.
Low end and high end are programmed by the terms defined for unit and
decimals in the previous program steps.
Time base of readings
/min or /sec can be selected as the time base to read the unit of the variable.
The selection has effect to the range definition and the display readings. It
does not affect however the response time and conversion speed.
Output Signal
The terminal connections (see diagram) define current (20 ma) or voltage
(10 volts) as the full scale output. Only one or the other is available, not both
simultaneously!
The zero level however will be defined by program step No. 09. Live zero =
4 ma or 2 volts. Without live zero, the zero level is 0 ma/volts.
Shut-off level
When the process variable drops below this level, the output is cut off to its
zero level (unless the low end was programmed to an even higher level).
After a sudden cease of the input signal, the output drops by steps, down to
the shut-of level, then cancels.
The shut-off point is defined as a percentage of the programmed full scale
(high end).
Input pre-divider
Optimum repeatability in the signal pulse sequence obviously is achieved
with 1 pulse per revolution. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce multiple
pulses per revolution to 1 only, by adjusting the predivider to the number of
pulses per revolution received. The calibration factor (step No. 4) refers to
the thus reduced rate.
For example, if a flowmeter as a periodical oscillation in its output frequency
extending over one full turn of the flowmeter, and this full turn would include 17 pulses, the pre-divider should be set to 017. This of course reduces
the signal frequency by a factor 17, and if the original meter factor were 250
pulses per gallon, it is reduced to 250 = 17 = 14.70 pulses per gallon. Therefore step No. 03 would be 2 (decimals) and step No. 04 = 14.70 to get readings of gallon/min or gallon/sec, for instance.
Minimum Measuring Period
As explained under Function Principle, the measurement is based on a time
interval measurement. This program step makes this interval selectable, to
achieve a corresponding averaging effect. The parameter P12 defines the
minimum measuring time in terms of milliseconds.
Range 0000599999 millisec. A preset below 00005 will be ignored.

high end of range =

step No. 06
info FMAX
low end of range =
step No. 07
info FMIN

step No. 08
info TIMEBASE

defining the output signal

zero definition
step No. 09
info ZERO MODE

shut off level =

step No. 10
info OFF-RATE

input predivider =
step No. 11
info PREDIV
range 01255

minimum measurement
period
Step No. 12: TMIN

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 7 of 13

Installation
Mounting
The unit snaps on a standard DIN rail of 35 mm width.

Instructions for mounting

If a screw mounting is required, follow this procedure: Insert a small screwdriver blade under the clover-leaf sized flap of the black bottom strip, and lift
the flap over the small gray projection in the enclosure. Remove the black
strip, now loose, to mount it, flat side down, at the desired place. Then slip
the enclosure over the fixed strip.
The unit can be operated in any position, but the General Instructions must be
observed. Avoid the neighborhood of interfering sources.
For allowable ambient operating conditions see Specifications.
General Information to Mounting and Wiring
This instrument has been designed and inspected according to standards
DIN 57 411 / VDE 0411Sect 1, and IEC 348. Observe these instructions
and wiring diagrams carefully, to ensure this protection. The installation must
only be done by adequately qualified personnel.
Specifically, connect the ground terminal (PE) of the instrument to a safe
ground potential.
Do not open the instrument. Connections and adjustments are done from
outside. When removing it from its enclosure however, for whatever reason,
make sure that power is switched off.
All connections are made to terminals placed underneath the top, with access
from the side. Wire or stranded wire can be used, up to 1.5 mm2.
Signal leads must be carefully shielded, and should not be run in bundles
with power or relay control wires.
The (PE) ground terminal (16) is internally separated from common zero, but
tied by a 82k resistor to it. It is internally connected to the screen terminal for
the sensor leads (14).
EMI/CE
The unit complies with all relevant regulations, as determined by the Policy of
the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC),
for the Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/336/EWG).
Testing and inspection has been performed according to Standards EN
61000-4-2 and EN 61000-4-4. Thereby, the product meets all requirements to
be marked by the CE sign.

General Instructions for wiring

Notes concerning Electromagnetic Compatibility

Strict observance of these instructions during installation and use is an indispensable precondition hereto. Specifically to be observed:
Terminals must be kept off all undue access. Power supply and all input and
output leads must be protected against voltage interference, higher than specified operation data, and they must be protected against electrostatic discharge.

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 8 of 13

Dimensions of the Standard Snap on Track Version (by mm)

25

24

23

22

21

20 19

18

17

16

15

14

Cable entry

Front View
75
Side View
110

10

11

12

13

70

35

Mounting by snap on 35 mm rail

DIN 50022

75

Dimensions of the (optional) Field Enclosure

4 mounting holes
4,2 mm diameter each
mounting pattern 148x88mm

148 mm

120 mm

88 mm

3 cable conduits
size PG9

160mm

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 9 of 13

Function diagram and connections

D421.3
Display and Keys

terminal

D/A-Conversion
and
Output Amplifier

+ output

- mA

output

-U

output

4
Computing

Jumper for
Output U

1 k
15

Analog output

Pulse output
refernence
terminal 13

+12V / max. 60 mA
12

Sensor supply +U

10

Signal Input mV *

Signal Input V

11

+Pole for Namur-Sensors

13

Reference

1 k

+8V
0V

14

Screen

16

PE

dc
+

ac
L1

= internal reference

Sensor connections

Input Section

Power supply
U1: 18....40V uc
U2: 85..265V uc
Refer to type label on
D421

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 10 of 13

Connections to signal sources

(for connections to BRAUN-Sensors refer to next pages)

terminal
nos
supply +8V via 1 kOhm

11

npn-transistor

9
13
screen
14

2
2leads prox.sensor
NAMUR or
DIN 19234

3
active signal sources
with:
high-level > 7 V,
low-level
<6V

4
other active sources
> 50 mV eff.

supply +8V via 1kOhms

11

13
screen

14

0 V reference

13

Signal

10

screen

14

0 V reference

13

Signal

10

screen

5
3-leads sensors
(power supply
by device)

14

supply +12V max. 60ma

12

0 V reference

13

Signal

screen

14

supply +12V max. 60ma

11

pnp-sensors

9
Signal

1 kOhm

screen

external

13
14

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 11 of 13

Input connections to BRAUN sensors

The indicated cable model Nos. define a ready prepared cable with connecting plug at the sensor end, other end labelled.

Terminal Pin Nos

2-wire
proximity
sensors

11

A4S...

13

12

13

3
4

cable L3A22BO

3-wire
proximity
sensors

A4S...

HallSensors

cable L3A22BO

12

13

14

10

13

14

12

11

10

13

14

1
4

A5S...
3

cable L2A16 BO

MagneticInductive
Sensors

A2S.....

Adapter cable
B1A003

Photoelectric
Sensor

A1S30P

Remark: - The photoprobe requires marking by a high-reflex tape (U1A-006)on a clean surface.
- The built-in power-supply cannot drive 2 photoprobes simultaneously!

+U

Photoelectric
Sensor

brown
black

A1S40N
0V

blue

12
9
13

Fixed cable with open ends

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 12 of 13

Terminal Pin Nos

Pulse wheels
cable L3B22BO

12

13

14

12

13

14

A1L04B..
A1L05B..

Encoders
G3000
G1000

cable L3A30BO

I D421.31 Rev.: 00

Page 13 of 13