The 2422 and flightDAQ-TL are advanced pressure, temperature and voltage scanners which have a digital bus connection for every channel. The Smart Connectors detailed here utilises this bus by communicating with the scanner and downloading identification and calibration information to the scanners. This enables all the data relevant to the transducer (be it pressure transducer, thermocouple, RTD or voltage signals) to be permanently connected to that transducer through its calibration and test cycle.

When the 2422 or flightDAQ-TL is powered up, all the relevant information is downloaded and used within the scanner. This could include the sensor type, name, location and the full calibration for that transducer. This turns the scanner into a  ‘plug-and-play’ device and the transducer into a ‘TEDS’ type device.

Three distinct types or of Smart Connector are available; for pressure transducers (or voltage signals), thermocouples and  RTD’s. All plugs have internal EEPROMs (64K) so that the transducer information and calibration can be loaded into it. The calibration takes the form of easy to use look-up-table(s) which can vary is size from 2 to 448 pairs. For thermally compensated pressure transducers, polynomial calibrations are also supported.

For thermocouple measurements, the cold junction is made within the connector (by an TC alloy to copper crimp) and the temperature of this junction is measured with a high accuracy thermistor. The calibration of this thermistor can also be loaded into the Smart Connector if required (otherwise a standard calibration is applied).

The Smart Connectors have been comprehensively tested for vibration, altitude and temperature to deal with harsh environments.

All connector types can be programmed with useful features such as calibration date, transducer information and serial number in 256 bytes of user defined memory.