ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995) : Specifications and Tests For Potentiometric Displacement Transducers
ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995) : Specifications and Tests For Potentiometric Displacement Transducers
ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995) : Specifications and Tests For Potentiometric Displacement Transducers
ISA–37.12–1982 (R1995)
Formerly ISA–S37.12–1982 (R1995)
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT
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form or manner without the permission of ISA. This copy of the document was
made for the sole use of the person to whom ISA provided it and is subject to
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any other person in print, electronic, or any other form. Violations of ISA’s
copyright will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and may result in
substantial civil and criminal penalties.
ISA–The Instrumentation,
Systems, and
Automation Society
ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995), Specifications and Tests for Potentiometric Displacement Transducers
ISBN 0-87664-359-4
Copyright 1982 by the Instrument Society of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ISA
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Preface
This preface, as well as all footnotes and annexes, is included for informational purposes and is
not a part of ISA-37.12-1982 (R1995).
This standard has been prepared as a part of the service of ISA toward a goal of uniformity in the
field of instrumentation. To be of real value, this document should not be static but should be
subject to periodic review. Toward this end, the Society welcomes all comments and criticisms
and asks that they be addressed to the Secretary, Standards and Practices Board; ISA;
67 Alexander Drive; P.O. Box 12277; Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; Telephone (919) 549-
8411; Fax: (919) 549-8288; E-mail: standards@isa.org.
The ISA Standards and Practices Department is aware of the growing need for attention to the
metric system of units in general, and the International System of Units (SI) in particular, in the
preparation of instrumentation standards. The Department is further aware of the benefits to
USA users of ISA Standards of incorporating suitable references to the SI (and the metric
system) in their business and professional dealings with other countries. Towards this end, this
Department will endeavor to introduce SI and acceptable metric units in all new and revised
standards to the greatest extent possible. The Metric Practice Guide, which has been published
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as ANSI/IEEE Std. 268-1992, and future
revisions, will be the reference guide for definitions, symbols, abbreviations, and conversion
factors. Certain metric units that are part of the SI system are in common accepted pressure
measurement that is convertible to kilopascals by multiplying by 100.
It is the policy of ISA to encourage and welcome the participation of all concerned individuals and
interests in the development of ISA standards, recommended practices, and technical reports.
Participation in the ISA standards-making process by an individual in no way constitutes
endorsement by the employer of that individual, of ISA, or of any of the standards which ISA
develops.
This standard is intended as a guide for technical personnel at user facilities as well as by
manufacturers' technical and sales personnel whose duties include specifying, testing, or
showing performance characteristics of strain-gage linear Potentiometric Displacement
Transducers. By basing users' specifications as well as technical advertising and reference
literature on this standard, or by referencing portions thereof, as applicable, a clear
understanding of the users' needs or of the transducers' performance capabilities, and of the
methods used for evaluating or proving performance, will be provided. Adhering to the
specification outline, terminology and procedures shown will not only result in simple, but also
complete specifications; it will also reduce design time, procurement lead time, and labor, as well
as material costs. Of major importance will be the reduction of qualification tests resulting from
use of a commonly accepted test procedure and uniform data presentation.
The development of this standard was initiated as the result of a survey conducted in December
1960. A total of 240 questionnaires was sent out to transducer users and manufacturers. A
strong majority indicated in their replies a need for transducer standardization. As potentiometric
displacement transducers were one of the types shown to be most in need of standardization, a
project subcommittee, SP37.12, Potentiometric Displacement Transducers, was formed under
the cognizance of SP37, Transducers for Aerospace Testing, and a standard was drafted and
reviewed extensively, and revised in 1976. The reviewers were selected from a broad cross-
section of all industries and sciences in which transducers are applied for measuring purposes.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 3
The following individuals served as members of the 1977 SP37.12 Subcommittee:
NAME COMPANY
The following individuals served as members of the SP37 Committee who reaffirmed SP37.12
in 1995:
NAME COMPANY
This standard was reaffirmed by the ISA Standards and Practices Board on
September 29, 1995.
NAME COMPANY
4 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
NAME COMPANY
J. Mock Consultant
E. Montgomery Fluor Daniel, Inc.
D. Rapley Rapley Engineering Services
R. Reimer Allen-Bradley Company
R. Webb Pacific Gas & Electric Company
W. Weidman Consultant
J. Weiss Electric Power Research Institute
J. Whetstone National Institute of Standards & Technology
C. Williams Eastman Kodak Company
G. Wood Graeme Wood Consulting
M. Zielinski Fisher•Rosemount
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 5
Contents
1 Purpose.................................................................................................................................... 9
2 Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 9
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 7
Figures
1 — Drawing Symbol ................................................................................................................ 10
2 — Transducer Wiring Standard ............................................................................................. 13
3 — Noise Test Circuit .............................................................................................................. 28
4 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Individual Acceptance Tests
and Calibrations ................................................................................................................. 32
5 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Initial Performance Test................................... 33
6 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Environmental Test Record ............................. 34
7a — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Dynamic Response Tests ............................... 35
7b — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Dynamic Response Tests
(Sinusoidal Method)........................................................................................................... 36
8 — Acceleration/Vibration Test Report.................................................................................... 37
9 — Transducer Test Report..................................................................................................... 38
8 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
1 Scope
1.1 This Standard covers potentiometric displacement transducers, primarily those used in
measuring systems.
NOTES
1. These specifications are not intended to cover transducers used in hazardous
(classified) locations as specified in the National Electric Code.
2. Transducers for use in nuclear power plants must conform to additional U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission Requirements not specifically called out in this Standard.
1.2 Included among the specific versions of potentiometric displacement transducers to which
this Standard is applicable are the following:
Angular Displacement Transducers
Linear Displacement Transducers
1.3 Terminology used in this document is defined in ISA-S37.1. Additional terms considered
applicable to potentiometric displacement transducers are defined in 4.3 of this document. An
asterisk appears after those terms defined in S37.1. A double asterik appears after those terms
defined in 4.3 of this standard.
2 Purpose
2.2 Uniform acceptance and qualification test methods, including calibration techniques
3 Drawing symbol
3.1 The drawing symbol for a potentiometric displacement transducer is a square with an added
equilateral triangle, the base of which is the left side of the square.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 9
Figure 1 — Drawing Symbol
Subscripts
A = Angular
L = Linear
The letter "D" in the triangle designates "displacement," and the subscripts denote the second
modifier. The illustration shows an angular displacement transducer, as symbolized by "DA."
3.2 The potentiometer is symbolized by a variable resistance of length x. The lines from it and to
ground represent the electrical leads or terminations.
NOTES
1. This symbol is not ANSI approved at this time. It has been submitted to the
ANSI Y32 Committee on Graphic Symbols for their consideration and approval.
2. For instrumentation systems use, refer to ISA-S5.1 Instrumentation Symbols and
Identification.
4 Specification characteristics
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
10 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.1.1.2 Configuration and dimensions
The outline drawing shall show the configuration with dimensions in millimetres (inches). Unless
electrical connections are specified (reference 4.1.3.4), the outline shall include limiting
maximum dimensions for these connections.
4.1.1.6 Mass
The mass of the transducer shall be specified in grams (ounces).
4.1.1.9 Identification
The following characteristics shall be permanently in-scribed on the outside of the transducer
case or on a suitable nameplate permanently attached to the case.
a) Nomenclature of transducer (according to ISA-S37.1, Section 3)
b) Name of Manufacturer, Part number (to reflect one controlled configuration), and Serial
Number
c) Range* in radians/millimetres (degrees/inches) and designation of type of displacement
(See 4.1.1.1.)
d) Maximum** excitation.*
e) Transduction Element resistance (Potentiometric Element).*
f) Identification of Electrical Connections.
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
**Defined in 4.3
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 11
g) Inscription of the following characteristics is optional:
h) Customer Specification or Part Number or both
Type of Electrical Connector and Mating Connector (if applicable)
i) Operating temperature range**
4.1.3.1 Excitation*
Expressed as "____volts (mA) dc" or "____volts (mA) ac rms at ____ Hz."
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
**Defined in 4.3
12 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
Figure 2 — Transducer Wiring Standard
NOTES
1. The Transduction element(s) shall be arranged to produce increasing "Positive"
voltage output with increasing wiper displacement in direction (clockwise motion,
viewed from shaft-end, for angular displacement transducers, and extending motion
by linear displacement transducers shown by arrow).
2. For bidirectional range transducers, the arrow indicates increasingly positive
displacement values.
3. Current flow shall be restricted to electrical elements and shall not be permitted in
mechanical elements, such as shaft bushings.
4. CAUTION — A short circuit on the output or an inadvertent connection of the
excitation voltage to the wiper may pass excessive current through the wiper
and the Transducer Element resistance, and cause a catastrophic failure of the
transducer.
5. Output Short-circuit protection (optional): In a specialized or dedicated transducer
application, output short-circuit protection may be obtained by means of an optional
output current limiting resistor. The resistor is placed in series with the potentiometer
wiper, preferably integral to the transducer, between the wiper and the output terminal
(connector pin "2" or "B" or wire color "green"). The resistance value is selected such
that, with the output terminals shorted, the wiper current is limited to a proper
maximum value. For example, if the excitation voltage will always be 5 volts dc and
the wiper current should not exceed 10 milliamperes, then the resistance value should
be 500 ohms. The same resistor also protects the transducer from damage due to
inadvertent connection of the 5 volt excitation to the output terminals.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 13
4.1.3.5 Insulation Resistance*
Expressed as "____megohms at ____volts dc between all transduction terminals in parallel and
the transducer case at a temperature of ____°C and 90% relative humidity."
NOTE — Although load impedance (the impedance presented to the output terminals of
the transducer by the associated external circuitry) is not a transducer but a system char-
acteristic, it affects the linearity defined in 4.2.4 and must be specified in order to define
loading error. A single, close-tolerance value of load impedance shall be specified for use
during all tests where not otherwise noted. To minimize loading error, the load impedance
to transduction element resistance ratio should be as large as practicable.
4.2.1 Range*
Expressed as "____to____radians/millimetres (degrees/inches)."
NOTE — Full scale output shall be omitted where adequately defined using End Points or
Error Band specifications.
4.2.4 Linearity
Expressed as "____ linearity shall be within ± ____% VR with specified load impedance."
NOTE — The linearity modifier shall be one of those defined in ISA-S37.1; namely end
point, independent, least squares, terminal, or theoretical slope. Linearity values are
dependent on load impedance.
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
14 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.2.5 Hysteresis*
Expressed as "____% VR."
Alternately, the concepts of 4.2.4 and 4.2.5 may be replaced by 4.2.6.
4.2.7 Repeatability*
Expressed as "within ____% VR over a period of ____hours."
Alternately, the concepts of 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, and 4.2.7 may be replaced by 4.2.8.
NOTES
1. End Point Line — a straight line between end points
2. Best Straight Line — a line midway between the two parallel lines closest together
and enclosing all output versus measured values
3. Least Square Line — a straight line for which the sum of the squares of the residuals
is minimized
4. Terminal line — a straight line between 0 and 100 percent of both measurand and
output
5. Theoretical Slope — a straight line between the theoretical end points
6. Other curves shall be defined if specified; e.g., mean-output curve
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
**Defined in 4.3
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 15
Alternately, 4.2.12 may be replaced by 4.2.13.
NOTE — The error shall be listed either for each of the three axes or for the axis with the
largest error; i.e., most sensitive axis.
NOTE — The error band shall be listed either for each of the three axes or for the axis with
the largest error; i.e., most sensitive axis.
NOTE — The error shall be listed either for each of the three axes or for the axis with the
largest error; i.e., most sensitive axis; and the program shall be detailed, preferably by a
graph.
NOTE — The error band shall be listed either for each of the three axes or for the axis with
the largest error; i.e., most sensitive axis, and the program shall be detailed, preferably by
a graph.
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
**Defined in 4.3
16 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.2.20 Cycling life*
Expressed as "____cycles at one fourth of the designated maximum operating frequency of the
transducers."
4.3.1 average resolution: The reciprocal of the total number of output steps over the unit range
multiplied by 100 and expressed in percent VR.
4.3.2 maximum excitation: The maximum allowable voltage (current) applied to the
potentiometric element at Room Conditions while maintaining all other performance characteristics
within their limits. (Note —The excitation value is particularly associated with temperature.)
*Defined in ISA-S37.1
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 17
4.3.3 mounting effects: The effects (errors) introduced into transducer performance during
installation caused by fastening of the unit or its mounting hardware or by irregularities of the surface
on (or to) which the transducer is mounted.
4.3.4 operating temperature range: The range in extremes of ambient temperature within which
the transducer must perform to the requirements of the "Temperature Error" or "Temperature Error
Band." (See 4.2.12 and 4.2.13, respectively.)
4.3.5 potentiometric element: The resistive part of the transduction element upon which the
wiper (movable contact) slides and across which excitation is applied. It may be constructed of a
continuous resistance or of small diameter wire wound on a form (mandrel).
4.3.6 wiper (movable contact): That portion of the potentiometric assembly which slides on the
resistance element. It is connected to a terminal and provides an electrical output as a function
of the shaft position relative to the body.
4.3.7 dielectric withstand voltage: The ability of insulated portions of the transducer to withstand
a specified overvoltage for a specified time without arcing or conduction above a specified current
value across the insulation.
4.3.8 tap: A connection to a potentiometric element along its length, frequently at the element's
center for use in providing bidirectional output.
4.3.9 worst resolution: The magnitude of the largest of all output steps over the unit range
expressed as percentage voltage ratio (%VR).
4.3.11 shaft position: An indication of the position of the wiper relative to a reference point.
4.3.12 noise (refer to noise test circuit): Noise is any spurious variation in the electrical output,
not present in the input. Noise is defined quantitatively in terms of an equivalent parasitic transient
resistance appearing between the wiper and the resistance element while the input shaft is being
moved.
The Equivalent Noise Resistance is established independently of the functional characteristics, in
the Noise test circuit. The wiper is required to be excited by a specified dc constant current
source. The Noise test circuit output measuring system is an oscilloscope with defined
frequency bandwidth or time constant. The magnitude of the Equivalent Noise Resistance is
measured as ohms variation while the input shaft is moved at a specified speed and observed as
peak-to-peak deflection on the oscilloscope.
For example: if the constant current is one milliampere dc and the oscilloscope deflection is
100 millivolts peak-to-peak, then the Equivalent Noise Resistance is 100 ohms.
18 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.4 Supplemental performance characteristics
NOTE — In order to protect the transducer from overload, the End Stops will normally be
placed beyond the maximum requirements for (desired) Mechanical Travel.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 19
4.4.9 Springloaded designs, initial force/torque
The force/torque required to move the shaft from its normal position of rest includes the force/
torque to overcome the spring forces plus the Starting Force/Torque. The attitude of the line of
action (direction of rotation) is specified.
20 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.4.19 Shaft radial play, angular position
The total radial excursion of the shaft, measured at a specified distance from the front surface of
the unit. A specified radial load is applied alternately in opposite directions at a specified point.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 21
Table 1 — Tabulated characteristics versus test requirements
This table is intended for use as quick reference for design and performance characteristics and
tests of their proper verification as contained in this Standard.
Characteristics Paragraph Required Supplemental Individual Qualification
Acceptance Test Test
Type of Displacement Sensed 4.1.1.1 X No Test
Configuration, Dimensions, Mount- 4.1.1.2 through X 5.2.1
ing Displacement Connection 4.1.1.4
Mounting Effects 4.1.1.5 X 6.4
Mass 4.1.1.6 X 6.3
Case Sealing 4.1.1.7 X 5.2.1
Dissimilar Metals 4.1.1.8 5.2.1
Identification 4.1.1.9 X 5.2.1
Case Material 4.1.2.1 X
Number of Potentiometric 4.1.2.2 X 5.2.2 through
Elements or Taps 5.2.6
Maximum and Minimum 4.1.2.3 X Special Test
Temperatures
Excitation 4.1.3.1 X 5.2.6
Maximum Excitation 4.1.3.2 X Special Test
Resistance of Transduction 4.1.3.3 X 5.2.2
Element
Electrical Connections 4.1.3.4 X 5.2.2
Insulation Resistance 4.1.3.5 X 5.2.3
Dielectric Withstand Voltage 4.1.3.6 X 5.2.4
Load Impedance 4.1.3.7 X 5.2.5 (partially) 6.5
Range 4.2.1 X 5.2.6
End Points 4.2.2 X 5.2.6
Full Scale Output 4.2.3 X 5.2.6
Linearity 4.2.4 X 5.2.5
Hysteresis 4.2.5 X 5.2.6
Combined Hysteresis and Linearity 4.2.6 X 5.2.6
Repeatability 4.2.7 X 5.2.6
Static Error Band 4.2.8 X 5.2.6
Resolution 4.2.9 X 6.2
Frequency Response 4.2.10 6.7
Operating Temperature Range 4.2.11 X 6.8
Temperature Error 4.2.12 X 6.8
Temperature Error Band 4.2.13 X 6.8
Acceleration Error 4.2.14 X 6.9
Acceleration Error Band 4.2.15 X 6.9
Vibration Error 4.2.16 X 6.10
Vibration Error Bands 4.2.17 X 6.10
Mounting Error 4.2.18 6.4
Loading Error 4.2.19 6.5
Cycling Life 4.2.20 X 6.12
Other Environmental Conditions 4.2.21 X 6.11
Noise 4.3.12 6.6
Storage Life 4.2.22 Special Test
(accelerated)
22 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
4.4.25 Total/mechanical travel, angular position transducer
The physical angle shaft may be rotated, from one stop to the other. This arc includes the
Electrical Travel and the Over-Travel. It may be located dimensionally from some convenient
output datum; e.g., ± ____radians (degrees) from the ____%VR output.
NOTE — Certain angular position transducers may be designed for continuous rotation.
4.4.27 Overtravel
The differences between the required Electrical Travel and Mechanical Travel which the shaft
may be moved (or rotated) beyond either or both ends of the Electrical Travel and during which
no electrical-output change occurs.
The basic equipment for acceptance tests and calibrations consists of a source of displacement,
a source of electrical excitation for the potentiometer, and a device which measures the electrical
output ratio of the transducer directly or as a ratio to excitation input (VR). The combined errors
or uncertainties of the calibration system consisting of these three components should be less
than one-fifth of the characteristic under evaluations. The traceability to national standards for
this measuring system shall be well known.
5.1.1 Displacement
The displacement source may be either continuously variable over the range of the instrument or
may give discrete steps as long as the steps can be programmed in such a manner that the
transition from one position to the next during calibration is accomplished without eliminating an
existing hysteresis (or friction) error of the transducer by overshoot or fluctuation.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 23
5.1.2 Stable excitation source of accurately known amplitude (unless VR is being measured)
Commonly used sources are chemical batteries such as dry cells and storage batteries or line-
powered, electronically regulated, power supplies. (A current limiting device shall be inserted in
series with the transducer to preclude accidental damage of the potentiometric element.)
Self-Balancing Ratiometer
Achievable Accuracy
1 part in 10,000
Results obtained during the calibration and testing shall be recorded on a data sheet similar to
the sample data sheet in Section 7, Figure 4 of this standard. Calibration and testing shall be
performed under Room Conditions as defined in ISA-S37.1 unless otherwise specified.
NOTES
1. The definitive paragraph under Performance Characteristics (Section 4) of this
document is listed beside each of the parameters for which the test results are
compared.
2. If more than one potentiometric element is used in the transducer, the performance
of every element shall be recorded on its own form.
3. Automatic or semi-automatic testing may be used and should be encouraged as a
means to minimize human error. The technique used should be established as
satisfactory relative to the manual method.
5.2.1 The transducer shall be inspected visually for mechanical defects, poor finish, and other
applicable mechanical characteristics of 4.1.1.
Configuration and Dimensions 4.1.1.2
Mounting and Mounting Dimensions 4.1.1.3
Displacement Connection 4.1.1.4
Identification 4.1.1.9
24 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
By use of special equipment, or by formal verification of production methods and materials used,
the following can be additionally determined:
Case Sealing 4.1.1.7
Dissimilar Metals 4.1.1.8
Case Material 4.1.2.1
NOTE — A resistance measuring device using constant current excitation and the four-wire
technique is preferred.
5.2.3 Measure the insulation resistance between all transduction element terminals (or leads)
connected in parallel and the case (and ground pin) of the transducer with a megohmmeter device,
using a potential of 50 volts unless otherwise specified.
Insulation Resistance 4.1.3.5
5.2.4 Verify the Dielectric Withstand Voltage** using sinusoidal ac voltage test with all transduction
element terminals (or leads) paralleled and tested to case and ground pin.
Dielectric Withstand Voltage** 4.1.3.6
5.2.5 The transducer shall be connected to the displacement source and secured as recommended
for its use. The appropriate excitation source and indicating instruments shall be properly con-
nected to the transducer and turned "on." Adequate warm-up time for indicating instruments shall
be allowed before tests are conducted. Electrical connections shall be checked for correctness of
hook-up including the appropriate load impedance (see 4.1.3.7).
Three complete calibration cycles shall be run consecutively. Excitation amplitude shall be
monitored as wired unless VR is measured.
Tapping, vibrating, or dithering the unit in any manner is not permitted unless specifically noted.
Approach the points gradually; do not overshoot. Do not exceed mechanical travel limits of the
unit.
Unless specified individual instructions are given dictating a unidirectional range transducer
requirement, all calibrations shall be accomplished as for bidirectional range transducers. The
calibration shall commence at the electrical center, 50.00 percent voltage ratio, representing zero
position for plus/minus equal range units. For biased plus/minus range units, the calculated ideal
electrical output voltage ratio, other than 50.00 percent voltage ratio above, shall be used as the
reference zero starting point.
**Defined in 4.3
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 25
Set the static calibration displacement fixture to a desirable reference "zero" position. Adjust the
transducer's shaft position in the fixture so that specified zero position output is obtained (this
may be done with aid of "Fine Adjustment" on the transducer if it is provided). Lock the
transducer shaft in the fixture.
Calibration displacement input increments will nominally be ten percent of the transducer's full
span, or ten percent of each available arc or segment for tapped potentiometers. A minimum
total of 11 input points (21 individual data points: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40,
30, 20, 10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 % VR) must be used for each calibration run on each available
arc or segment. For measurement units use "Radians" ("Degrees") for angular transducers,
"Millimeters" ("Inches") for linear transducers. Do not use fractions or mixed units (e.g., degrees
and minutes); use only simple decimal multiples of the above units.
Record eo/ei in terms of % VR.
Fill in the "Theoretical % VR" Column by calculating the eo/ei values in accordance with the
transducer specification.
Perform three full range, increasing and decreasing calibration cycles, using selected measurand
levels. Record eo/ei in percent VR units under the "Run 1," "Run 2," and "Run 3," respectively.
Record the largest plus and minus deviations observed from the theoretical/calculated/predicted
values. Record these deviations under "maximum error." Show polarity of error for each entry.
Examine the "Maximum Error" column. Show the largest "plus" and largest "minus" error as
"Error Band" in the appropriate spaces on the form. Show error band allowed by the applicable
specification.
Or, in lieu of the error band concept, use the Best Straight Line.
5.2.6 In order to verify performance between the discrete levels and to assure absence of noise,
a full-scale X-Y plot shall be obtained, preferably inscribed diagonally across the test record form,
by applying increasing, then decreasing, displacement to the transducer, and simultaneously to a
reference transducer having continuous resolution and suitable linearity, each connected to one
axis input of the plotter.
From the data obtained during these tests, the following characteristics should be determined:
End Points 4.2.2
Full Scale Output 4.2.3
Linearity 4.2.4
Hysteresis 4.2.5
(or Hysteresis and Linearity) 4.2.6
Repeatability 4.2.7
26 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
6 Qualification test procedures
Qualification Tests shall be performed as applicable using the test forms of Section 7 as required.
Upon completion of all testing, the form of Figure 9 shall be used to summarize all testing.
The tests and procedures of Section 5 shall be run to establish reference performance during
increasing (and decreasing) steps of 50, 60, 80, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40, 20, 0, 20, 40, 50 percent VR
minimum.
An X-Y plotter shall be connected so that the transducer output is connected to the X-Axis and a
continuous-resolution reference transducer to the Y-Axis input of the plotter. As the displacement
to both transducers is slowly increased (simultaneously on both transducers), the number of
steps shall be recorded from 0 to 100 percent of the test transducer's range. The following shall
be determined:
Resolution (Average and Worst)** 4.2.9
The transducer mass shall be determined on an appropriate balance scale. The following shall
be established:
Mass 4.1.1.6
The mounting of the actual installation shall be duplicated as closely as possible following
specific instructions and one calibration run performed. The following shall be established:
Mounting Error 4.2.18
Mounting Effect 4.1.1.5
Approximately 67 percent of full range (span) displacement shall be applied to the transducer, the
resultant output shall be measured open-circuited, then the specified load impedance (4.1.3.7)
shall be connected across the output terminals and the output measured again. The following
shall be verified:
Loading Error 4.2.19
**Defined in 4.3
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 27
NOTE — The resistance of the ratiometer or other indicating instrument must be taken into
account. If the transducer is to be used with other values of load impedance, the corre-
sponding loading error can be verified in the same manner.
The loading error of a potentiometric transducer is variable with wiper position, ranging from zero
at both extremes to a maximum value at approximately 67 percent VR. As a first approximation
the percentage error is equal to fifteen times the ratio of the transduction element resistance to
the loading resistance. Unless otherwise stated, assembly adjustments of the transducer apply to
the open circuit conditions at the output terminals.
Using an oscilloscope and a ____ milliampere dc constant current source, the output of the Noise
Test Circuit shall be less than ____ millivolts peak-to-peak, representing less than ____ ohms
equivalent resistance variation in the wiper. This test shall be conducted at representative high
and low input shaft speeds, which shall be specified.
NOTE — The input shaft of a potentiometric angular displacement transducer, which does
not include mechanical stops, may be rotated continuously and hence easily subjected to
a constant angular speed for dynamic considerations.
Most other potentiometric angular or linear displacement transducers may conveniently be driven
dynamically, using a sinusoidal motion for the input stimulus.
28 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
6.7 Dynamic response test (Figure 7b as applicable)
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 29
6.8.4 Post high temperature test (at room conditions) (Figure 6)
The tests of 6.7.2 shall be repeated after stabilization of the transducer at room temperature for
one hour.
NOTE — If required, thermal and post-thermal zero shift and sensitivity shift also may be
calculated from the results of these tests.
Acceleration shall be imposed on the transducer in three orthogonal directions by tilting it in the
earth's gravitational field or by placing it on a centrifuge. A specific acceleration level shall be
applied on specified axes, and the output measured. The following shall be established:
Acceleration Error 4.2.14
or
Acceleration Error Band 4.2.15
With specified measurand levels applied, the transducer shall be vibrated along specified axes at
specified acceleration amplitudes over the specified frequency range within an electro-magnetic
or hydraulic shaker. The transducer output shall be recorded with a high-speed recorder. The
following shall be established:
Vibration Error 4.2.16
or
Vibration Error Band 4.2.17
NOTE — If so specified, the vibration error band can be established as the algebraic sum
of maximum vibration errors and the last previously obtained static error band.
The transducer shall be exposed to other specified environmental conditions. As specified for
each condition, one complete calibration cycle shall be performed during or after the test to
establish the ability of the transducer to perform satisfactorily.
See 4.2.21.
After applying the specified number of full range excursions of measurand, or after completion of
each of several specified portions of the total number of cycles, at least one complete calibration
cycle shall be performed to establish minimum value of
Cycling Life 4.2.20
30 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
7 Test report forms
7.1 The test report forms listed are recommended for use during the testing of Potentiometric
Displacement Transducers.
7.2 When using the forms, all pertinent information shall be inserted in its proper place. On some
forms, blank space has been provided for additional tests. Where the test is prolonged; e.g., Cycling
Life, more than one form may be required.
7.3 Individual Acceptance Tests and Calibrations (Figure 4). Used during acceptance testing of
Section 5.
Initial Performance Tests and Calibrations (Figure 5). Used for establishing the reference
performance for comparison to other test results.
Environmental Test Record (Figure 6). Used for Temperature, Maximum Temperature, Life and
other environmental tests.
Dynamic Response Tests (Figure 7). Used for recording test results of Frequency Response.
(Note — Use 7a or 7b as applicable.)
Acceleration/Vibration Tests (Figure 8). Used to record Acceleration and Vibration Test results.
Test Summary (Figure 9). Used to compile the results of all testing.
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 31
Figure 4 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Individual
Acceptance Tests and Calibrations
32 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
Figure 5 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Initial Performance Test
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 33
Figure 6 — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Environmental Test Record
34 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
Figure 7a — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Dynamic Response Tests
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 35
Figure 7b — Potentiometric Displacement Transducer Dynamic Response Tests
(Sinusoidal Method)
36 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
Figure 8 — Acceleration/Vibration Test Report
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 37
Figure 9 — Transducer Test Report
38 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
Annex A — References
ISA
ISA S37.3-1982 Specifications and Tests for Strain Gage Pressure Transducers.
(R 1995)
ISA S37.5-1982 Specifications and Tests for Strain Gage Linear Acceleration
(R 1995) Transducers
ISA S37.10-1982 Specifications and Tests for Piezoelectric Pressure and Sound
(R 1995) Pressure Transducers
MISCELLANEOUS
ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995) 39
MIL-R-19B, Resistor Variable, Wirebound, Precision, General Specification for.
MIL-R-39023, Resistor Variable Nonwire-wound, Precision, General Specification for.
MIL-STD-202D, Test Methods for Electronic and Electrical Component Parts.
MIL-STD-810B, Environmental Test Methods
NAS710, Resistors; Variable, Precision.
Neubert, H. K. P., Instrument Transducers, Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1963.
40 ISA-S37.12-1982 (R1995)
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