Application
The ActionI/Q Q468 is useful in applications requiring an isolated, conditioned DC output from an AC signal. Typical applications include energy management, load shedding, motor current/load monitoring, locked rotor detection, isolation and data acquisition. The output of the Q468 can drive a digital meter for direct display or can interface with alarm or control devices including PLCs and computers.

Touchcal Technology
The Q468 utilizes Action Instruments’ TouchCAL technology which greatly simplifies calibration. Once the unit is configured via DIP switches for voltage or current, the push-button is used to precisely calibrate the minimum and maximum levels.

To set the input level within the dip switch configured range, the user simply applies the high input signal (voltage or current) and pushes the CAL button. The low input signal is then applied and pushing the CAL button again stores the low input signal.

The high and low input levels are stored in nonvolatile memory and correspond to the high and low output levels. These output levels are precisely adjusted using the input signal.

Diagnostic LEDs
The Q468 has three diagnostic LEDs. One green LED, labeled RUN, is used for diagnostics to indicate that power is on, and it will flash quickly if the input signal is above the configured range. The RUN LED is continuously on when the unit is functioning within the configured range.

The yellow IN LED is on while calibrating the input and the red OUT LED is on while calibrating the output.

Configuration
A major advantage of the Q468 is its wide ranging capabilities and ease of configuration. The Q468 can be configured for input ranges from 50mV to 300V or 5mA to 100mA, with >90% input offset or it will adjust down to <10% of full scale input span (except on 100mV/10mA range where maximum offset or gain adjustment is 50%).

Unless a specific custom calibration is specified, the factory presets the Model Q468 as follows:

Regarding other I/O ranges, refer to Table 1 for input range (SW1) switch settings, Table 3 for input function settings and Table 2 for output ranges (SW2). For quick and easy calibration mode reference, see the step-by-step flow chart in Figure 1.

1. With power off, snap off the face plate by lifting the right edge, away from the heat sink. Then, slide the heat sink forward and off the module.
2. Choose the desired input, function and output range from Table 1, 2, and 3. Set the dip switches for the desired I/O.

Calibration
For best results, calibration should be performed in the operating installation, allowing at least one hour for thermal stability of the system. If pre-calibration on a test bench is preferred, then an output load equal to the input impedance of the device(s) connected to the Q468 output is recommended, along with a 1 hour warm up period.

1. For best results install the module on to a piece of DIN rail or the I/Q Rail mounting accessories if desired. See the I/Q Rail Data sheet for details.
2. Connect the input to a calibrated AC source and the output to a voltage or current meter. Apply power and allow the system to reach thermal equilibrium (approx. 1 hour ).
3. Adjust the input signal to the desired maximum and observe that the green LED is on or flashing. Push the CAL button and hold it down for more than 5 seconds, until the yellow and Green LEDs are flashing.
4. When the yellow and green LEDs stop flashing, the yellow and red LEDs should be on. Push the CAL button momentarily, the yellow and green LEDs should now be on.
5. Apply the exact maximuminput signal level desired, if not already applied, then push the CAL button to store. The yellow LED should now be on.
6. Apply the exact minimum input signal level desired, then push the CAL button to store. The green and red LED should now be on.
7. Adjust the input signal up, until the output is precisely at the desired maximum level (e.g. 20.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The red LED should be on.
8. Adjust the input signal level down, until the output is precisely at the desired minimum level (e.g. 4.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The yellow, green and red LEDs should now be on.
9. To finish calibration, push the CAL button one final time. The green LED should be on if the input is within the calibrated range.