Overview

EPAD2 series modules are isolated signal conditioners for temperature and low voltages, which have their own 24-bit ADCs on board. Therefore, they output digitized data right into your Dewetron system, or another computer via a small interface. EPAD2 series modules have a built-in RS485 interface, and every Dewetron platform has an EPAD interface that allows it to be plugged directly in. This port will power the EPAD2 modules and also take their data in real time, directly into Dewesoft.



All EPAD2 series modules are ISOLATED. This is important to preserve signal integrity in challenging measurement environments (which is basically ALL measuring environments except a laboratory!). Thus even with thermocouples which output a tiny millivolt signal, you will get clean crisp data from your Dewetron isolated signal conditioning. EPAD2 modules have an RS485 serial interface -- if you prefer a CAN BUS interface, please see the CPAD2 series of modules.



There are a few different modules in this series, as shown on these tabs. Here is a short overview - please use the tabs on this page to see more details about each of the available modules:

EPAD2-TH8-J, K, and T
Isolated thermocouple module with 8 channels. Available in J, K, or T format (other types upon request - special charges apply).
Thermocouples are fully linearized, and brilliant on-board CJC (cold junction compensation) ensures accurate readings under a wide range of ambient conditions.

EPAD2-RTD8
Isolated thermoresistance (RTD) module, for several different kinds of RTD sensors and hook-ups.
Provides sensor power and self-heating temperature management.
Available with a DB25 connector (break-out box to 9-pin DSUBs available), or with 8 LEMO connectors on board

EPAD2-V8
Isolated voltage module with 8 channels, with measuring ranges up to ±50V.



The EPAD2-V8 module has only room for a DB25 connector, therefore we offer several different breakout boxes, available with either BNC connectors, or banana jacks. Please see the tab for the EPAD2-V8 module.

EPAD2-TH8

This module has the following key features:

• Isolated thermocouple module with 8 input channels
• Thermocouple inputs on standard mini connectors
• 350 V isolation, all channels!
• High precision, 24-bit A/D converter per channel
• 12 Hz sampling rate (outputs ~1 Hz)
• Also available with Lemo sockets
• RS485 serial interface

Above - the EPAD2-TH8 is shown with type K inputs. Types J and T are also available, and other types are available upon special order. Please consult with Dewetron regarding your requirements.

Specifications
Please download the PDF using the downloads page.

EPAD2-RTD8

This module has the following key features:

• Isolated RTD (thermoresistive) module with 8 input channels
• Handles Pt100, Pt200, Pt500 sensors
• Available with a DB25 connector and breakout box, or with 8 built-in LEMO connectors
• 350 V isolation, all channels!
• High precision, 24-bit A/D converter per channel
• 12 Hz sampling rate (outputs ~1 Hz)
• Also available with Lemo sockets
• RS485 serial interface

Above - three EPAD2-RTD8 modules are shown with the LEMO connector option. A DSUB25 pin connector is also available - if you use that version, then you would need the PAD-CB8-RTD breakout box as shown below. This breakout provides 8 separate DB9 connectors and a 2 meter cable. This breakout box is also compatible with the PAD-TH8-P module, and turns it into an RTD module.



Specifications
Please download the PDF using the link at the top of this page.

EPAD2-V8

This module has the following key features:

• Isolated voltage module with 8 input channels
• Measuring ranges up to ±50V
• 25-pin DSUB connector on the module - breakout boxes available for banana and BNC
• 350 V isolation, all channels!
• High precision, 24-bit A/D converter per channel
• 12 Hz sampling rate (outputs ~1 Hz)
• Also available with Lemo sockets
• RS485 serial interface

Above - the EPAD-V8 is shown with the DB25 connector. To this you can attach a break-out box with either banana jacks or BNC connectors.



Specifications
Please download the PDF using the link at the top of this page.

Options

There are a variety of options and accessories available for your EPAD2 modules:

Cables
LEMO-to-LEMO cables are available to daisy chain the modules together. There is an input and output connector on each module to make daisy-chaining as easy as possible.
Please choose cable lengths from the following list:
◦ 0.2 meters (7.8 inches)
◦ 0.5 meters (19.6 inches)
◦ 2 meters (6.5 feet)
◦ 5 meters (16.4 feet)

If you need a special length, please discuss it with your Dewetron sales engineer, and we can make it for you. This is never a problem.

Interface box
If you are going to connect the EPAD2 module(s) to a Dewetron chassis, then you have nothing to worry about -- all chasses made since 2004 have an EPAD connector on them already. Just a short interface cable might be needed if you don't have a LEMO connector (in the past, we have used a DB15 connector for the EPAD, as well as a round BINDER connector). Adapters are easily available to connect your first EPAD2 to the chassis - then after that simply use the LEMO to LEMO cables to daisy chain more modules to the first one.

But if you want to connect your EPAD2 modules to your own computer, then you need the small interface and power unit that we call the EPAD-BASE2. This interface connects to your computer via USB (it also has CAN BUS!), and provides a LEMO connector to the first EPAD2 module as well. It has a small AC/DC power adapter, since the USB port cannot provide enough power for multiple EPAD2 modules. It comes with a driver for DEWESoft, so simply connect this EPAD-BASE2 to your computer, load the driver, and you will be recording in moments. The EPAD-BASE2 is very small and easy to put anywhere.


Above - some EPADs with the EPAD-BASE2 in the center, connected to your notebook computer

Mounting options
CPAD2 and EPAD2 modules have built-in captive machine screws and matching tapped holes that allow you to stack them together and fasten them securely. A small L shaped allen wrench is included, so that you can easily put the modules together, or to release them when needed.

When it comes to mounting them to a fixed surface, several methods are available. First, you can simply use cable ties to fasten these modules for temporary duty:



Next, a DIN rail mounting clip is available as an option. This clip mounts to the back of the module and allows you to clip it to a standard DIN rail:



Now we can see several modules mounted to a DIN rail:



And you can always use self tapping or wood screws to fasten the module to a surface like wood or thin metal, as shown here in profile.