Analogue input motor control
Analogue input
In HVAC control systems, the analogue input is typically used with input sensors which produce a voltage, current or resistance change in response to an environmental variations or system measurements or sometimes with a control device, such as a potentiometer, providing the needed output signal.
Connect a sensor
Sensors in control systems often produce analogue signals that vary in voltage, current, or resistance based on the parameter they are measuring. For instance, a temperature sensor might output a voltage signal proportional to the temperature it senses.
Analogue inputs are designed to capture and interpret signals from sensors that monitor environmental variations or specific parameters within a system. This can include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors and more.
By continuously monitoring analogue signals from sensors, the control system can make real-time decisions and adjustments to maintain desired conditions or respond to changes in the environment.
Analogue inputs may be connected to Sentera's various types of sensors, controllers and transmitters. The control system uses the signals from these devices to regulate the operation of heating or cooling elements, fans, and other components to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Connect a potentiometer
The analogue input can be connected to and external potentiometer providing 0-10 V control signal. In this way, a motor can be regulated based on the input provided by the potentiometer.
Minimum speed trimmer
The internal minimum speed trimmer built into Sentera’s variable fan speed controllers is intended for setting the minimum speed sufficiently high to prevent motor overheating and buzzing at low speeds. This is a one-time screwdriver adjustment to an exact desired value. This how we avoid motor stalling.
Maximum speed trimmer
Apart from Sentera's standard minimum speed trimmer, some of the variable fan speed controllers in this group feature a maximum speed trimmer. Thanks to it, the maximum speed of the fan can be restricted, irrespective of the potentiometer position.
Using the two trimmers, you can set the speed within the desired limits thus realizing energy saving and extending the motor service life.
Kick start
Some series feature a kick start mode, meaning that when enabled, the fan starts running at maximum speed for a limited time period.
Off level trimmer
The standard off level trimmer sets the level at which the motors stops. The motor stops when the analogue input drops below the off level.
Standalone or Modbus operated
Sentera’s variable fan speed controllers with an analogue input feature Modbus RTU communication, which means they can be operated using Sentera’s free software suite 3SM Center. However, all of them also feature dip switches and jumpers to set the unit as a standalone device without the need to connect it to a computer.
Single and three phase
Sentera’s product range of variable fan speed controllers featuring analogue input comprises single-phase controllers supplied with 230 VAC and three-phase controllers supplied with 400 VAC.
Different enclosures
Sentera offers controllers with analogue input with different IP protection rating and mounting possibilities:
• DIN rail mounted enclosures designed for mounting electrical equipment in a cabinet or on a subpanel with IP30 rating. These include the three-phase and single-phase controllers.
• Industrial enclosures, providing robust protection in demanding environments with IP54 rating, used in the single-phase controllers only.