USB-5201
Thermocouple Measurement and Data Logger

User's Guide

Document Revision 11A
January 2015
© Copyright 2015

Trademark and Copyright Information
Measurement Computing Corporation, InstaCal, Universal Library, and the Measurement Computing logo areeither trademarks or registered trademarks of Measurement Computing Corporation. Refer to the Copyrights &Trademarks section on mccdaq.com/legal for more information about Measurement Computing trademarks.
Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective
companies.
© 2015 Measurement Computing Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, by
photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Measurement Computing
Corporation.
NoticeMeasurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for
use in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing
Corporation. Life support devices/systems are devices or systems that, a) are intended for surgical implantation
into the body, or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result ininjury. Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are
not subject to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis ofpeople.

HM USB-5201

2

Table of Contents
Preface

About this Manual ................................................................................................................................. 5
Conventions ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-5201 .................................................................................................................... 6
Logging data with the USB-5201 ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Functional block diagram ................................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2

Installing the USB-5201 ........................................................................................................................ 8
Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Installing the software ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Installing the hardware ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Firmware revision 2.12 and earlier ................................................................................................................................... 8
Firmware revision 3.0 and later ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Configuring the hardware ................................................................................................................................... 8
Configuring data logging options...................................................................................................................................... 9

Calibrating the hardware..................................................................................................................................... 9
Factory calibration ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Field-calibration ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 3

Sensor Connections ........................................................................................................................... 10
Screw terminal pinout ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Thermocouple inputs .......................................................................................................................................................10
CJC sensors......................................................................................................................................................................10
Digital I/O ........................................................................................................................................................................11
Power outputs ..................................................................................................................................................................11
Ground terminals .............................................................................................................................................................11

Thermocouple connections ............................................................................................................................... 11
Wiring configuration........................................................................................................................................................11

Digital I/O connections ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Configuring the DIO channels to generate alarms ...........................................................................................................12
Chapter 4

Functional Details ............................................................................................................................... 13
Thermocouple measurements ........................................................................................................................... 13
Cold junction compensation (CJC) ..................................................................................................................................13
Data linearization .............................................................................................................................................................13
Open-thermocouple detection (OTD) ..............................................................................................................................13

External components ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Screw terminals................................................................................................................................................................14
USB connector .................................................................................................................................................................14
LED .................................................................................................................................................................................14
CompactFlash memory card slot......................................................................................................................................15
Data logging button .........................................................................................................................................................16

External power supply ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Disconnecting the USB-5201 from the computer ............................................................................................. 16
Transferring binary data after a logging session ............................................................................................... 17
Converting binary data after a logging session ................................................................................................. 17

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Chapter 5

Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Analog input ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Channel configuration ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Accuracy ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
Thermocouple measurement accuracy .............................................................................................................................19

Throughput rate to PC ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Digital I/O ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Temperature alarms .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Memory ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Microcontroller ................................................................................................................................................. 21
Data logging ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Real-time clock ................................................................................................................................................. 23
USB +5V voltage ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Power ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
USB specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Environmental .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Mechanical ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Screw terminal connector ................................................................................................................................. 24
Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................. 26

4

Preface

About this ManualThis document describes the Measurement Computing USB-5201 data acquisition device and lists device
specifications.

Conventions
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information related to the subject matter.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
bold text

Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.

italic text

Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.

Where to find more information
Additional information about USB-5201 hardware is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You canalso contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.






Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Tech support form: www.mccdaq.com/support/support_form.aspx
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.

5Chapter 1

Introducing the USB-5201
The USB-5201 provides eight differential thermocouple input channels and two integrated cold junction
compensation (CJC) sensors. You can take measurements from type J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
An open thermocouple detection feature lets you detect a broken thermocouple. An on-board microprocessor
automatically linearizes the measurement data.
Eight independent, TTL-compatible digital I/O channels are provided to monitor TTL-level inputs,
communicate with external devices, and to generate alarms. The digital I/O channels are software
programmable for input or output.
The USB-5201 features eight independent temperature alarms. Each alarm controls an associated digital I/O
channel as an alarm output. The input to each alarm is one of the temperature input channels. The output of each
alarm is software configurable as active high or low. You set up the temperature threshold conditions to activate
each alarm. When an alarm is activated, the associated DIO channel is driven to the output state.
You can log your measurements to a CompactFlash® memory card. CompactFlash is a removable non-volatilestorage device. A 512 MB CompactFlash memory card is shipped with the device to store your data. For more
information, refer to the section Logging data with the USB-5201 below.
The USB-5201 device is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports. The speed of the device may belimited when using a USB 1.1 port due to the difference in transfer rates on the USB 1.1 versions of the
protocol (low-speed and full-speed).
External power is required for data logging operations
Due to processing limitations, you cannot log data to the memory card when the USB-5201 is connected to yourcomputer's active USB bus. When operating as a data logger, disconnect the USB cable from the computer, andconnect the external power supply shipped with the device.
The USB-5201 is a standalone plug-and-play device. External power is required for data logging mode only. All
configurable options are software-programmable. The USB-5201 is fully software-calibrated.

Logging data with the USB-5201
The USB-5201 has many software-selectable options for setting up data logging.
You can record:

temperature (° C) or raw data from selected input channels
timestamp data
CJC sensor readings

You can specify the number of seconds between samples. You can begin logging data at power up, when youpress the data logging button, or at a specific date and time.
Data is stored on the memory card in binary files. After logging measurements, you can transfer the files to yourcomputer. You can use InstaCal to convert the files to .csv format for use in Microsoft Excel files, or to .txt
format for use in other applications.

6

USB-5201 User's Guide

Introducing the USB-5201

Functional block diagram
USB-5201 functions are illustrated in the block diagram shown here.

Figure 1. Functional block diagram

7

Chapter 2

Installing the USB-5201
UnpackingAs with any electronic device, you should take care while handling to avoid damage from static
electricity. Before removing the device from its packaging, ground yourself using a wrist strap or by simply
touching the computer chassis or other grounded object to eliminate any stored static charge.
Contact us immediately if any components are missing or damaged.

Installing the software
Refer to the MCC DAQ Quick Start for instructions on installing the software on the MCC DAQ CD. Refer tothe device product page on the Measurement Computing website for information about the included andoptional software supported by the USB-5201.
Install the software before you install your device
The driver needed to run the USB-5201 is installed with the software. Therefore, you need to install thesoftware package you plan to use before you install the hardware.

Installing the hardware
To connect the USB-5201 to your system, turn your computer on, and connect the USB cable to a USB port onyour computer or to an external USB hub that is connected to your computer. The USB cable provides powerand communication to the USB-5201.
If you are connecting the USB-5201 to an external self-powered hub, connect the USB hub to the computer
before you connect the device to the hub. This ensures that the device detects the hub as an active USB port.

Firmware revision 2.12 and earlier
When you connect the USB-5201 for the first time, a Found New Hardware dialog opens when the operating
system detects the device. When this balloon or dialog closes, the installation is complete. The device LEDshould blink and then remain on; this indicates that communication is established between the device and thecomputer.

Firmware revision 3.0 and later
The USB-5201 installs as a composite device with separate devices attached. When you connect thedevice for the first time, a Found New Hardware dialog opens as each device interface is detected. This isnormal. For additional information, refer to the "Notes on installing and using the USB-5201 and 18200-80 data
logging devices" that shipped with the USB-5201.
After the device is installed its LED will blink and then remain on. This indicates that communication isestablished between the device and the computer.

Configuring the hardware
All hardware configuration options on the USB-5201 are software-selectable. Settings are stored on an isolated
microcontroller in EEPROM – which is non-volatile memory on the USB-5201 – and are loaded on power-up.
The factory default configuration is Type J thermocouple.
Allow the USB-5201 to warm up for 30 minutes before taking measurements. This warm up time minimizes
thermal drift and achieves the specified rated accuracy of measurements.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Installing the USB-5201

Configuring data logging options
The following data logging options are programmable with software.







select the input channels to log
set the data format
set the start mode
set up alarm conditions
copy and convert saved binary files
delete data files

All data logging options are stored on the USB-5201 in non-volatile memory in EEPROM, and are loaded on
power up.

Calibrating the hardware
Factory calibration
The Measurement Computing Manufacturing Test department performs the initial factory calibration. Returnthe device to Measurement Computing Corporation when calibration is required. The recommended calibrationinterval is one year.

Field-calibration
The USB-5201 supports field-calibration with InstaCal. Calibrate the device whenever the ambient temperaturechanges by more than ±10 °C from the last self-calibration.
Allow the USB-5201 to operate for at least 30 minutes before calibrating.

9

Chapter 3

Sensor Connections
The USB-5201 supports type types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouples.
Thermocouple selection
The thermocouple type you select depends on your application needs. Review the temperature ranges andaccuracies of each type to determine which is best suited for your application.

Screw terminal pinout
The USB-5201 has four rows of screw terminals – two rows on the top edge of the housing, and two rows on
the bottom edge. Each row has 26 connections. Between each bank of screw terminals are two integrated CJC
sensors used for thermocouple measurements. Signals are identified in Figure 2.

Figure 2. USB-5201 screw terminal pin numbers

Use 16 AWG to 30 AWG wire for your signal connections. Do not connect anything to the pins labeled RSVD.
Tighten screw terminal connections
When making connections to the screw terminals, fully tighten the screw. Simply touching the top of the screw
terminal is not sufficient to make a proper connection.

Thermocouple inputs
You can connect up to eight thermocouples to the differential sensor inputs (C0H/C0L to C7H/C7L).
Thermocouple types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B are supported.

CJC sensors
The USB-5201 has two built in high-resolution temperature sensors. One sensor is located on the right side of
the package, and one sensor is located on the left side.
10USB-5201 User's Guide

Sensor Connections

Digital I/O
You can connect up to eight digital I/O lines to the screw terminals labeled DIO0 to DIO7. Each terminal issoftware-configurable for input or output. If a digital bit is set up as an alarm, the bit is configured for output on
power-up, and assumes the state defined by the alarm configuration.

Power outputs
The two +5V output terminals are isolated (500 VDC) from the USB +5V.
Caution! Each +5V terminal is an output. Do not connect to an external power supply to these terminals or
you may damage the USB-5201 and possibly the computer.

Ground terminals
The six analog ground terminals (GND) provide a common ground for the input channels and DIO bits and are
isolated (500 VDC) from the USB GND.

Thermocouple connections
A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined together at one end. When the junction of themetals is heated or cooled, a voltage is produced that correlates to temperature.
The USB-5201 makes fully-differential thermocouple measurements without the need of ground-referencing
resistors. A 32-bit floating point value in either a voltage or temperature format is returned by software. An
open thermocouple detection feature is available for each analog input which automatically detects an open or
broken thermocouple.
Use InstaCal to select the thermocouple type (J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B) and one or more sensor input channels
to connect the thermocouple.

Wiring configuration
Connect the thermocouple to the USB-5201 using a differential configuration, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Typical thermocouple connection

Connect thermocouples to the USB-5201 such that they are floating with respect to GND. The ground pins are
isolated from earth ground, so you can connect thermocouple sensors to voltages referenced to earth ground aslong as the isolation between the GND pins and earth ground is maintained.
When thermocouples are attached to conductive surfaces, the voltage differential between multiple
thermocouples must remain within ±1.4 V. For best results, you should use insulated or ungrounded
thermocouples when possible.
Maximum input voltage between analog input and ground
The absolute maximum input voltage between an analog input and the isolated GND pins is ±25 VDC when thedevice is powered on, and ±40 VDC when the device is powered off.
If you need to increase the length of your thermocouple, use the same type of thermocouple wires to minimize
the error introduced by thermal EMFs.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Sensor Connections

Digital I/O connections
You can connect up to eight digital I/O lines to the screw terminals labeled DIO0 to DIO7. You can configure
each digital bit for either input or output. All digital I/O lines are pulled up to +5 V with a 47 kΩ resistor(default). You can request the factory to configure the resistor for pull-down to ground, if desired.
Caution! If a digital bit is set up as an alarm, the bit will be configured for output on power-up, and assume
the state defined by the alarm configuration.
When you configure the digital bits for input, you can use the USB-5201 digital I/O terminals to detect the stateof any TTL-level input. Refer to the schematic shown in Figure 4. If you set the switch to the +5 V input, DIO0
reads TRUE (1). If you move the switch to GND, DIO0 reads FALSE (0).

Figure 4. Schematic showing switch detection by digital channel DIO0

Caution! All ground pins are common and are isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made to earth
ground when using digital I/O and conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer
isolated. In this case, thermocouples must not be connected to any conductive surfaces that may bereferenced to earth groundFor general information regarding digital signal connections and digital I/O techniques, refer to the Guide to
Signal Connections (available on our web site at www.mccdaq.com/signals/signals.pdf).

Configuring the DIO channels to generate alarms
The USB-5201 features eight independent temperature alarms. All alarm options are software configurable.
When a digital bit is configured as an alarm, that bit is configured as an output on the next power cycle andassumes the state defined by the alarm configuration.
Each alarm controls an associated digital I/O channel as an alarm output. The input to each alarm is one of thetemperature input channels. You set up the temperature conditions to activate an alarm, and the output state of
the channel (active high or low) when activated. When an alarm is activated, its associated DIO channel isdriven to the output state specified.
The alarm configurations are stored in non-volatile memory and are loaded on power up. The temperature
alarms function both in data logging mode and while attached to the USB port on a computer.

12

Chapter 4

Functional Details
Thermocouple measurements
A thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined together at one end. When the junction of themetals is heated or cooled, a voltage is produced that correlates to temperature.
The USB-5201 hardware level-shifts the thermocouple’s output voltage into the A/D’s common mode input
range by applying +2.5 V to the thermocouple’s low side at the C#L input. Always connect thermocouple
sensors to the USB-5201 in a floating fashion. Do not attempt to connect the thermocouple low side C#L to
GND or to a ground referencing resistor.

Cold junction compensation (CJC)
When you connect the thermocouple sensor leads to the sensor input channel, the dissimilar metals at the USB5201 terminal blocks produce an additional thermocouple junction. This junction creates a small voltage error
term which must be removed from the overall sensor measurement using a cold junction compensation
technique. The measured voltage includes both the thermocouple voltage and the cold junction voltage. To
compensate for the additional cold junction voltage, the USB-5201 subtracts the cold junction voltage from thethermocouple voltage.
The USB-5201 has two high-resolution temperature sensors that are integrated into the design of the USB-5201.
One sensor is located on the right side of the package, and one sensor is located at the left side. The CJC sensors
measure the average temperature at the terminal blocks so that the cold junction voltage can be calculated. A
software algorithm automatically corrects for the additional thermocouples created at the terminal blocks bysubtracting the calculated cold junction voltage from the analog input's thermocouple voltage measurement.
Increasing the thermocouple length
If you need to increase the length of your thermocouple, use the same type of thermocouple wires to minimize
the error introduced by thermal EMFs.

Data linearization
After the CJC correction is performed on the measurement data, an on-board microcontroller automaticallylinearizes the thermocouple measurement data using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
linearization coefficients for the selected thermocouple type.
The measurement data is then output as a 32-bit floating point value in the configured format (voltage ortemperature).

Open-thermocouple detection (OTD)
The USB-5201 is equipped with an open-thermocouple detection for each analog input channel. With OTD, any
open-circuit or short-circuit condition at the thermocouple sensor is detected by the software. An open channel
is detected by driving the input voltage to a negative value outside the range of any thermocouple output. The
software recognizes this as an invalid reading and flags the appropriate channel. The software continues tosample all channels when OTD is detected.
Input leakage current
With open-thermocouple detection enabled, 105 nA (max.) of input leakage current is injected into thethermocouple. This current can cause an error voltage to develop across the lead resistance of the thermocouple
that is indistinguishable from the thermocouple voltage you are measuring. You can estimate this error voltage
with the following formula:error voltage = resistance of the thermocouple x 105 nA

To reduce the error, reduce the length of the thermocouple to lower its resistance, or lower the AWG of the wireby using a wire with a larger diameter. With open-thermocouple detection disabled, 30 nA (max.) of input
leakage current is injected into the thermocouple.
13

USB-5201 User's Guide

Functional Details

External components
The USB-5201 has the following external components, as shown in Figure 5.
Screw terminals
USB connector
LED
CompactFlash slot with memory card

1
2
3

Screw terminal pins 1 to 26
Screw terminal pins 27 to 52
LED

4
5
6

Data logging button
CompactFlash memory card slot (with card)
USB connector

Figure 5. External component locations

Screw terminals
The device's four banks of screw terminals are for connecting temperature sensors and digital I/O lines. Theseterminals also provide ground and power output connections. Refer to the Sensor Connections chapter for screw
terminal descriptions.

USB connector
When not logging data, connect the USB cable to a USB port on your computer or to an external USB hub thatis connected to your computer. When connected to an active USB bus, the device's USB connector provides+5 V power and communication. The voltage supplied through the USB connector is system-dependent, andmay be less than 5 V. No external power supply is required.
Due to processing limitations, you cannot log data when the device is attached to an active USB bus. For data
logging operations, connect the device's USB connector to the external power supply.

LED
The LED uses up to 5 mA of current. The function of the LED varies according to whether the USB-5201 isconnected to an active USB port, or when the device is logging data and connected to the external power
supply.
Refer to the following table for the function of the LED when the device is connected to an active USB port andnot logging data.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Functional Details

LED function when the USB-5201 is connected to an active USB port
LED Illumination

Indication

Steady green
Blinks continuously

The USB-5201 is connected to a computer or external USB hub.
Data is being transferred.
Upon connection, the LED should flash a few times and then remain lit (indicates a successful
installation).
Initial communication is established between the USB-5201 and the computer.
The USB-5201 is not connected to an active USB port.

Blinks three times
Off

Refer to the following table for the function of the USB-5201 LED when the device is connected to the external
supply and is logging data. The function of the LED varies according to the selected logging mode.
LED function when the USB-5201 is logging data
Logging mode

LED Illumination

Indication

Logging off

The LED is off.

Start Logging on
Power Up
Start Logging on
Button

The LED turns on when external power isconnected, then blinks each time data is captured.
The LED stays off until the data logging button ispressed and held for approximately 1 second. At thattime, the LED turns on and blinks each time data iscaptured.
The LED is off – blinks on once per second until the
specified date/time to start logging is reached. Atthat time, the LED turns on – blinks off each time
data is captured.
Blinks rapidly (250 ms period) and continuously.

The USB-5201 is not logging data, and/or
the device is not powered
Blinks when logging data.

Start Logging at
Specified TimeAny logging mode

Blinks when logging data.

Blinks on once per second until specified
data/time to log data occurs. Then it turns
on and blinks each time data is captured.
The memory card is full.
The memory card was removed during
logging. Insert the memory card again
to stop the device blinking.

CompactFlash memory card slot
The CompactFlash slot accepts standard memory cards. A 512 MB memory card is shipped with the device. For
extensive data logging, you can insert a higher capacity card of up to 2 GB. You must format the memory card
before logging data for the first time.
Calculating the logging time for a memory card
Use the following formula to calculate the approximate amount of logging time in seconds that one of the
supported memory card allows. The USB-5201 supports 512 MB , 1 GB, and 2 GB CompactFlash memory
cards.

where





time = total disk time in seconds
NDisk = size of memory card in bytes
NDIO = 1 byte for digital I/OnChannels = number of channels logged






15

R = logging rate in seconds
NTS = 6 bytes for timestamp, if enabled
NTemp = 4 bytes for a temperature reading
NCJC = 8 bytes if CJC sensor readings are enabledUSB-5201 User's Guide

Functional Details

The following table provides examples of logging one channel and eight channels of temperature readings at the
max logging rate of 1 S/s to a 512 MB memory card with DIO, timestamp, and CJC sensor logging enabled:
Memory card(bytes)

DIO enabled

Number ofchannels

Logging
rate (S/s)

Timestamp
enabledTemperature
reading

CJC
enabled512,000,000

1

1

1

6

4

8

512,000,000

1

8

1

6

4

8

Data logging button
The data logging button is used to end a data logging session. The data logging button is also used to start
recording data when the logging mode is set in InstaCal to Start Logging on Button.


To begin recording data, press and hold the button until the LED begins to blink. The first sample is taken
one second after the LED illuminates.
When you first power on the USB-5201, wait at least five seconds before pressing the data logging button.
To achieve rated accuracy, allow the USB-5201 to warm up for 30 minutes before logging data.
To stop recording data, press and hold the button again until the LED is off.

Caution! To prevent loss of data, always use the button to stop logging. Make sure the data is written to thememory card before you disconnect the device from the power source.
The device caches log data in volatile memory prior to writing to the memory card.
Pressing the data logging button has no effect when the USB-5201 is connected to an active USB port and not
logging data.
External power required for data logging
Due to processing limitations, data logging is not allowed when the USB-5201 is attached to an active USB bus.
The USB-5201 must be connected to the standalone power supply to perform data logging.

External power supply
The external power supply is a 2.5 W USB power adapter used to power the USB-5201 during data logging
operations.

Disconnecting the USB-5201 from the computer
You don't need to shut down your computer to disconnect the USB-5201. For devices installed with firmware
revision 3 or later and you are running Windows XP, use the Unplug or Eject icon on the computer taskbar tosafely stop the device before you unplug it. To do this, right-click on the icon, select the USB-5201 and click
Stop. Windows will notify you when it is safe to disconnect the device from your computer.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Functional Details

Transferring binary data after a logging session
Data is stored on the memory card in binary files. After logging measurements, you can transfer the files to yourcomputer by reconnecting the USB-5201 to a USB port on your computer or by removing the CompactFlashcard from the USB-5201 and using a card reader connected to your computer.
Note that when installed with firmware version 3 and later the USB-5201 appears as a Mass Storage Device
when connected to a USB port on your computer, so you can copy files using Windows Explorer.

Converting binary data after a logging session
If your USB-5201 is connected to a USB port on your computer, you can use InstaCal or TracerDAQ to convert
the files on the CompactFlash card to .CSV format for use in Microsoft Excel files, or to .TXT format for use inother applications.
If you transferred binary files to your computer hard drive or removed the CompactFlash card from the device
and are using a card reader connected to a computer, use TracerDAQ to import the files and save them as .CSV
or.TXT format. InstaCal can only convert files when the CompactFlash card is in a device connected to acomputer.

17

Chapter 5

Specifications
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Typical for 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
Specifications in italic text are guaranteed by design.

Analog input
Table 1. Generic analog input specifications
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Thermocouple

Four dual 24-bit, Sigma-Delta type
8 differential
500 VDC minimum between field wiring and USB
interface
Thermocouple sensor type±0.080 V

A/D converters
Number of channels
Input isolation
Channel configuration
Differential input voltage
range
Absolute maximum input
voltage
Input impedance
Input leakage current
Normal mode rejection ratio
Common mode rejection ratio
Resolution
No missing codes
Input couplingWarm-up time
Open thermocouple detect

CJC sensor accuracy±C0x through ±C7x relative
to GND
Open thermocouple detectenabledfIN = 60 Hz
fIN = 50 Hz/60 Hz

15 °C to 35 °C
0 °C to 70 °C±25 V power on, ±40 V power off.
5 GΩ, min
105 nA max
90 dB min
100 dB min
24 bits
24 bitsDC
30 minutes min
Automatically enabled when the channel pair isconfigured for thermocouple sensors.
The maximum open detection time is 3 seconds.
±0.25 °C typ,±0.5 °C max–1.0 to +0.5 °C max

Channel configuration
Channel configuration information is stored in the EEPROM of the isolated microcontroller by the firmware
whenever any item is modified. Modification is performed by commands issued over USB from an external
application, and the configuration is made non-volatile through the use of the EEPROM.
Table 2. Channel configuration specifications
Sensor Category

Conditions

Specification

Thermocouple

J, K, S, R, B, E, T, or N
(Note 1)

8 differential channels

Note 1: The factory default configuration is Type J.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Accuracy
Thermocouple specifications include linearization, cold-junction compensation and system noise. These specs
are for one year, or 3000 operating hours, whichever comes first and for operation of the device between 15 °C
and 35 °C. For measurements outside this range, add ±0.5 °C to the maximum error shown.
There are CJC sensors on each side of the device. The accuracy listed in Table 3 assumes the screw terminals
are at the same temperature as the CJC sensor. Errors shown do not include inherent thermocouple error.
Contact your thermocouple supplier for details on the actual thermocouple error.
Thermocouples must be connected to the device such that they are floating with respect to GND (pins 9, 19, 28,38). The device GND pins are isolated from earth ground, so connecting thermocouple sensors to voltages
referenced to earth ground is permissible as long as the isolation between the GND pins and earth ground ismaintained.
When thermocouples are attached to conductive surfaces, the voltage differential between multiple
thermocouples must remain within ±1.4 V. For best results, MCC recommends using ungrounded or insulated
thermocouples when possible.

Thermocouple measurement accuracy
Table 3. Thermocouple accuracy specifications, including CJC measurement error
Sensor type

Maximum error (°C)

Typical error (°C)

Temperature range (°C)

J

±1.499±0.643±1.761±0.691±2.491±1.841±2.653±1.070±1.779±0.912±1.471±0.639±1.717±0.713±1.969±0.769±0.507±0.312±0.538±0.345±0.648±0.399±0.650±0.358±0.581±0.369±0.462±0.245±0.514±0.256±0.502±0.272–210 to 0
0 to 1200–210 to 0
0 to 1372–50 to 250
250 to 1768.1–50 to 250
250 to 1768.1
250 to 700
700 to 1820
–200 to 0
0 to 1000–200 to 0
0 to 600–200 to 0
0 to 1300

K
S
R
B
E
T
N

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Throughput rate to PC
The analog inputs are configured to run continuously. Each channel is sampled twice per second. The maximum
latency between when a sample is acquired and the temperature data is provided by the USB unit isapproximately 0.5 seconds.
Maximum throughput to a CompactFlash® memory card is 1 S/s per channel.
Table 4. Throughput rate to PC specifications
Number of
input channels

Maximum throughput

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

2 S/s
2 S/s on each channel, 4 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 6 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 8 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 10 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 12 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 14 S/s total
2 S/s on each channel, 16 S/s total

Digital I/O
All ground pins on the device (pins 9, 19, 28, 38) are isolated from earth ground. If a connection is made toearth ground when using digital I/O and conductive thermocouples, the thermocouples are no longer isolated. In
this case, do not connect thermocouples to any conductive surfaces that may be referenced to earth ground.
Table 5. Digital input/output specifications
Parameter

Specification

Digital type
Number of I/O
Configuration

CMOS
8 (DIO0 through DIO7)
Independently configured for input or output.
Power on reset is input mode unless bit is configured for alarm.
All pins pulled up to +5 V through 47 kΩ resistors (default). Pull-down to ground alsoavailable.
 Digital input: 50 port reads or single bit reads per second typ
 Digital output: 100 port writes or single bit writes per second typ
2.0 V min, 5.5 V absolute max
0.8 V max, –0.5 V absolute min
0.7 V max

Pull up/pull-down
configuration
Digital I/O transfer rate
(software paced)
Input high voltage
Input low voltage
Output low voltage(IOL = 2.5 mA)
Output high voltage(IOH = –2.5 mA)

3.8 V min20

USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Temperature alarms
Table 6. Temperature alarm specifications
Parameter

Specification

Number of alarms
Alarm functionality

8 (one per digital I/O line)
Each alarm controls its associated digital I/O line as an alarm output. The input to each alarm
may be any of the analog temperature input channels. When an alarm is enabled, its
associated I/O line is set to output (after the device is reset) and driven to the appropriate state
determined by the alarm options and input temperature. The alarm configurations are stored
in non-volatile memory and are loaded at power on. Alarms function both in data logging
mode and while attached to USB.
 Alarm when input temperature > T1
 Alarm when input temperature > T1, reset alarm when input temperature goes below T2
 Alarm when input temperature < T1
 Alarm when input temperature < T1, reset alarm when input temperature goes above T2
 Alarm when input temperature is < T1 or > T2

Alarm input modes

Alarm output modes

Alarm update rate

T1 and T2 may be independently set for each alarm.
 Disabled, digital I/O line may be used for normal operation
 Enabled, active high output (digital I/O line goes high when alarm conditions met) Enabled, active low output (digital I/O line goes low when alarm conditions met)
1 second

MemoryTable 7. Memory specifications
Parameter

Specification

EEPROM

1,024 bytes isolated micro reserved for sensor configuration
256 bytes USB micro for external application use
256 bytes USB micro reserved for data logging configuration

Microcontroller
Table 8. Microcontroller specifications
Parameter

Specification

Type

Two high performance 8-bit RISC microcontrollers

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Data logging
Table 9. Data logging specifications
Parameter

Specification

Standalone power
supplyUSB power adapter
2.5 watt USB adapter with interchangeable plugs (includes plug for USA)
CompactFlash512 MB CompactFlash card
USB Mass Storage Device (MSD)

Memory card type
Supplied memory card
Memory card hostaccessFile systems supported
Log file format
Logging rate
Data items logged
Throughput to memory
card
Logging start methods

Logging stop methods

Logging statusindication

FAT16, FAT32
The device only creates 8.3 file names in the root subdirectory.
binaryMin 1 second between entries, max 232 seconds, 1 second granularity
Timestamp, temperature, or raw reading from selected channels, state of DIO lines, CJC sensor
readings
1 S/s per channel
Configurable: Start Logging on Power Up – Logging begins 5 seconds after power on to allow hardware
to settle.
 Start Logging on Button – Device is idle on power on. Press and hold the button until the
LED turns on to begin logging. The first sample is acquired 1 second after the LED turns onunless less than 5 seconds have elapsed since power on.
 Start Logging at Specified Time – Device is idle until the real-time clock indicates thetime is equal to or greater than the specified time, at which time the LED turns on. The firstsample is acquired 1 second after the LED turns on unless less than 5 seconds have elapsed
since power on.
Stop on button press – To stop logging, press and hold the button until the LED turns off.
The device caches logged data in volatile memory prior to writing to memory card. Whenlogging, always use the button to stop logging and ensure data is written to memory card prior to
removing power.
The LED operations when connected to the AC adapter power supply are different than whenconnected to USB:
Logging modes:
 Logging Off mode: the LED is off (disabled).
 Start Logging on Power Up mode: the LED turns on, but blinks off momentarily every
time data is captured.
 Start Logging on Button mode: the LED is initially off. When the button is pressed andheld for approximately 1 second, the LED turns on and act the same as Start Logging on
Power Up mode.
 Start Logging at Specified Time mode: the LED turns off, with a momentary on flash
every second until the specified date/time is reached. At that time, the LED turns on and acts
the same as Start Logging on Power Up mode.
Other indication:
 To stop logging and store the remaining data to memory card, press and hold the button until
the LED turns off. It is then safe to remove the memory card.
 If the memory card becomes full, the LED blinks rapidly (250 ms period).
 If the memory card is removed while logging is in progress, the LED blinks rapidly (250 ms
period). Inserting a memory card stops the LED from blinking.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Real-time clock
Table 10. Real-time clock specifications
Parameter

Specification

Battery backup
Accuracy

CR-2032 lithium coin cell, replaceable±1 minute per month

USB +5V voltage
Table 11. USB +5 V voltage specifications
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

USB +5 V (VBUS) input voltage range

4.75 V min to 5.25 V max

Power
Table 12. Power specifications
Parameter

Conditions

Specification

Connected to USB
Supply current
Supply current (Note 2)User +5 V output voltage range(pins 21 and 47)
User +5 V output current(pins 21 and 47)
Isolation

USB enumeration
Continuous mode
Connected to a self-powered hub. (Note 3)
Connected to a self-powered hub. (Note 3)<100 mA
500 mA max
4.75 V min to
5.25 V max
10 mA max

Measurement system to PC

500 VDC min

AC Adapter Power Supply (used for data logging operation)
Output voltage
Output wattage
Input voltage

5 V ±5%2.5 W
100 – 240 VAC
50 – 60 Hz
0.2 A

Input current

Note 2: This is the total current requirement for the device which includes up to 10 mA for the status LED.
Note 3: Self-powered hub refers to a USB hub with an external power supply. Self-powered hubs allow aconnected USB device to draw up to 500 mA. This device may not be used with bus-powered hubs dueto the power supply requirements.
Root port hubs reside in the PC USB host controller. The USB port(s) on your PC are root port hubs.
All externally powered root port hubs (desktop PCs) provide up to 500 mA of current for a USB
device. Battery-powered root port hubs provide 100 mA or 500 mA, depending upon the manufacturer.
A laptop PC that is not connected to an external power adapter is an example of a battery-powered root
port hub.

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

USB specifications
Table 13. USB specifications
Parameter

Specification

USB device type
Device compatibility

USB 2.0 (full-speed)
USB 1.1, USB 2.0
Self-powered, 500 mA consumption max
A-B cable, UL type AWM 2725 or equivalent. (min 24 AWG VBUS/GND,
min 28 AWG D+/D–)
3 meters (9.84 ft) max

USB cable type
USB cable length

Environmental
Table 14. Environmental specifications
Parameter

Specification

Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Humidity

0 °C to 70 °C–40 °C to 85 °C
0% to 90% non-condensing

Mechanical
Table 15. Mechanical specifications
Parameter

Specification

Dimensions (L × W × H)User connection length

128.52 x 88.39 × 35.56 mm (5.06 × 3.48 × 1.43 ft)
3 m (9.84 ft) max

Screw terminal connector
Table 16. Screw terminal connector specifications
Parameter

Specification

Connector type
Wire gauge range

Screw terminal
16 AWG to 30 AWG

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USB-5201 User's Guide

Specifications

Table 17. Screw terminal pinout
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Signal Name
RSVD
NC
C0H
C0L
NC
RSVD
C1H
C1L
GND
RSVD

Pin Description
Reserved, do not use
No connection
CH0 sensor input (+)
CH0 sensor input (–)
No connection
Reserved, do not use
CH1 sensor input (+)
CH1 sensor input (–)
GroundReserved, do not use

Pin
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

CJC sensor
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

RSVD
NC
C2H
C2L
NC
RSVD
C3H
C3L
GND
RSVD
+5V
GND
DIO0
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3

Signal Name
RSVD
GND
C7L
C7H
RSVD
NC
C6L
C6H
NC
RSVD

Pin Description
Reserved, do not use
GroundCH7 sensor input (–)
CH7 sensor input (+)
Reserved, do not use
No connection
CH6 sensor input (–)
CH6 sensor input (+)
No connection
Reserved, do not use

CJC sensor
Reserved, do not use
No connection
CH2 sensor input (+)
CH2 sensor input (–)
No connection
Reserved, do not use
CH3 sensor input (+)
CH3 sensor input (–)
GroundReserved, do not use+5V output
GroundDIO channel 0
DIO channel 1
DIO channel 2
DIO channel 0

37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

25

RSVD
GND
C5L
C5H
RSVD
NC
C4L
C4H
NC
RSVD
+5V
GND
DIO7
DIO6
DIO5
DIO4

Reserved, do not use
GroundCH5 sensor input (–)
CH5 sensor input (+)
Reserved, do not use
No connection
CH4 sensor input (–)
CH4 sensor input (+)
No connection
Reserved, do not use+5V output
GroundDIO channel 7
DIO channel 6
DIO channel 5
DIO channel 4

Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer:
Address:

Category:

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, MA 02766
USAElectrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

Measurement Computing Corporation declares under sole responsibility that the productUSB-5201
to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the following standards or otherdocuments:
EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, EN 61326-1:2006, (IEC 61326-1:2005)
Emissions:EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11 Radiated emissions: Group 1, Class A
EN 55011 (1990)/CISPR 11 Conducted emissions: Group 1, Class A

Immunity: EN61326-1:2006, (IEC 61326-1:2005) Table 3 Immunity requirements for equipment used incontrolled EM environments.


IEC 61000-4-2 (2001): Electrostatic Discharge immunity.
IEC 61000-4-3 (2002): Radiated Electromagnetic Field immunity.

To maintain the safety, emission, and immunity standards of this declaration, the following conditions must be
met.







The host computer, peripheral equipment, power sources, and expansion hardware must be CE compliant.
Equipment must be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment as defined by Standards EN
61326-1:2006, or IEC 61326-1:2005.
Shielded wires must be used for all I/Os and must be less than 3 meters (9.75 feet) in length.
The host computer must be properly grounded.
The host computer must be USB 2.0 compliant.
A protective ESD wrist strap should be used when connecting or disconnecting leads from screw terminal
blocks.

Note: Data acquisition equipment may exhibit noise or increased offsets when exposed to high RF fields(>1V/m) or transients.
Declaration of Conformity based on tests conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA 01801, USA in
February, 2006. Test records are outlined in Chomerics Test Report #EMI4445.06. Further testing was
conducted by Chomerics Test Services, Woburn, MA. 01801, USA in November, 2008. Test records are
outlined in Chomerics Test report #EMI5193.08.
We hereby declare that the equipment specified conforms to the above Directives and Standards.

Carl Haapaoja, Director of Quality Assurance

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Suite 1008
Norton, Massachusetts 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
E-mail: info@mccdaq.com
www.mccdaq.com