The PRECISE-LOG PL-C is an 8-channel, battery-powered, standalone DC current data logger designed for industrial, laboratory, research, testing, process-monitoring, and long-term data acquisition applications.

The logger provides:

• 8 external DC current input channels
• 16-bit measurement resolution
• USB communication
• 8 MB non-volatile flash memory
• Long-term standalone operation

Each external channel can be independently enabled and configured for the required current input range.

The programmable current ranges are:

• 4–20 mA
• 0–50 mA

The PL-C is the non-WiFi version of the PRECISE-LOG current platform and is well suited to applications requiring standalone recording, direct USB communication, or network access through Smart-Hub. 

Multi-Channel Current Measurement

The PL-C provides eight external DC current channels for simultaneous monitoring of industrial transmitters, sensors, process instruments, and other compatible current-output devices.

Each channel can be independently enabled and configured through SiteView.

The available programmable input ranges are:

• 4–20 mA
• 0–50 mA

The logger provides:

• 0.0018% measurement resolution
• ±0.1% FSR accuracy at 25°C
• 12 Ω load resistor
• Over-current protection up to ±100 mA

These characteristics make the PL-C suitable for standard industrial process signals as well as general DC current measurement applications. 

High-Resolution Data Logging

The PL-C uses a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter with a measurement resolution of:

0.0018%

This provides high-resolution current measurement for industrial, laboratory, research, validation, and testing applications.

Standalone Operation and Long-Term Recording

The PL-C operates independently after configuration and stores measurements in 8 MB of non-volatile flash memory.

The memory provides storage for approximately 4 million readings and retains recorded data for more than 20 years.

Logging can be configured for:

• Immediate start
• Delayed start
• Field push-button activation

When memory becomes full, the logger can either:

• Stop recording, or
• Continue recording in FIFO mode

The built-in 3.6 V lithium battery provides up to approximately 10 years of operation at a 1-minute sampling interval in standalone mode, depending on operating conditions and configuration. 

USB Communication and SiteView Software

The PL-C connects directly to a Windows PC through its Plug & Play USB interface.

SiteView software provides tools for:

• Configuring current channels
• Selecting 4–20 mA or 0–50 mA input ranges
• Configuring logging sessions
• Downloading recorded data
• Viewing real-time current measurements
• Displaying graphs and tables
• Configuring alarm thresholds
• Applying custom calibration
• Applying custom equations
• Converting current signals into engineering units
• Exporting and analyzing recorded data

For local operation, SiteView communicates directly with the PL-C through USB.

For network applications, the PL-C can be connected to a Smart-Hub and accessed remotely by supported Microedge software.

Custom equations are especially useful when a 4–20 mA transmitter represents another engineering quantity such as:

• Pressure
• Flow
• Level
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Position
• Other process variables

Alarm Functions

The PL-C provides configurable alarm functions for current-monitoring applications.

Each channel supports two programmable alarm thresholds.

The onboard tri-color status LED provides visual indication of:

• Normal sampling
• Alarm condition
• Low battery

The LED can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

Remote Access and Network Integration

Although the PL-C is a USB-based data logger, it can also be accessed remotely over an Ethernet network by connecting it to a Microedge Smart-Hub.

Smart-Hub acts as a communication gateway and allows connected USB data loggers to be accessed through:

• SiteView
• SiteView-Web
• SiteView SDK
• Pluto

Smart-Hub also provides:

• RESTful Web API
• Modbus TCP Gateway

This allows PL-C current data to be integrated with third-party software, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other industrial monitoring platforms.

Unlike the PL-CW, the PL-C does not contain a built-in WiFi interface and does not operate directly as a Modbus TCP server. Network, RESTful API, and Modbus TCP access for PL-C are provided through Smart-Hub.

Rugged Industrial Design

The PL-C is housed in a durable aluminum enclosure designed for laboratory, industrial, and field applications.

Its operating environment is:

−40°C to +70°C (−40°F to +158°F)

and:

0–95% RH, non-condensing. 

KEY FEATURES

• 8 External DC Current Channels
  Provides simultaneous multi-channel current measurement for industrial sensors, transmitters, and process signals.

• Programmable Current Ranges
  Supports 4–20 mA and 0–50 mA input ranges.

• High Measurement Accuracy
  Provides ±0.1% FSR accuracy at 25°C.

• 16-Bit Data Resolution
  Provides 0.0018% measurement resolution.

• 12 Ω Input Load
  Each current input uses a 12 Ω load resistor.

• Over-Current Protection
  Current inputs are protected up to ±100 mA.

• 8 MB Non-Volatile Flash Memory
  Stores approximately 4 million readings for long-term standalone recording.

• 1 Second to 12 Hour Sampling
  Wide programmable sampling interval selection for short-term testing and long-term monitoring.

• Long Battery Life
  Up to approximately 10 years at a 1-minute sampling interval in standalone operation.

• USB Communication
  Provides direct local communication with SiteView.

• SiteView Software Support
  Provides logger configuration, data download, real-time monitoring, plotting, calibration, custom equations, alarms, and data analysis.

• Programmable Alarm Thresholds
  Two configurable alarm thresholds are available for each channel.

• Flexible Logging Modes
  Supports immediate start, delayed start, field push-button activation, stop-on-full, and FIFO operation.

• Remote Network Access through Smart-Hub
  Smart-Hub provides Ethernet access for SiteView, SiteView-Web, SiteView SDK, and Pluto.

• RESTful Web API Integration
  Through Smart-Hub, PL-C data can be accessed by compatible third-party software.

• Modbus TCP Gateway Integration
  Smart-Hub can expose connected PL-C data through Modbus TCP for integration with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other Modbus TCP masters.

• Custom Engineering-Unit Conversion
  SiteView custom equations can convert current signals into pressure, flow, level, temperature, humidity, and other engineering units.

• Rugged Aluminum Enclosure

  
  

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

The PL-C is suitable for:

• 4–20 mA transmitter monitoring
• 0–50 mA current measurement
• Industrial process monitoring
• Pressure transmitter monitoring
• Flow transmitter monitoring
• Level transmitter monitoring
• Environmental sensor monitoring
• Industrial sensor monitoring
• Laboratory testing
• Research
• Product validation
• Equipment monitoring
• Long-term unattended current logging
• Remote current monitoring through Smart-Hub
• PLC / SCADA process monitoring through Smart-Hub

DOCUMENTS

• PRECISE-LOG PL-C Current Data Logger Specifications
• SiteView Specifications