Each DSCA39 current output module provides a single channel of analog output. The input signal is buffered, isolated, filtered and converted to a unipolar or bipolar current output. Signal filtering is accomplished with a five-pole filter which provides 100dB per decade of attenuation above 1kHz. An anti-aliasing pole is located on the system side of the isolation barrier, and the other four poles are on the field side. After the initial system-side filtering, the input signal is chopped by a proprietary chopper circuit. Isolation is provided by transformer coupling, again using a proprietary technique to suppress transmission of common mode spikes or surges.
Special output circuits provide protection against accidental connection of power-line voltages up to 240VAC and against transient events as defined by ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1. Protection circuits are also present on the signal input and power input terminals to guard against transient events and power reversal. Signal and power lines are secured to the module using screw terminals which are in pluggable terminal blocks for ease of system assembly and reconfiguration.
The modules have excellent stability over time and do not require recalibration, however, zero and span settings are adjustable up to ±5% to accommodate situations where fine-tuning is desired. The adjustments are made using potentiometers located under the front panel label and are non-interactive for ease of use.