IQS900 204-900-000-011 A5-B12-C1-H10-I1 Signal Conditioner

The IQS900 Signal Conditioner is a high-performance, modular core component of the non-contact eddy current displacement measurement system from Parker Meggitt (formerly the vibro-meter product line). It works in conjunction with the TQ402/TQ412 series eddy current sensors and the EA402 extension cable to form a complete displacement/vibration measurement chain, enabling real-time, precise measurement of critical parameters such as relative shaft vibration, axial displacement, eccentricity, and rotational speed in rotating machinery.

The specific model IQS900 204-900-000-011 A5-B12-C1-H10-I1 is a high-precision signal conditioner with international explosion-proof certification, specially designed for Zone 2 gas hazardous areas and Zone 22 dust hazardous areas. It features a 2 mm small measurement range design with current output (a variant of 4~20 mA), suitable for long-distance transmission and interfacing with existing control systems. The product complies with API 670 standard recommendations and is compatible with mainstream monitoring systems such as VM600 and VibroSmart, making it an ideal choice for rotating machinery monitoring in explosion-proof applications such as petrochemical, natural gas, and offshore platforms.

Key Features and Benefits

• Non-contact eddy current measurement principle: Based on high-frequency electromagnetic field induction, unaffected by media such as oil and water vapor, suitable for dynamic and static measurements of high-speed rotating machinery.

• 2 mm high-precision range: Linear range 0.15 ~ 2.15 mm, sensitivity 2.5 μA/μm, output current -15.5 mA ~ -20.5 mA (corresponding to min. to max. gap), facilitating direct interface with PLC/DCS analog input modules.

• Wide frequency response: DC ~ 20 kHz (-3 dB), supports both static displacement and dynamic vibration measurement simultaneously.

• Low output impedance (current output type >60 kΩ, facilitating long cable driving), suitable for long-distance signal transmission.

• Functional safety: Hardware design meets SIL 2 (IEC 61508) capability requirements.

• Explosion-proof certifications: ATEX, IECEx, CCSAus, UKEX, KGS, EAC and other international explosion-proof certifications, suitable for Zone 2 gas and Zone 22 dust hazardous areas.

• Temperature compensation: Maintains measurement stability across the full temperature range of -40°C ~ +85°C.

• Modular design: Plug-in screw terminals simplify on-site wiring and maintenance.

• Flexible mounting: Supports DIN rail (TH 35) mounting or direct fixing with M4 screws (H10 housing configuration).

• Interference immunity: Complies with EN 61000-6-2/4 industrial environment electromagnetic compatibility standards.

• Protection functions: Outputs feature overvoltage and short-circuit protection, enhancing system reliability.

• System interchangeability: Sensors, cables, and conditioners are all interchangeable without requiring recalibration.

  
  

Model Code Breakdown

Note: The exact meaning of model codes may change with product revisions. It is recommended to confirm with the latest data sheet or official information from Parker Meggitt.

Explosion-proof Certification Details

This IQS900 model (A5 option) has passed multiple international explosion-proof certifications and is suitable for potentially explosive atmospheres. The following table summarizes the main certification information:

Explosion-proof Installation Requirements:

• IQS900 (A5) is only suitable for Zone 2 gas hazardous areas and Zone 22 dust hazardous areas.

• The IQS900 must be installed in an industrial enclosure with at least IP54 ingress protection rating.

• Cables entering the enclosure must use explosion-proof cable glands (such as SG1xx series).

• The associated TQ402/TQ412 sensors and EA402 cables must use the A2 intrinsic safety explosion-proof version, suitable for Zone 0/1/2 areas.

• The special conditions for safe use specified in the corresponding explosion-proof certificates must be strictly followed.

• Power must be disconnected before any wiring or maintenance operations in hazardous areas.

  
  

System Composition and Operating Principle

System Composition

The complete IQS900 measurement system consists of the following three components:

Operating Principle

1. Excitation: The internal high-frequency oscillator in the IQS900 generates an excitation signal, driving the sensor coil via the cable, creating a high-frequency electromagnetic field around the coil.

2. Induction: When a metallic target (e.g., a rotating shaft) approaches the sensor tip, eddy currents are induced on the target surface. These currents react back on the sensor coil, altering its equivalent impedance.

3. Demodulation: The modulation/demodulation circuit inside the IQS900 detects the impedance change and converts it into a linear voltage proportional to the target gap, which is then converted to a standard current signal through a voltage-to-current conversion circuit.

4. Output: The output current signal (-15.5 mA ~ -20.5 mA) is transmitted via screw terminals to the monitoring system for display, alarm, or protection actions. This current signal is two-wire, with power and signal sharing a pair of wires.

   
   

Performance Curves and Measurement Data

Output Characteristics

Under standard test conditions (target material: VCL 140 steel, temperature: 23°C ± 5°C), the typical output characteristics of IQS900 (B12) with TQ402 are as follows:

The output current has a highly linear relationship with the gap, with a slope of 2.5 μA/μm.

Linearity Error

Over the entire measurement range (0.15 ~ 2.15 mm), the typical linearity error is < ±50 μm (relative to the ideal straight line), with maximum error < ±100 μm.

Temperature Drift

Frequency Response

The frequency response is flat up to 20 kHz (-3 dB), meeting the vibration measurement requirements of most rotating machinery.

Installation and Connections

Mounting Methods (H10 Configuration)

• Direct Screw Mounting: Via two M4 threaded holes on the bottom (85 mm spacing) onto a mounting plate or inside a cabinet.

• DIN Rail Mounting: H10 housing may be pre-fitted or compatible with the MA130 rail adapter for quick installation on TH 35 standard rails (according to EN 50022 / IEC 60715).

Connector Definitions

Explosion-proof Installation Notes

• The IQS900 must be installed in an enclosure with at least IP54 protection rating.

• The enclosure should be suitable for hazardous areas with appropriate markings.

• All cable entries must use explosion-proof cable glands to ensure sealing.

• Coaxial connectors should be hand-tightened until locked; do not use tools to overtighten.

• Terminal blocks are pluggable for pre-wiring convenience, but must be operated with power disconnected.

  
  

Accessories and Options

Total System Length and Cable Combinations

When the IQS900 is used with TQ402/TQ412 and EA402, the supported Total System Lengths (TSL) are 1 m, 5 m, and 10 m. The following table lists recommended cable combinations:

Cable Length Trimming

Due to the electrical characteristics of the coaxial cable, the actual cable length requires electrical trimming to ensure system performance and interchangeability:

When ordering, specify the required nominal length; Meggitt will perform internal electrical trimming.

Compatible Monitoring Systems

The current output signal from the IQS900 can be directly connected to the following monitoring systems (in Ex applications, must be connected via safety barriers or isolation units):

Ordering Information

Note: "xxx" in the specific ordering numbers represents cable length. Please consult Parker Meggitt or an authorized distributor for complete ordering codes.

Typical Application Examples

Example 1: Compressor Shaft Vibration Monitoring in Refinery (Current Output Long-distance Transmission)

• Scenario: Critical compressors in a refinery are located in Zone 2 hazardous areas. The monitoring room is approximately 500 meters from the field, requiring vibration signals to be transmitted long-distance to the control room PLC.

• Solution: Each compressor is equipped with TQ402-A2 sensors, connected via EA402-A2 cables to IQS900 A5-B12-C1-H10-I1 signal conditioners installed in explosion-proof field enclosures. Utilizing their 2-wire current output (-15.5 ~ -20.5 mA) to directly drive long cables, signals are connected to the control room PLC analog input modules.

• Result: Achieved high-precision long-distance transmission with strong signal anti-interference capability, successfully providing early warnings for multiple potential failures.

Example 2: Gap Monitoring of Offshore Platform Turboexpander

• Scenario: The rotor-to-casing gap of a turboexpander on an offshore natural gas platform is extremely small, requiring high-precision monitoring, and the platform is classified as a hazardous area.

• Solution: TQ412-A2 reverse mount sensors (space-saving) are used in combination with IQS900-A5 (B12 current output) to connect the gap signal to the platform Safety Instrumented System (SIS) for interlock protection.

• Result: Achieved gap measurement at 0.01 mm resolution; the current output facilitates interface with the SIS, ensuring equipment safety.

  
  

Safety and Maintenance Recommendations

1. Before Installation:

• Verify that the product model and explosion-proof markings meet the site area classification requirements.

• Inspect the product for external damage and ensure connectors are clean.

2. During Installation:

• Strictly follow explosion-proof installation codes, ensuring correct enclosure protection rating and cable entry methods.

• Hand-tighten coaxial connectors to lock; do not use tools.

• Terminal block insertion/removal should only be performed with power disconnected.

3. During Operation:

• Regularly check enclosure seals and cable glands for tightness.

• The monitoring system should record IQS900 output signals; if anomalies are detected (e.g., output outside normal range), immediately inspect the measurement chain.

4. Maintenance:

• Before maintenance in hazardous areas, obtain work permits and disconnect power.

• Clean with a dry soft cloth; do not use organic solvents.

• When replacing components, use identical models and explosion-proof grade spares.

5. Disposal:

• Dispose of products as electronic waste in an environmentally friendly manner; do not discard randomly.