The Multilin PQM-T20-C-A, also cataloged as the PQMT20CA Power Quality Meter, operates as a dedicated hardware component for continuous electrical parameters monitoring and power quality analysis within GE Multilin power management networks.
Hardware Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Model
PQM-T20-C-A (PQMT20CA)
Brand
Multilin (GE)
Origin
Canada
Weight
3.00 lbs (1.36 kg)
Dimensions
Standard 1/8 DIN Cutout Mount (Enclosure Specs)
Operating Temp
-20 to 60 deg C
Power Consumption
10 W maximum
Input Voltage
90-265 VAC / 100-300 VDC Nominal
Measured Parameters
Voltage, Current, Power (KW, KVA, KVAR), Frequency, THD
Serial Interface
RS-485 / RS-232 Serial Communication Ports
Analog Inputs
(1) 4-20 mA Analog Input
Analog Outputs
(4) Isolated 0-20 mA / 4-20 mA Analog Outputs
Display Type
Front Panel LED Numeric Display
4-20 mA HART Loop Protocol and Channel Isolation
The Multilin PQM-T20-C-A features four fully isolated 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA analog output channels designed for proportional signal retransmission to plant DCS and SCADA networks. Galvanic channel-to-channel isolation eliminates ground loop interference across long-distance current loops, preserving measurement accuracy for voltage, current, and active power quantities. The onboard analog processing hardware converts digitized high-speed sampling data into continuous analog loop current outputs, ensuring real-time signal tracking and deterministic updating for downstream automation controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What power quality and electrical variables are calculated by the PQM-T20-C-A terminal?
A: The meter continuously samples real-time system voltage and current waveforms to calculate active power (kW), reactive power (kVAR), apparent power (kVA), total harmonic distortion (THD), and system frequency.
Q: How are the analog output current signals configured on the PQM-T20-C-A?
A: The four isolated output channels can be software-configured via front-panel programming or serial commands to output either 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA current loops mapped to specific measured electrical parameters.
Field Installation Guidelines
Mount the unit securely into a standard panel cutout, verifying that the front panel gasket is fully compressed to prevent dust and moisture ingress. Ensure current transformer (CT) secondary circuits are connected through shorting blocks and solidly grounded at a single point before powering the device. All serial RS-485 communication lines must use shielded twisted-pair cabling terminated with a 120 ohm resistor across the end nodes to suppress signal reflections and noise coupling.
