Calibration of Smart Transmitters (Pressure, Temperature, Level,

Flow, and Analytical)

The procedure for calibrating a smart digital transmitter is known as
Digital trimming. A digital trim is a calibration exercise that allows the user to
correct the transmitters digital signal to match plant standard or
compensate for installation effects. Digital trim in a smart transmitter can be
done in two ways:
a) A Sensor Trim: It consist of matching the process variable (be it
pressure, level, flow or temperature) reading of the transmitter to
a precision input. This process normally involves trimming the
digital circuit of the input Analog-to-Digital converter in the smart
transmitter.
b) A 4 20mA or Current Loop Trim: This is done by trimming
the output Digital-to-Analog converter in the transmitter.
Actions That
Transmitters

Do

Not

Constitute

Proper

Calibration

in

Smart

Before we discuss in detail what constitute a proper calibration, let us

mention certain common practice that are not proper calibrations:
a) Changing the range (LRV and URV) of a smart transmitter
constitute a configuration change and not a calibration. This
range change merely affects the mathematical computation
done by the microprocessor. It has no effect on the digital
process variable as read by a hand-held digital communicator.
b) Using only the zero and span adjustments to calibrate a smart
transmitter
often
corrupts the internal digital readings. You may not notice this if
you dont use a hand-held digital communicator to read the
range or digital process data.
c) Using a hand-held digital communicator to adjust the current
loop so that an accurate input to the transmitter agrees with
some readout device on the loop does not constitute a proper
calibration.
Procedure for Calibrating a Smart Transmitter
To do a proper calibration on a smart transmitter will involve both a
sensor trim and/or a 4 20mA trim depending on the application where the
transmitter is being used. A smart transmitter typically has high and low trim
functions which unlike the zero and span adjustments of an analog
transmitter, are non-interactive. That is adjusting the high trim function has
no effect on the low trim function and vice versa.
Before proceeding to the section below note that a smart transmitter
has three outputs which must be clearly understood:

a) Digital Process Variable (PV) usually read by a hand-held

communicator
b) Digital Value of the output current in mA (PVAO) which the
communicator also reads.
c) The analog 4 20mA signal output which can be read with a
suitable milliammeter but cannot be read by the digital handheld communicator.
For the smart transmitter to be properly calibrated, the error between
the applied input to the transmitter and the digital output (PV) must be
within the error specification of the manufacturer otherwise a sensor trim will
be required to correct this. Similarly, the error between the digital milliamp
value (PV AO) and the analog mA value must be within the error specification
of the manufacturer otherwise a 4 20mA trim is required.
Performing a Sensor Trim:
Before performing a sensor trim, run a test, commonly referred to as
the AS-FOUND TEST to confirm the consistency of the sensor and the input
Analog-to-Digital converter. Connect the test setup as shown below:

Performing a Sensor Trim on a Smart Transmitter

Use a precision calibrator to measure the applied input to the

transmitter. Read the resulting output (PV) with a hand-held communicator.
Calculate the resulting error between the applied input and the output (PV)
since both are in the same engineering units. Note that the desired accuracy
for this test will be the manufacturers accuracy specification. If this test
does not pass, then follow the manufacturers recommended procedure for
trimming the sensor.
Below are general guidelines for performing a sensor trim:
a) Apply the lower-range value stimulus to the transmitter, wait for it to
stabilize

b) Execute the low sensor trim function

c) Apply the upper-range value stimulus to the transmitter, wait for it to
stabilize
d) Execute the high sensor trim function stimulus as used here should
be understood to mean the process variable input to the transmitter.
Performing a 4 20mA Trim:
Before performing a 4 20mA trim, run a test, commonly referred to as
the AS-FOUND TEST to confirm the consistency of the output Digital-toAnalog converter and the analog output of the transmitter. This procedure
may also be called a 4-20 mA trim, a current loop trim, or a Digital-to-Analog
converter trim. Connect the test setup as shown below:

Performing a 4 - 20mA Trim on a Smart Transmitter

Use a hand-held digital communicator to put the smart transmitter into
a fixed current output mode. The input value for this test is the mA value
that you instruct the transmitter to produce. The output value is obtained
using a precision milliammeter to measure the resulting current. Calculate
the error between the digital mA value produced by the transmitter and the
analog mA value measured by the current meter. The desired accuracy for
this test should also reflect the manufacturers accuracy specification. If the
test does not pass, then follow the manufacturers recommended procedure
for trimming the output section. The trim procedure should require two trim
points close to or just outside of 4mA and 20 mA. Do not confuse this with
any form of re-ranging or any procedure that involves using zero
and span buttons on the transmitter.
Below are the general guidelines for performing a 4 20mA trim:
a) Execute the low output trim test function on the transmitter.
b) Measure the output signal with a precision milliammeter, noting the
value after it stabilizes
c) Enter this measured current value when prompted by the transmitter
d) Execute the high output trim test function

e) Measure the output signal with a precision milliammeter, noting the

value after it stabilizes
f) Enter this measured current value when prompted by the transmitter
After both the input and output (ADC and DAC) of a smart transmitter
have been trimmed (i.e. calibrated against standard references known to be
accurate), the lower- and upper-range values (LRV and URV) may be set. In
fact, once the trim procedures are complete, the transmitter may be ranged
and ranged again as many times as desired. The only reason for re-trimming
a smart transmitter is to ensure accuracy over long periods of time where
the sensor and/or the converter circuitry may have drifted out of acceptable
limits. The situation is very different in an analog transmitter, where reranging necessitates re-calibration.
Transmitter Damping:
Many HART transmitters support a parameter called damping. If this is
not set to zero, it can have an adverse effect on tests and adjustments.
Damping induces a delay between a change in the transmitter input and the
detection of that change in the digital value for the transmitter input reading
and the corresponding output value. It is advisable to adjust the transmitters
damping value to zero prior to performing tests or adjustments. After
calibration, be sure to return the damping constant to its required value.