målemodul

A målemodul is a stand-alone or embedded hardware unit designed for acquiring and processing physical measurements. It converts analog signals into digital data that a host system such as a data logger, PLC, or computer can handle. Målemoduler are used to monitor electrical, mechanical and environmental quantities and are common in laboratories, industrial automation, and building management.

Hardware typically includes multiple input channels, signal conditioning (amplification, attenuation, filtering, isolation), an analog-to-digital converter, and a microcontroller or FPGA for data processing. Many modules provide galvanic isolation between input and host to reduce noise and protect equipment. They may offer programmable gain, linearization, cold-junction compensation for thermocouples, and sensor-specific conversions.

Communication interfaces vary: USB, Ethernet, CAN, RS-485, or fieldbuses such as Modbus, Profibus, or EtherCAT. Power can be bus-powered from the host or supplied separately. Some modules support time stamping, triggering, and synchronized sampling for multi-channel measurements. Calibration data is stored on the module to enable consistent measurements and traceability.

Typical applications include data acquisition in laboratories, monitoring in industrial processes, energy and utility metering, environmental and building automation, and test instrumentation. Form factors range from compact plug-in boards to DIN-rail mounted modules.

When selecting a målemodul, considerations include the number of channels, input types, resolution and sample rate, isolation voltage, noise performance, communication interface, power requirements, and environmental ratings such as temperature range and ingress protection.