Motec operation 25 – MoTeC ACL VIM User Manual
Page 29

MoTeC
Operation
25
Thermocouple Inputs
Available on: E888
Thermocouple inputs are specifically designed for measuring K type 
thermocouples. 
Note Isolated tip thermocouples are recommended, however in most 
cases the E888 will cope with grounded tip thermocouples. 
Differential Voltage Inputs
Available on: VIM
These inputs are generally used for strain gauges or thermocouples.
Differential voltage inputs have two input pins which allow them to 
measure one voltage with respect to another. 
A differential voltage input will read a negative value when its positive 
input is less than its negative input. 
Differential voltage inputs generally have a programmable amplifier 
gain, which allows a small signal to be amplified so that it can be 
measured with sufficient resolution. The VIM differential voltage inputs 
have a gain range of 1 to 64. 
Note While it is possible to measure negative differential voltages 
(when the positive input is less than the negative input) both inputs 
must be within the specified common mode voltage range which may 
not include negative voltages. In the case of the VIM the common mode 
range is normally 0 V to 3 V. However, if the first four or the second four 
inputs all have their gain set to 1, the common mode range for the 
group of four inputs is 0 to 5 V. 
Note Isolated tip thermocouples should be used when connecting to a 
VIM, because grounded tip thermocouples could force the inputs 
slightly negative, which is not allowed. 
Lambda Inputs
Available on: ADL2, SDL
Lambda inputs allow the direct connection of a wide band lambda 
sensor. 
In the case of the ADL2 and SDL this is a 4-wire Bosch LSM sensor.
Note 5-wire Bosch LSU sensors should be connected via an 
appropriate amplifier. MoTeC has various solutions available to allow 
connection via an analogue voltage input or CAN. 
