Product overviewThe 8270A and 8370A are modular pneumatic high-pressure controllers/calibrators designed for automated calibration and control of pressure sensors across a wide workload. Configurable up to five measurement modules, they cover vacuum to 44 MPa (8270A) and atmosphere to 107 MPa (8370A) with typical dynamic control precision of 0.002% of active range.
Key features- Automated pneumatic control for calibration of sensors, transmitters, gauges and switches.
- 8270A: vacuum to 44 MPa (6000 psi); configurable low ranges down to 100 kPa (15 psi).
- 8370A: atmosphere to 107 MPa (15 000 psi); configurable low ranges down to 700 kPa (100 psi).
- Modular design supports up to five concurrent measurement modules and three module families to match accuracy and cost needs.
- Typical control precision: 0.002% of range span or 0.01 kPa (whichever is greater).
Modular configuration and module familiesSystems accept up to five measurement modules to combine high-, mid- and low-pressure capabilities in one chassis. Three module families provide performance/cost options: PM200 (value), PM500 (mid‑range), PM600 (high-performance with Fluke Calibration Q-RPT technology).
Module families — summary- PM200: ~0.02% FS; rugged silicon sensor for fast control; economical for low-accuracy transmitters and mechanical gauges.
- PM500: characterized and linearized silicon sensor; ~0.01% reading uncertainty from 50–100% for most ranges; many ranges up to 20 MPa.
- PM600: Fluke Calibration Q‑RPT quartz reference transducer; ~0.01% reading uncertainty from 30–100%; absolute modules include onboard barometer.
Modern replacement benefits- Designed to replace hydraulic deadweight testers and manual comparators with a clean pneumatic solution (no oil contamination).
- Faster automated stability and reduced operator time for production and laboratory calibration workflows.
Safety and operation- Primary design focus on safe high-pressure pneumatic operation: over-pressure protection, front-panel abort (vent) button and optional abort valve for directed venting.
- Modules service from the front for rapid maintenance and minimal downtime.
Applications and production use- Suitable for production-line calibration, characterization and R&D of pressure sensors from low-cost transmitters to aerospace-grade sensors.
- Fast times-to-setpoint (as low as ~30 s under favorable conditions) and robust control make these systems appropriate for manufacturing environments.
Automation and communications- Remote interfaces: RS-232, GPIB, USB, Ethernet. Supports SCPI and various emulation modes.
- COMPASS for Pressure software enables full automation of calibration sequences for single or multiple DUTs.
Representative settling times (by module and mode)Columns: Module / Dynamic A (<44 MPa / >44 MPa) / Dynamic B (<44 MPa / >44 MPa)
PM200/PM230: 30 s / 45 s / 60 s / 75 s
PM500: 35 s / -- / 60 s / --
PM600/PM630: 45 s / 60 s / 60 s / 75 s
Note: low setpoints and specific configurations may require additional settling time.
Performance highlights- Control turndown typically 100:1 (supply pressure should not exceed 100× the measurement module range to meet control specs).
- Control precision (dynamic): 0.002% range span or 0.01 kPa (whichever is greater).
- Overshoot: Dynamic A ~0.08% FS or 2 kPa; Dynamic B ~0.008% FS or 2 kPa (whichever is greater).
Typical system capabilities and options- Chassis: 2-bay and 5-bay high-pressure controller variants; manifold/PCM options and port types (BSP, NPT, SAE).
- Accessories: contamination prevention (CPS), gas booster kits, test stations, vacuum pump packages, lines and fittings kits, isolation/abort valve kits, calibration kits, shipping cases.
Technical specifications- Power: 100–240 V AC, 47–63 Hz. Fuse: T 2 A, 250 V. Max power: 100 W.
- Operating temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C. Storage: -20 °C to 70 °C.
- Humidity: operating <80% to 30 °C, <70% to 40 °C; storage <95% non‑condensing.
- Vibration: MIL‑T‑28800E. Operating altitude <3000 m. Ingress protection: IEC 60529 IP20. Safety: IEC 61010‑1 CAT II.
- Weight (chassis only): approx. 13 kg or 15 kg depending on configuration. Dimensions: H147 mm × W452 mm × D488 mm. Rack: 3U‑19 in.
- Control precision and turndown: see module family specs (examples: PM200 0.02% FS; PM500 0.01% reading 50–100%; PM600 Q‑RPT 0.01% reading 30–100%).
- Supply/test port limits and safety relief/rupture provisions vary by chassis and model; recommended supply gases: clean dry N2, He, Ar or industrial air (N2 99.5%+ recommended).