CN8501-Series

Supported Applications

The CN8500 Series is a 1/16 DIN universal autotune temperature and process controller built for industrial panel applications. A dual LED display shows the process value (PV) and setpoint (SV) at the same time behind a NEMA 4X (IP65) front panel, so the instrument stands up to wash-down and dusty environments while remaining easy to read.

As a universal-input controller it accepts thermocouples (types J, K, T, N, R and S), 3-wire 100Ω Pt RTDs, and voltage or current process signals, making one part number adaptable to a wide range of loops. User-selectable control modes - PID, PI, PD and On/Off - with autotune and Omega Logic cooling and damping settings let it be tuned to heating, cooling or general process control.

The controller is UL listed, carries the CE mark and is made in the USA. Note: these products are not designed for, and should not be used for, patient-connected applications, and all wiring should be performed by trained personnel in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local regulations.

Operating Conditions & Performance

Display accuracy is ±0.2% of full scale, with a selectable response time of 0.1, 1.0 or 10 s and solid-state non-volatile memory protection. Input ranges follow the sensor type:

• Type J: -18 to 760°C (0 to 1400°F)
• Type K: -18 to 1349°C (0 to 2460°F)
• Type T: -129 to 316°C (-200 to 600°F)
• Type N: -18 to 1299°C (0 to 2370°F)
• Types R and S: -18 to 1760°C (0 to 3200°F)
• 3-wire, 100Ω Pt RTD: -200 to 850°C (-328 to 1562°F), or -128.8 to 232.2°C (-199.0 to 450.0°F) on the high-resolution scale

Thermocouple resolution is 1°C (1°F), while the 3-wire 100Ω Pt RTD reads to 0.1°C (0.1°F); voltage inputs are scalable across -1999 to 9999 counts. The controller operates from 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F) at 90% RH maximum, non-condensing.

Power is universal: 115 to 230 Vac ±10%, 50/60 Hz, or 115 to 300 Vdc ±10% with auto-polarity, plus an optional 24 Vdc/Vac supply. Current output drives up to a 500 Ω maximum load. The rear barrier strip uses locking terminals for secure field wiring.

Configuration Options

The series is configured through a modular ordering code, so a single controller family covers single- and dual-output loops with a choice of output hardware and one option per unit. The base model sets the output count and the suffixes set the hardware:

• Base: CN8501 for single output, CN8502 for dual output.
• Output hardware: 5 A relay (-R1/-R2), 1 A SSR (-T1/-T2), 4 to 20 mA (-F1/-F2), or 20 Vdc pulse (-DC1/-DC2). Single-output units order for either heat (reverse) or cool (direct) action; dual-output units combine a first and second output for heat/cool control.

On 1/16 DIN units, one option is available per unit, selected by suffix:

• -A - dual alarms
• -C2 / -C4 - RS232 or RS485 communications
• -PV1 / -PV2 - 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 5 Vdc recorder output
• -RSP1 / -RSP2 / -RSP3 - remote switch or 0 or 5 Vdc remote setpoint, each with 1 alarm
• -XP1 - transducer power supply, 15 Vdc

For 24 Vdc/Vac power, the suffix -24 is added to the model number.

Key Product Differences

Model numbers are assembled as CN8501(-)(-)(-) or CN8502(-)(-)(-): model base, then input code, then output code(s), then an optional suffix. Input codes cover TC, RTD, V5 (voltage to 5V), V10 (voltage to 10V), MV (voltage to 50 mV) and MA (current to 20 mA).

• CN8501 - single-output builds, combining one input type with one output (for example a 5 A relay, 1 A SSR, 4 to 20 mA or 20 Vdc pulse).
• CN8502 - dual-output builds, pairing two outputs for heat/cool control.

Compatible accessories include the CNQUENCHARC noise-suppression RC snubber for 110 to 230 Vac and remote monitoring and control software. Each controller measures 53 H x 53 W x 18.3 mm (2.1 x 2.1 x 0.72") at the bezel, needs a 45 mm (1.772") square panel cutout with 100 mm (3.937") depth behind the panel, and weighs 0.25 kg (8 oz).