YOKOGAWA CA71 Handy Calitrator

YOKOGAWA CA71 Handy Calitrator

Product Overview

The YOKOGAWA CA71 Handy Calibrator is a compact, portable multifunction calibration instrument engineered for field service professionals, maintenance technicians, and process control engineers who require precise signal generation and measurement capabilities-2. This handheld device eliminates the need for multiple test instruments by integrating both sourcing and measurement functions into a single lightweight unit weighing approximately 730 grams (including batteries)-2.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, the CA71 excels in testing thermocouples, RTD sensors, transmitters, signal converters, and other process instrumentation directly at maintenance sites-1. Its rotatory switch-based control interface allows users to simply open the carrying case, connect the cables, and begin measurements immediately, significantly reducing setup time in the field-2.

Feature Overview and Capabilities

Simultaneous Source and Measurement

The defining characteristic of the YOKOGAWA CA71 is its ability to simultaneously generate and measure signals. Unlike conventional calibrators that require separate units for sourcing and measuring, this device handles both operations concurrently, allowing technicians to stimulate a device while observing its response in real-time-1. The device can source signals for input to equipment and simultaneously check output signals without needing to synchronize operations with external setting devices-1-54.

Signal Types Supported

The CA71 supports an extensive range of signal types across both generation and measurement modes:

Source (Generation) Capabilities:

DC voltage (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, and 30 V ranges)

DC current (20 mA range, with sink current capability from external power source 5–28 V)

Resistance (400 Ω range with 0.5–5 mA excitation current)

Thermocouple (TC) signals — types K, E, J, T, R, B, S, N, L, and U

RTD signals — Pt100 and JPt100

Frequency (continuous pulse train in 500 Hz, 1 kHz, or 10 kHz ranges)

Pulse (preset number of pulses)

Measurement Capabilities:

DC voltage (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, and 100 V ranges)

AC voltage (including supply voltage measurement)

DC current (up to 100 mA DC)

Resistance (400 Ω range)

Thermocouple (TC) — 10 thermocouple types

RTD — Pt100 and JPt100

Frequency and pulse signals-36-23

Advanced Functional Features

Divided Output (n/m) Function

This intelligent feature automatically divides output settings, eliminating the need for manual percentage calculations. When configured with the n/m function, the calibrator automatically transmits the ratio-based output value, streamlining the process of testing devices that require percentage-based signal checking-1.

Auto-Step Function

Building upon the divided output settings, the auto-step function automatically steps the output value at preset increments (10% or 25% steps)-1. Users can select step intervals of approximately 2.5 seconds or approximately 5 seconds per step, enabling hands-free testing of device linearity and response characteristics-2.

Sweep Function

For ramping tests, the CA71 offers a linearly increasing or decreasing output function with selectable sweep times of approximately 16 seconds or 32 seconds. This is particularly valuable for checking transmitter response across its entire measurement range-1.

Memory Storage

The instrument provides internal memory capable of storing up to 50 value sets. Each set pairs a generated output value with its corresponding measured value at the same address, creating comprehensive calibration records that can be saved and recalled as needed-2.

Temperature Monitoring

A built-in reference junction compensation sensor enables accurate thermocouple measurements without external reference devices. The CA71 can function as a multi-thermometer when needed, providing temperature monitoring capability directly from the instrument-2.

Online Communication (RS-232C)

The CA71 features an optically isolated RS-232C-compliant serial interface for communication with external devices. When connected to a PC using the optional communication cable (91017), users can log measurement data, configure settings, and retrieve stored calibration records-1-5.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Input/Output Protection

Display and Interface

Power and Battery

Environmental and Physical Specifications

Compliance Standards

Model Variants: CA71 vs. CA51

Yokogawa offers the Handy Calibrator series in two primary configurations:

The CA71 is the more multifunctional model, adding temperature measurement capabilities and serial communication, making it suitable for applications requiring thermocouple and RTD validation alongside full documentation capabilities-36.

Model Variants: CA71/TE and CA71/SP1

Two main variants are commonly available:

CA71/TE (Standard Version): Includes the base instrument with standard accessories. This variant typically ships with source/measure lead cables, terminal adapter, four AA batteries, carrying case, and user manual in 2–3 weeks lead time-14.

CA71/SP1 (Special Package): A comprehensive kit that includes communication cable (RS-232C), data logging software, AC power supply (120 V), magnetic backing instrument case, source/measure cables, and NIST traceable certification. This variant is ideal for users requiring full documentation capabilities and software integration from the outset-57-5.

Accessories

Yokogawa provides a range of accessories to enhance the CA71:

Practical Applications

Thermocouple Calibration

The CA71 supports ten thermocouple types (K, E, J, T, R, B, S, N, L, and U) and includes a built-in reference junction compensation sensor for accurate temperature measurements. When using the RJ sensor, the device automatically compensates for ambient temperature variations, eliminating the need for an ice bath reference-23-36.

RTD Testing

Both Pt100 and JPt100 RTD sensors are supported in source and measurement modes, allowing technicians to verify resistance temperature detector accuracy across operating ranges-23.

4-20 mA Loop Checking

The CA71 can source 4–20 mA signals while providing 24 V DC loop power to transmitters, enabling comprehensive two-wire transmitter testing without external power supplies-1.

Transmitter and Signal Converter Validation

When multiple signal converters and devices are mounted on racks or panels, the Handy Calibrator can check input/output signals for each device while simultaneously verifying the power supply, eliminating the need for a separate multimeter-1.

Transmitter Calibration

The auto-step and divided output functions are particularly useful for transmitter calibration, automatically stepping through 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% output points and recording corresponding device responses-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the CA71 calibrate RTD sensors?
A: Yes. The CA71 supports both sourcing and measurement of RTD signals (Pt100 and JPt100) with built-in reference junction compensation-23.

Q: How do I perform thermocouple calibration?
A: Select the desired thermocouple type using the RANGE key (K, E, J, T, R, B, S, N, L, or U), then press the SOURCE ON key to begin sourcing the thermoelectromotive force. If an RJ sensor is connected, the output is based on the detected temperature; otherwise, it references 0°C-23.

Q: What is the difference between CA71 and CA51?
A: The CA71 includes thermocouple and RTD measurement functions plus online RS-232C communication capabilities, while the CA51 is a basic model without these features-36-48.

Q: What is included in the CA71/SP1 package?
A: The CA71/SP1 includes the calibrator, communication cable, data logging software, 120 V AC power supply, magnetic backing instrument case, source/measure cables, and NIST traceable certification-57.

Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: Battery life varies by usage: approximately 40 hours with measurement off, approximately 20 hours during simultaneous source/measure with a 5 V DC output, and approximately 12 hours with a 20 mA output (using alkaline batteries, backlight off)-2.

Q: Does the CA71 support AC voltage measurement?
A: Yes. The CA71 can measure AC voltages, including supply voltage, eliminating the need for a separate multimeter when checking power supplies on device racks or panels-1.

Q: What is the maximum input protection on the measurement terminals?
A: The voltage terminal is rated for 300 V AC maximum input; the current terminal is rated for 120 mA DC maximum input and is protected by a 125 mA / 250 V fuse-2.