What is a Frequency to Analog Converter?
In simple terms — a frequency to analog converter takes a pulse signal that tells you how fast something is happening and converts it into a signal that other industrial equipment can easily understand and use.
The Monarch Instrument F2A3X Frequency to Analog Converter/Tachometer is a DIN rail module that converts a frequency input signal into a proportional analog output—either 0–5 Vdc or 4–20 mA.
For example, a speed sensor may detect the rotation of a motor and produce a pulse signal. The F2A3X converts that frequency into a corresponding analog voltage or current output that can be read by a PLC, data acquisition system, recorder, panel meter, or other control equipment.
Even better, the F2A3X electrically isolates the output signal from the input signal and input power source. This helps eliminate troublesome ground loops and electrical noise that can interfere with signal integrity.
The input signal can come from a Monarch Instrument sensor, (such as the ROS Remote Optical LED Sensor or ROLS Remote Optical Laser Sensor) or another compatible digital signal source.
What Does the F2A3X Frequency to Analog Converter/Tachometer Actually Do?
1. The F2A3X Receives a Frequency or Pulse Signal
The F2A3X accepts TTL pulses, AC, or digital signals up to 12 V, with configuration options allowing inputs up to 25 V.
When paired with a speed sensor, like our ROS or ROLS, the frequency of the pulses corresponds to the speed of a rotating
object. The F2A3X supports an impressive measurement range from 5 to 999,990 RPM, with frequency inputs from 0.083 Hz
to 250 kHz.
2. The F2A3X Converts That Frequency into an Analog Signal
The F2A3X takes that frequency information and converts it into a proportional 0–5 Vdc voltage or 4–20 mA current output. So, instead of another piece of equipment having to interpret a series of pulses, it receives a standardized analog signal that represents the measured frequency.
For industrial automation systems, that can make it much easier to monitor, record, display, or control a process.
3. The F2A3X Electrically Isolates the Signal
The F2A3X doesn’t just convert the signal, it also provides electrical isolation between the input, output, and power supply.
Why Does That Matter?
Electrical systems can develop unwanted ground loops and noise when different pieces of equipment share electrical connections. Isolation helps prevent those problems from affecting the output signal.
In other words, the F2A3X helps make sure the signal being sent to your control or monitoring system is the signal you want it to receive.
PM Remote Software
The F2A3X can also be configured and managed using PM Remote Software, available as a free download.
Through the software, users can communicate with the F2A3X via USB, serial, or Ethernet. It supports device configuration, alarms, display settings, and saving and loading configurations.
It can also record and export data to Excel for real-time data collection and analysis.
So, essentially, the F2A3X doesn’t just convert a signal… it can also give users greater control over how that signal is configured, monitored, and recorded.
What Can You Use the F2A3X Frequency to Analog Converter/Tachometer For?
Speed Monitoring
Measure motor, shaft, wheel, or other rotating equipment RPM and provide a proportional analog signal to a control or monitoring system.
Expanded Applications:
- Sensor Integration: It easily pairs with magnetic pickups, optical encoders, proximity switches, and Hall effect sensors mounted on gears or shafts.
- Overspeed/Underspeed Protection: By sending a 4-20mA signal to a PLC, the system can automatically trigger alarms, shut down machinery, or engage brakes if a motor speeds up dangerously or a conveyor belt slips and slows down.
- Multi-Motor Synchronization: In web handling (paper, textiles, packaging), the analog signal allows a central controller to ensure multiple rollers are spinning at perfectly matched speeds to prevent material tearing.
- VFD Feedback Loops: It can provide a closed-loop feedback signal to a Variable Frequency Drive, ensuring a motor maintains a constant speed regardless of changing mechanical loads.
Flow Measurement
Convert the pulse frequency from a turbine flow sensor into an analog signal proportional to flow rate.
Expanded Applications:
- Turbine and Paddlewheel Flowmeters: These meters generate a pulse every time their internal blades complete a revolution. The F2A3X translates those rapid pulses into an analog value representing Gallons Per Minute (GPM) or Liters per Second (L/s).
- Batching and Dosing: In chemical processing or food and beverage manufacturing, the analog output allows controllers to precisely open and close proportional valves based on real-time flow rates.
- Pump Optimization: The converted signal can be used by a controller to speed up or slow down a pump, maintaining a steady, continuous flow rate through a pipe regardless of changing fluid viscosity or downstream pressure.
Process Monitoring and Control
Provide PLCs, data acquisition systems, recorders, and panel meters with an analog representation of a frequency-based measurement.
Expanded Applications:
- Cost Savings on Hardware: High-speed counter (HSC) modules for PLCs are often expensive and take up valuable rack space. The F2A3X allows you to route high-speed pulse data into standard, inexpensive analog input cards.
- Long-Distance Signal Transmission: Raw frequency pulses can degrade or pick up electrical noise over long cable runs. Converting the pulse to a 4–20mA current loop at the source ensures the signal remains highly accurate and noise-immune, even over hundreds of feet of factory floor.
- Data Logging and IoT: Older, legacy pulse-output machines can be easily integrated into modern Industry 4.0 data loggers and dashboards that expect standardized analog inputs.
Vibration and Condition Monitoring
Convert frequency-related signals into a proportional analog output that can be monitored by other equipment.
Expanded Applications:
- Predictive Maintenance: By monitoring the frequency of mechanical impacts or cyclical vibrations on heavy rotating machinery (like turbines, large fans, or centrifuges), the converter can send a trending analog signal to a central dashboard.
- Early Fault Detection: A sudden spike or drift in the analog signal can indicate early-stage bearing wear, shaft misalignment, or rotor imbalance long before a catastrophic mechanical failure occurs.
- Automated Diagnostics: Rather than requiring a technician to manually take vibration readings with a handheld tool, the converter allows the machinery to continuously self-report its mechanical health to a central recorder.
