Cognesense - Measure, Monitor, Protect

MCG 1200M

Terminal operators, process engineers, automation teams, and EPC specifiers often need a safe and reliable way to migrate legacy analog instrumentation into modern digital monitoring systems.

The MCG 1200M Analog/Digital Transmitter provides a flexible and field-proven platform for integrating tank gauging and process measurements into digital control architectures.

The transmitter digitizes signals from 4–20 mA inputs, RTD temperature sensors, pulse meters, and discrete I/O devices, converting them into industry-standard host communication protocols. Supported protocols include L&J Tankway, Modbus, HART, WirelessHART, Profibus, and others.

A built-in graphical LCD display provides real-time local visualization of connected measurements. Configuration and calibration can be performed wirelessly using infrared communication, allowing technicians to safely configure the unit in hazardous environments without opening the enclosure.

Unlike standard signal converters, the MCG 1200M includes integrated loop power for field devices, plug-in protocol modules, scalable pulse input capability, and field-upgradeable firmware. This makes it suitable for both brownfield upgrades and new automation installations.

With global hazardous-area certifications and a rugged explosion-proof design, the MCG 1200M provides safe, reliable performance in refineries, tank terminals, chemical plants, and SCADA-integrated tank farms.

MCG 1200M Analog/Digital Transmitter

Details

The MCG 1200M is designed to bridge the gap between legacy instrumentation and modern digital monitoring systems.

By converting analog and discrete signals into digital communication protocols, the transmitter enables facilities to integrate older sensors and gauges with modern control systems without replacing existing equipment.

The device also provides loop power for connected instruments and supports multiple sensor types simultaneously, allowing operators to consolidate measurement data into a single communication interface.

Infrared calibration capability ensures that configuration and diagnostics can be performed safely in hazardous areas without opening the explosion-proof enclosure.

Typical Applications

Tank Integration: Converts legacy gauge signals into digital communication formats compatible with modern inventory management and SCADA systems.
Temperature Monitoring: Accepts 3-wire RTD sensors and average temperature probe inputs, supporting custody-transfer temperature correction.
SCADA Connectivity: Allows analog, RTD, pulse, and discrete sensors to communicate with central control systems without major rewiring.
Hazardous Area Installations: Infrared configuration enables safe programming and diagnostics without opening the explosion-proof enclosure.
Mixed Sensor Facilities: Consolidates readings from multiple sensor types, including pressure, temperature, level, magnetostrictive sensors, and pulse flowmeters, into one digital interface.
Pulse-Based Metering: Supports pulse-per-unit measurements, totalized counts, and rate calculations for flow, batching, and utility metering applications.

Technical Specifications and Key Features

Parameter

Specification

Display

Local graphical LCD display

Inputs

Up to 4 × 4–20 mA inputs, 2 × pulse inputs, 3-wire RTD (copper or platinum), and discrete I/O (up to 8 channels)

Outputs

Up to 2 × 4–20 mA outputs; digital protocols including L&J Tankway, Modbus, HART, WirelessHART, Profibus DP, and legacy system emulation

Power Supply

12–70 VDC

Loop Power

Provides 24 VDC loop power for connected devices

Enclosure Rating

UL Class I Groups B, C, D; Class II Groups E, F, G; Class III

ATEX Certification

ATEX II 2 G EEx d IIB; II 2 D

Configuration

Wireless infrared calibration using the MCG 2150 Remote Calibrator

Firmware

Field-upgradeable flash memory

2026 COST ESTIMATE

Support

If you have questions not covered here, please contact support and our team will be happy to assist.

How does the MCG 1200M improve operational safety?

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The MCG 1200M enhances safety by allowing configuration and maintenance to be performed wirelessly via an infrared remote. This eliminates the need for technicians to open the explosion-proof housing or work directly on the device in a hazardous environment. The local graphical display also provides essential data at a glance, reducing the need for personnel to climb tanks or enter restricted areas.

Can the MCG 1200M be used with instrumentation from other manufacturers?

Yes, the MCG 1200M is designed to be highly compatible. It can take standard 4-20mA signals from various types of sensors, including ultrasonic and magnetostrictive probes, as well as pressure transducers, allowing it to serve as a universal interface for a diverse range of field devices.

What are the benefits of flash memory technology in this transmitter?

The MCG 1200M’s flash memory allows for new or updated programming to be downloaded “on-the-fly.” This means you can update communication protocols or add new features without taking the transmitter out of service, which saves time, reduces downtime, and ensures your system remains flexible for future upgrades.

Can the unit be configured without opening the enclosure?

Yes. Infrared programming allows full setup and calibration in hazardous areas.

Does the transmitter provide loop power for connected instruments?

Yes, the 1200M supplies 24 VDC loop power for connected field instruments.

Is the firmware field upgradeable?

Yes, new features and protocol updates can be loaded without removing the device from service.

Is the unit certified for hazardous industrial environments?

Yes. UL, ATEX, and CE approvals support global deployment in Class I/Div. 1 environments.