Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 1

Bristol 3808 MVT Multivariable Transmitter

Model 3808-30A With DP/P/T Variables
Featuring:

Now featuring 4000 psi pressure range

Excellent measurement performance over

the full range of operating pressure and
temperature conditions

Extremely low power consumptionperfect

for remote sites with battery and solar power
systems

Bilingual Networking via BSAP and Modbus

protocols with RS 485 interface

Two versions: RS485 with RS232 port for

configuration or Analog Output with FSK signal

Intrinsically safe and explosion proof for

operation in Class I Division 1 hazardous areas

Bidirectional DP measurement

DP/P wet end sensor assembly is independent

of the top end assembly

Introduction
The Bristol 3808 MVT is Emerson Process Managements answer to industry demands for a transmitter with high reliability, high performance over
real world pressure and temperature conditions,
ease in use, networkability and very low power
consumption. The 3808 MVT has been designed to
provide the highest value in terms of all user considerations, including purchasing, installation, operation and maintenance.
To maximize measurement accuracy, the 3808 combines a wet end with a low reference uncertainty of
0.075% URL, with a design that minimizes effects
of pressure and temperature over the full range of
operating conditions.
For remote sites such as those in the energy and

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The Bristol 3808 MVT Multivariable Transmitter features accurate measurement of

DP, gauge pressure and temperature.

water industries, power consumption has been a

key consideration. Costs of batteries and solar
panels are proportional to current draw and many
users are surprised at the capital expenses associated with electronics, which have not been designed
to conserve power. The sophisticated design
employed by the 3808 MVT keeps current draw well
below 2 mA and with a power source as low as 5
Vdc.
For remote sites, power budgeting is often very
tight. Since the power consumption is so low, the
3808 MVT can even be added to existing sites,
which were designed with no extra capacity for
power.
While the Bristol Synchronous and Asynchronous
(BSAP) protocol ensures compatibility with Emerson
measurement and SCADA systems, Modbus provides compatibility with a wide variety of controllers,
flow computers, RTU devices and SCADA systems
from numerous suppliers.

Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 2

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Functionality Overview

Physical Overview

Emersons Bristol 3808 MVT provides the

following basic operations:

Service: Flow, level, pressure, temperature measurements for liquids and gases.

Conversion of sensor readings from the wet

end DP/P sensor assembly into accurate
floating point pressure values for DP and P.
Conversion calculations utilize correction
coefficients contained in the sensor assembly
and are performed once per second for each
process variable

Conversion of raw readings from an on-board

A/D into an accurate floating point RTD value.
RTD conversions are performed once per
second

Up to 19200 baud, 2-wire RS-485 serial

communications interface, or a 1200 baud, FSK
modem interface via the 4-20ma current loop for
Network communication

Local RS-232 serial communications interface

fixed at 19200 baud. (Connecting to the RS-232
communications interface disables the RS-485
communications
A subset of the Emerson BSAP RDB and Peerto-Peer communications interface:

Complete set of User/Host Interface

functions for Configuration, Calibration,
and Data Collection

Floating point values returned individually,

or in pre-defined Lists

Floating point values available for DP/GP,

SP, T, Sensor Temperature, and Error
Status

Floating point, Logical, or String values

also available for other ST3808 user
configuration parameters

Diaphragm Material: 316 SS or Hastelloy C

Flange Material: 316 SS or Hastelloy C
Flange Bolt Material: 316 SS
Fill Media: DC 200 Silicone Oil
Process Connections: NPT on flanges 1/2 NPT
with connection blocks.
Electrical Connections: NPT Conduit Connection
Housing: Low Copper Aluminum with epoxy paint
NEMA 4X explosion proof.
Local indication: 4--Digit LCD display linear or
square root in engineering units.
RTD sensor: 3-wire platinum 100-ohm per DIN
43760 25 feet max.
User connections: 10-terminal (2-rows) tri-barrier
strip for + power, -power, RTD +, RTD-, RTD-, TXD,
and RXD.

Power Supply Information

Operating Voltage Range: 5 42 Vdc
Current Draw:
With RS 485: Less than 2 mA (typically 900 mA)
With FSK, but with 4 20 mA output disabled: Less
than 3.2 mA

Optional, 4-to-20 mA Analog Output:

Turn-on time:

Linear or Square Root Mode

Reversible Output Action

May be controlled externally to provide a

remote AO

Measured input variables will be within specifications less than two seconds after power is applied to
the 3808 MVT.

Optional, on-board LCD display with DP, P and

T information

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 3

Accuracy and Performance

Specfications
All specifications are for the digital, floating-point
signal.
Differential Pressure and Static Pressure
Combined effects of nonlinearity, nonrepeatability
and hysteresis at reference pressure and over the
operating temperature range:
DP and SP linear mode: 0.075% of Calibrated
Span or 0.015% of URL, whichever is greater.
0.035% of span or 0.015% of URL for 1000 psi
static pressure only, whichever is greater.
Temperature effect on Static and Differential pressure:
0.21%URL maximum combined shift of zero and
span with an ambient temperature change of 60C
(108F). 0.17% URL max. for 1000 psi static pressure range.
Static Pressure Effects On Differential Pressure:
Zero error: 0.1% URL, for a change in static pressure of 1000 psi
Span error: 0.1% reading, for a change in static
pressure of 1000 psi
Long Term Stability at Constant Conditions:
0.1% URL/Year typical
Mounting position effect: 2 in H2O maximum,
which can be calibrated out.
Ripple and noise: Per ISA 50.1 Section 4.6
Process Temperature - RTD Interface
A three-wire platinum RTD per DIN 43760 is supported. The temperature, T, in degrees Celsius is
calculated using the Resistance vs. Temperature
Tables according to the DIN EN 60751 standard for
Class A & B RTDs. The DIN EN 60751 equation is:

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Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

R(t) = R0 * (1 + At +Bt2)
Where:
A = 3.9083 * 10-3 oC-1
B = -5.775 * 10-7 oC-2
Ro = 100ohms
In addition, the user may enter the R0, A, and B
coefficients of a custom calibrated RTD, another
platinum standard or a different material (Nickel,
Balco or Copper). During the RTD calibration, the
User will be able to set the R0, A, and B coefficients,
restore the factory default for these coefficients, and
calibrate the internal Reference resistor.
Process Temperature Input Specifications (for
the interface, only, not including the RTD probe or
wiring)
RTD Conversion Accuracy: 0.1C, or 0.1% of
reading, whichever is greater
Ambient temperature effect on RTD measurement:
0.01C / C max
Long Term Stability at Constant Conditions:
0.25C / month max
Analog Output Specifications
Non-linearity: 0.1% max
Temperature effects: +/- 0.25% Full Scale over 60
degrees C.

Environmental Specifications
Over Pressure Limit: Equal to the static pressure
upper range limit (URL).
Temperature limits:
Wet End: -40 to +85C
Electronics: -40 to +85C
With Display: -30 to +70C
Storage Temperature: -40 to +100C
Humidity limits: When covers are properly installed,

Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 4

unit will withstand 0 to 100% RH (NEMA 4X enclosure)

Vibration: 0.1%URL/g max 10-500 Hz in any axis
per SAMA PMC-33-1C
Electromagnetic compatibility:
Conditions: Current output (only) twisted pair wires
includes RTD. Covers installed and wiring run in
grounded conduit. 10V/M, 20-500 MHZ per SAMA
PMC-33-1C:

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Emersons LocalView Calibration Tool includes all
calibration and configuration operations. This tool
will be familiar with users of Smartkit as well as all
other Bristol flow computers and provides users of
all Bristol measurement products, from Emerson, a
consistent and compatible HMI.
A variety of User Interface features are provided by
the 3808 MVT. These include:

Set Communications Baud Rate

Set BSAP Local Address

DP and SP: 0.25%URL

RTD Temperature: 1C

Set BSAP Group Number

Set Modbus Node Address

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Set Modbus Mode (ASCII/RTU)

Enable/Disable Static Pressure Reading

Enable/Disable RTD Temperature Reading

Read current DP/GP, SP, T, Sensor

Temperature, and Status values

Read DP/GP and SP Upper Range Limits

The LCD provides 4 1/2 digits of display precision

with a decimal point. The following Engineering
Units are included:

Calibrate Zero/Span for DP/GP and SP

Calibrate Zero for RTD

Configure RTD Coefficients

Configure 4-20ma Analog Output

BAR

Enable/Disable

psi

Select Linear/Square Root Mode

in H2O @ 60F

Select Forward/Reverse Acting

kg/cm2

kPa

Select Output Variable (DP/GP, SP, User

Defined, or None)

Calibrate Zero/Span

The LCD displays the measured variables for DP,

P, and T. The display will continually cycle though
all measured variables. The value and Engineering Units for a particular variable will be displayed
for three seconds. An annunciator indicates which
pressure variable is being displayed.

User Interface For The 3808 MVT

Using a lap-top personal computer, field personnel
can quickly calibrate and configure a 3808 MVT
transmitter. The personal computer interfaces to
the RS 232 port. Meanwhile, the RS 485 port wiring
need not be disconnected. RS 485 communication
is disabled only while the PC cable is connected to
the RS 232 terminals.

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Select Engineering Units for DP/GP, SP, T

Set Floating Point Damping Factor

Display Transmitter Information (Traceability

information, Range Codes, Firmware Revision)

Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 5

Communication Interface
BSAP Interface

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Transmitter Interface Unit (TIU) For compatibility
with the 3508, this module is used to connect a PC
to the FSK signal on the 3808 MVT.

The 3808 MVT will act as an immediate response

BSAP Slave device. The 3808 MVT will function
as a terminal node only in a BSAP Network. BSAP
Global messages received with the 3808 MVTs
Local Address will be processed by the 3808 MVT.
Note that pass through, or routing, of BSAP Global
messages, Expanded BSAP messages, and TimeSync/Node Routing Table messages are not supported.

Part Number 389959-01-4

A subset of the RDB and Peer-to-peer messages

are supported. This will provide the user both RDB
and Peer-to-Peer List access to the 3808 MVT Process variables and parameters.

The user can select a bendable RTD that attaches

to the transmitter via an armored cable of 6-foot, 15foot or 25-foot length. The individual wires connect
to terminations on the termination plate. The RTD
assembly also includes a fitting, which is installed in
the conduit port.

MODBUS Interface
The 3808 MVT will act as a Modbus compatible,
slave device. The 3808 MVT provides support for
both Modbus ASCII and Modbus Remote Terminal
Unit (RTU) transmission modes, utilizing a subset of
the Read/Write commands available via Modbus.
To provide support for a variety of Modbus compatible host controllers, the 3808 MVT data available
via Modbus are mapped into Modbus Coils/Registers. To accommodate the different types of Modbus
hosts available (i.e. standard Modbus, ENRON
Modbus) floating point data items are mapped to
several different Modbus Register address ranges.
This provides both 16-bit and 32-bit register access
using the appropriate register address and function
code.

Accessories
Emersons Bristol OpenBSI/LocalView Calibration
and configuration software for a PC
CD part number: 395575-02-8
PC-to-3808-MVT Cable Connects to the RS
232 port on the 3808 MVT, 10 foot, part number:
396596-01-0

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For the TIU, please specify the modem cable length:

6 foot part number 390929-01-8
12 foot part number 390929-02-6
25 foot part number 390929-03-4

Bendable RTD

If ordered along with the transmitter, the bendable

RTD assembly will be shipped in the same box as
the transmitter.
The bendable RTD is a one size fits all solution
that is perfect for most applications and excellent for
depot-level inventory situations in which the ultimate
installation (and, therefore, thermowell depth) is not
necessarily known.
The 12 probe can quickly be inserted in a
thermowell, whereupon the user can tighten the included fitting to lock it in place and bend the excess
length out of the way.
Note that a thermowell is required for this bendable
RTD!
Note also that the bendable RTD assembly is approved only for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous
areas and is not explosion proof.

Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 6

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Model Number: 3808-30A - A B C - D E F - G H J - K L M - N P Q R

3808-30A
X380830A
DESCRIPTION
ABC
10

CODE

Input Range Differential (inH2O)

Static Pressure (PSI)

ABC

0-7.5 to 0-150

1000

121

0-7.5 to 0-150

2000

122

0-15 to 0-300

1000

141

0-15 to 0-300

2000

142

0-15 to 0-300

3000

145

0-15 to 0-300

4000

144

0-1.25 to 0-25 PSID

2000

202

0-1.25 to 0-25 PSID

3000

205

0-1.25 to 0-25 PSID

4000

204

Diaphragm Material

316 Stainless Steel

20

Hastelloy C

Filling Media

30

DC 200 Silicone

Flange Material
316 Stainless Steel

40

Hastelloy C

Flange Vent Valve

X3808FLA

Match D - diaphragm

material

X3808VENT

None
50
H

With Vent Valve - 316 SS

Note: Flange Material, F = 1

With Vent Valve - Hastelloy C

Note: Flange Material, F = 2

X3808MAN

Match F -

Stainless Steel

Flange

Hastelloy C

Material

Manifold Adapter
None

60
J
70

Comm / Output Options

4-20 mA current output / FSK Note: Local calibration requires TIU.

RS 485

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Note: Local calibration requires RS 232 cable.

Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 7

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Model Number: 3808-30A - A B C - D E F - G H J - K L M - N P Q R

3808-30A
DESCRIPTION
K

CODE

Local Indication

X3808LIND

None

80

4 1/2 Digit LCD

Flange Orientation

Standard (faces away from front)

90 degrees (down) (Default)

90

Note: Housing is very easy to rotate 180 degrees around in the field.
M

Mounting Bracket

X3808MTG

None
100
N
110
P
120
Q

125

With "L" Flanged Mounting

Not avail. with 90 deg. (down)

Bracket

flange orientation (Option K=2)

Neck Mounted Bracket

With any Flange Orientation

1
2

Certification

UL/CUL Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D; Class I, Division 2, Groups A,B,C,D

Warning Plate

None

Russian

RTD / Cable Assembly

None

Please refer to the notes,

With RTD and 6-foot Cable

below, concerning the RTD /

With RTD and 15-foot Cable

Cable Assemblies.

With RTD and 25-foot Cable

NOTES: RTD/CABLE ASSEMBLIES

If selected in "Q" above, the RTD/Cable assembly will be shipped in the same box as the
transmitter. Due to UL restrictions, they cannot be shipped "pre-connected."
IMPORTANT: These particular RTD assemblies are not explosion-proof but are approved
for Class I, Division 2 hazardous areas. For explosion-proof RTD components, please
refer to "RTD Sensors and Related Accessories" in the Bristol price book.
R
130

Factory Configuration
Options

Use the Standard, Defaults - Please DO NOT fill-in attachment 3800-A010

Specify Other Configuration Settings - Please proceed to attachment 3800-A010.

To specify a 3808 MVT that is approved by Industry Canada for custody transfer installations when used in conjunction with a
ControlWave EFM or ControlWave XFC, please use the following model number and attachment number:
3808-30A-142-111-102-020-1000
3808-B-1

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 8

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Attachment Number: 3800-A - AB - CD - E - F - GH - J - KL - M - N - P - R - T - U

3800-A
CODE

DESCRIPTION
AB

DP Units for 3808-30A or GP units for 3808-10A

AB

In H2O (Default)

Special Note for 25 PSI DP range: If you use

00

PSI

this attachment, "In H2O" become the default

01

mmH2O

units. If you want "PSI," you must specify

02

ftH20

that, here.

03

inHg

04

mmHg

05

90/160 KPa

06

MPa

07

BAR

08

mBAR

09

g/cm2

10

kg/cm2

11

SP Units for 3808-30A - Please note that this field is N/A for the 3808-10A

CD

In H2O

00

PSI (Default)

01

mmH2O

02

ftH20

03

inHg

04

mmHg

05

CD

92/170 KPa

06

MPa

07

BAR

08

mBAR

09

g/cm2

10

kg/cm2

11

Temperature Units for RTD Input

Degrees C (Default)

94/200 Degrees F
F

Communications Baud Rate

9600 (Default)

1200

96/205 2400

4800

19,200

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 9

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Attachment Number: 3800-A - AB - CD - E - F - GH - J - KL - M - N - P - R - T - U

3800-A
DESCRIPTION
GH

BSAP Local Address

CODE
GH

Using two digits, including a leading zero for 1 - 9, please specify the address in
98/210 'GH,' ie. "01" through "32." For reference, the default address is 1.
J

BSAP Group Number

100/300 Please fill-in a single-digit between 1 and 8 in 'J.' Group 1 is the default.
KL

MODBUS Node Address

KL

Using two digits, including a leading zero for 1 - 9, please specify the address in
102/310 'GH,' e.g. "01" through "32." For reference, the default address is 1.
M

MODBUS Mode

ASCII (Default)

104/320 RTU
N

ENABLE / DISABLE 4 - 20 mA Output

ENABLE (Default)

106/330 DISABLE
P

LINEAR (Default)

0
R

FORWARD (Default)

0
1

4 - 20 mA OUTPUT VARIABLE

DP (in 3808-30A) or GP (in 3808-10A) (Default)

112/360 SP (3808-30A only)

U

4 - 20 mA FORWARD or REVERSE ACTING

110/350 REVERSE
T

4 - 20 mA LINEAR or SQUARE ROOT

108/340 SQUARE ROOT

R

TEMPERATURE

RTS DELAY

10 ms Bristol Default

50 ms that is known to work best

for Chesapeake CW LP using
115/365 Modbus

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 10

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

1 5/8"

2 1/8"

2 11/16"

DIMENSIONED DRAWINGS

3808 MVT with Manifold Adapters Shown

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 11

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

3808 MVT with L Flanged Mounting Bracket

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 12

3 5/8"

2 1/4"

2 7/8"

13/16"

5 11/16"

3 7/8"

1 7/8"

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

3808 MVT with Neck Mounted Bracket

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 13

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

Simplified Diagram of 3808 MVT with 4 20 mA Signal

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 14

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

ELECTRONICS HOUSING

RS-485
Interface

CPU
BOARD

RS-232
Interface

5 to 42Vdc
Power
Supply

RTD

SPI
BUS

COMPENSATION
ELECTRONICS

SENSOR MODULE
ASSY.

FLANGE
(LO Side)

FLANGE
(HI Side)

ISOLATION
DIAPHRAGM

ISOLATION
DIAPHRAGM

HIGH SIDE FLUID SYSTEM

LOW SIDE FLUID SYSTEM

OVERPRESSURE
MECHANISM And
DIAPHRAGM

LO PORT

HI PORT

Simplified Diagram of 3808 MVT with RS 232 and RS 485 Interface

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 15

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

3808 MVT Wire Routing

3808 MVT Terminal Block Assignments

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Product Data Document

225DS-25h / D301300X012
April 2011 - Page 16

Bristol Multivariable Transmitter

2007-2011 Remote Automation Solutions, division of Emerson Process Management. All rights reserved.
Bristol, Inc., Bristol Canada, BBI SA de CV and Emerson Process Management Ltd, Remote Automation Solutions division (UK), are wholly owned subsidiaries of Emerson Electric Co.
doing business as Remote Automation Solutions (RAS), a division of Emerson Process Management. FloBoss, ROCLINK, Bristol, Bristol Babcock, ControlWave, TeleFlow and Helicoid
are trademarks of RAS. AMS, PlantWeb and the PlantWeb logo are marks of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of the Emerson Electric Co. All other
marks are property of their respective owners.
The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure informational accuracy, they are not to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. RAS reserves the right to modify or improve the designs or
specifications of such products at any time without notice. All sales are governed by RAS terms and conditions which are available upon request. RAS does not assume responsibility for
the selection, use or maintenance of any product. Responsibility for proper selection, use and maintenance of any RAS product remains solely with the purchaser and end-user.

Emerson Process Management

Remote Automation Solutions
Watertown, CT 06795 USA
Mississauga, ON 06795 Canada
Worcester WR3 8YB UK

T 1 (860) 945-2200
T 1 (905) 362-0880
T 44 (1) 905-856950

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