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Watlow SERIES CLS200 CLS208 Compact Loop Controller - 1/8 DIN Multi-Loop PID Temperature Controller
Source: | Author:kongjiang | Published time: 2026-07-09 | 36 Views | 🔊 Click to read aloud ❚❚ ▶ | Share:
Watlow SERIES CLS200 CLS208 Compact Loop Controller - 1/8 DIN Multi-Loop PID Temperature Controller

Product Overview

Watlow SERIES CLS200 is a flexible, high-performance multi-loop controller line built into a space-saving 1/8 DIN compact form factor. The CLS208 variant supports up to 8 independent heat/cool PID loops, delivering complete, cost-effective process control solutions for a wide spectrum of industrial applications.

Capable of standalone operation, every CLS208 unit integrates native serial communication ports for PC connection and data logging. Optional firmware packages and pluggable DAC/SDAC analog converter modules expand its functionality to meet complex process requirements, including ramp/soak sequencing, cascade control, ratio control and process variable retransmission.

All SERIES CLS200 controllers carry UL, C-UL and CE markings, fully compliant with European EMC Directive standards for global machine deployment.
Core Features & Key Benefits
Multi-Loop PID Control
Supports up to 8 independent heat and cool PID loops (CLS208 model)
Minimizes cabinet panel space occupation per control loop
Cuts installation time and wiring costs
Fewer discrete components reduce failure points and boost system reliability
Auto-Tune Functionality
Eliminates manual loop tuning work for operators
Delivers stable, precise closed-loop control without advanced engineering expertise
Full Text Menu-Guided Operation
Clear digital text display simplifies parameter setup and navigation
Shortens controller commissioning time and lowers operator learning barriers
Storable & Recallable Jobs
Stores up to 8 complete process recipes onboard
Instantly switch between different production processes without reconfiguring parameters
Universal Mixed Sensor Inputs
Compatible with all mainstream industrial process sensors: thermocouples, RTDs, linear DC voltage, DC current and frequency signals.
Consolidates multiple sensor types on one controller platform
Reduces spare part inventory and training complexity
Built-In Sensor Failure Detection
Automatically identifies open, shorted and reversed sensor wiring faults, speeding up on-site troubleshooting and minimizing production downtime.
Per-Channel Process Alarms
Configurable high/low process value and deviation alarms for every input channel, enabling seamless integration with PLCs, HMIs and other automation hardware.
34 Digital Outputs
Highly flexible digital output assignment for heating/cooling control and alarm signaling, customizable to match unique machine logic demands.
Standard EIA/TIA-232 & EIA/TIA-485 Serial Communications
Connect directly to industrial software for remote configuration, monitoring and data acquisition
Supports seamless integration with third-party PLCs, SCADA and HMI systems
Optional DAC & SDAC Analog Output Modules
Since SERIES CLS200 controllers have no built-in analog outputs, DAC or SDAC external modules are required for analog signal transmission needs.
DAC Module (Digital to Analog Converter)
Converts 1 or 2 distributed zero crossing (DZC) digital output signals into analog signals. Each output can be field-configured to 4–20mA DC, 0–5VDC or 0–10VDC analog ranges.
SDAC Module (Serial Digital to Analog Converter)
Converts one controller channel to a precision analog voltage or current signal. Typical use cases include process variable retransmission, open-loop regulation, motor/belt speed control, and driving phase-angle SCR power controllers.
The SDAC module holds UL, C-UL and CE certifications for global industrial use.
Module dimensions: 3.78 in (96 mm) wide × 1.96 in (50 mm) tall.
Three Selectable Firmware Option Packages
Customize CLS208 functionality with firmware matched to your process demands:
Standard Firmware
Base package including closed-loop PID, auto-tune, alarm management, job storage and sensor fault detection.
Ramp and Soak Firmware
Contains all Standard firmware functions, plus segmented ramp/soak profile operation and process variable retransmission. Each channel can run standard PID or temperature profiling; unused control outputs can be assigned for analog retransmission.
Enhanced Feature Firmware
Includes all Standard and Ramp & Soak capabilities, with extra advanced control algorithms: remote analog setpoint, cascade control, ratio control and differential control. Cascade and remote setpoint functions consume two controller channels each. Any idle control outputs can be configured for PV signal retransmission.
Note: One SDAC module is generally required per retransmitted process variable signal, as the CLS200 series has no native onboard analog outputs.
Typical Industrial Applications

Packaging equipment, thermal processing furnaces, extrusion lines, environmental test chambers, plastic molding machinery and any multi-zone heating/cooling automated systems requiring compact multi-loop PID regulation.

The Watlow SERIES CLS200 family consists of three core multi-loop controller models:

  1. CLS204: 4 differential PID loops for compact small-scale thermal equipment

  2. CLS208: 8 differential PID loops, the most popular general-purpose model for medium processing machines

  3. CLS216: 16 single-ended PID loops for high-density multi-zone furnace and production line control

All three models share identical 1/8 DIN form factor, serial communication interface, menu-driven operation and compatible DAC/SDAC analog output expansion modules, with three optional firmware packages to match simple or complex process control demands.