DSC - Load Cell & Strain Gauge to Data Converters
FAQ Contents
Digital load cell converter for strain gauge sensors such as pressure transducers, load cells and torque sensors allowing direct connection to PLC’s, dataloggers & displays. DCell is a miniature version for direct fitting inside the sensor.
Evaluation Kit for DCell & DSC
- Q: Which versions is the Eval Kit available in?
A: RS232, RS485 or CAN
- Q: Is there everything in this Eval Kit to perform a full evaluation?
A: Yes. All you need is your own computer!
DCell & DSC Converters
- Q: You offer two versions – industrial stability and high stability - of the DSC and DCell, what is the difference?
A: The Industrial Version offers 25ppm basic accuracy (equates to 16 bit resolution). The High Stability version offers 5ppm basic accuracy (equates to 18 bit resolution) with comparable stability which far exceeds standard instrument performance.
- Q:What is the mean time between failure (MTBF) rate of the DCell and DSC?
A: 230,000 working hours. Download MTBF calculated hours here.
- Q: Is there adjustable sensitivity?
A: Yes, the DSC devices can be configured for standard 2.5mV/V full-scale strain gauges as supplied. A single additional resistor configures the input between 0.5 and 100 mV/V full-scale.
- Q: Do you offer linearity compensation?
A: Yes, advanced 7-point linearity compensation.
- Q: How about multiple output options?
A: We offer a choice of two communications standards: RS232 (DSC only) or RS485, with a choice of three different protocols: ASCII, MODBUS or MANTRABUS, for ease of integration. All variants provide identical features and performance.
- Q: Is there options for serial output and how many devices can be used on a bus?
A: Yes the DSC products offer lower-cost cabling, improved noise immunity, and longer cable runs with no accuracy penalty. Device addressing allows up to 253 devices on a single bus, drastically reducing cabling cost and complexity. Two-way communications allow in-situ re-calibration, multiple outputs and diagnostics. No separate measuring instruments needed.
- Q:How do you calibrate the DSC?
A: We offer digital calibration which is completely drift-free, adjustable in-system and/or in-situ via standard communications link. Two independent calibration stages for load cell-and-system-specific adjustments. Programmable compensation for non-linearity and temperature corrections. Calibration data is also transferable between devices for in-service replacement.
- Q: Are there self-diagnostics?
A: Yes, the DSC devices offer continuous monitoring for faults such as strain overload, over/under-temperature, broken sensors or unexpected power failure. All fault warnings are retained on power-fail.
