July 2023 Newsletter

Interface Signal Conditioners, Tech Talk, Robots, Auto Test Labs, Events and More

Interface offers an array of digital and analog instrumentation solutions, ranging from complete DAQ systems to hand-held indicators. In our extensive product line of instrumentation, we have several Interface Signal Conditioners to use with our load cells.

Signal conditioners are used to ensure that the load cell’s output is optimized for accuracy, stability, and compatibility with the measurement or control system. They help mitigate noise, amplify weak signals, provide excitation, and linearization to ensure precise and reliable measurements of force or weight.

Primary features of signal conditioners include amplification, filtering, isolation, and linearization. Signal conditioners can perform various functions depending on the specific application and the type of signals.

Read more in our Signal Conditioners 101 post. Go to Interface Instrumentation and Digital Instrumentation products to review all options.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING THE RIGHT SIGNAL CONDITIONER

Form factor design: box mount, DIN rail, in-line cable, or integral to load cell
Output options: ±5/±10VDC, 0.1-5VDC, current, frequency, digital
Polarity: bi-polar or unipolar
Bandwidth
Onboard filtering
Power supply type: cable, built-in, or wireless
Noise immunity

INTERFACE TOP SIGNAL CONDITIONERS

DMA2 DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner is a DIN rail mountable signal conditioner with user selectable outputs of ±10V, ±5V or 4-20 mA. It features 1000 Hz bandwidth and push-button shunt calibration.

SGA AC/DC Powered Signal Conditioner is a versatile device with user selectable outputs of ±10V, ±5V, 0-10V, 0-5V, 0-20mA and 4-20mA. This product is AC/DC powered with switch selectable filters from 1 to 5kHz and is packaged in a sealed ABS enclosure. It supports shunt calibration and a wide range of gain settings.

ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner features a galvanically isolated power supply for use in high noise applications. This product has options for ±5VDC, ±10VDC and 4-20mA outputs. It also has a 1 Hz to 1 kHz adjustable filter (up to 10kHz optional).

CSC and LCSC-OEM Inline Signal Conditioners have a wide variety of signal conditioning options that come installed and calibrated to your choice of load cell and cabling. They are enclosed, sealed and offer IP67 and CE ratings. Contact our application engineers for consultation to ensure the configuration meets your application needs.

VSC2 Rugged Compact Vehicle Powered Signal Conditioner is a high accuracy precision differential amplifier designed for use in harsh environments with low thermal error and an operating range from -40 to +125 C. The VSC2 has a fast response time of 1 mS (1000 Hz).

There are other instrumentation solutions that offer signal conditioner features, so be sure to reference the Instrumentation Selection Guide to find the best instrumentation for your project or application.

SENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTONOMOUS AND COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS

As robots and cobots become more sophisticated, the need for accurate and reliable force measurement becomes even more critical. Interface load cells and torque transducers used in robotics help to improve safety, optimize performance, and enable more sophisticated control of robotic systems by providing real-time data about the forces and torques being
generated during operation.

Read Types of Robots Using Interface Sensors to learn how our products are used in testing and design of industrial robots, medical and surgical robots, military and defense robots, educational robots, entertainment robots and animatronics, plus consumer product and service robots. Read more in our Advancements in Robotics and Cobots Using Interface Sensors case study. Check out our robotics solutions here.

INTERFACE TECH TALK PROVIDES ANSWERS

Interface support and application engineers answer technical questions every day based on different requirements, sensor capabilities, set-up and configurations. In our weekly posts, we answer some of these questions. Here are the latest technical posts:

Are Load Cells Used in Vacuum Environments?

What are IO-Link Load Cells?

Understanding GUM and Measurement Uncertainty

Signal Conditioners 101

Calibration Curve 101

Discover all our sensor technologies 101 series posts here. You can also find our technical white papers online for easy access, in addition to our free Load Cell Field Guide. Still looking for technical support? Be sure to visit our comprehensive online support resources for more information and access to our technical library, installation guides, software downloads and more.

NEXT INTERFACE WEBINAR EXAMINES SPECIFICATIONS

We are hosting a new online event Demystifying Specifications on Thursday, August 17 at 9:00 AM Pacific. Our experts will share an insider’s perspective on the important values and technical details. Specifications are vital tools that need to be understood and reviewed before buying any type of sensor or accessory. During this discussion, we’ll highlight what you need to know about parameters, ranges, terms, and key performance metrics. Register today!

ADVANCING AUTOMOTIVE TESTING LABS

As a preferred supplier to automotive testing labs, our products are utilized in numerous automotive testing lab applications. Interface’s expansive line of torque and force measurement products for advanced testing throughout the automobile’s lifecycle. Our load cells, torque transducers including AxialTQ, multi-axis sensors, wireless devices, and instrumentation are used
in R&D and engineering, material testing, component integration, production, assembly, quality and safety inspections, and even for weighing and shipping.

Interface automotive industry solutions are used in general automotive and driveline test labs for:

Component and Sub-Component Level Testing

Suspension Testing

Body Durability Testing

Safety Testing and Crash Walls

Engine and Motor Performance, Durability and Efficiency Testing

Power Analyzation (Electric)

Driveline Durability and Efficiency

Accessory Drive Testing

In our latest case study, Accelerating Automotive Excellence With Interface Testing Lab Solutions, we detail common challenges and solutions offered by Interface to fit the requirements of today’s modern automotive industry testing labs. Quality, accuracy and durability are key considerations for the type of measurement device selected for different tests, whether it is for brake caliper testing or in airbag connector tests. Read more about auto test labs here.

RESOURCES, EVENTS AND MORE

TESTING TYPES: How does Interface support wind tunnel testing? Read about this specialized environment and the solutions we provide for measuring lift, drag, side force, control, stability and performance here.

NEW GUIDE! Interface now enables you to request a custom Load Pin Load Cell online. There are 2 easy steps: download the PDF configuration form, submit the form with the PDF from the Load Pin Configurator Guide. Interface engineers will reach out to confirm your request. Find all guides here.

WEEKLY LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER! We are publishing a weekly InterfaceIQ newsletter that you can subscribe to on LinkedIn. We published five new articles this month.