Selecting the Right Indicator for Test and Measurement Applications
Precision is non-negotiable in the realm of test and measurement. Accurate force measurement is essential for validating aerospace components’ safety, ensuring medical device consistency, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Sensor indicators are a critical link between load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and actionable data. By converting minute electrical signals into clear, interpretable readouts, indicators empower product designers, testing professionals, and engineers to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and ensure product reliability.
The Indispensable Role of Indicators in Critical Applications
Indicators are instrumentation devices that are not merely data displays but integral to the integrity of force measurement systems. They are used in all types of industry testing projects and programs. Here is a quick review of how they contribute to success in various test and measurement applications:
Aerospace Test and Measurement
Applications for aerospace wing stress analysis, landing gear impact tests, and engine thrust measurement require high-accuracy indicators with fast sampling rates, such as the 9870 High-Speed High-Performance TEDS Ready Indicator. These indicators capture dynamic forces during critical tests, ensuring structural integrity. TEDS compatibility streamlines calibration, which is crucial for upholding stringent quality standards. Find additional aerospace solutions here.
Automotive Manufacturing Test and Measurement
Multi-channel indicators like the 9840-400-1-T 4-Channel Intelligent Indicator are ideal for robotic assembly force control, crash testing, and component fatigue analysis. This indicator enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple load cells, optimizing assembly processes and confirming component durability. Set-point outputs trigger automated responses, enhancing production efficiency. Gain more insights into automotive and vehicle solutions here.
Medical Device Development
The careful design and research of surgical tool force feedback, implant strength testing, and packaging seal integrity require precision indicators for data analysis and collection. Handheld indicators like the 9325-NU Portable Sensor Display provide on-site testing and calibration portability. High-resolution displays and filtering features ensure precise measurements of delicate forces, which is critical for patient safety. Check out more medical and healthcare solutions.
Industrial Automation Performance Monitoring
Indicators have use cases across all facets of industrial automation, including process weight and force measurement, material handling, and quality control. Programmable indicators such as the 1280 Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller and 920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller integrate seamlessly into automated systems, enabling real-time process control and data logging. Wireless indicators improve flexibility in complex industrial environments. Interface’s range of INF1 and INF4 provide solutions for multi-sensor weight applications with multiple modern communication options. See a list of all the INF1 and INF4 options below. Gather more information about industrial automation solutions.
Calibration Laboratories
Standard to any calibration lab, for in-house or outside services, needs highly accurate and durable sensor calibration and reference standard verification indicators. Calibration-grade indicators like the 9840 Calibration Grade Multi-Channel Load Cell Indicator ensure traceable and reliable measurements with high accuracy, stability, and TEDS capabilities. Find more test and measurement use cases here.
Top 10 Criteria for Selecting the Right Indicator
Choosing the optimal indicator is crucial for achieving accurate and reliable results. The following are recommendations for reviewing indicators for your particular use case.
#1 Sensor Compatibility: Ensure the indicator supports the sensor’s output signal (mV/V, voltage, current). Verify compatibility with TEDS for simplified calibration.
#2 Accuracy and Resolution: Select an indicator with sufficient accuracy and resolution for your specific application. Consider the indicator’s linearity, hysteresis, and temperature stability.
#4 Sampling Rate: Choose a high sampling rate indicator for dynamic measurements to capture rapid force changes. The 9330 and 9870 are good examples of high sample rate indicators.
#5 Connectivity and Output Options: Determine the required output options, including analog, digital, and wireless features. Confirm compatibility with your data acquisition system.
#6 Form Factor and Portability: Choose a form factor that suits your testing environment. Do you prefer or need a handheld, panel-mount, or rack-mounted indicator? What type of enclosure is best suited for your application? Are cables a consideration? Consider portability requirements for field testing.
#7 Environmental Considerations: When necessary, review indicators with an enclosure that can withstand the operating environment. This includes extreme temperatures, humidity exposure, or areas subject to noise and vibration.
#8 Software and Data Logging: Evaluate the indicator’s software capabilities for data logging, analysis, and visualization. Consider if the unit has built-in logging or PC-based software.
#9 Calibration and Maintenance: Understand the indicator’s calibration procedures and maintenance requirements. Utilizing TEDS greatly simplifies calibration.
#10 Feature and Function: Different indicators are better suited to capacities, configurations, connectivity, data management, and variability. Invest in carefully reviewing the features and functionality when pairing with your sensors. Considering system-level calibration when choosing an indicator is essential to guarantee they are perfectly aligned and performing as a unit.
TIP: Use Interface’s Instrumentation Selection Guide to find the right indicator.
Please consult with our Application Engineers to review the best option for your specific test plan. It’s also best to consider your instrumentation when selecting a sensor for system-level calibration.
Review of Featured Interface Indicators
1280 Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller
920i Programmable Weight Indicator and Controller
9330 Battery Powered High-Speed Data Logging Indicator
9812 Panel Mount Display for Single mV/V Transducer
9812-WTS Wireless Panel Mount Display for Single Transmitters
9825-AI General Purpose Analog Input Indicator
9825 General Purpose Indicator
9840-400-1-T 4-Channel Intelligent Indicator
9840TQ mV/V Input Torque Transducer Indicator
9840C TEDS Read/Write Intelligent Indicator
9840 Calibration Grade Multi-Channel Load Cell Indicator
9850 Torque Transducer and Load Cell Indicator
9870 High-Speed High-Performance TEDS Ready Indicator
9894 Analog Input Process Indicator
JB1100 4-Channel Advanced Signal Conditioning Transmitter Indicator and Junction Box
9890 Strain Gage, Load Cell, and mV/V Indicator
INF1 and INF4 Sensor Weight Transmitters and Indicators
The following INF1 instrumentation devices are single-sensor weight transmitters and indicators:
INF1-POWERLINK Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-CANopen Weight Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-EtherCat Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Profinet IO Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Profibus Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Analog Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-RS485 Weight Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Modbus TCP Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Ethernet TCP IP Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF1-Ethernet IP Single Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
The following INF4 instrumentation devices are multiple (4) sensor weight transmitters and indicators:
INF4-POWERLINK Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-CANopen Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-EtherCat Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Profinet IO Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Profibus Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Analog Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-RS485 Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Modbus TCP Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Ethernet TCP IP Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
INF4-Ethernet IP Two, Three, and Four Sensor Weight Transmitter and Indicator
Sensor indicators are essential tools for achieving precision in force measurement applications. By understanding their purpose and carefully considering selection criteria, technicians and engineers can enhance their testing processes, improve product quality, and foster innovation across various industries.
Explore Interface’s comprehensive range of indicators and utilize our expertise to find the ideal solution for your application. Contact our application engineers for expert guidance and support.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Interface Load Cell Indicators 101
Essential Interface Indicators for Load Cells and Torque Transducers
