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Load Cells for Smarter and More Efficient Weighing

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Interface load cells are a key part of the advancements in weighing technologies. Breakthrough applications utilizing force sensing for weighing are expanding across industries. No matter the use case, weighing and scales must be trustworthy and always provide accurate information, as outlined in Accuracy Matters for Weighing and Scales.

For decades, load cells have been used for a wide range of weighing use cases. Load cells are electromechanical transducers that convert a force into an electrical signal. This electrical signal can then be amplified and processed to determine the weight of the object being weighed.

In testing or standard weighing practices, the load cell is typically mounted in a frame that supports the object being weighed. The load cell is connected to a signal conditioner, which amplifies the electrical signal from the load cell and converts it into a digital signal. The digital signal is then sent to a weighing controller, which calculates the weight of the object and displays it on a display. The weighing controller may also have additional features, such as data logging, remote monitoring, and programmable functions.

Now, Interface high accuracy load cells are found in advanced weighing applications used to define center of gravity for equipment, control inventory through weighing automation, batching, check weighing, process control and sample testing. Learn more about these applications and products in our Weighing Your Options Webinar.

Smart cities use connected force sensing trash receptacles for optimizing schedules of waste removal based on weight to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.  Innovative smart pallet force sensing helps to track products and goods at the dock to reduce expenses and increase productivity using weight as the measurement. Silo weighing for inventory management uses setpoints that are configured to automatically generate purchase orders when product levels fall below a defined weight.

Weighing sensor technologies today are more than a standard measurement device. Interface load cells can measure across a wide range of force, from 0.02 to 2,000k lbf. As the types of applications mature in capabilities, innovation, and complexity, these requirements also help to define the type of sensors that will provide precision measurement.

Our weighing sensors combined with advanced instrumentation use a variety of communication methods, including analog, digital, wireless and cloud based, to allow users to gather data in-facility or remotely. We can customize sensors to meet specifications for weighing use cases, including the design of complete weighing systems.

Advanced weighing applications often require sealed sensors with submersible features, wireless output and communications capabilities, and ease of use to design into products, machines or equipment.

Digital scales with advanced features such as data logging, connectivity options, and programmable functions have become commonplace. From bench scales to platform scales, there is a diverse way for our load cells to be implemented and available to measure diverse types of weighing applications.

Popular Interface Products Used for Weighing Applications

Load cells are an essential part of many weighing applications. They are used to measure the weight of objects in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and logistics. Load cells provide accurate and reliable measurements, which is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of products.

WeighingSolutions_InfographicPoster

Learn more in the application note details below.

Veterinary Weighing Scales

A manufacturer wanted two weighing scales for consumers like veterinarians who want to weigh large and small animals. Interface suggested using two different solutions. For the smaller scale, Interface’s SPI Low Capacity Platform Scale Load Cell was perfect for smaller, and lighter animals. As for the larger scale, the INFRD Platform Scale with pre-installed load beams worked best. Both scales included 480 Bidirectional Weight Indicators to display the total weight of the animals being weighed. Using this solution, the veterinarian was able to weigh both large and small pets easily and accurately with both scales.

Silo Grain Weighing and Dispensing

A customer wanted to measure and record the grain being put in and out of their grain dispensing container, as it dispenses content into a carrier truck for transportation. Interface suggested a wireless solution, installing a WTS 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Wireless Load Cells at the legs of the grain dispensing container. The 1200 measured the distribution correlation of the grain as it inputted and outputted from the container. Results were transmitted and displayed using the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for multiple transmitters, and logged and graphed using the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. With this solution, the customer was able to log and graph the measurement results of the grain content that the silo dispenses into the grain dispensing container, and when the grain is dispensed into the carrier truck.

Weighing is among the oldest use cases for load cells in the world and Interface has been there nearly every step of the way, growing alongside our customers and developing new innovations to perfect accuracy, reliability and durability. To learn more about our sensor solutions for weighing application, please visit https://www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/weighing-solutions/.

What are IO-Link Load Cells

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Interface continues to see a growing demand for using different communication protocols within our force measurement sensors and instrumentation devices. One of these protocols is IO-Link, which is a standardized communication protocol that enables bidirectional communication between the control system and the connected devices. It is frequently used in the field of industrial automation and IoT.

IO-Link is designed to connect and communicate between sensors, actuators, and other industrial devices with a higher-level control system. It runs over a standard three-wire connection, typically using unshielded industrial cables, and supports point-to-point communication.

Industrial automation and IoT are fundamentally reliant on digital transformation. Industry 4.0 requires the exchange and communication of information between sensor and instrumentation. IO-Link supports this requirement, helping to keep machines and facilities using sensors under control while improving their efficiency and productivity.

IO-Link can be used with load cells in industrial applications to enable enhanced monitoring, control, and diagnostics. Interface now offers customization of our most popular load cells with IO-Link capabilities.

Why Use IO-Link in Test & Measurement

  1. IO-Link is compatible with a wide range of sensors, actuators, and other devices. It provides a standardized interface, allowing easy integration and interchangeability of devices within an automation system.
  2. Real-time monitoring, control, and diagnostics is especially important in test and measurement. IO-Link enables this type of data exchange between devices and the control systems supporting the transmission of measurement data.
  3. IO-Link supports both analog and digital devices, making it versatile for a range of applications.
  4. With IO-Link, devices can be connected using a single cable, reducing the complexity and cost of wiring and simplifying installation and maintenance.
  5. Health and maintenance are important in testing. IO-Link supplies advanced diagnostic capabilities, allowing devices to report their status, health, and detailed diagnostic information. This is valuable for maintenance, troubleshooting, and reducing downtime.

Interface 1200 and 1201 Load Cell IO-Link Features and Benefits

The 1200 and 1201 Series IO-Link Load Cell Universal or Compression-Only are LowProfile load cells that are IO-Link compatible.

  • Proprietary Interface temperature
  • Compensated strain gages
  • Eccentric load compensated
  • Low deflection
  • Shunt calibration
  • Tension and compression
  • Compact size
  • 3-wire internal amp choice of 4-20 mA, ±5V, ±10V, 0-5V, 0-10V
  • Options include Base (recommended), custom calibration, multiple bridge, special threads and dual diaphragm
  • Accessories include mating connector, mating cable, instrumentation and loading hardware

For a complete datasheet of this product, go to the 1200 and 1201 with IO-Link product page.

IO-Link integration with load cells enhances the functionality and flexibility of weight measurement systems by enabling seamless communication, remote evaluations and diagnostic capabilities. It contributes to more efficient and reliable industrial processes where precise monitoring is necessary.

Weight and force monitoring: By connecting load cells to an IO-Link-enabled system, such as a PLC or a weighing controller, real-time weight data can be transmitted and monitored. The load cells measure the weight or force applied to them, and this information can be instantly communicated to the control system via IO-Link. The control system can then perform tasks such as weight-based control, process optimization, or triggering specific actions based on weight thresholds.

Remote parameterization and calibration: IO-Link allows load cells to be remotely parameterized and calibrated from the control system. Instead of manually adjusting the load cell settings at the device level, the control system can send the necessary configuration commands through the IO-Link interface. This feature simplifies the setup process, saves time, and reduces the risk of errors during calibration.

Performance evaluation and detection: IO-Link provides diagnostic capabilities for load cells, enabling the detection of potential issues or abnormalities. The load cells can send diagnostic information, such as temperature, supply voltage, or fault codes, to the control system through IO-Link. This data can be utilized for predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, or alarming in case of malfunctions.

IO-Link enhances the functionality, flexibility, and efficiency of industrial automation systems by enabling intelligent communication between devices and the control system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface New Product Releases Summer 2023

Force Sensors Advance Industrial Automation

Interface Weighing Solutions and Complete Systems

Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs

 

Signal Conditioners 101

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Signal conditioners are used in instrumentation, control systems, and measurement systems where accurate and reliable signal processing is a requirement. The purpose of a signal conditioner is to ensure that the electrical signal from a sensor is compatible with the input requirements of the subsequent signal processing equipment.

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

Interface Signal Conditioners are used with a wide range of load cell and force measurement devices. Transducers convert force or weight into an electrical signal. The output signal of a load cell is typically in the form of a small electrical voltage that is proportional to the applied force.

Be sure to reference the Instrumentation Selection Guide to find instrumentation with signal conditioners that will best fit your force measurement application.

Understanding Signal Conditioners Use with Load Cells

Amplification: Load cells produce small electrical signals, which may require amplification to bring them to a usable level. Signal conditioners can include built-in amplifiers that increase the magnitude of the load cell signal. This amplification helps to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and enhances the sensitivity of the system.

Filtering: Load cell signals can be affected by electrical noise or interference, which can degrade the accuracy of measurements. Signal conditioners often incorporate filtering capabilities to remove unwanted noise and interference from the load cell signal. This ensures that the signal is clean and reliable.

Excitation: Load cells require an excitation voltage or current to function properly. Signal conditioners provide a stable and regulated excitation source to power the load cell. This excitation voltage is typically supplied to the load cell through the signal conditioner, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements.

Calibration and Linearization: Load cells may exhibit nonlinear characteristics, meaning that the relationship between the applied force and the output voltage is not perfectly linear. Signal conditioners can include calibration and linearization algorithms to compensate for these nonlinearities. By applying appropriate mathematical adjustments, the signal conditioner can provide a linear output that accurately represents the applied force.

Signal Conversion: Load cell signals are typically analog voltages, but they may need to be converted to digital format for further processing or transmission. Some signal conditioners include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that convert the analog load cell signal into digital data, enabling it to be processed by digital systems.

Signal Conditioner Considerations

  • Form factor design: box mount, DIN rail, in-line cable, 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, wireless
  • Noise immunity

Interface Top Signal Conditioners

PRODUCT: DMA2 DIN RAIL MOUNT SIGNAL CONDITIONER

  • User selectable analog output +/-10V, +/-5V, 4-20mA
  • 10-28 VDC power
  • Selectable full scale input ranges 5-50mV
  • DIN rail mountable
  • Push button shunt calibration
  • 1000Hz bandwidth

PRODUCT: SGA AC/DC POWERED SIGNAL CONDITIONER

  • User selectable analog output +/-10V, +/-5V, 0-5V, 0-20mA, 4-20mA
  • 110VAC, 220VAC, OR 18-24VDC power
  • Switch selectable filtering 1Hz to 5kHz
  • Single channel powers up to four transducers
  • Selectable full scale input range .06 to 30mV/V
  • Sealed ABS enclosure
  • Optional bridge completion and remote shunt activation module

PRODUCT: ISG ISOLATED DIN RAIL MOUNT SIGNAL CONDITIONER

  • Galvanically isolated power supply
  • High accuracy
  • +/-5VDC or +/-10VDC Analog output (4-20mA optional)
  • 10-30VDC Power
  • Switch selectable filtering 1Hz to 1kHz (up to 10kHz optional)
  • Accepts inputs up to 4.5mV/V
  • DIN rail mountable

CSC and LCSC-OEM Inline Signal ConditionersPRODUCT: CSC and LCSC-OEM INLINE SIGNAL CONDITIONERS

  • IP67 stainless steel enclosure (CSC Only)
  • CE approved (CSC Only)
  • Zero and span adjustments
  • 1 kHz bandwidth

PRODUCT: VSC2 Rugged Compact Vehicle Powered Signal Conditioner

  • High accuracy precision bi-polar differential amplifier
  • ± 5 VDC Output
  • Accepts inputs from ±1.4 to ±-4.2
  • 1000 Hz low pass filter
  • Rugged design and compact size
  • Course, fine zero, and span adjustments
  • Activate R-CAL (Shunt Cal) with internal switch

Signal conditioners 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 perform calibration and linearization to ensure precise and reliable measurements of force or weight.

Visit the Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide to see all the products available with signal conditioning functionality.

Watch this Testing Lab Essentials Webinar Part 3 to learn more about the benefits and use cases of Interface Signal Conditioners.

Faces of Interface Featuring Lauren O’Hagan

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In today’s Face of Interface, we feature the artist behind Interface’s branded content in all types of formats. Lauren O’Hagan is an integral member of the sales and marketing team, bringing her creative flair and hunger for learning all about the world of force measurement.

Lauren grew up with a highly creative influence in her life. Her mother is an artist and it drove her to express herself through many different art forms growing up including painting, sculpting, jewelry-making and other creations. As Lauren investigated her post-secondary education, she wanted to continue expanding her artistic repertoire by going to school for graphic design and digital art.

She would go on to receive her associate degree from Glendale Community College in Digital Media Arts, followed by a Graphic Information Technology bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. During her time in school, she also took on a few different internships in both graphic and apparel design. One internship was with a web development company in Maryland.

Following college, Lauren went on to intern for a friend in New Jersey who owned an entertainment company called ‘Jersey Turn’t Up Ent.’ In this role, she continued to apply her graphic design skills to help the company’s brand development. She also worked as a supervisor at Kohls, as well as doing some freelance graphic design on the side.

At the same time, Lauren was applying for full time jobs throughout the Greater Phoenix area. Interface’s Scott Whitworth found Lauren’s application and brought her in for an interview. The two bonded over a similar creative upbringing and interests, and Lauren proved her capabilities and was hired! Lauren really enjoyed making the transition from entertainment and retail to manufacturing, as she is a self-described nerd who loves to learn new fields while still being able to express herself creatively.

In her role as Interface’s Multimedia Specialist, Lauren is responsible for Interface’s creative asset design and development, including brochures, animations, infographics, and application notes. She also manages web development tasks. She is constantly exploring ways to share Interface’s story. She is responsible for the development many of Interface’s new and innovative marketing campaign assets, as well as designing images, digital materials and visuals utilized across a multitude of platforms.

The thing that Lauren enjoys most about working at Interface is the atmosphere and culture. Everyone is friendly, engaging and always willing to help her out when she has questions. She also enjoys the opportunity to work across different departments and with a wide variety of different people.

In her free time, Lauren continues to develop her digital art and sharing it on social media platforms. She also takes pleasure in stocking up her online store with new digital art prints. She is an avid gamer, often playing games with her Fiancé who happens to live in France. The two plans to be married by the end of the year. The highlight of her day is spending time with her family and her four dogs!

We had a wonderful time learning more about what makes Lauren tick and what inspires her outstanding creative work. If you’re interested in learning more about the rest of the Interface team, tune into our blog for the next team member highlight in our Faces of Interface ForceLeaders Series.  For information about Interface careers, go here.

The Rise in Digital Force Measurement Solutions

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In the early days of force measurement instrumentation and use cases, analog was king and, in many cases, still dominates most use cases. The fact that product manufacturers continue to provide analog solutions is steeped in the accuracy and reliability of the format.  Digital is changing this outlook and the rise of solutions that support digital output are on the rise.

Analog and digital signals are utilized for the transmission of information, typically conveyed through electrical signals. In both these technologies, data undergoes a conversion process to transform it into electrical signals. The disparity between analog and digital technologies lies in how information is encoded within the electric pulses. Analog technology translates information into electric pulses with varying amplitudes, while digital technology converts information into a binary format consisting of zeros and ones, with each bit representing two distinct amplitudes.

The primary difference between analog and digital is how the signal is processed. Analog signals when compared to digital signals are continuous and more accurate. Digital measurement solutions have come a long way and are growing in use and popularity due to overall trends towards digital transformation and modernization of testing labs.  Read Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs for further definition.

As more test and measurement professionals and labs are using digital instrumentation, the quality and accuracy of data output has skyrocketed. Primarily, it is much easier to gather and store digital data. This is often seen through the growth in wireless sensor technologies. Interface Digital Instrumentation continues to expand with new products.

Digital signals are stronger than analog signals, providing a better signal that is free from interference by things like temperature, electromagnetism, and radio signals. The data sampling rate is also much faster. As a result, load cells and other force sensors output signals transmitted to digital instrumentation can read and record hundreds of measurements in seconds.

Another major reason for making the switch to digital output is convenience and capability. Digital instrumentation opens a world of possibilities in terms of wireless data transfer, removing the need for wires and giving engineers more flexibility in terms of where to conduct tests, or monitor applications. It also allows for larger force sensor systems to work together on larger applications in which you need multiple data points on different forces around the object you are measuring.

Why Choose a Digital Solution

  • Lower-cost options
  • Works across existing networks
  • It is scalable without causing interruptions
  • Multiple sensors can be daisy-chained together on a single cable run
  • Built-in error detection
  • Less susceptible to noise

Why Choose an Analog Solution

  • Speed, fast transmission
  • Ease of use
  • Familiarity (standard)
  • Uses less network bandwidth
  • Compatible with DAQs and PLCs

Interface offers a host of digital instrumentation solutions and complete digital systems to easily integrate into your existing test infrastructure.  The Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide is a useful resource to help in the selection of digital equipment.

Basic Criteria for Selecting Digital or Analog

  • Is there an existing network you need to connect to?
  • Are you connecting to an existing DAQ device?
  • What is your budget?
  • How many sensors are you connecting?
  • Do you need to communicate through a bus?

Be sure to tune into the ForceLeaders online event, Unlocking the Power of DAQ Webinar, to learn about data acquisition and digital instrumentation.

Digital Instrumentation Brochure

Data Acquisition Systems 101

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Engineers and testing professionals use data acquisition systems to enable smart decisions. The data retrieved through DAQ systems empower users to identify points of failure, optimize performance, and create efficiencies in products and processes.

When it comes to measuring force, the accuracy and reliability of the sensor is a critical component to receiving quality data. The data acquired from measurement devices, including load cells, torque transducers, and other types of force sensors, is valuable for product development, research, and robust testing to ensure performance and durability of all types of innovations. Ultimately, utilizing precision-based data provides enhanced control and response for all types of applications and use cases. Interface provides a wide range of data acquisition instrumentation that is easily paired with our force measurement products.

By definition, a data acquisition system is a collection of components used to acquire data via analog signals and converting them to digital form for storage, research, and analysis. Data acquisition systems, also called DAQ systems, typically are made up of sensors, signal conditioners, converters, plus computer hardware and software for logging and analysis. Interface experts are available to help pair the transducers with the right instrumentation.

The data acquired through the measurement device is only useful if it is logged for analysis and traceability. This is where instrumentation, in particular DAQ systems come into play, in not only transferring data, but also obtaining the right type of data in a format and data transfer method that works with existing user systems.

Data acquisition that utilizes analog output has long been the standard in the industry. As new requirements for use cases and applications grow, test and measurement professionals and engineers find these systems advantageous because of the lower cost, easy integration, and scalability. They also like the advantage of daisy-chaining multiple sensors together on a single cable run to maximize the amount of data through single tests. More data improves the quality of analysis and monitoring.

Advancements in sensor technologies coincide with growing demands for digitalization and to gather more testing data. This is seen using multi-axis sensors, along with requirements for multi-channel acquisition that can integrate into existing systems already designed with specific digital connections and protocols.

In addition to improving speed of data output, acquisition systems offer an abundance of value-added benefits. This is primarily due to the digital signal, as they are less susceptible to noise and are more secure. The systems also typically have built in error detection. Digital signals are best for transmitting signals across longer distances or when you need to allow for simultaneous multi-directional transmissions. Many people like the ease of integration, both into existing networks as well as with other testing devices.

Data acquisition systems and accessories come in many shapes and sizes, wired and wireless and there are also a handful of different software options in different systems. All these various products such as digital instruments, input and output modules, cables, monitors, and accessories. Interface offers a range of DAQ products, including full systems including the sensors.

Interface Complete Data Acquisition Systems

BlueDAQ Data QA Pack

Force sensors can easily connect via the BlueDAQ Family Data AQ Pack for fast and accurate data acquisition. This solution provides a convenient way to view the test results from transducers including single axis, dual axis, 3-axis, and 6-axis multi-axis sensors. Check out our BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure.

T-USB-VS Rotary Torque Transducer Data AQ Pack

Connecting dynamic torque transducers to the T-USB Rotary Torque Transducer Data Acquisition Pack will provide you with convenient way to view the test results for your torque transducers that have internal USB functionality.

WTS Wireless Data AQ Pack

Utilizing the popular WTS Wireless Data Acquisition Pack provides convenient wireless communication with speeds up to 200 samples per second. Learn more in our Interface Wireless Telemetry System Review. See the complete line Interface WTS here.

DIG-USB PC Interface Module Data AQ Pack

Interface’s DIG-USB Data Acquisition Pack enables a straightforward way to view the test results our load cells or torque transducers. Check out the popular DIG-USB Output Module and the DIG-USB-F Fast USB Output Module.

9325 Portable Display Data AQ Pack

Interface’s 9325 Data Acquisition Pack makes your system portable. The 9325 allows simple display of strain bridge based measurements such as load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V.

INF-USB-VS3 PC Interface Module Data AQ Pack

Our INF-USB-VS3 Data Acquisition Pack connects Interface mV/V load cells or torque transducers to provide real-time data analysis.  Here is more information about the INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module.

Interface Data Acquisition Systems are modular. We offer the complete system, including enclosures, along with single components to complete a system. Consult with our application engineers to learn what system would be best for your test and measurement programs.

Data AQ Pack Brochure

 

 

 

Faces of Interface Featuring Robert Hawk

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In today’s Faces of Interface feature, we spoke with Robert Hawk, director of information technology (IT). He is responsible for keeping Interface’s business operational using all kinds of hardware and software, which is core to our fundamental success.

Robert was our very first IT guru at the company and since joining the company and has helped modernize our systems to keep our operations running smoothly. We sat down with Robert to learn about his background and get some insight on everything he does for Interface, our customers, our partners, and global network.

Robert’s background in the world of information technology started with his time in United States Army. He spent his early years in the service with the Infantry. When looking for new opportunities and challenges for his career, he switched his military specialty to Communications and IT, and he then transitioned to the Wyoming Army National Guard.

During his time with the National Guard, Robert worked as an Admin NCO for the 115th Fires Brigade and the IT Department at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base Medical Center. While doing all this, he also continued his support of the Communications and IT section as a Wyoming Army National Guard soldier serving on weekends. Thank you for your service! He obtained two Master of Science graduate degrees, one in Computer Information Systems and one in Computer Engineering.

Robert’s transition to the private sector was as an outsourced IT consultant, serving customers in Wyoming and then Arizona. It was a demanding role that required long hours and some travel; however, it was a wonderful experience. He decided that he wanted to spend more time with his family, and this is when he found Interface.

Interface hired Rob as our first official IT guy in 2014. In fact, which was the name of the role at the time – IT Guy! In the eight years since Rob joined Interface, he has brought our technology light years forward to meet the demands of a growing and thriving manufacturing technology brand leader. The company’s investments in IT allowed Rob to modernize our infrastructure, systems and vastly improve our digital efficiency internally, and with customers. One example is our transition from Windows 95 to Windows 11. He and his team are now rolling out an entire ERP system that will create huge efficiencies and capabilities for the 54-year-old business.

His role at Interface includes managing a team of nine information technology people who are responsible for ensuring the business and production is running smoothly, all the time for a 24/7 business. He is committed to always staying on the lookout for innovative technologies to help streamline operations, support continuous improvements, and help stay on the forefront of ways to engage with all stakeholders. He is also keen to keeping Interface on the forefront of information security.

One thing that you will certainly learn from Rob is that he loves his work because he enjoys helping Interface in their role of helping our customers achieve remarkable things across a wide variety of applications.

Robert is a bit of a workaholic, so part of his free time includes learning, recertifying, and reading up on the newest technologies. He is definitely an IT guy through and through. When he gets some time away, his hobbies include giving back to the military community through charity work with veteran’s organizations. He also loves to ride his motorcycle. Most importantly, he spends time with his three kids aged 21, 19 and 12. In fact, the 19-year-old works for us here at Interface!

Robert is a critical member of Interface’s team, and we could not provide the outstanding technology solutions we do without his work on our digital systems. We thank him for his dedication to his craft and to Interface! What keeps him up at night, keeps us running all day!

 

Digital Instrumentation 101

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Digital instrumentation used for test and measurement provides faster data input and output, and more robust analytics. Interface offers several types of digital instrumentation devices that transform load cell and strain bridge input into digital data output in numerous protocols and bus formats.

Instrumentation that utilizes analog output has long been the standard in the industry. As new requirements for use cases and applications grow, test and measurement engineers and professionals find digital instrumentation advantageous because of the lower cost, easy integration and scalability. They also like the advantage of daisy-chaining multiple sensors together on a single cable run.

Advancements in sensor technologies coincide with growing demands to gather more testing data. This is seen through the use of multi-axis sensors, along with requirements for multi-channel instrumentation that can integrate into existing systems already designed with specific digital connections and protocols, as highlighted in using Interfaces BX8 with our 6-Axis sensors. Change is also coming with a strong desire to utilize instrumentation that can easily work within cable free environments or in remote locations.

In addition to improving speed of data output, digital instrumentation offers an abundance of benefits. This is primarily due to the digital signal, as they are less susceptible to noise and are more secure. Digital instrumentation typically has built in error detection. Digital signals are best for transmitting signals across longer distances or when you need to allow for simultaneous multi-directional transmissions. Many people like the ease of integration, both into existing networks as well as with other testing devices.

Types of Interface Digital Instrumentation

  • Indicators and Bidirectional Indicators
  • Portable and Programmable Indicators
  • Battery Powered Indicators and Bidirectional Indicators
  • Single and Multi-Channel Transmitters
  • Controllers and Programmable Controllers
  • USB Output Modules
  • PC Interface Modules
  • Sensor to USB Output Converters
  • Data Acquisition Systems
  • Wireless Instrumentation

Connection options available for Interface Digital Instrumentation include, RS232, RS485, RS422, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, and Ethernet Protocols. The types of data output protocols available include ASCII, Modbus, CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus DP Modbus/TCP, Ethernet TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and several others. See the complete list of connections and protocols in our Digital Instrumentation Overview.

Top selling digital instrumentation models from Interface, with many available in various protocols:

Do you have questions about the type of instrumentation that will support your application?  You can see more of the solutions by visiting our instrumentation selection guide.  Here are six questions begin evaluating your instrumentation options:

  • Where are you going to connect your sensor technology and how?
  • Do you need to store your data?
  • Do you prefer an analog or digital output device?
  • Are you going to plug-in your instrumentation or use hand-held, wireless or Bluetooth connectivity?
  • How will your data output be displayed?
  • How many channels do you need for your project or program?

For additional help with instrumentation, please contact our application engineers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Digital Instrumentation for Force Measurement

Ultimate BlueDAQ Software Guide for Interface Instrumentation

Interface Instrumentation Definitions

Instrumentation Selection Guide

Advancements in Instrumentation Webinar

Interface Instructional on Instrumentation Event

Instrumentation

Interface Instrumentation Definitions

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The new Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide is a great way to get started in choosing the right instrumentation for your next project or lab. To serve as additional resources, here are key instrumentation definitions that can also help you make the best decision regarding the type and model of instrumentation that will work best with your sensor.

Instrumentation Selection Guide Definitions

Excitation
A Wheatstone bridge-based sensor, such as a load cell, requires excitation voltage to operate. The excitation voltage is typically 10V; however, many instruments supply lower voltage, an 2.5V, 5V, and others. Since these sensors are ratiometric, Interface instrumentation devices are designed to pair with these types of sensor products.

Signals
The output signal from a load cell is expressed in terms of mV output per V of excitation, at capacity. For example, a 100 lb capacity load cell rated for 2 mV/V output will have 20mV output at 100 lb, when excited with 10V. Because the output signal is directly affected by input voltage, it’s important to maintain a stable excitation voltage, which our instrumentation does.

Signal Conditioners
A signal condition provides stable excitation voltage to the sensor and amplifies the low-level sensor signal to a high-level output such as +/-5V, +/-10V, 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-5V, or 0-10V.
Many of our products include filtering, which can help reduce noise in the output signal.

Data Acquisition Systems
A complete data acquisition system consists of DAQ hardware, sensors and actuators, signal conditioning hardware, and a computer running DAQ software. Interface provides DAQ instrumentation that are ideal for completing a sensor-based system. Many data acquisition systems require high-level inputs such as +/-10V and don’t work very well with low level mV signals. Interface instrumentation solutions do work well with DAQ systems. The DAQ doesn’t necessarily supply a stable excitation voltage like the Interface sensors do.

Interface Modules
An interface module converts the low-level mV/V sensor signal to a digital format that can be transmitted to a computer, (PC or laptop). Popular interface modules provide USB, wireless USB, or Bluetooth data transmission. Software is normally provided and allows data display, logging and graphing. The interface modules are commonly used when data needs to be logged to computer and you are not using an existing data acquisition system. The interface module advantages over standard data acquisition is ease of use and they are normally plug-n-play. Considerations when selecting this type of instrumentation include bit resolution, number of channels, sample rate, software features and type of output.

Indicators
Interface indicators provide stable excitation voltage and converts the sensor signal to a digital display. Commonly available features include analog or digital output, selectable digital filtering, peak and valley monitoring and set point outputs. Things to consider when selecting an indicator are internal sample rate and update rate of analog output.

Wireless Telemetry System (WTS)
Wireless is very popular today. Interface’s Wireless Telemetry System is easy-to-use providing wireless data communication between a load sensor and a receiving indicator. The WTS is capable of receiving multiple inputs and is fully compatible will all Interface force sensors. The WTS comes calibrated, tested and ready-to-run. The charge lasts up to three months using AA batteries.  You can see the complete WTS and Bluetooth Telemetry System comparison here.

When selecting the type of instrumentation you need to pair with your measurement device, some additional things to consider are power supply requirements, amount of filtering, fixed or adjustable filtering, input range, scalability and zero adjustment range. Our instrumentation can accommodate these requirements. To get started on picking the instrumentation solution that fits your requirements, go to the Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide.

We’ve provided a quick visual reference of Interface’s instrumentation types and correlating models.

All Interface Instrumentation product details are listed by product model name. You can find product specifications, as well supporting datasheet for each product by going here.

 

Additional Resources

Instrumentation Analog Versus Digital Outputs

Introducing New Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide

Advancements in Instrumentation Webinar Recap

Recap of Inventive Multi-Axis and Instrumentation Webinar

Recap of Instructional on Instrumentation Webinar

Digital Instrumentation Brochure

Instrumentation Brochure