Digital Data Output Converters

Welcome to the Knowledge Centre

We hope the information on this page helps to answer and provide information about the DSC Digital Strain products (DCS, DCell, DSJ1 and DSJ4). If you have any other questions about the instrument, please do not hesitate to contact us.

As an overview, the DSC products (DSC and DCell) are miniature, high-precision Strain Gauge Converters; converting a strain gauge sensor input to a digital serial output. They allow multiple high precision measurements to be made over a low-cost serial link. Outputs can be accessed directly by PLCs or computers, or connected via various types of network, telephone or radio modem, all without compromising accuracy.

The DSC cards are very small and optimised for mounting as a component onto custom PCBs. Mantracourt also offer IP65 NEMA4 enclosure/junction box options for the DSC cards – please see DSJ1 and DSJ4. The DCell ‘puck or cell’ format can be fitted inside most load cell pockets, and similar restricted spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About DSC/Dcell/DSJ4/DSJ1

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: Are the devices low-power?: A: Yes, low-voltage DC supply (5.6V min), typically 40mA for RS485 &.52mA for RS232 (including 350R strain gauge).
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 adjustable sensitivity?: A: Yes, the 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: 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?: 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 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.
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: 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: What is the IP Rating of the DSC-DSJ1-LAB?: A: The DSC-DSJ1-LAB is IP65 Rated (NEMA 4)
Q: What are the output options for the DSC-DSJ1-LAB?: A: RS232, RS485, ASCII, MODBUS, CAN, CANOpen®, CAN J1939
Q: How can you mount the DSC-DSJ1-LAB?: A: There are options for wall, surface and DIN rail mounting.
Q: How can the DSC-DSJ4-LAB be mounted?: A: The enclosure can be mounted on a bulkhead, surface or using a DIN rail mount.
Q: What is the IP Rating of the DSC-DSJ4-LAB?: A: The unit is IP65 Rated (NEMA4).
Q: How many DSCs can be used in the DSC-DSJ4-LAB?: A: 1, 2, 3 or 4 DSCs can be used in the DSC-DSJ4-LAB enclosure.
Q: What outputs can the DSC-DSJ4-LAB support?: A: RS485, ASCII, MODBUS, CAN, CANOpen®, CAN J1939