Strain Gauge or Load Cell Digitiser Module (DSC)

The DSC Digital Load Cell or Strain Gauge Digitiser Module is designed for use with strain gauge sensors such as pressure transducers, load cells and torque sensors, the DSC offers high speed, high precision strain gage signal conversion capabilities with linearization and temperature compensation of the sensor .

Available output formats include RS232, RS485 ASCII, Modbus, CAN, CANopen® and MantraCAN (J1939).

For mounting internal to the sensor, the same electronics is also available in a compact miniature format - see model DCell.

For mounting in a convenient IP65 enclosure, or for multiple load cell installations, refer to models DSJ1 Strain Gauge or Load Cell Digitiser Module (1Channel) and DSJ4 Strain Gauge or Load Cell Digitiser Module (4 Channel).

Try our ready to go Evaluation Kit which includes one free DSC or Dcell. First select the DSC you require and ask for the appropriate Evaluation Kit as an accessory item. Also see our Video section above on 'Getting Started with the Evaluation Kit'.

Product order options

Please read the following before selecting the options for this product:
The DSC is available in two main versions, differing only in performance and cost. These versions are the industrial stability (suitable for most industrial measurements) and the high stability (for very high precision measurements). Either type is available with various communications options, selectable from the list below.

The Evaluation Kit includes the DSC or DCell of your choice so it is necessary to first select the DSC then select the appropriate Eval Kit as an accessory item. The cost of the DSC and DCell will be deducted from the total cost at time of order

These are the following industries and applications in which this product has been used:

• Civil Engineering - Opera House Relocation
• Agriculture - Weighing System for Mango Farm
• Marine - Mast Force Monitoring in Racing Yachts
• Marine - Prop Supports in Dry Dock
• Industrial Processing - Consistency in Repeatable Weld Joints
• Silo & Weighing Industry - Silo Weighing with Digital Display
• Test & Measurement - Tension Sensors For The British Antarctic Survey
• Theatre & Events - Monitoring Peak Loads of Advertising Banners
• Torque Measurement - Steering Torque Sensors for Assessment Situations
• Construction - Opera House Relocation
• Food Industry - Weighing System for Mango Farm

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.