SCM5B-Strain Gage

Each DSCA38 strain gage input module provides a single channel of strain gage input which is filtered, isolated, amplified, and converted to a high-level voltage output. Signal filtering is accomplished with a five-pole filter which is optimized for step response. An anti-aliasing pole is located on the field side of the isolation barrier, and the other four poles are on the system side. After the initial field-side filtering, the input signal is chopped by a proprietary chopper circuit.

Isolation is provided by transformer coupling, again using a proprietary technique to suppress transmission of common mode spikes or surges. The DSCA38 can interface to transducers with a nominal resistance of 100 Ohm to 10 kOhm. Strain gage excitation is provided from the module by a stable 10V or 3.333V source. This source is fully isolated, allowing the amplifier inputs to operate over the full range of the excitation voltage. This feature enables the module to be interfaced to other sensors requiring excitation. Module output is either voltage or current.

For current output modules a dedicated loop supply is provided at terminal 3 (+OUT) with loop return located at terminal 4 (-OUT). The system-side load may be either floating or grounded. Special input circuits provide signal input and excitation protection against accidental connection of power-line voltages up to 240VAC and against transient events as defined by ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1. Protection circuits are also present on the signal output and power input terminals to guard against transient events and power reversal. Signal and power lines are secured to the module using screw terminals which are in pluggable terminal blocks for ease of system assembly and reconfiguration.

The modules have excellent stability over time and do not require recalibration, however, zero and span settings are adjustable up to ±5% to accommodate situations where fine-tuning is desired. The zero adjustment can be used to offset bridge imbalances. The adjustments are made using potentiometers located under the front panel label and are non-interactive for ease of use.

Figure SCM5B-Strain Gage