The DSCA38 strain gage input signal conditioner from Dataforth Corporation is designed to provide a single channel of strain gage input that is filtered, isolated, amplified, and converted to a high-level voltage output. It can interface with transducers having a nominal resistance ranging from 100Oc to 10kOc and offers excitation voltages of 10V or 3.333V, both of which are fully isolated. The module features a five-pole filter optimized for step response and employs transformer coupling for isolation, effectively suppressing common-mode spikes and surges. Output options include voltage or current, with a dedicated loop supply for current output models. The device is protected against accidental connection of power-line voltages up to 240VAC and transient events, complying with ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 standards. The DSCA38 maintains excellent stability over time, requiring no recalibration, while allowing for zero and span adjustments of up to ±5%. It is suitable for various applications, including industrial process control, test and measurement, and geotechnical monitoring, and is designed for easy mounting on standard DIN rails.
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 exctitation.
Module output is either voltage or current. For current output models 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.
| Dataforth Corporation | |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Data Acquisition |
| Product Number | DSCA38-xx |
| Product Name | DSCA38 Strain Gage Input Signal Conditioner |
| Data Acquisition | Input Module; Input/Output Module |
| Form Factor | DIN Rail |
| Excitation | Voltage |
| Outputs | Analog Voltage Output; Analog Current Output |
| Filter / Amplifier | Amplifier; Filter |
