Dataforth Corporation SCM5B38-3x Strain Gage Input Modules, Narrow Bandwidth SCM5B38-3x

Each SCM5B38 Strain Gage input module provides a single channel of strain gage input which is filtered, isolated, amplified, and converted to a high-level analog voltage output. This voltage output is logic switch controlled, which allows these modules to share a common analog bus without the requirement of external multiplexers. The SCM5B modules are designed with a completely isolated computer side circuit which can be floated to ±50V from Power Common, pin 16. This complete isolation means that no connection is required between I/O Common and Power Common for proper operation of the output switch. If desired, the output switch can be turned on continuously by simply connecting pin 22, the Read-Enable pin, to I/O Common, pin 19. The SCM5B38 can interface to full-bridge or half-bridge transducers with a nominal resistance of 100 Ohm to 10 kOhm. A matched pair of bridge-completion resistors (to ±1mV at +10V excitation) allows use of low cost half-bridge or quarter-bridge transducers (Figures 2, 3, 4). Strain gage excitation is provided from the module by a very stable 10V or 3.333V source. The excitation supply is fully isolated, allowing the amplifier inputs to operate over the full range of the excitation voltage. This feature offers significant flexibility in real world applications. Full scale sensitivities of 2mV/V, 3mV/V or 10mV/V are offered as standard. With 10V excitation, this results in ±20mV, ±30mV or ±100mV full scale input range producing ± 5V full scale output. After 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 module is powered from +5VDC, ±5%. Special input circuits on the SCM5B38 module provide protection of the signal inputs and the isolated excitation supply up to 240VAC.