What are the types of output signals that load cells can have?
A load cell is a device that converts a force signal into a measurable electrical signal, and the type of output signal varies depending on the type of sensor and the measuring principle. Here are a few common load cells and their output signal types.
Resistive strain gauge transducers.
A resistive strain gauge is a load cell based on the strain effect, and its output signal is a change in the resistance value. When forced, the resistance strain gauge will deform, which in turn will cause a change in the resistance value. By measuring the change in the resistance value, the magnitude of the force can be calculated. This sensor has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, good stability and long life, so it is widely used in industrial automation, aerospace, transportation and other fields.
Output Signal Type: The output signal of a resistance strain gauge sensor is electrical, usually voltage or current. During the measurement, the resistance change needs to be converted into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and conditioned by subsequent circuits to finally output a measurable voltage or current value.
Fiber optic strain gauge sensors.
Fiber optic strain gauge sensor is a load cell based on fiber optic sensing technology, and its output signal is an optical signal. Optical fiber strain gauge sensors have the advantages of anti-electromagnetic interference, corrosion resistance, small size, light weight, etc., so they have a good application prospect in some special environments.
Output signal type: The output signal of the optical fiber strain gauge sensor is an optical signal, which is usually a change in the intensity, phase, frequency and other parameters of the light. During the measurement, a photoelectric converter is used to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and conditioned by subsequent circuits to finally output a measurable voltage or current value.
Piezoelectric sensors.
A piezoelectric sensor is a load cell based on the piezoelectric effect, whose output signal is either charge or voltage. When a force is applied, the piezoelectric material accumulates charge or changes in voltage, and the magnitude of the force can be calculated by measuring the magnitude of the charge or voltage. This sensor has the advantages of high frequency response and high sensitivity, so it is widely used in vibration measurement, acoustics and other fields.
Output signal type: The output signal of a piezoelectric sensor can be either charge or voltage. During measurement, the charge or voltage generated by the piezoelectric material needs to be converted into a measurable electrical signal, which is then amplified and conditioned by subsequent circuits to finally output a measurable voltage or current value.
In addition to the above common load cells, there are other types of load cells such as capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, etc., which will also have different output signal types. In practice, it is necessary to select the appropriate load cell and measurement method according to the specific requirements.