Mantracourt Electronics Limited
ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual
12
Resolution
The input corresponding to a one-unit change in the least significant digit of
the data acquisition/display equipment. (Good resolution is not necessarily
equal to good accuracy.)
Sensing Element
That part of the Transducer, which reacts directly in response to the input.
Sensitivity
This is the relationship between the change in Strain Gauge input to the level
or magnitude of the output.
Signal Conditioner
A circuit module that offsets attenuates, amplifies linearizes and/or filters the
signal. The ICA is essentially a Signal Conditioner –more specifically known as a
Strain Gauge Amplifier - in that it CONDITIONS (alters) the input signal from a
load cell to an electrical output.
Single Card
Assembly
The ICA has only the one Printed Circuit Board assembly on which all the
components are mounted. The assembly is then mounted inside an
environmentally rugged enclosure.
Span
Span is otherwise identified as GAIN. It relates to the proportional output to
the sensor input. Calibration of the ICA is determined by setting the Span
(Gain) and Zero (Offset).
Span Adjustment
The ability to adjust the gain of a process or strain meter so that a specified
display span in engineering units corresponds to a specified signal span.
Stability
The quality of an instrument or sensor to maintain a consistent output when a
constant input is applied.
Strain Gauge
The Strain Gauge is a resistance bridge device where the bridge value alters
linearly and proportionally to the force exerted on it – be it pressure, torque or
load. The ICA is designed to convert this change in the of the Strain Gauge to a
proportional electrical signal.
Strain Gauge
Amplifier
The ICA is essentially a type of Signal Conditioner that it conditions (alters) the
input signal from a strain gauge to an electrical output
Torque Transducer The Torque Transducer is one of a series of Strain Gauge sensors that the ICA
input is designed to accept.
Wheatstone Bridge A network of four resistance’s, an emf source, and a galvanometer connected
such that when the four resistance’s are matched, the galvanometer will show
a zero deflection or "null" reading.
Zero
Zero is otherwise identified as OFFSET. It relates to the proportional output to
the sensor input. Calibration of the ICA is determined by setting the Span
(Gain) and Zero (Offset).
Zero Adjustment
The ability to adjust the display of a process or strain meter so that zero on
the display corresponds to a non-zero signal.
Zero Offset
The difference between true Zero and an indication given by a measuring
instrument. See Zero Suppression.
Zero Suppression
The Span is Offset from Zero (Zero Suppressed) such that neither limit of the
Span will be Zero. For example, an instrument which measures a load of a
100kg Span from 400kg to 500kg is said to have 400kg Zero Suppression.
Units
AC
Alternating Current
DC
Direct Current
Hz
Hertz (Frequency)
kHz
kilohertz (Frequency)
mA
milliamps
mm
millimetres
SC
Signal Conditioner
ICA
Strain Gauge Amplifier
V
Volts
mV
millivolt
