COND SGA-A & SGA-D Manuel_EN Rev3.doc
Page 17 on 20
Rev: 03/08/2006
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
The minimum change in input signal to which an instrument can respond. This is the
relationship between the change in strain gauge output to the level or magnitude of
the COND SGA output
Signal Conditioner
A circuit module that offsets attenuates, amplifies, linearizes and/or filters the signal
for input to an A/D converter. A typical output signal conditioning is 4 to 20 mA. The
COND SGA 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 COND SGA 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 COND SGA 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. For instance, a
display span of 200°F may correspond to the 16 mA span of a 4-20 mA transmitter
signal.
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 temperature, pressure, torque or
load. The COND SGA is designed to convert this change in the of the strain gauge to
a proportional electrical signal.
Strain Gauge Amplifier
The COND SGA 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
COND SGA input is designed to accept. (Torque Sensor, Load Cell and Temperature
transducers).
Zero
Zero is otherwise identified as Offset. It relates to the proportional output to the
sensor input. Calibration of the COND SGA 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, such as 4 mA, 10 mA, or 1 Vdc.
Zero Offset
The difference expressed in degrees between true zero and an indication given by a
measuring instrument. See Zero Suppression
Zero Suppression
The span of the COND SGA can be offset from zero (zero suppressed) such that
neither limit of the span will be zero. For example, an COND SGA which measures a
load of a 100kg span from 400kg to 500kg is said to have 400kG zero suppression.
AC Alternating
Current
DC Direct
Current
Hz Hertz
(Frequency)
