USB Strain Gauge Amplifier IDA100

FUTEK IDA100 USB Strain Gauge Amplifier: Key Features and Functions

The FUTEK IDA100 is a USB Strain Gauge Amplifier with both digital and analog outputs.  Designed to deliver high performance in signal processing for strain gauge applications. Below is an overview of its functions and features, explained in an easy-to-read format.

Load Cell Amplifier Circuit Functions

A load cell amplifier circuit serves to capture the signal from a load cell or torque sensor and convert it into a higher-level electrical signal. This involves four key signal conditioning steps:

1. Excitation Voltage:
   • Full bridge load cells or torque sensors require an excitation voltage from the Wheatstone bridge amplifier. This voltage feeds the strain gauge Wheatstone bridge, generating an output signal as a ratio of the input excitation voltage.
2. Filtering:
   • To ensure accurate signal capture, noise must be filtered out. Analog sensor signals are susceptible to electrical noise and ripple voltage, which can skew measurements.
3. Amplification:
   • Data acquisition systems or PLCs are limited to measuring voltage levels. A strain gauge amplifier is necessary to convert millivolt signals to larger, more manageable signals.
4. Signal Conversion:
   • Most full bridge load cells and force measurement sensors generate an analog output in millivolts (mV/V). However, PLCs or Data Acquisition Systems require amplified analog signals such as 4-20mA or 0-10VDC, or digital outputs like USB or SPI. Therefore, a strain gauge signal conditioner is needed to convert the mV/V signal to the required output.

Key Features of the FUTEK IDA100

• USB 2.0 Communication Link: Facilitates digital load cell amplifier functionality.
• USB Bus-Powered (5V): Eliminates the need for an external power source.
• Input/Output Short Circuit Protection: Ensures durability and reliability.
• Low Noise Analog Output: Maintains a noise level of 12 mVp-p for clean signal processing.
• Selectable Sampling Rates: User-selectable from 5 to 4800 SPS to suit various application needs.
• Software Selectable Excitation Voltages: Offers 5 VDC and 10 VDC options for flexibility.
• DIN Rail Clip (35mm): Allows easy and secure mounting.

For more information about the FUTEK IDA100 and its applications, please contact us.

The FUTEK IDA100 USB Strain Gauge Amplifier ensures high performance in signal amplification and conversion, making it an ideal solution for capturing and processing strain gauge signals in various industrial and measurement applications.

Models Available: USB Strain Gauge Amplifier with Digital and Analog Outputs IDA100