Digital Load Sensors With USB Output

June 21, 2007
iLoad Series digital load/force sensors use a patented capacitive sensing technology that combines the core load or force-sensing function with integrated computing and communications modules for Plug and Sense simplicity in a rugged, low-profile package.

iLoad Series digital load/force sensors use a patented capacitive sensing technology that combines the core load or force-sensing function with integrated computing and communications modules for Plug and Sense simplicity in a rugged, low-profile package.

The load sensors plug directly into the USB port of a PC, letting users measure loads, forces, or weights without additional signal conditioning, data acquisition, or special software, said to be a first. The sensors appear as a virtual COM port on a PC for direct reading of data using simple ASCII commands with any terminal emulator such as HyperTerminal. LoadVUE Lite software handles communications and displays loads in pounds, kilograms, or Newtons.

iLoad analog sensors are built on the same digital platform as the digital USB version but interface directly to a PLC or DAQ. The iLoad analog sensor gives a linear, 0.5 to 4.5-Vdc output proportional to applied load. No amplification or signal conditioning is required because all electronics reside in the sensor.

The iLoad Series comes in a low-profile stainless-steel (17-4 PH) package with threaded holes or studs for mounting. The sensors are temperature compensated from –10 to 40°C. They are available immediately in 10, 50, 100, 250, and 500-lb capacities to measure both compressive and tensile loads with accuracies of 0.25% to 0.025% of full-scale loads. Capacities to 15,000 lb are available by special order and will soon be in production.

Loadstar Sensors Inc., 453 Ravendale Dr., Suite F, Mountain View, CA 94043, (650) 938-4282, loadstarsensors.com

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