Dual-Power-Level Amps Target Strain-Gauge Sensors

May 23, 2016

General-purpose analog amplifiers enable inline amplification for full-bridge, metal-foil strain-gauge-based sensors.

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General-purpose analog amplifiers recently developed by FUTEK enable inline amplification for full-bridge, metal-foil strain-gauge-based sensors. The The IAA100 and IAA200 have up to a 10-millivolt per volt output (mV/V), built-in DIN-rail clips (DIN stands for the German industrial standard “Deutsche Industrie Norm”), and removable screw terminal blocks on the input and output.

Inside the devices are eight dual-inline-package (DIP) switches for shunt selection. The DIP switches allow up to 256 different shunt values to simulate measurements at various points across a strain gauge in order to verify that the sensor meets specifications.

Bandwidth is adjustable to 1 kHz, 10 kHz, or 25 kHz for both the IAA100 and IAA200. They include two levels of power delivery to sensors; a switch can change the polarity of the output signal. The amplifiers RoHS-compliant and Conformite Europeene (CE) approved. They meet the CE Criteria A Certification—showing no change in performance while operating as specified by the manufacturer—used in aerospace and medical-grade devices.

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About the Author

Jeff Kerns | Technology Editor

Studying mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), he worked in the Polymer Research Lab. Utilizing RIT’s co-op program Jeff worked for two aerospace companies focusing on drafting, quality, and manufacturing for aerospace fasteners and metallurgy. He also studied abroad living in Dubrovnik, Croatia. After college, he became a commissioning engineer, traveling the world working on precision rotary equipment. Then he attended a few masters courses at the local college, and helped an automation company build equipment.

Growing up in Lancaster County, PA he always liked to tinker, build, and invent. He is ecstatic to be at Machine Design Magazine in New York City and looks forward to producing valuable information in the mechanical industry.

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