TE485: Tensometer converter

The TE485 measurement converter can convert the value from force sensors (strain gauges) into a digital number, readable for example from a PC or other higher-level system.

Measurements in the TE485 are performed by a precision low-noise A/D converter. The output is a value of ±32767 parts, but for a more thorough signal analysis it is also possible to read the value directly from the DAC.

What is a strain gauge?

Strain gauges are used wherever forces need to be measured - for example, when measuring the weight of materials or even whole vehicles and larger units, or when analyzing the deformation of materials under load, etc.

Application of strain gauges

• Measurement of pressure, weight and deformation.
• Accurate weighing of vehicles including differential weighing to determine load weight.
• Weighing the material in the tank by accurately measuring the total weight of the tank.
• Determination and analysis of stresses on structural elements, components or even entire structures such as bridges, etc.
• Torque measurement.
• Deformation measurement in the aerospace industry.
• Analysis of the influence of temperature and pressure on the mechanical stability of materials.

Example of connecting one strain gauge bridge

Example of connecting one strain gauge bridge

Features

• One input for strain gauge (four-wire connection).
• Bridge sensitivity 2 to 50 mV/V selectable in several steps.
• A/D converter.
• Measuring range divided into ±32 767 parts.
• User-selectable measurement rate of 6.25 or 50 samples per second.
• Communication via RS485.
• Communication protocol Spinel or MODBUS RTU .
• Wix measurement software for displaying and storing values in a Windows environment.
• Power supply from an external 8 to 30V supply.
• Industrial design with IP65 protection.

For connection to a PC it is possible to use standard RS485 converters. For example

• SB485L (USB connection)
• GNOME485 (Ethernet connection)
• UC485 (RS232 connection)