• DSC USB
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  • Specifications
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  • Compact USB load cell signal converter for easy USB strain gauge and load cell data acquisition
  • Compact desk format powered from USB
  • Converts a conventional load cell to a USB load cell
  • Ideal for portable test applications
  • Strain gauge data acquisition for all bridge input sensors (weight, pressure, force, torque & more)
  • High resolution 1 part in 400,000 (18bit)
  • High speed to 500 updates per second
  • Ability to communicate with multiple USB sensors
  • OEM pcb version available (shown on thumbnail image on left)

The DSCUSB is a compact, high performance strain gauge or load cell signal conditioner with USB connectivity aimed at applications requiring high accuracy measurement. Converts a strain gauge sensor input to a digital USB serial output. The converter is enclosed within a rugged metal case, making the device suitable for all indoor environments.

Ideal for all strain gauge bridge based sensors including load, weight, force, torque, pressure & displacement, the device simply plugs into your PC where data can be acquired and manipulated by accompanying software.

Typical applications for the DSCUSB will be those requiring simple sensor connectivity in desk top settings such as test & measurement, R&D and laboratory environments. No additional power supply is required as the power is drawn from the USB bus. Although ideal for one-to-one interface, the device can connect with multiple sensors with the use of a suitable hub. Available in ASCII protocol.

Also available as OEM pcb module - please see product sheet for more information. This version has input and output ports for switch input and relay output.
Hardware Specifications
Parameter Min Typical Max Units Notes
Supply Voltage Range
4.35
5
5.25
Volts
  
Average Operational Current (normal mode)  
70
80
mA
Note 1
Operating Temperature Range
-40
  
85
Deg C
  
Storage Temperature Range
-40
  
85
Deg C
  
Humidity
0
  
95
%RH
  
Note: 1. When connected to a 350 Ohm Load Cell.
Bridge Measurement
Measurement Min Typical Max Units Notes
Strain Gauge Excitation System    
4 wire
    
Strain Gauge Excitation Voltage
4.5
5
5.25
VDC
  
Strain Gauge Drive Capability    
5000
Ohms
  
Strain Gauge Sensitivity
-3
  
3
mV/V
  
Offset Temperature Stability  
5
10
ppm/C
  
Gain Temperature Stability  
30
50
ppm/C
  
Offset Stability with Time  
35
160
ppm of FR (1)
  
Gain Stability with Time    
300
ppm of FR(2)
  
Non Linearity before Linearization  
5
25
ppm of FR
  
Internal Resolution  
16 Million
  
Counts/Divs
  
Resolution @ 1Hz Readings (Noise Stable) over 100s  
66,000
  
Counts/Divs
  
Resolution @ 10Hz Readings (Noise Stable) over 100s  
40,000
  
Counts/Divs
  
Resolution @ 100Hz Readings (Noise Stable) over 100s  
10,000
  
Counts/Divs
  
Signal Filter Dynamic recursive type user programmable
Communications (USB)
The load cell to USB adaptor will communicate as a simple serial device rather than a native USB device.
Once the device is plugged into a PC and the supplied drivers are installed, the device will appear as a Virtual Serial Port to the PC.
Standard Modbus drivers, configurations and libraries can be used with this device. Mantracourt will also supply a driver for its own Instrument Explorer software.
Because each device, when plugged into a PC, creates an additional serial port, the total number of devices that can be attached to the PC may be limited by the communication software's ability to utilise these multiple ports i.e. an existing Modbus communication program may only support COM1 to COM4.
Support Modules
Instrument Explorer Software
Environmental
Storage Temperature - 40 to + 85°C
Operating Temperature - 40 to + 85°C
Relative Humidity 95% maximum non condensing
CE Environmental Approvals European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
   
    
Documents Software
DSC   D CELL   EVAL KIT
DSC   D CELL   EVAL KIT
Strain gauge data converter to RS232, Modbus, CAN, RS485   Embedded digital load cell converter. RS485, Modbus, CAN   Evaluation kits for DCell
Q: How do I communicate with the USB device?

A: Using a simple Virtual Com Port, the DSCUSB communicates as if the device is connected to a serial port. The device addressing allows up to 127 devices. The ASCII version allows for continuous output stream.

Q: Is temperature sensing available?

A: An optional temperature sensor module (DTEMP) is available which will enable an advanced 5-point temperature-compensation of measurements.

Q: Is there Linearity compensation?

A: Advanced 7-point linearity compensation available as standard.

Q: Is there adjustable sensitivity?

A: Supplied pre-configured for standard 2.5mV/V full-scale strain gauges. A single additional resistor re-configures the input between 0.5 and 100 mV/V full-scale.

Q: How stable is the device?

A: 25ppm/°C basic accuracy (equates to 16 bit resolution).

Q: What is the calibration process?

A: Completely drift-free, adjustable in-system and/or in-situ via standard communications link. Two independent calibration stages for load cell and system-specific adjustments. Programmable compensation for non-linearity and temperature corrections. Calibration data is transferable between devices for in-service replacement.

Q: Are there self-diagnostics capabilities?

A: Continuous monitoring for faults such as strain overload, over/under-temperature, broken sensors or unexpected power failure. All fault warnings are retained on power-fail.

Q:What are the output options?

A: We currenly only offer the device in ASCII protocol.

Q: Tell me about low current

A: Functions as a Low Power Device i.e. draws less than 100mA (one unit load) when connected to a 350 Ohm Bridge.
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