Measuring Instrument
The output of strain gages is extremely small, ranging from several μV to several mV, making it difficult to directly indicate or record this output. For this reason, amplifiers are used to increase the minute electrical signals from strain gages by approximately 10000 times. Furthermore, since strain gages and strain gage sensors only change resistance in response to physical quantities and do not generate output voltage on their own, a power supply is necessary for providing voltage. Our company refers to the integrated unit consisting of this power supply, amplifier, and other auxiliary mechanisms as a "strain measuring instrument."
Strain measuring instruments are broadly classified into two types according to the measuring target: static strain measuring instruments and dynamic strain measuring instruments, each used for different applications. Additionally, they can be categorized into AC type and DC type based on the bridge method.
Static Strain Measuring Instruments and Dynamic Strain Measuring Instruments
Static Strain Measuring Instruments
Left side: UCAM-80A Right side: NTB-100/200 Series
These are used to measure phenomena where strain magnitude changes gradually over time. These measuring instruments amplify the minute voltage signals detected by strain gages using high-performance electronic circuits and display the strain values on digital indicators for reading, printing, or saving to storage. Static strain measurements often involve large-scale measurements with hundreds of measurement points, as seen in loading tests of large structures. To measure such numerous points with high accuracy, scanners are often used to sequentially switch between measurement points, though in recent years, instruments capable of high-precision simultaneous sampling have also emerged.
Dynamic Strain Measuring Instruments
Left side: CTRS-100 Series Right side: EDX-200A
These are used to measure phenomena where strain magnitude changes with time over short periods, such as vibration or impact. Because dynamic phenomena such as vibration and impact change rapidly, making them difficult to read on displays, the amplified results are measured using recorders or data acquisition functions. Dynamic strain measurements frequently involve analysis that includes time elements, and when conducting multipoint measurements, simultaneity of recording is required along with excellent response, stability, and signal-tonoise ratio.
Dynamic Strain Amplifiers: AC and DC Types
Strain amplifiers are broadly classified into two types based on whether they use AC or DC for the bridge power supply. AC types excel in accuracy and noise resistance, but capacitance effects appear in the bridge circuit, necessitating balancing of both resistance and capacitance components during initial balancing. Furthermore, the response frequency is limited by the AC frequency of the bridge power supply which makes handling somewhat complex. AC types are also called carrier wave systems. On the other hand, DC types are simpler to operate and have excellent response characteristics, but are slightly inferior to AC types in terms of stability and noise resistance.
Lineup
We classify measuring instruments into four main types: Data loggers, amplifiers, indicators/displays, and handheld measuring instruments (checkers). It is important to select the product that is appropriate for your measurement targets and purposes. Our lineup of measuring instruments includes products offering various functions and performance capabilities to meet diverse needs.
Category
Data Logger
UCAM-80A
These measuring instruments can record measured data in the main unit or on a PC. We offer a wide lineup that includes high-speed to low-speed instruments and multi-channel options.
View moreAmplifier
DPM-900 Series
These measuring instruments amplify the output of strain gage sensors. They output the amplified measurement values as analog voltage.
View moreIndicator & Display
WGC-220 Series
These measuring instruments can display the physical quantity of the sensor output as numerical values and graphs. We also have products that are compatible with CC-Link and Ethernet/IP™.
View moreHandheld (Checker)
WDS-500BE
These are portable measuring instruments for field work. They are equipped with functions to check the input/output signals of measuring instruments and sensors, the insulation conditions of sensors, and so on.
View morePlease feel free to consult us first.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems with measurements or if you have questions about our products.
Products
Here are products that support all measurement scenarios, such as strain gages, sensors, and measuring instruments.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems with measurements or if you have questions about our products.
Products
Here are products that support all measurement scenarios, such as strain gages, sensors, and measuring instruments.