What is the difference between Loadstar’s load cells vs. conventional strain gauge load cells?
Conventional load cells are built using strain gauges or piezo resistive devices which are basically resistors. When a strain/stress is applied to the strain gauge – it changes its resistance slightly. This change in resistance is used to generate a mV signal that is amplified and calibrated to measure loads. Typical full scale outputs are in the 20-40 mV range. In comparison, our load cells are built using variable capacitors. When a load is applied, the capacitance changes significantly and is converted into a digital frequency signal. As the load changes, the frequency changes. This frequency change can be measured very accurately and can be converted into either a digital (USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi) or analog(0-5V, 0-20 mV, 4-20 mA) signal that is easy to input DIRECTLY into a DAQ or a PLC or a PC.
