Strain gage signal conditioning modules (SCMs)

May 3, 2006
This application note is based on the basic bridge circuit fundamentals of strain gages interfaced to signal conditioning modules. Include are their effects on line resistance, strain gage parameter tolerances, and methods of excitation.
From Dataforth

PROCESS VARIABLES such as load weight, pressure, flow, distance, motion and vibration employ strain gage bridge circuits as the fundamental sensor device. The most dominant application of bridge circuits is in the instrumentation arena. Within these applications, the strain gage as a resistive element sensitive to displacement has been used extensively for a century. Examining all types of individual strain gage element configurations is beyond the scope of this application note; however, the behavior fundamentals of strain gages interfaced to Dataforth’s strain gage bridge signal conditioning modules is examined.