ASA-RT srl -- Strada del Lionetto, 16/a 10146 Torino ITALY

Tel: +39 011 5360884 Fax: +39 011 19835705 Url: www.asa-rt.com
quality management system certified ISO 9001:2000

ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier
for strain gauges bridge

Users Guide
Ver. 4.21

(from FW 4.21 on)

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................3
2. INSTALLATION AND DIAGNOSTICS ...................................................................................4
2.1. Security instructions..................................................................................................................4
2.2. Instructions for the electromagnetic compatibility ...................................................................4
2.3. Connections to earth..................................................................................................................4
2.4. Installation.................................................................................................................................4
2.5. Cables shielding ........................................................................................................................5
3. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS..........................................................................................6
4. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ..................................................................................................7
4.1. Connector XC1 Power supply of the card and digital I/O .....................................................7
4.2. Connector XC2 analog I/O ....................................................................................................8
4.3. Connector XC3 Load cell ......................................................................................................9
4.4. Dip-Switch ..............................................................................................................................11
5. STANDARD WORKING..........................................................................................................12
5.1. Analog outputs zeroing (tare) ............................................................................................12
5.2. Increase / Decrease of the amplification gain ....................................................................12
5.3. Error codes .........................................................................................................................13
6. ADVANCED WORKING MODE ............................................................................................14
6.1. Parameters ..........................................................................................................................14
6.2. Calibration of the sample gain ...........................................................................................17
6.3. Filter on the measure Parameter P.3............................................................................17
6.4. Full scale of the analog output Parameter P.12 ...........................................................18
6.5. Thresholds outputs handling ..............................................................................................19

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

1. INTRODUCTION
ADS-R is a digital measuring amplifier for strain gauges bridge, including a 24 bit acquisition
circuit with programmable gain, 3 analog outputs towards a supervision unit and a digital input for
the zeroing of remote outputs.

In the standard mode, the measuring amplifier allows the analog signal zeroing (calibration), and
the output gain increasing / decreasing, by a three-buttons interface; the output tension is
continuously visualized on the display, allowing, therefore, the adjustment without external
instruments (tester or screw-driver).

In the advanced mode (selectable by a special combination of keys), it is possible to program all
operational parameters of the units, by the keyboard and the display: zero, gain (full scale in
engineering unit), pass-band of the filter on the signal, threshold values for alarms, etc.; in normal
operation, the display visualizes the tension measurement, calculated according to the current
parameters, while the two digital outputs indicate two alarms for the overcoming threshold.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

2. INSTALLATION AND DIAGNOSTICS

2.1. Security instructions

In order to have an installation in security conditions, it is necessary to
follow, besides the existing regulations, some simple rules:

Metallic parts of the plant must be connected to earth.

Control the external devices related to security before effecting the
plant working process check.

Test and maintenance of the plant must always be done by
qualified staff.
Before starting the system, make sure that it doesnt cause
dangerous situations for people and things and for the machine
itself.
Before changing any parameter, check the correctness of the
parameter itself and value which could be the real effect of this
change.

2.2. Instructions for the electromagnetic compatibility

The electromagnetic noises (EMI) can cause the bad functioning of this or other devices located
nearby, compromising the plant working. Therefore, it is necessary, during the installation, to take
all precautions to limit the above mentioned noises produced by parts constituting the plant itself.
A correct connection of all devices to earth reduces the problems caused by EMI; in particular, it is
important to carefully follow the regulations indicated in the here-under paragraphs.

2.3. Connections to earth

Connect to earth all metallic parts of the units constituting the plant.
Avoid serial connection to earth, but effect single connections of each units to the main earth.
The main earth bar must be connected to the metallic cabinet and to the general earth well.

2.4. Installation

The ADS-R unit is to be assembled on vertical wall on DIN guide.

Do not locate the unit near heated sources.
Space out the units of at least 10 mm.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

2.5. Cables shielding

The cables corresponding to the analog signals must be shielded.

To avoid the shield having currents circulation which could make it useless or even a noising
source, the equipotentiality of the masses of the plant-cabinet system must be assured by special
connections, conveniently sized.
If the equipotentiality is assured, the best configuration for the shield is having it connected to both
ends of the load cell-measuring amplifier system.
If the equipotentiality is not assured, it is advisable to connect the shield only to the measuring
amplifier side.
The connections of the digital I/O and the 24V power supply can be realized with unshielded
cables.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

3. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The main technical characteristics of the unit are:

External power supply 24Vdc / 10%.

Interface for strain gauges bridge, characterized by:
- bridge supply 5 Vdc.
- 60 mA total (4 load cells 350 Ohm in parallel)
- acquisition with a 24 bit ADC converter.
- independent sense wires
- possibility to connect a calibration resistance (internal or external).
N. 1 auxiliary analog input 4..20 mA (for working as a 4..20 mA => 0..10 V converter).
N. 2 analog outputs 10 Vdc.
N. 1 analog output 4..20 mA .
N. 2 opto-isolated input digital signals 24 Vdc (positive logic).
N. 2 opto-isolated output digital signals 24 Vdc / 0.1 A (positive logic).
4-digits display indicating the output value in Volt (from +9.999 to -9.99).
Zeroing analog key (calibration).
Analog gain increasing / decreasing keys.
Frontal dip-switch for internal calibration resistance (if present) or external calibration
resistance.
Frontal dip-switch for polarity inversion of analog outputs.
Assembling on DIN guide step 22.5 mm.
Operative temperature 0 C 50 C.
RS 485 optional connection.
Profibus DPv1 optional connection.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

4. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
4.1. Connector XC1 Power supply of the card and digital I/O

0 VDC
Card power
Digital output 1 supply
Digital output 2
Digital I/O
Digital input 1
EARTH
Digital input 2 0 VDC
+ 24 VDC

ASA-RT

Optional connection
RS485, Profibus, CAN-bus

External power supply : +24 VDC 10 %

Digital outputs characteristics:

Residual output current on level 0 : < 20 A
Drop-out voltage on level 1 : max 1V @ 0.2A (two outputs at max. load simultaneously).
Max. current for each output : 0.2 A.
Protections : ESD, inductive loads
Digital inputs characteristics:

State 0 Transition State 1

Input Voltage -30 5 V 5 15 V 15 30 V
Current < 1 mA 2 6,5 mA

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

4.2. Connector XC2 analog I/O

The ADS-R unit has two tension analog outputs and one current analog output, all of them
indicating the amplified value of measurement. The unit has also a current analog input.

In standard working mode the three analog outputs indicate the amplified value of the strain gauges
bridge; if the current-tension conversion mode is activated (see following paragraphs), the three
outputs indicate the value read by the analog output.

Analog output
4 20 mA + Auxiliary analog
+
input
Analog output 4 20 mA
10 VDC
+
Analog output
10 VDC
+

ASA-RT

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

4.3. Connector XC3 Load cell

Wiring diagram of the load cell with ADS-R unit

ASA-RT

The unit can work with load

cells connected with 4 or 6
wires and it is able to
support up to 4 load cells in
parallel connection.
Dip-switches setting:
4 wires both of them
in ON position
6 wires both of them
in OFF position

Calibration resistance
SGN +
SGN -

(optional) enabled by
panel dip-switch
EXC -
SNS -

EXC +
SNS +

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

If there is a potentially explosive environment, it is better to insert zener safety barriers on the
signals of the load cell, as indicated in the here-under diagram (example with the employment of
Stahl safety barriers)
CABINET

ASA-RT
Earth

PLANT LIMIT

2 1 2 1 2 1

Stahl Stahl Stahl

9002/13 9002/11 9002/11
199-225-001 199-030-001 199-030-001

4 3 4 3 4 3

EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT

SGN-

EXC- EXC+

SNS- SNS+

SGN+
Further load
cells (optional)

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

4.4. Dip-Switch

On the ADS-R frontal panel there are some dip-switches for the configuration of the working mode.

DIP 1.1: ON Polarity inversion enabled

OFF Polarity inversion disabled

DIP 1.2: ON Calibration resistance connected

OFF Calibration resistance not connected

ON

1 2

The dip-switches activate the here-under ADS-R working modes:

DIP1.1 it enables or disables the polarity inversion of all analog outputs, also changing, as
a consequence, the value displayed.
DIP1.2 it connects or disconnects the strain gauges bridge calibration resistance for the
gain calibration; this resistance, if necessary, can be assembled inside the ADS-R
amplifier or added outside the device (see paragraph 4.3).

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

5. STANDARD WORKING
ADS-R has a three buttons and 4-digits display operating local
interface.
When the device is started the display shows for few seconds the
software version of the unit, the software version of the expansion
card, if present, and then the ADS-R is ready to work in standard
working mode.
In standard working conditions, the four digits display the tension
value reading, already completed and correct with the information
concerning the gain and the calibration; the unit is supplied with a set Button +
ON
of parameters which make this value representing also the tension on
1 2
the analog outputs, expressed in Volt. Button -
The reading on the display is effected
Button
If ---- is displayed, it means that the input value is higher than the
maximal value set for the input gain. In this case, it is necessary to
modify parameter 2 (see Advanced Working Mode), setting a
lower value.

The measuring amplifier must be switched on when the load cells

are already connected in order to avoid to change the calibration

result

5.1. Analog outputs zeroing (tare)

The analog outputs zeroing with the unloaded machine (tare) is obtained by pressing the button
for at least three seconds. If a password has been set to protect the parameters, before doing the
zeroing of the unit the user is requested to digit it (see advanced functioning). The password
remains enabled for about 30 seconds.

The zeroing can also be executed through a remote supervision unit producing a rising edge on the
digital input 1 (INP1).

5.2. Increase / Decrease of the amplification gain

The increase (/decrease) of the amplification gain is obtained by pressing the button + (/ -) for
at least 3 seconds. The value displayed will be updated in real time, considering the change of the
above mentioned gain, allowing an immediate check of the result. If a password has been set to
protect the parameters, before changing the gain of the unit the user is requested to digit it (see
advanced functioning). The password remains enabled for about 30 seconds.

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Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

5.3. Error codes

When started, the ADS-R unit executes an integrity test for the connection of the load cells (if the
unit is not set as current-tension converter). The system will indicate an error code in the following
cases:

Er.01 - The load cell has a 4 wires connection and the lateral dip-switches are in OFF position.
Er.02 - The load cell has a 6 wires connection, the lateral dip-switches are in OFF position, but
the load cell cable seems interrupted.
Er.03 Both the above errors are present
Er.04 Missing communication between the main card and the expansion card.
Er.05 The software version of the expansion card isnt compatible with the main card software.

Er.11 Er.60 Error on the Profibus expansion card.

Er.61 Er.B0 Error on the CANopen expansion card.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

6. ADVANCED WORKING MODE

6.1. Parameters

The unit has a set of parameters suitable for its calibration and personalization. To enter these
parameters it is necessary to:
Press in the same time buttons + and - for some seconds.
If a password has been set to protect the parameters, the unit shows PASS for one second.
Press the + and keys to modify the value showed for composing the protection
password and then press the 0 key for few seconds; if the password is correct the unit will
show P.1 with the possibility to edit all the parameters; otherwise it will show P.2
without the possibility to edit.
If no password protects the parameters the unit will show directly P.1 with the possibility
to edit all the parameters.
From now on, the parameters will be dealt as follows:
In parameters visualization or modification mode, P.# will appear for a second, where # is
the number of the present parameter.
A quick press of button makes parameters sequence going on until the end is reached
and the normal working condition comes back.
A some seconds press of button causes a display flashing and the keeping in memory of
the value in the parameter. Parameters sequence, however, goes on.
Pressing the + and keys is possible to modify the value of the actual parameter.
After about a minute without any operation the system comes back in the normal working
mode.

At the end of parameters scanning, the system comes back in the normal working mode.

Parameters of ADS-R unit:

P.1 Password (0 9999)

Protection password to enter parameters
(if set to 0 no password protects the edit of the parameters).

P.2 A/D converter gain (0, 500, 1000,

2000)
Acquisition gain of the A/D converter to read the load cell(s). This is an hardware gain;
then, the gain set with the sample weight or the sensitivity will be applied. If set to 0
(zero) the conversion function 4 20 mA 0 10 VDC is enabled.

P.3 Number of averages for reading (1 250)

Number of sample of the load cell(s) signal used in the moving average window in order
to increase the stability in the amplified signal.

P.4 Zero offset of the measurement (-999 +999)

Tare value for the measurement zeroing.

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Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
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P.5 Sample measurement (1 1000)

Tare value of the device to obtain a reading dimensionally concordant with the measured
tension. When loading the load cell(s) with a known load and setting (as absolute value)
the corresponding value to be displayed, the system evaluates an input gain to be applied
to the reading in order to visualize the settled value in the parameter with the above
mentioned load.

P.6 Load cell sensitivity (1 9999)

By this parameter, to be expressed in mV/V*1000, it is possible to set an amplification
gain value, in order to theoretically have a 10V reading of the load cell(s), when loaded
with its nominal load.

P.7 Position of the decimal point on the display (0 2)

Digit after which locate the decimal point on the display; this point has only an aesthetic
purpose and it must not be counted in the setting of the sample measure and thresholds.

P.8 Working mode of the threshold outputs (0 2)

It is possible to set the handling mode of the thresholds outputs (see paragraph 6.5).

P.9 Alarm value of low threshold (-999 1000)

Value of the measure causing the alarm signal of low threshold (see paragraph 6.5).

P.10 Alarm value of high threshold (-999 1000)

Value of the measure causing the alarm signal of high threshold (see paragraph 6.5).

P.11 Hysteresis for thresholds handling (0 1000)

Tolerance limit on the thresholds handling (see paragraph 6.5).

P.12 Measurement value related to the full scale of the analog output (0 1000)
Measurement value for the analog output full scale; afterwards, the output will
proportionally change from zero to full scale with a measure from zero to this parameter.

P.13 Analog output offset (0 999)

Calibration offset for the analog output signal.

P.14 Analog output gain (1 1000)

Calibration gain for analog output signal.

P.15 4 mA Tare (0x0 0xFFF)

Calibration value for 4mA current output.

P.16 20 mA Tare (0x0 0xFFF)

Calibration value for 20mA current output.

P.17 20mA auxiliary analog input offset

4 (0 9999)
Offset of the 4-20mA auxiliary analog input.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

P.18 20mA auxiliary analog input gain

4 (1 9999)
Gain of 4-20mA auxiliary analog input.

P.19 Baudrate RS485 (96, 192, 384,

576, 1152)
or opp
Baudrate CANopen (10, 20 ,50, 125 , 250,
500, 800, 1000)
Baudrate used for comunication on RS485 through a serial protocol (value divided
by 100), or for comunication on a CANopen link (value in KBaud)
NOTE: This parameter can only be applied when the unit is supplied with an
optional communication module.

P.20 Node identifier (1 99)

Node identifier for the communication module
NOTE: This parameter can only be applied when the unit is supplied with an
optional communication module (RS485, Profibus DP or CANopen).

P.21 Protocol type (0 2)

0 RS485 proprietary ASCII protocol
1 RS485 proprietary binary protocol
2 Profibus DP or CANopen (according to the supplied expansion card)
When this value is changed the systems shows again the parameter P.19, for
permitting to set the correct baudrate for the chosen protocol.

NOTE: This parameter can only be applied when the unit is supplied with an
optional communication module (RS485, Profibus DP or CANopen).

P.22 Bus status (when protocol type 2) (0.001 9.999)

Read only parameter: it shows the status of the communication bus on the
expansion card. For further information please refer to the technical service of
ASA-RT S.r.l.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

6.2. Calibration of the sample gain

In order to effect a calibration of the system load cell(s) and measuring amplifier and to obtain a
value displayed according to a scale useful for the User, it is possible to act in one of the two
following ways :

1. Setting of a test sample tension value connected with a known load

Execute the reading zeroing.
Apply a known force on the load cell(s).
Set, on parameter 5, the value to be displayed in this situation (the value of parameter 6
will be automatically changed).
From now on, the system will execute a measurement processing, displaying the set tension value
connected with the present load and, moreover, it will proportionally re-set all readings.

2. Setting of a sensitivity value of the load cells

Execute the reading zeroing.
Set on parameter 6 the sensitivity of the load cell(s) (the value of parameter 5 will be
automatically changed).
In this case, the system will re-set the gains in order to obtain the reading 10.00 connected with
the nominal load of the system.

If it is necessary to have a reading inferior to 10.00 connected with the nominal load, the
sensitivity value must be augmented proportionally to the wished reduction.
Ex.
To obtain 4.00, it is necessary to multiply by 2,5 the sensitivity

In both cases, it is possible to do further adjustments of the gain, by acting on buttons + and -
during the reading visualization.

6.3. Filter on the measure Parameter P.3

ADS-R unit samples the load cell(s) with a 20 Hz frequency. It is possible to apply an average
mobile interval to these samples, in order to limit possible undesired reading interferences.
The number of samples to be used on the above mentioned average has to be set in the parameter
3; by setting 1 the instantaneous sample will be output; with higher values, it will be possible tp
have a proportionally more filtered reading.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

6.4. Full scale of the analog output Parameter P.12

By parameter 12 it is possible to set the measuring value desired corresponding to the maximal
value of the analog output. All intermediate tension values will be put on the scale according to this
value.

The unit is supplied with parameter P.12 set to 999, i.e. in order to have a relation between
what displayed and the tension on the analog outputs; if this value is changed, this relation will be
canceled.

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

6.5. Thresholds outputs handling

The two digital outputs of the ADS-R unit are dealt as alarm thresholds outputs towards a machine
supervisor. In normal conditions, they are at a high level (24 Vdc), while they are zeroed to indicate
an alarm situation.

It is possible to choose among three different kinds of handling for these outputs, according to the
value in parameter 8 :

1. Parameter 8 = 0 : The outputs are always at a high level when the unit is not in error

2. Parameter 8 = 1 : Two level threshold alarm

Output #1 : 0 1 if measure < parameter 10 (high threshold) parameter 11 (hysteresis).
1 0 if measure > parameter 10 (high threshold) + parameter 11 (hysteresis).
Output #2 : 0 1 if measure < parameter 9 (low threshold) parameter 11 (hysteresis).
1 0 if measure > parameter 9 (low threshold) + parameter 11 (hysteresis).

3. Parameter 8 = 2 : Threshold alarm when existing the working range

Output #1 : 0 1 if measure < parameter 10 (high threshold) parameter 11 (hysteresis).
1 0 if measure > parameter 10 (high threshold) + parameter 11 (hysteresis).
Output #2 : 0 1 if measure > parameter 9 (low threshold) + parameter 11 (hysteresis).
1 0 if measure < parameter 9 (low threshold) parameter 11 (hysteresis).

Measure Measure

OUTPUT 1 0
OUTPUT 1 0
OUTPUT 2 0

OUTPUT 2 0

Time Time

if parameter 8 = 1 if parameter 8 = 2

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 ADS-R
Measuring Amplifier for strain gauges bridge
Users Guide

ASA-RT srl
Strada del Lionetto, 16/a 10146 Torino ITALY
Tel: +39 011 5360884r.a.. Fax: +39 011 19835705
E_mail: info@asa-rt.com Url: www.asa-rt.com

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