Smart load cells: an industrial application

This paper presents a data acquisition solution using a RISC type microcont roller with very few components around, taking advantage of the ratiometric functioning of the load cells. The need of thermally stable circuits is mi nimized through the use of the same amplification chain for both signal and reference. The amplification and filtering are done trough switched-capaci tor techniques controlled by the microcontroller. This option allows the ch oice of the proper scale according to the platform and permits the autocali bration of the system. The weighing tests show errors below 100 g in 400 kg for an industrial platform of eight smart load cells. The paper also descr ibes an example of software calibration of a multiload cell weigh-bridge us ing one processor per smart load cell. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All r ights reserved.