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.