New Plug and Play Load Cell System Eliminates Costly User Errors

CRANSTON, R.I. - May 6, 2014 - PRLog -- Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL), Cranston, RI, has devised a method of creating a TEDS-Tag load cell and utilizing this specialized load cell with its Model 4215 strain gauge indicator and its CellMite digital signal conditioners. The pairing of the TEDS load cell and ESL instrumentation creates a perfect calibration system.

The need for this system originated from the problems that field engineers experienced. They were carrying a variety of load cells that spanned the different ranges that might be needed to calibrate a customer’s system, or to conduct a wide range of force measurements for a particular testing application. When the load cell was connected to the instrument, the appropriate calibration factor needed to be installed in the instrument. Manual data entry or requiring the operator to select from a database of stored calibrations parameters introduced the possibility of user error. Loading the wrong parameters for a load cell or corrupting the existing calibration data could lead to erroneous results and costly recalibration expenses. ESL designed an efficient system where the instrument can automatically identify the load cell that is being attached to it and self-install the proper calibration data.

ESL developed the TEDS-Tag auto-identification system which retains the attractive feature of self-identification found in the TEDS standard. The TEDS standard specifies a huge number of detailed electronic data templates. TEDS technology is where data can be stored inside of a memory chip that is installed inside of a TEDS-compliant load cell.

With ESL’s TEDS-Tag system, a small, inexpensive electronic identification chip is placed in the cable extending from the load cell or it can be mounted within the load cell housing. This chip contains the unique electronic serial number that can be read by the Model 4215 or the CellMite to identify the load cell.

When this TEDS load cell is connected to the Model 4215 or the CellMite, a standard calibration procedure is performed. The instrument automatically stores the calibration data inside the unit itself along with the unique load cell identification number from the microchip. Whenever that TEDS load cell is reconnected to the instrument, it automatically recognizes the load cell and self-installs the appropriate calibration data. True plug-and-play operation is achieved.

With the ESL TEDS-Tag Auto-ID System, the calibration data can automatically include compensation for the particular instrument so that high-precision matched systems are realized. If the load cell is moved to another instrument, that instrument recalls the calibration data that is stored internally for that load cell. The ESL instruments can store multiple load cell calibration entries. In this way, multiple load cells can form a matched calibration set with multiple instruments.

The very first time an ESL TEDS-Tag load cell is connected to a Model 4215 or a CellMite, a standard calibration procedure is performed to initialize the cell’s calibration data in the instrument. The ESL instruments support a variety of industry standard calibrations including mV/V, precision shunt, 2-point or multi-point calibration.  The instrument then automatically detects the presence of the TEDS-Tag load cell and matches it with its calibration data.  From this point forward, the system is completely plug-and-play. After the load cells have been initially calibrated on the instrument, changing cells ID is done by simply plugging the new cell into the instrument and turning the power on.

For more information on Plug-and-Play Load Cell Calibration Systems, contact Electro Standards Laboratories at 401-943-1164 or via email at eslab@electrostandards.com.