Portable sensor display for strain bridge sensors

Designed to serve sensor manufacturers, like load cell manufacturers and integrators, the new PSDS device offers several key advantages over current models including enhanced calibration functions, OEM configuration toolkit and the ability to read a variety of Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) templates.

Strain bridge measurement is found in a wide range of industrial sensors, such as load cells, to measure forces like tension and compression, or in other sensors measuring variables like pressure and torque. Until now, the industry has lacked one product able to serve all these different sensor applications, which is why Mantracourt developed the next-gen PSDS device. Delivering improved flexibility and performance compared to current models, the new PSDS device provides manufacturers with a portable transducer readout for load, force, pressure, torque and other strain bridge sensors.

“The new PSDS device gives sensor manufacturers a product that they can buy, off-the-shelf, and easily customise for the desired application,” explained Brett James, Design Manager at Mantracourt. “It’s also much more user-friendly than our previous model, with an entirely redesigned menu structure and keypad.

“Our previous PSD device, which has been in service for nearly 20 years, is generally regarded as the industry standard but where it only had two calibration ranges, the new PSDS has six. This means that users can see a much wider variety of readings directly on the screen when using the PSDS,” added James.

As well as taking advantage of the new in-device functions, users of the new PSDS will also be able to download the free PSD toolkit from Mantracourt’s website. This can be used to aid data analysis by recording live and historical data, and facilitate ongoing technical support.

The PSD toolkit allows users to overlay their data over time against calibration data to see how it sits compared to the specified minimum and maximum. This can be used to increase insight and identify potential faults in the system. Furthermore, the toolkit has alarm capabilities so, when it is connected to the PSD, if any recorded readings are outside the specified acceptable range, it produces and audio and visual alarm to alert users.

The PSD toolkit also gives users full control of the PSDS’s interface, meaning that manufacturers can customise devices for any given application. This allows them to offer different user interfaces for different customer bases, all from the same original device.