Series 97XX Load Cell Page 7
002-077e 4.04
4. Technical Information, Functional Description
4.1 Piezoelectric Measurement Concept
Piezoelectric load cells convert an applied force into an electrical signal.
The electrical output derived by the load cell is proportional to the force
acting on the internal quartz (piezoelectric) element.
Quartz belongs to a class of materials called piezoelectric because a
charge of electricity is produced when the material is deformed. For this
reason these load cells are effective in dynamic or short duration
(quasistatic) measurements.
4.2 Internal Construction Overview
These load cells contain two main components. The larger internal
structure is an electro mechanical device that includes the piezoelectric
sensing element.
The second component is a smaller electronic circuit that changes the
form of the signal produced by the first component. This electronic
portion requires external power to activate the electronic circuit. This load
cell thus requires a power supply/coupler to support the function of the
load cell.
Both powering of the load cell and conducting the load cell output signal is
accomplished by a single conductor coaxial cable.
The form of the load cell output signal is described in more detail in
Section 4.3
4.3 Low Impedance Output
The load cell produces a low impedance output nominally below 100
ohms. Signals in a low impedance form are also referred to as voltage
mode. Signals in a high impedance form are also called charge mode.
Kistler uses the terminology voltage mode, low impedance and charge
mode, high impedance to clarify the difference.
Both modes offer certain advantages to applications. Kistler
manufactures load cells of both kinds. Certain trade names are have
become more commonly used to describe the voltage mode, low
impedance style of sensors, including load cells.
Kistler was issued the patent for the original voltage mode, low
impedance style, and called sensors with the impedance converter
circuitry Piezotron style units.
The integral impedance converter is powered by an external power
source (coupler) that uses a coax cable between the load cell and
coupler. The signal and power share a common line. The coupler
provides a constant current source to the load cell and decouples the DC
bias (see Section 6.1.3) from the measuring instrument. The useful signal
is seen as a varying voltage over an 11 VDC (nominal) bias.
Low impedance load cells are ideally suited for applications where long or
moving cables are required or in high humidity or other contaminated