PCB LOAD & TORQUE: A PCB GROUP COMPANY

Load Cell Handbook

A Technical Overview and Selection Guide

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Load Cell Handbook

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Application Guide: Choosing the Right Load Cell . . .10
Overview of Load Cell Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Rod End Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
S-Type Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Strain Gage Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Canister Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Wheatstone Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Low-Profile Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Axis Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Dual Bridge Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Output / Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Application Selection Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Load Cell Anatomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Error Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Bending Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Shunt Calibration of a Strain Gage Load Cell . . . . . . .14
Shear-Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Load Cell Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
General Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Fatigue Rated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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 INTRODUCTION

Rod end load cell shown on a durability test rig

Introduction
This handbook is intended to be a guide for test engineers, lab managers and test technicians who use load cells for test and measurement
applications for dynamometer testing, hydraulics testing, and suspension and transmission testing, to name a few.
This guide will provide an overview of strain gage technology and load cell anatomy – including a description of the different types of load
cells – and give instruction on how to select the right load cell for an application.

Typical Applications
n Materials Testing n Full Vehicle Durability Testing
n Component Life Cycle Testing n Torque Arm
n Structural Testing n Weighing
n Press Applications n Quality Control

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Overview of
Load Cell
Technology

A load cell is a device that converts a force or load into a measureable output. Load cells can come
in multiple styles including hydraulic, pneumatic, strain gage, piezoelectric, and capacitance, but the
scope of this handbook will be strain gage load cells. Strain gage load cells are the most common and
are defined as a device that converts a force or load into an equivalent electrical signal or digitized
load value.
Strain gage load cells are designed for precisely measuring a static weight or quasi-dynamic load or
force. The force applied is translated into a voltage by the resistance change in the strain gages,
which are intimately bonded to the transducer structure. The amount of change in resistance
correlates to the deformation in the transducer structure and hence the load applied (See Figure 1).
General purpose load cells include low profile, canister, rod-end, S-type, fatigue rated low profile and
dual-bridge load cells. They are generally used in automotive, aerospace, industrial and process
control applications.
General purpose load cells are suitable for a wide
range of routine static force measurement
applications, including weighing, structural testing
and material testing machines. Fatigue-rated versions
are designed for fatigue testing machines and
applications where high cyclic loads are present. A
high-quality fatigue-rated load cell should be
compensated to minimize the effects of temperature
and barometric pressure changes as well as applied
extraneous loads. It should also be resistant to fatigue
failure for about 100 million fully reversed cycles.

Strain Gage Basics

When a load is applied to an object, the object will be deformed a certain amount. The amount of
deformation the object experiences is based on the size and material of the object as well as the size
of the load applied. The ratio of the deformation of the object to the original size of the object is
known as strain.
Strain gages are resistors that change their resistance
proportional to load as they are deformed. They
consist of a pattern of resistive foil mounted on a
backing material (See Figure 2). Strain gages that are
properly bonded to an object will deform as the object
does when a load is applied. As the gage stretches,
its resistance increases, and as it compresses, its
Figure 2: Strain Gages
resistance decreases. The amount of change in
resistance indicates the magnitude of deformation.

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 OVERVIEW OF LOAD CELL TECHNOLOGY

Wheatstone Bridge
Many load cells use strain gages in a four-arm Wheatstone
bridge configuration, which acts as an adding and subtracting
electrical network. The Wheatstone bridge allows for
compensation of temperature effects, as well as cancellation of
signals caused by extraneous forces. These circuits consist of a
full four-arm bridge of at least one precision strain gage per arm.
A regulated 5 to 20 volt DC or AC rms excitation is required to
power the bridge.
A simplified version of a strain gage load cell using the
Wheatstone bridge is depicted in Figure 3. The Wheatstone
bridge is shown in Figure 4. The strain gages used in the
Figure 3: Model of Strain Gage Load Cell Figure 4: Wheatstone Bridge
Wheatstone bridge all have the same resistance value creating
a balanced bridge when no load is applied. When a load is
applied to the load cell, the strain gages deform, which changes
their resistance, creating a bridge that is unbalanced, causing an
output voltage that is proportional to the applied load.
The load applied to the load cell in Figure 3 causes the tension
gages (T1 and T2) to stretch and the compression gages (C1 and
Pin Description Wire Color
C2) to compress. An output voltage will then be sent through the
signal lead wires (+S and –S) to a signal conditioner to transform A + Excitation (+P) Red
the output voltage into a force value (Lb, N, kg, etc.).
Factors such as temperature, the length of wire used to complete B + Signal (+S) Green
the circuit, and gage placement have an effect on the resistance
C - Signal (-S) White
in the bridge, creating an error in the measured values. In
precision load cells, these effects are compensated by adding D - Excitation (-P) Black
resistance to the bridge.
Many load cells follow a wiring code established by the Western Table 1: Western Regional Wiring Code
Regional Strain Gage committee as revised in May 1960. The
code is illustrated in Table 1.

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Overview of Output & Sensitivity

The output of a strain gage load cell is expressed in terms of mV/V. Therefore the output of a load cell

Load Cell is referred to as ratiometric, where the output is directly proportional to the input. For example, a load
cell with a 2 mV/V output with a 10 volt excitation applied results in an raw output of 20 mV at the
defined capacity of given load cell. Most manufactures specify load cell outputs between 1.0 and 5.0
Technology mV/V, which is dependent on the gage factor and the operating stress (psi) of the load cell structure,
although 2 mV/V is most common.
The quality of the resultant load cell signal is dependent on several factors including:
1. A well regulated excitation (typically 10 volts)
2. Quality cable with two shielded twisted pairs and a drain
3. Instrumentation grade amplifier
In most cases a strain gage signal conditioner is required to provide the regulation excitation and
condition/amplify the signal to a useable +/- 5 or +/- 10 volts. A wide range of configurations are
available including models with a built-in scalable display.
Sensitivity in terms of mV/engineering units (such as pounds or Newtons) are not used by load cell
manufacturers due to the ratiometric nature of strain gage load cells. However it’s often useful to the
end user to express the output of a load cell in terms of sensitivity. This can be easily calculated based
on the output and capacity of the load cell.
Here are some examples:
1. A 1,000 pound capacity load cell with a 2 mV/V output and 10 volt excitation:
(2 mV/V x 10)/1,000) or 0.02 mV/lb.
2. A 1,000 pound capacity load cell used with a signal conditioner scaled for a 10 volts
(10,000 mV) output at 1,000 pounds: (10,000 mV/1000) or 10 mV/pound
The value of a strain gage signal conditioner becomes very clear when you consider the difference
between a sensitivity of 0.02 mV/pound or 10 mV/pound. Using a signal conditioner, you can select
the higher sensitivity. Consequently most load cells manufacturers offer a full range of signal
conditioners in order to obtain the best measurement results.

Axis Definition
Most load cells comply with the Axis and Sense
Definitions of NAS-938 (National Aerospace Standard-
Machine Axis and Motion) nomenclature and
recommendations of the Western Regional Strain Gage
committee. These axes are defined in terms of a "Right
Handed" orthogonal coordinate system. A (+) sign
indicates force in a direction which produces a (+)
signal voltage and generally defines a tensile force.
The primary axis of rotation or axis of radial symmetry
Figure 5: “Right Handed”
of a load cell is the z-axis, as defined in Figure 5. Orthogonal Coordinate System

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 OVERVIEW OF LOAD CELL TECHNOLOGY

Load Cell Anatomy

The most critical mechanical component in any strain gage based sensor is the “spring element.” In general terms, the spring element serves
as the reaction to the applied force, load, or weight and focuses it into a uniform, calculated strain path for precise measurement by the
bonded strain gage. Three common structure designs used in the industry are bending beam, column, and shear.

Bending Beam Column Shear-Web

Sensor spring elements that employ The column type load cell is the earliest type of Shear web load cells are typically cantilever
the bending beam structure design strain gage transducer (See Figure 7). Although beams. This design minimizes load
are the most common. This is simple in its design, the column spring element deflection. Under this condition, the surface
because the bending beam is requires a number of design and application strain along the top of the beam would be too
typically a high-strain, low force considerations. The column should be long low to produce an adequate electrical output
structural member that offers two enough with respect to its cross section so that a from the strain gage. However, if the strain
equal and opposite surfaces for strain uniform strain path will be applied to the strain gages are placed on the sides of the beam at
gage placement. The bending beam gage. When using this type of sensor, the end the neutral axis where the bending stress is
design is typically used in lower user must beware of second order effects as the zero, the state of stress on the beam side in
capacity load cells (See Figure 6). column load cell is susceptible to the effects of one of pure shear, acting in the vertical and
off-axis loading. When using these load cells in horizontal direction (See Figure 8).
applications where sensitivity to side-loading
needs to be minimized, it is a good idea to find a
model with an internal spherical design which
will allow for a greater degree of off-axis loading.

Figure 6: Bending Beam Load Cell Figure 7: Column Load Cell Figure 8: Shear Web Load Cell

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Load Cell
Classification

Most load cells are classified as general purpose, fatigue rated, or special application. Sometimes
load cell suppliers will also work with you to create customized solutions for unique application needs
that widely used stock products can’t meet.

General Purpose
The general purpose load cell, as the
name implies, is designed to be utilitarian
in nature. These versatile load cells are
commonly used for calibration references,
manual applications, and applications that
require slower cycling. Within the general
purpose load cell market there are several
distinct categories: precision, universal,
weigh scale, to name a few. These types
of load cells are often selected because
they are usually the least expensive.

Fatigue Rated Load Cells

Fatigue rated load cells are designed for
component durability and fatigue test
machines where highly cyclical loading is Photo courtesy of Dynamic Testing

present. These rugged load cells are

extremely resistant to extraneous bending
and side loading forces. They are used for
material testing, component life cycle
testing, and structural testing. Most
suppliers guarantee these load cells for
100 million cycles.

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 LOAD CELL CLASSIFICATION

A structural component gaged to measure load

Special Applications
Special application load cells are load cells that
have been designed for a very specific force
measurement task. Special application load cells
can be single- or multi-axis. There are a wide
range of special application load cells especially
for the automotive market, such as:
Pedal Effort Load Cell
n Pedal Effort n Skid Trailer
n Crash Barrier n Steering Column
n Bumper Impact n Road Simulator
n Tire Test n Horse Clamp
n Hand Brake

Customized Solutions
General purpose load cells are quite versatile, but every so often, test
engineers have unique application needs that are not met by the
industry-standard models and specifications. Some companies will
create custom solutions such as instrumenting customer-supplied
bolts for thrust load measurements, or “transducerizing" which
means taking a structural component of a system and gaging it to
measure load (for example, drive shafts using telemetry for wireless
data collection).

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Application
Guide:
Choosing
the Right
Load Cell
for the Job There are many different types of load cells on the market which are designed for certain uses. Here
is an overview of the different types and their specific applications.

Rod End Load Cells

Need to perform load tests in small areas within the vehicle?
Rod end load cells are a good choice for durability and
reliability testing, in-vehicle load measurements, test rigs, and
in-line test and weighing applications– especially for testing in
small spaces, like in-line with vehicle tie rods, and instances
where sensitivity to side loading needs to be minimized.
Figure 11: Rod End Load Cells

S-Type Load Cells

S-type load cells are side-mounted strain gage-based sensors
used for weighing and general force measurement
applications. It is a good idea to select one with a long strain-
relieved integral cable with pigtail leads that are stripped and
tinned for electrical interface. These load cells are most
commonly used for light structural performance testing on
automotive systems such as doors, hoods and trunks, and
automotive lifecycle testing on components such as hinges,
latches and handles, bushings and springs, and seatbacks.
These are a good choice when you need a low-cost, high Figure 12: S-Type Load Cells
performance load cell.

Canister Load Cells

Canister load cells are typically used for weighing, quality
control, dynamometers, tactile forces, and static material test
machines. Canister style load cells have low mass (less than
one lb.) and low capacity (25 to 300 lbs). They also include a
built-in mounting base and the same thread on both sides,
making them easy to install. This type of load cell is used for
applications such as opening and closing car doors, auto
component tests, trunk doors, and switch test stands. Figure 13: Canister Load Cells

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 APPLICATION GUIDE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOAD CELL FOR THE JOB

Fatigue
Fatigue rated
rated load
load cells
cells measure
measure impact
impact forces
forces
during
during automotive
automotive crash
crash studies
studies

Low-Profile Load Cells

Low profile load cells, sometimes referred to as “pancake load cells,” include fatigue-rated and general purpose types. They are generally
offered in a wide capacity range across a few different mechanical packaging/sizes. Low-profile load cells feature an advanced structural
design that makes them extremely durable and accurate.
Their greatest attribute is that they are industry-standard, so you can generally use one manufacturer's load cell interchangeably with
another's. These load cells are also known for their overall capability to handle extraneous loads due to misalignment without mechanical
failures. Low profile load cells are very “forgiving” to general mistakes made during
installation (such as misalignments bending loads or “moments” and shear loads).
This type of load cell also usually comes with two installation options—with a base
and without a base. To perform in a linear and predictable manner, the outside
diameter of the load cell must be bolted to a flat rigid surface. To ensure that they
can also be properly mounted in applications where there is no flat rigid surface, they
include a factory installed base that provides a convenient threaded attachment point
for easy installation and use in tension and compression. For best performance,
repeatability and accuracy, it’s a good idea to select one with the base included and
permanently installed.
These types of load cells are used for a wide range of general force measurement
applications, including weighing, dynamometer use, and static material test
machines.

Dual Bridge Load Cells

Dual bridge load cells are fatigue rated load cells that include a dual output feature that offers
sensor redundancy and the ability to provide control feedback from one sensor while the other
is used for data acquisition. Additional features include low deflection, high accuracy and
repeatability, thermal compensation and moment compensation. Dual bridge load cells are
most often used in aerospace and defense testing, where one output controls the test
stand/process, and the other output for data recording.

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Application
Selection
When deciding which type of
load cell you need, consider the
following application questions
to help you select the right one.

When deciding which type of load cell you need, consider the following application questions to help
you select the right one.

Determine the capacity required:

n What is the maximum expected load?
n What is the minimum expected load?
n What is the typical expected load?
n What are the dynamics of the system
(frequency response, voltage requirements, connector type, etc.)?
n What are the maximum extraneous loads that the load cell will be subjected to?

How will the load cell be integrated into the system:

n What are the physical constraints (height, diameter, mounting threads, etc.)?
n Will the load cell be in the primary load path or will the load cell see forces indirectly?

What type of environment will the load cell be operating in:

n What will the maximum temperature be?
n What will the minimum temperature be??
n Will there be any contaminants present (water, oil, dirt, dust, etc.)?

What accuracy is required:

n What is the non-linearity specification required?
n What is the hysteresis specification required?
n What is the repeatability specification required?
n What, if any, cross-talk specification is required (for multi-axis load cells)?
n What will the humidity be?
n Will there be any contaminants present (water, oil, dirt, dust, etc.)?

See glossary for definition of the terms above.

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 APPLICATION SELECTION CHART
Photo Courtesy of NASA Langley Research Center

Dual bridge load cells in use on a

life cycle test of an aircraft wing box

Error Analysis
Accuracy information for load cells is commonly reported in terms of individual errors.
These errors include but are not limited to:
n Non-Linearity n Effect of Temperature on Zero Unbalance
n Hysteresis n Effect of Temperature on Output
n Non-Repeatability
See glossary for definition of the terms above.

Load cells are typically designed and manufactured to minimize these errors to industry standard levels.
Below is a summary of the performance standards by industry.

Typical Load Cell Performance Requirements by Market

Parameter Industrial Automotive Test & Measurement Aerospace & Defense
Non-Linearity 0.25 % to 1% 0.1 to 1% 0.05% to 0.25% 0.04% to 0.06%
Hysteresis 0.25% to 1% 0.1 to 1% 0.05% to 0.25% 0.04% to 0.06%
Repeatability 0.1% to 0.5% 0.05% to 0.1% 0.05% to 0.02% 0.02% to 0.01%

The customer can combine these individual errors to establish the maximum possible error for
the measurement or just examine the applicable individual error. If the temperature is stable
during the test, the temperature related errors can be ignored. If the sensor is used for increasing
load measurement only, then the hysteresis error can be ignored. If the load measurement is near Figure 14: Non-Linearity & Hysteresis
the full capacity, the linearity error can be ignored. If the capability exists to correct the data
through linearization-fit or a look-up-table, the error in the measurement can be minimized.
Often overlooked is the error due to the presence of non-measured forces and bending moments.
Even though the single axis of measurement sensors are designed and built to withstand these
extraneous loads, the errors due to them are present. The measurement engineer can design the
set-up to eliminate or minimize these extraneous loads, however, if these loads are present, the
errors due to them should be considered.
A typical industry-accepted means of combining individual errors is Root Sum Square, which
assumes that the individual errors do not simultaneously occur.
Note: Figures 9 and 10 show exaggerated plot data to better graphically explain the load cell
errors. In practice, load cell errors will appear much closer to the projected line from zero to rated
output to conform to industry and specified standards. For definitions of these errors, see the
Glossary of Terms section at the end of this document. Figure 15: Repeatability

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 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Shunt Shunt calibration is the known electrical unbalancing of a strain gage bridge by means of a fixed
resistor that is placed, or “shunted,” across one leg of the bridge. The Wheatstone Bridge used in strain

Calibration gage load cells are typically field-calibrated using the shunt calibration technique (See Figure 15).

Purpose
of a Shunt calibration is a method of periodically checking the gain or span of a signal conditioner, which
is used in conjunction with a strain gage based transducer, without exposing the transducer to known,
Strain Gage traceable, physical input values. If required, adjustments can then be made to the signal conditioner
to insure accurate measurement results.

Load Cell A strain gage bridge is “in balance” when the

host mechanical structure is unloaded and
unstressed. As the host structure (diaphragm,
bending beam, shear beam, column, etc.) is
loaded or stressed, the Wheatstone Bridge
becomes unbalanced, resulting in an output
signal that is proportional to the applied load.
Shunt calibration stimulates the mechanical
input to a transducer by unbalancing the bridge
with a fixed resistor placed across, or in parallel
with, one leg of the bridge. For tension shunt
calibration, the shunt resistor (RST) is shunted
across the +excitation (+P) and +signal (+S) leg of
the bridge. For a compression shunt calibration, Figure 16: A Wheatstone Bridge circuit showing
the location for connecting the appropriate shunt
the shunt resistor (RSC) is shunted across the – resistor for the purpose of simulating either a
excitation (-P) and +signal (+S) leg of the bridge. tension or compression input.

Method
Here are step-by-step instructions for shunt calibration of a strain gage load cell.
1. Connect the transducer to an appropriate strain gage signal conditioner and allow adequate
time for the system to stabilize.
2. Apply a full-scale N.I.S.T. traceable, mechanical input (or load) to the transducer.
3. Adjust the signal conditioner’s gain or span controls, as required, to obtain a full-scale electrical
output signal, and/or numeric display that represents the applied, mechanical input quantity.
4. Remove the mechanical input (or load).
5. Place a shunt calibration resistor across an appropriate leg of the Wheatstone Bridge
(as discussed above).
6. Record the value of the signal conditioner’s output signal and/or numeric display.
This value is the shunt calibration value, or equivalent load.
7. It is important to note that the shunt calibration value is specific for the particular shunt resistor
used.This value, and the particular resistor, are now matched to the transducer and form the basis
of the transferable shunt calibration.

Summary
Shunt calibration is accepted throughout the industry as means of periodic calibration of a signal
conditioner and transducer between calibrations of known, applied, traceable, mechanical, input
values. Consequently, most all strain gage transducer manufacturers collect and supply shunt
calibration data, along with a shunt calibration resistor, as a standard feature.

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 SHUNT CALIBRATION OF A STRAIN GAGE LOAD CELL

Glossary of Terms
Accuracy: Stated as a limit tolerance, which defines the Full Scale: The designed upper operating limit of a given Standard Test Conditions: The environmental conditions
average deviation between the actual output versus transducer in engineering units (pounds, grams, kilograms, under which measurements should be made, when
theoretical output. or Newtons) measurements under any other conditions may result in
disagreement between various observers at different
In practical transducer applications, the potential errors of Hysteresis: The maximum difference between the times and places. These conditions are a follows:
non-linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability and transducer output readings for the same applied load, one Temp: 72 °F ±3.6 °F (23 °C ± 2 °C)
temperature effects do not normally occur simultaneously, reading obtained by increasing the load from zero and the Relative Humidity: 90% or less
nor are they necessarily additive. other by decreasing the load from rated load. Barometric Pressure: 28-32 inch Hg
Note: Usually measured at half rated output and
Therefore, accuracy is calculated based upon RMS value expressed in percent of rated output. Measurements Static Extraneous Load Limits: Static Extraneous Load
of potential errors, assuming a temperature variation of should be taken as rapidly as possible to minimize creep. Limits are calculated such that only one extraneous load
±10 °F (±5.5 °C), full rated load applied, and proper set-up (FX or FY or MX or MY or MZ) can be applied
and calibration. Potential errors of the readout, cross-talk, Insulation Resistance: The DC resistance measured simultaneously with 50% of the nominal load limit
or creep effects are not included. between the transducer circuit and the transducer applied.
structure.
Ambient Conditions: The conditions (humidity, pressure, Note: Normally measured at 50 Volts DC and under Temperature Effect on Output: The change in output
temperature, etc.) of the medium surrounding the standard test conditions. due to a change in transducer temperature.
transducer. Note: Usually expressed as a percentage of load reading
Natural Frequency: The frequency of free oscillations per degree Fahrenheit change in temperature.
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the medium under no load conditions.
surrounding of transducers. Temperature Effect on Zero Balance: The change in
Kip: A non-SI unit of force. It equals 1000 pounds-force. zero balance due to a change in transducer temperature.
Calibration: The comparison of transducer output against
standard test loads. Nominal Load Limit Capacity: It is the designed normal Note: Usually expressed as the change in zero balance in
maximum capacity of a transducer. Output sensitivity of percent of rated output per degrees Fahrenheit (change in
Calibration Curve: A record (graph) of the comparison of the transducer is based on this capacity unless specified. temperature).
transducer output against standard test loads.
Non-linearity: The maximum deviation of the calibration Temperature Range, Compensated: The range of
Combined Error: (non-linearity and hysteresis) the curve from a straight line drawn between the no load and temperature over which the transducer is compensated to
maximum deviation from a straight line drawn between rated load output, expressed as a percentage of the rated maintain rated output and zero balance within specified
the original no-load and rated load outputs expressed as a output and measured on increasing load only. limits.
percentage of the rated output and measured on both
increasing and decreasing loads. Output: This signal (voltage, current, etc.) produced by the Temperature Range, Usable: The extremes of
transducer. temperature within which the transducer will operate
Compensation: The utilization of supplementary devices, Note: Where the output is directly proportional to without permanent adverse change to any of its
materials, or processes to minimize known sources of excitation, the signal must be expressed in terms of volts performance characteristics.
error. per volt, volts per ampere, etc., of excitation. Terminal Resistance: The resistance of the transducer
Creep: The change of transducer output occurring with Output, Rated: The algebraic difference between the circuit measured at specific adjacent bridge terminals at
time, while under load, and with all environmental outputs at no-load and at rated load. standard temperature, with no-load applied, and with the
conditions and other variables remaining constant. excitation and output terminals open-circuited.
Note: Usually measured with rated load applied and Overload Rating: The maximum load in percent of rated
expressed as a percent of rated output over a specific capacity, which can be applied without producing a Terminal Resistance, Excitation: The resistance of the
period of time. permanent shift in performance characteristics beyond transducer circuit measured at the excitation terminals, at
those specified. standard temperature, with no-load applied, and with the
Creep Recovery: The change in no-load output occurring output terminals open-circuited.
with time, after removal of a load, which has been applied Primary Axis: The axis along which the transducer is
for a specific period of time. designed to be loaded; normally its geometric centerline. Terminal Resistance, Signal: The resistance of the
transducer circuit measured at the output signal terminals,
Cross-Talk: With one component loaded to capacity, and Rated Capacity (Rated Load): The maximum axial load at standard temperature, with no-load applied, and with
the other unloaded, the output of the unloaded component that the transducer is designed to measure within its the excitation terminals open-circuited.
will not exceed the percentage specified of its full-scale specifications.
capacity. Traceability: The step-by-step transducer process by
Repeatability: The maximum difference between which the transducer calibration can be related to primary
Deflection: The change in length along the primary axis transducer output readings for repeated loading under standards.
of the load cell between no-load and rated load identical loading and environmental conditions.
conditions. Zero Balance: The output signal of the transducer with
Resolution: The smallest change in mechanical input, rated excitation and with no-load applied, usually
Drift: A random change in output under constant load which produces a detectable change in the output signal. expressed in percent of rated output.
conditions.
Sensitivity: The ratio of the change in output to the Zero Return: The difference in zero balance measured
Error: The algebraic difference between the indicated and change in mechanical input. immediately before rated load application of specified
true value of the load being measured. duration and measured after removal of the load, and
Shunt Calibration: Electrical simulation of transducer
when the output has stabilized.
Excitation, Electrical: The voltage or current applied to output by insertion of known shunt resistors between
the input terminals of the transducer. appropriate points within the circuitry. Zero Shift, Permanent: A permanent change in the no-
load output.
Fatigue Capacity: Capacity as percentage of the nominal Shunt-to-load Correlation: The difference in output
load limit capacity, and based on 100 X 106 cycles readings obtained through electrically simulated and Zero Stability: The degree to which the transducer
(minimum) from zero to full fatigue capacity and 50 X 106 actual applied loads. maintains its zero balance with all environmental
cycles (minimum) from full fatigue capacity tension to full conditions and other variables remaining constant.
fatigue capacity compression load.

PCB Load & Torque Division Toll-Free in USA 866-684-7107 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com 15
 LOAD CELL HANDBOOK

Photo courtesy of Dynamic Testing

PCB Load & Torque Division, is a manufacturer of high quality, precision load cells, torque transducers, and telemetry
systems, located in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. In addition to the quality products produced, the division offers many services
including: A2LA Accredited Calibration for torque, force, and related instrumentation; an A2LA Accredited Threaded Fastener Testing
Laboratory; and complete and reliable custom stain gaging. PCB Load & Torque products and services fulfill the test and measurement
needs of numerous industries including: Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Medical Rehabilitation, Material Testing, Textile, Process
Control, Robotics & Automation, and more. PCB’s RS Technologies product line includes test systems and threaded fastener
torque/angle/tension systems ideal for use in the Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Power Generation industries, and for product
assembly by manufacturers or processors of threaded fasteners or other companies that use threaded fasteners to assemble their
products. The expert team of Design, Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service individuals draw upon vast in-house manufacturing
resources to continually provide new, more beneficial sensing solutions. From ready-to-ship stock products, to custom-made specials,
PCB proudly stands behind all products with services customers value most, including 24-hour technical support, a global distribution
network, and the industry's only commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction. For more information please visit www.pcb.com.

The Global Leader in Sensors and Instrumentation For All Your Applications

Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 Toll-Free in USA 888-684-0014 Toll-Free in USA 800-959-4464

E-mail aerosales@pcb.com E-mail automotivesales@pcb.com E-mail imi@pcb.com

Toll-Free in USA 888-258-3222 Toll-Free in USA 800-860-4867 Toll-Free in USA 800-828-8840

E-mail sales@larsondavis.com E-mail info@modalshop.com E-mail info@pcb.com

LOAD & TORQUE

A PCB PIEZOTRONICS DIV. Visit www.pcb.com
24350 Indoplex Circle, Farmington Hills, MI 48335 USA for a complete list
Toll-Free in the USA 866-684-7107
24-hour SensorLineSM 716-684-0001 of global sales offices
Fax 716-684-0987 Email ltinfo@pcb.com
website www.pcb.com
ISO 9001 CERTIFIED n A2LA ACCREDITED to ISO 17025
© 2014 PCB Group, Inc. In the interest of constant product improvement, specifications are subject to change without
notice. PCB, ICP, Modally Tuned, Spindler, Swiveler and TORKDISC are registered trademarks of PCB Group. SoundTrack
LXT, Spark and Blaze are registered trademarks of PCB Piezotronics. SensorLine is a service mark of PCB Group. All other
trademarks are property of their respective owners.
LT-LoadCellHandbook-1214 Printed in U.S.A.