How To Choose A Sensor

How to choose a sensor
The first step --- define your requirements for the sensor from the following aspects
Measurement range: Generally, the range of the selected sensor is 10% to 30% larger than the upper measurement limit, depending on the specific situation.
Output signal: Weighing force sensor is generally divided into analog output sensor and digital output. The conventional output is mV level analog signal, and there is also 0-5V, 4-20mA amplified signal output.
Force direction: The conventional force direction of the sensor is pull type, compression type and bidirectional tension and compression.
Operating temperature: The operating temperature determines the choice of sensor elastomers, strain gauges and other materials. The price of sensors for different operating temperatures also varies greatly.
Sensor elastomer material: There are three common types of aluminum alloy, alloy steel and stainless steel. Different materials have different resistance to natural frequencies and natural frequencies.
Installation size: different applications have different requirements for the size of the sensor. Conventional sensors are single-point, s-type, rod-type, round pressure-type, pin-type and so on.
Accuracy: Different applications have different requirements for sensor accuracy, and different sensor structures also determine different levels of accuracy.
Sampling frequency: The common ones are dynamic measurement and static measurement. The sampling frequency determines the choice of sensor structure.
Environmental factors: humidity, dust index, electromagnetic interference, etc.
Other requirements such as wire specifications, cost considerations, etc.

The second part ---understand the main parameters of the load cell
Rated range: The maximum value that the sensor is designed to measure within the range of the marked parameters.
Rated output (sensitivity coefficient): the output of the sensor at full-scale load, generally expressed as mV/V.
Resolution: The smallest change in weight (force) that the sensor can detect.
Zero balance: the output of the sensor under no load.
Non-repeatability: Under the same environment, the maximum difference output by the sensor when repeatedly loading the same weight is generally expressed as a percentage of the rated output.
Non-linearity: the maximum difference between the actual "force (incremental)-output (mV/V)" curve of the sensor and the line connecting the zero output (mV/V) and the rated output (mV/V) of the sensor, generally expressed as As a percentage of rated output.
Hysteresis: The maximum difference between the sensor's "force (increasing)-output" curve and the "force (decreasing)-output" curve at the same load, generally representing the percentage of the station's rated output.
Creep: The sensor's output changes with time under the same load under the same environment. It is generally expressed as the percentage of the rated output change in 30 minutes of full-scale loading.
Safe overload: The maximum load that can be applied without permanently shifting the sensor parameters. Generally expressed as a ratio of the rated range (such as 150% of F.S.)
Limit overload: The maximum weight allowed to be added without causing mechanical damage to the sensor. Expressed as a ratio of the rated range.
Compensation temperature range: Within the compensation temperature range, the rated output and zero balance will not exceed the marked interval.
Operating temperature range: Within the operating temperature range, the temperature will not permanently negatively affect the various parameters of the sensor.
Zero temperature drift: Zero output is affected by temperature changes.
Sensitivity temperature drift: Sensitivity (rated output) is affected by temperature changes.
Protection level: used to indicate the level of dust and water resistance, see Wikipedia for details.

The third step --- compare your requirements with the parameters of the sensor, select the appropriate sensor

With the advancement of sensor manufacturing technology, in order to meet the needs of different applications, customized sensors have become more and more common. Customizable parameters include:
Rated range
Rated output (mV/V, 0-5V, 4-20mA, digital signal output)
Material (aluminum alloy, alloy steel, stainless steel, etc.)
Dimensions
range of working temperature
Dustproof and waterproof grade
And other parameters critical to the application
If you are struggling to find a load cell that meets your requirements, our design technology and manufacturing experience can transform what you want into the sensor product you need.