Function of the in-line charge amplifier
The ConSenses inline charge amplifier converts positive and negative charge displacements from the ranges of maximum ± 10,000 pC and maximum ± 300,000 pC into an analog voltage signal in the range of -10 – 10 V. The maximum load ranges can be set. This allows charge signals from a wide range of force sensors, such as PiezoBolts or alternative preloaded piezo force transducers in ring, loadcell or dowel form, to be safely converted into voltage signals. Further processing or storage is then carried out in measurement systems such as our EdgeSenses, DeveloperSenses or ProductionSenses and, of course, existing control and recording or monitoring systems.
Advantages of the IAx inline charge amplifier and special features
The special advantage of the inline charge amplifier from ConSenses GmbH is that we have incorporated years of experience from permanent measurements in press shops and short-term measurement campaigns into the development. We offer the charge amplifier in two versions: large signal range Q300 (± 3,000 .. ± 300,000 pC) and small signal range Q10 (± 1,250 pC .. ± 10,000 pC). Both charge amplifier variants have four gain stages, which can be controlled via mechanical dip switches in the housing or via digital inputs, e.g. from a controller or measuring devices. It is important that the electrical configuration always overrides the mechanical one, which means that basic mechanical settings can be transferred to digitized controllers in the future. The obligatory reset circuit is carried out via a robust, fast and durable semiconductor switch. The entire circuit is characterized by highest internal electrical resistances, which minimizes electrical drift. Details can be found in the documentation (here).
Circuit and connection details of the IAx inline charge amplifier
The drawing on the right shows the essential details of the electrical structure of the charge amplifier. From this image you can see the assignment of the digital switching inputs of the charge amplifier and trace the signal line via the gain stages.
The electrical connections of the charge amplifier are made on the sensor side with a conventional BNC connector. Power supply, switching signals and output signals are connected via an M12-8 pole connector.
Accessories for the IAx Charge Amplifier
The in-line charge amplifier naturally embeds itself smoothly in our product portfolio. Since we always strive for mechanically safe integration, we supply additional accessories such as a fastening set for integration on mechanical systems, which also ensures safe strain relief of the connectors on the input and output side, as well as signal cables suitable for drag chains, which implement a long-lasting signal cable and power supply on the output side.