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Strain Gage Instruments
 
The Instruments Division of the Vishay Measurements Group is the only organization of its kind devoted exclusively to the design and manufacture of high-quality strain-gage instrumentation. The result of such specialization is an instrument line engineered specifically for strain gages.
 
 
 
Strain Indicators
 
 
Basic instrumentation requirements call for stability, accuracy and high resolution when making measurements under static loading conditions, and particularly where measurements are to be taken over long periods of time.
 
If test conditions involve predominantly constant measurement signals, the first choice for a measuring instrument will ideally incorporate a digital or analog display, and, depending on the degree of sophistication, output to a printer, microprocessor or computer.
 
P-3500 Portable Strain Indicator
 
3800 Wide Range Strain Indicator
 
Multi-channel capability can be provided by manual or automatic switching/multiplexing units, which may include balance and/or span control facilities.
 
SB-10 Switch & Balance Unit
 
Many strain indicators have an analog output available for making single-channel measurements in conjunction with, for example, an oscilloscope, recorder, peak-read indicator, or analog-to-digital converter. However, this capability may have limitations with respect to frequency response and amplifier gain compared to an instrument designed specifically for high speed measurements.

Comparison Chart

 
 
StrainSmart Data Systems
 
 
Depending on their design, digital data systems can be used for measurement of static, dynamic, or both kinds of signals. System 6000, with higher sampling rates and digital filters, is suitable for signals of up to 4 kHz. System 5000, with a 5-Hz low-pass analog filter and lower sampling rates, can be used for static or quasi-static signals.
 
System 5000 and System 6000, the Strainsmart Data Systems, accept inputs not only from strain gages but also strain-gage-based transducers, other transducers with high-level signals, LVDT's, thermocouples, and (for System 6000 only) piezoelectric sensors.
 
Multi-channel systems used in conjunction with computers include StrainSmart software for data acquisition, reduction, and processing.
 
System 5000 Up to 50 scans per second per sensor.
 
System 6000 10 to 10,000 scans per second per sensor.
 
 
 
Signal Conditioning Amplifiers
 
 
When signals are produced by dynamically applied loads at frequencies above 0.1 Hz, or are transients, measuring instrumentation requires adequate frequency response, and a wide amplifier gain range for output to the appropriate recording or display device. Such an instrument consists of an amplifier and signal conditioner with a built-in or shared power supply. Individual units are normally required for each channel when simultaneous recording or multiple channels are needed. With the output sent to a suitable display device, signal conditioning amplifiers can be used for making long-term measurements under static loading conditions, when maximum stability and accuracy are not primary considerations.
 
The 2100, 2200, and 2300 Systems accept low-level signals, and condition and amplify them into high-level outputs suitable for multiple-channel, simultaneous, dynamic recording.
 
2100 System Economical Signal Conditioner/Amplifier

2200 System Signal Conditioning Amplifier for Severe Environments

2300 System High Performance Signal Conditioning Amplifier
 
These systems can be used in conjunction with various recording devices, including the Model 2000.

Comparison Chart
 
 
Special Purpose Instruments
 
 
2000 Analog-to-Digital Converter (Hardware & Software)
 
3650 Peak-Read Indicator
 
1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator
 
V/E-40 Strain Gage Simulator
 
1300 Gage Installation Tester