PXI Simulates Resistive Strain Gauges

October 7th, 2008

The Pickering 40-265 provides 6 channels of strain gauge simulation with high simulation accuracy and performance. Each channel provides a full bridge circuit with very fine resistance control of better than 2 milliohm in one bridge arm, allowing the 40-265 to emulate the operation of a strain gauge bridge circuit. The bridge can be excited by a fixed internal supply or by independent external bridge voltage sources, permitting direct connection to strain gauge measuring systems.

Simulating a resistive strain gauge can be a difficult task; The change in resistance value caused by applying stress to a strain gauge is extremely small (typically 0.1%) and requires very fine control of the resistance value. Many users resort to in house methods of simulation which are hard to support and lack traceability, or they have to adapt commercial products that provide very limited performance.

Entry Filed under: Automatic Test Equipment