1. Start with the receiver
A PLC analog input typically requires voltage or current. A PC test bench needs a compatible USB interface and logging software. Networked controls need the exact fieldbus protocol.
SIGNAL CONDITIONING / ENGINEERING GUIDE
Load Cell Module Comparison & Buying Guide
Compare output interface, channel architecture, usable bandwidth and bridge requirements before choosing a load cell amplifier.
Review My Application ↗A PRACTICAL SELECTION SEQUENCE
Which load cell module should I buy?
2. Decide what each channel means
A passive summing box combines several bridges into one total. Independent digitizer channels let you inspect separate forces and calculate load balance.
3. Calculate the bridge load
For matched bridges wired in parallel, equivalent resistance is individual resistance divided by sensor count. Four 350Ω cells present 87.5Ω; the amplifier must supply the corresponding excitation current.
4. Specify useful speed
Sample rate alone does not define usable signal bandwidth. Confirm filter response, latency, sustained transfer and noise-free resolution at your required acquisition rate.
5. Plan the installation
Provide excitation limits, sensitivity, bridge resistance, supply voltage, cable length, shielding, temperature and required ingress protection.
6. Define acceptance
Specify zero/span checks, reference loads, overload behavior, calibration points, output mapping and deliverable records before ordering a sample.
SELECTION MATRIX
Load Cell Amplifier Comparison Table
Start with the output your system needs.
Then check the complete signal chain.
| Model | Input Range (mV/V) | Output Signal | Sampling Rate / Bandwidth | Channels | Enclosure | Replacement Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT-AMP-DIN ↗ | 0.5–4.0 mV/V target | 0–5V, 0–10V, ±5V, ±10V, 4–20mA | Analog bandwidth 1–5 kHz target | 1 | 35 mm DIN rail / aluminum | FUTEK IAA100 / IAA200 · HBM RM4220 · Burster 9235 |
| MT-AMP-USB ↗ | mV/V range to confirm | USB to PC · CSV logging requirement | Up to 4,800 samples/s target | 1 | USB-C / aluminum | FUTEK USB220 · Mantracourt DSCUSB |
| MT-AMP-SUM ↗ | Matched bridge sensors | Summed mV/V · optional 4–20mA / RS485 | Passive: no sampling rate | 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 → 1 | 304 / 316 stainless · IP67 target | HBM VKK · Rice Lake · AnyLoad J-box |
| MT-AMP-INL ↗ | mV/V range to confirm | 0–5V, 0–10V, 4–20mA or RS485 options | Bandwidth to confirm | 1 | Ø12 × 55 mm tube / IP67 target | FUTEK ICA family · Interface in-line amplifiers |
| MT-AMP-BUS ↗ | Per-channel bridge input | RS485 Modbus RTU / CANopen / EtherCAT options | Rate & synchronization to confirm | 1 / 4 / 8 independent | Industrial DIN rail | HBM ClipX / PMX · Siemens SIWAREX |
Analog bandwidth and digital sample rate are different quantities. Passive summing boxes do not sample. Named manufacturers are comparison references; electrical, mechanical, software and calibration equivalence requires review.
BRIDGE COMPATIBILITY
4-wire or 6-wire?
Start at the bridge.
Match terminals by function and the sensor datasheet. Wire colors and connector pinouts vary by manufacturer.
A 6-wire connection measures excitation at the bridge through separate sense leads. A 4-wire sensor uses excitation and signal pairs; follow the amplifier manual for local sense links.
Strain gauge full bridgeAmplifier input
+ExcitationE+
−ExcitationE−
+SignalS+
−SignalS−
+SenseSEN+
−SenseSEN−
Dashed sense lines: 6-wire option. On a 6-wire sensor feeding a 4-wire input, the sensor manual may require sense-to-excitation links of matching polarity. Never infer pin numbers or wire colors.
ENGINEERING / RFQ
Tell us what
your PLC needs.
Share your sensor sensitivity, interface and acquisition speed. We will review the bridge, signal chain and integration requirements before quoting.
[email protected]Sensor + amplifier bundles
Request a complete measurement chain and 5-point system calibration. Include the sensor capacity, force direction and acceptance criteria.