Chapter 8 Glossary - Mantracourt ICA3 User Manual

Chapter 8 Glossary

AWG American Wire Gauge.
Background Noise The total noise floor from all sources of interference in a measurement system,
independent of the presence of a data signal. (See Noise)
Bipolar The ability of a signal conditioner to display both positive and negative
readings.
Bridge Resistance The resistance measured across the excitation terminals of a Strain Gauge.
Calibration Adjustment of an instrument or compiling a deviation chart so that it's reading
can be correlated to the actual value being measured.
CMR The ability of an instrument to eliminate the effect of AC or DC noise between
(Common-Mode signal and ground. Normally expressed in dB at DC to 60 Hz. One type of CMR is
Rejection) specified between SIG LO and PWR GND. In differential meters, a second type
of CMR is specified between SIG LO and ANA GND (METER GND).
Common Mode The ability of an instrument to reject interference from a common voltage at
Rejection Ratio its input terminals with relation to ground. Usually expressed in db (decibels).
Drift Change of a reading/set point value over periods due to several factors
including change in ambient temperature, time and line voltage.
Excitation The external application of electrical voltage current applied to a transducer
for normal operation.
Fine Adjustment Zero and Span calibration have a Fine Adjustment to give accuracy to the
calibration. These are potentiometers P1 and P2 for Span and Zero
respectively.
Full Bridge A Wheatstone Bridge configuration utilizing four active elements or Strain
Gauges.
Full Range Output The algebraic difference between the minimum output and maximum output.
Gain Gain is otherwise identified as SPAN. It relates to the proportional output to
the sensor input. Calibration of the ICA is determined by setting the Gain
(Span) and Offset (Zero). The amount of amplification used in an electrical
circuit.
Ground The electrical neutral line having the same potential as the surrounding
ground.
Linearity The closeness of a calibration curve to a specified straight line. Linearity is
expressed as the maximum deviation of any calibration point on a specified
straight line during any one calibration cycle.
Load The electrical demand of a process expressed as power (watts), current (amps)
or resistance (ohms).
Load Impedance The impedance presented to the output terminals of a transducer by the
associated external circuitry.
Load Cell The load cell is one of a series of STRAIN GAUGE sensors that the ICA input is
designed to accept. (Torque Sensor, Pressure & temperature transducers).
Millivolt One thousandth of a volt, 10
Noise An unwanted electrical interference on the signal wires.
Null A condition, such as balance, which results in a minimum absolute value of
output.
Offset Offset is otherwise identified as ZERO. Calibration of the ICA is determined by
setting the Offset (Zero) and Gain (Span).
Potentiometer Two potentiometers (variable resistors) are used in the ICA for fine calibration.
Pressure The Pressure Transducer is one of a series of Strain Gauge sensors that the ICA
Transducer input is designed to accept. (Torque Sensor, Load Cell and Temperature
Transducers).
Proportional The Voltage or Current outputs are calibrated to be directly proportional to the
Outputs input from the sensor. The output is, within the sensor limits, taken as linear
and no linearity compensation is required within the ICA.
Mantracourt Electronics Limited ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual
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volts symbol mV.
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