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Chapter 1 Introduction to the LCI
The LCI, Load Cell Failure Alarm, provides connectivity for 1 to 4 load cells to a Host instrument.
The LCI's function is to continuously monitor the condition of the individual load cells and set an alarm
condition, by de-energising an on-board relay, if any of the faults listed below are detected.
Continuous detection and diagnosis of fault conditions prevents the incorrect weighing of product and the
subsequent technical and commercial problems resulting from such situations. Any load cell malfunction is
immediately reported by an alarm condition, avoiding incorrect material levels so that there is the
continued assurance of correct product quantities.
The avoidance of batch wastage or product recall, reduction in plant downtime and increased safety,
together with aids for installation and commissioning all contribute to the LCI becoming an essential
element for all weighing systems.
An on-board microprocessor, 4½ digit display and six user switches provide a high level of intelligence
enabling the following features:-
1. Load cell error detection: upon detecting an error, the alarm relay contact activates, the red Alarm LED
illuminates and the display shows the load cell in error and the error code(s) (see chapter 3).
An error is detected if any of the following occur:
One or more of the load cells are out of balance with the pre-set error band
Any load cell is operating outside its pre-set range
The load cell excitation voltage drops
Any of the load cells or its associated cabling become open or short circuit
A display of the mV output of each load cell or the average of the summed mV values of all the load
2.
cells.
4V to 12V Version:
The latest version of the LCI (PCB issue 4 onwards) has been re-designed to enable it to operate from an
excitation supply between 4V and 12V without requiring any special set-up procedure or link options.
Host requirements:
The Host must be capable of supplying power to the LCI as well as excitation for the load cells (see Chapter
4 for specifications).
The Host's excitation supply feeds the load cells via a low voltage-drop reverse polarity protection circuit.
An integral 5V regulator powers the on-board electronics.
The LCI is compatible with Mantracourt's range of intelligent weighing instruments e.g. ADW15, LCA15,
LCA20, LCD20, SMW etc. as well as suitable third-party products.
2
Mantracourt Electronics Limited LC1 User Manual
LCI User Manual
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