Dataforth
Specialists in data acquisition, signal conditioning and data communication

DSCA38

Strain Gage Input Signal Conditioners

Each DSCA38 strain gage input module provides a single channel of strain gage input which is filtered, isolated, amplified, and converted to a high-level voltage output. Signal filtering is accomplished with a five-pole filter which is optimized for step response. An anti-aliasing pole is located on the field side of the isolation barrier, and the other four poles are on the system side. After the initial field-side filtering, the input signal is chopped by a proprietary chopper circuit. Isolation is provided by transformer coupling, again using a proprietary technique to suppress transmission of common mode spikes or surges.

The DSCA38 can interface to transducers with a nominal resistance of 100 Ohm to 10 kOhm. Strain gage excitation is provided from the module by a stable 10V or 3.333V source. This source is fully isolated, allowing the amplifier inputs to operate over the full range of the excitation voltage. This feature enables the module to be interfaced to other sensors requiring exctitation.

Module output is either voltage or current. For current output models a dedicated loop supply is provided at terminal 3 (+OUT) with loop return located at terminal 4 (-OUT). The system-side load may be either floating or grounded.

Special input circuits provide signal input and excitation protection against accidental connection of power-line voltages up to 240VAC and against transient events as defined by ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1. Protection circuits are also present on the signal output and power input terminals to guard against transient events and power reversal. Signal and power lines are secured to the module using screw terminals which are in pluggable terminal blocks for ease of system assembly and reconfiguration.

The modules have excellent stability over time and do not require recalibration, however, zero and span settings are adjustable up to ±5% to accommodate situations where fine-tuning is desired. The zero adjustment can be used to offset bridge imbalances. The adjustments are made using potentiometers located under the front panel label and are non-interactive for ease of use.
  • Interfaces to 100 Ohm through 10 kOhm Strain Gages
  • Industry Standard Output of either ±10V, 0-20mA, or 4-20mA
  • 1500Vrms Transformer Isolation
  • ANSI/IEEE C37.90.1 Transient Protection
  • Input Protected to 240VAC Continuous
  • True 3-Way Isolation
  • Wide Range of Supply Voltage
  • 100dB CMR
  • Fully Isolated Excitation Supply
  • ±0.03% Accuracy
  • ±0.01% Linearity
  • Easily Mounts on Standard DIN Rail
  • C-UL-US Listed
  • CE and ATEX Compliant
Strain Gage Input Signal Conditioners

DSCA38 Devices


Part Number Excitation VoltageSensitivityInput ConfigurationInput RangeOutput RangeBandwidthMechanical Format
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -10 to +10 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -30 to +30 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -10 to +10 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -30 to +30 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge -20 to +20 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -33.3 to +33.3 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -100 to +100 mV -10 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -10 to +10 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -10 to +10 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -10 to +10 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -30 to +30 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -30 to +30 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge -30 to +30 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -10 to +10 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -10 to +10 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -10 to +10 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -30 to +30 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -30 to +30 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge -30 to +30 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge -20 to +20 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge -20 to +20 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge -20 to +20 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -33.3 to +33.3 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -33.3 to +33.3 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -33.3 to +33.3 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -100 to +100 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -100 to +100 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge -100 to +100 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +10 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +10 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +10 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +30 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +30 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +30 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +10 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +10 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +10 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +30 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +30 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 3 mV/V Half Bridge 0 to +30 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +20 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +20 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 2 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +20 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +33.3 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +33.3 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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3.333 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +33.3 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +100 mV 0 to +10 V 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +100 mV 4 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail
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10.0 V 10 mV/V Full Bridge 0 to +100 mV 0 to 20 mA 3 kHz DIN rail


Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dataforth provide calibration reports for modules I purchased?
Yes we can provide calibration reports for the modules that you purchased.

You can either
a) visit https://www.dataforth.com/TestDataReport.aspx to search for Test Report Datasheets by Serial Number or
b) you can send us a list of model numbers and their serial numbers to support@dataforth.com
Is the calibration of Dataforth modules traceable to NIST standards?
Yes, calibration of Dataforth modules is traceable to NIST standards.
ATEX conformity: Is it possible to use the DSCA38-12C in zone IIC (hydrogen)?
The DSCA38-12C conforms to EN60079-15 2005.

For use in:
ATEX 94/9/EC
Group II
Category 3 (Zone 2)
Does Dataforth have any DSCA modules that can operate on a 12Vdc power supply?
Dataforth does not have any custom modules that run on 12VDC power. Most DSCA modules require a minimum power supply voltage of 15VDC while some require a minimum of 19VDC. Both are suitable for use with nominal 24VDC power supplies over the full operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. Dataforth offers a line of accessory power supplies, PWR-PS5RxW, which have been qualified for use with the DSCA product line. https://www.dataforth.com/catalog/pdf/PWR-PS5RxW.pdf
What does “sensitivity” mean on my strain gage input module?
The sensitivity is listed on the datasheet to help determine what strain gages/load cells will be compatible with that module. Strain gages do not have a specific voltage output range (i.e. -30mV to 30mV) but rather a voltage output range that varies depending on the excitation voltage applied to the strain gage (its "sensitivity"). Since our strain gage modules have a fixed voltage input range and a fixed excitation voltage, the sensitivity is the most reliable way to determine if a strain gage is compatible with our module.

For example, a load cell with a 3mV/V sensitivity will output 30mV at full scale with a 10V excitation voltage, because 3mV/V * 10 V = 30mV. A signal conditioner with a 10V excitation and a -30mV to 30mV input range will be compatible with a load cell of 3mV/V sensitivity.
If the input range of my signal conditioner is -1V to +1V and the output range is 0 to 10V, does this mean that it ignores polarity?
A signal conditioner with these I/O ranges does not mean that the module ignores the polarity of your voltage input. The output of voltage input modules are scaled linearly, meaning an input of -1V would correspond to an output of 0V, an input of 0V would correspond to an output of 5V, an input of +1V would correspond to an output of 10V, and so on.
How do I convert an RMS voltage to its corresponding peak voltage?
To convert an RMS voltage to its corresponding peak voltage, you simply take the RMS voltage value and multiply it by the square root of 2, or roughly 1.414.

For example, 1500Vrms corresponds to a peak voltage of 1500 * 1.414 = 2121 Vp
What is the output resolution of the DSCA series?
The DSCA series is completely analog, so the output resolution cannot be expressed in terms of bits as it is not a digital signal. The only thing that would cause any uncertainty/lack of clarity in your output signal would be the output ripple and noise, which is rated at a typical value of 0.025% span RMS as listed in the datasheet.
Where can I find the MTBF of my module?
Information on MTBF for SCM5B, SCM7B, 8B and DSCA is available on our website. Please see application note AN802 for more details. Application notes can be found under the "Literature" tab on the top navigation bar.
What does "Response time, 90% span" mean on the datasheet for my module?
Normally, a response time figure refers to how quickly a module's output can "respond" to a change in the input signal. "Response time, 90% span" refers to how fast a module can adjust its output when a step signal is applied at the input, where the magnitude of this step input is 90% of the input span of the module.
How does the load resistance of a module affect the noise at the output?
Noise at the output of a module is independent of load resistance.
What size wires do the DSCA modules accept?
DSCA module screw terminals are rated to wire gage AWG: 28 – 12.
Does Dataforth offer any DSCA38 modules with a 10Hz bandwidth?
None of the standard DSCA38 products have a 10Hz bandwidth. However, we do offer some custom products that have 10Hz bandwidth, such as the DSCA38-1348 or the DSCA-1455. Dataforth can also design a custom product with 10Hz bandwidth, as long as the required specifications are reviewed and approved by our Engineering department. Please contact our support team if you are interested in a custom product or have any questions.
Do DSCA modules come with screw terminal blocks installed?
Yes, DSCA modules do come with the screw terminal blocks installed. The screw terminal accessories listed in our catalog are intended as replacements in case a terminal block is damaged or lost.
What does it mean when an input module has for example a 3kHz bandwidth?
A 3kHz bandwidth on an input module means it can accept voltages from DC to 3000Hz. Any frequency higher than that and the signal will start to be attenuated by the filter at the input.
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Model NumberInput RangeOutput RangeBandwidthSensor TypeStatus*Comments
DSCA38-1335
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-21mV TO +21mV-10V TO +10V8KHZSTRAIN GAGEPR7Vexc., Full Bridge, 3mV/V
DSCA38-1337
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0 TO +250mV0V TO +10V1KHZSTRAIN GAGEQU5V @ 50mA exc.
DSCA38-1338
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0 TO +10mV0V TO +10V1KHZSTRAIN GAGEQU5V @ 50mA exc.
DSCA38-1348
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-20mV TO +20mV-10V TO +10V10HZSTRAIN GAGEPR10V excitation
DSCA38-1363
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-10mV TO +10mV-10V TO +10V3HZSTRAIN GAGEPR5V EXC., 2mV/V SENSITIVITY
DSCA38-1376
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-10mV TO +10mV-10V TO +10V250HzSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc., 1mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1377
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-10mV to +10mV-10V TO +10V3HzSTRAIN GAGEPR3.333V Exc., 3mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1389
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-30mV to +30mV-10V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEQUSame as DSCA38-02 with 25% gain adjustment
DSCA38-1408
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-10mV to +10mV4mA to 20mA3HzSTRAIN GAGEPRSimilar to DSCA38-08C
DSCA38-1422
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-30mV TO +30mV-10V TO +10V8kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc, 3mV/V Sensitivity, 25% Gain Adjustment
DSCA38-1455
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0mV TO +2.34mV0V TO +5V10HZSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc., 0.234mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1468
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0mV TO +20mV-10V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc., 2mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1489
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0mV TO +50mV0V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEQU10V Exc., 5mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1496
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-500mV TO +500mV-5V TO +5V100HzSTRAIN GAGEPR4-pole butterworth filter
DSCA38-1518
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0mV TO +9.6mV0V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEPT6V Exc., 1.6mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1519
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0mV TO +33.3mV0V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEPT10V Exc., 3.33mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1544
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-20mV TO +20mV-10V TO +10V250HZSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc., 2mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1611
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0mV TO +100mV0V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR5V Exc., 20mV/V Sensitivity
DSCA38-1636
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-100mV TO +100mV-10V TO +10V8kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc, 10mV/V Sensitivity, 25% Gain Adjustment
DSCA38-1683
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-75mV TO +75mV-10V TO +10V8kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR10V Exc, 7.5mV/V Sensitivity, 25% Gain Adjustment
DSCA38-1762
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-10mV TO +10mV-10V TO +10V3kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR7V Exc., Full Bridge, 1.43mV/V sensitivity
DSCA38-1793
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-20mV TO +20mV-10V TO +10V1kHzSTRAIN GAGEPR5V Exc., Full Bridge, 4mV/V sensitivity
* ... Status Codes: PR = Production, PT = Prototypes, QU = Quoted

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