Interface BSC2 Measuring Amplifier
Product Specifications
- Model: BSC2
- Available Types:
- BSC2-1: 10mV/V
- BSC2-2: 10mV/V 10V
- BSC2-3: 10mV/V 4.2V
- BSC2-4: 10mV/V RPM
- BSC2-5: 10mV/V RPM/SubD15
- Channels: 2
- Connectors: Two M12 5-pole female connectors
- Power Input: 4…20mA
Product Usage Instructions
- To connect strain gauges, use the provided M12 connectors with the following pin assignment:
- For quarter or half bridges, ensure correct configuration by closing two solder bridges to connect the additional resistors. Use three-wire technology for wire strain gauge-quarter bridges.
- To connect potentiometric sensors, follow these steps:
- Connect the potentiometric distance sensor between +Us, –Us, and AUX.
- Power the sensor with +Us and –Us at 4.2V.
- The input range should be within 0 …. 4.2V.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use the BSC2 measuring amplifier for incremental encoders?
- A: Yes, the BSC2 is available for connecting incremental encoders along with other sensor types.
- Q: How many channels does the BSC2 have?
- A: The BSC2 has 2 channels for sensor connections.
- Q: What is the power input range of the BSC2?
- A: The BSC2 supports a power input of 4…20mA.
Straingage-Measuring amplifier BSC2
- Powered via USB port
- Sampling rate 10 kHz
- Data rate 1…1000 Hz
- straingage quarter, half, full bridges
- Built-in bridge competition 350 Ohm
- Optional configuration for displacement transducers
- Comprehensive software support
- Galvanic isolation to USB port
- Optional version for connection of torque sensors with an incremental encoder available
Description
- This measuring amplifier for sensors with wire strain gauges is equipped with a USB interface, while power is supplied via the USB port on the rear of the measuring amplifier.
- The measuring amplifier is also available in a 2-channel version (BSC2).
- The dual-channel measuring amplifier features sensor connections via two round plug connectors.
- The stand-out features include its high sampling rate of 10kHz and the high 16-bit resolution, as well as the exceptional command set provided to configure the measuring amplifier via ASCII control codes or a Windows DLL.
- This measuring amplifier can also be configured via solder bridges when analyzing straingage quarter bridges (e.g. 350 ohms) or for a power supply of ±10 V .
It can also be optionally supplied for connecting potentiometric displacement transducers or for power input of 4…20mA, as well as for incremental encoders.
Models available to order
| Type | Description |
| BSC2-1 10mV/V | 2 channels, 2x Input ±2 mV/V, 2x M12 socket |
| BSC2-2 10mV/V 10V | 2 channels, Port “A” straingage sensor, Port “B” +-10V input, 2x M12 socket |
| BSC2-3 10mV/V 4.2V | 2 channels, Port “A” straingage sensor, Port “B” potentiometric sensor, 2x M12 socket |
| BSC2-4 10mV/V RPM | 2 channels, Port “A” straingage sensor, Port “B” pulse generator with direction, 2x M12 socket |
| BSC2-5 10mV/V RPM/SubD15 | 2 channels, Port “A” straingage sensor, Port “B” pulse generator with direction, 1x SubD15 |
- Other models available on request;
Connectors
| BSC2 | |
|
Two connectors M12 5pole, female available |
- Pin assignment (full-, half, quarter bridges, distance sensors)
| 5-pole M12 | Description | Color code for cables |
| GND ( = -US ) | Shielding | |
| 2 | -US negative bridge power supply | white |
| 1 | +US positive bridge power supply | brown |
| 3 | +UD positive differential input | green |
| 4 | -UD negative differential input | yellow |
| 5 | AUXin customisable input | grey |
| TARE control input for zero setting function | ||
| VCC_T voltage 5.6V DC, 1mA | ||
| SW threshold switch | ||
- In the 2-channel BSC2 with a round plug connector, the shield is placed on the plug housing.
- Alternatively, the shield is placed on PIN 2 of the round plug connector
Connection diagram for quarter bridges and half bridges
Please note: When connecting quarter or half bridges, the measuring amplifier must be correctly configured. Closing two solder bridges connects together the three additional resistors.
Wire strain gauge-quarter bridges are connected using three-wire technology, which reduces the impact of the supply cable on the zero point, and halves zero point drift.
- Connection diagram for potentiometric distance sensors
- The BSC2 measuring amplifiers are available in a design for connection to potentiometric distance sensors (linear potentiometer or tackle way receiver), which involves the slider of the distance sensor being connected to the “Aux” input of the measuring amplifier.
- The distance sensor is powered via the sensor power supply +Us and -Us.
| Distance Sensor | |
|
| The potentiometric distance sensor is connected between +Us, –Us, and AUX. The power supplied to the potentiometric distance sensor is at 4.2V. The input scope includes the ability to handle voltages of 0 …. 4.2V. |
Terminal assignment
| Designation | 5-pole socket BSC2 |
| Positive supply +Us | 1 |
| Negative supply -Us | 2 |
| Input “Aux” | 5 |
- Connection of sensors with ±10 Volt output
| Designation | 5-pole socket BSC2 |
| ±10 Volt | 3 |
| Measuring signal mass | 4 |
| Shield | Housing |
- Terminal assignment for the current input
| Designation | 5-pole socket BSC2 |
| ±20 mA | 3 |
| Measuring signal mass | 4 |
| Shield | Housing |
Speed measurement
BSC2 measuring amplifiers are available in models capable of measuring speed. This involves the connection of a hall switch as a sensor, which is triggered by one, two, four or eight magnets per revolution. The threshold level at which the speed measurement pulse is detectable is a change in the magnetic flow density from 20mT to 4mT, whereby the magnetic south pole must be facing the sensitive surface of the hall switch.
The unit must be configured to rpm and the output reading of the measurement values is set to text format by default. The default scaling is set to 20000 and cannot be changed. The number of magnets generating pulses on the hall sensor can be configured using gsvterm.exe. For this purpose, please use the menu option “Special settings“ within the program interface on page 2.
Connection of the HAL501 hall switch
| Function | 5-pole socket M12 BSC2 | HAL501, customised |
| Mass (GND), shield | 2 | Brown (pin 2) |
| Supply +5V | 1 | White (pin 1) |
| Hall switch signal | 3 | Green (pin 3) |
- Instead of the HAL501 hall switch, other transmitters with a power consumption under 5V, 5mA and an output signal with TTL Pegel can be connected.
- The use of a rod magnet NdFeB 20mmx10mmx4mm enables a working distance of up to 10mm between the hall switch and the magnet.
| Number of magnets | Speed range in RPM | Response time in terms of the number of rotations | ||
| Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 1 | 18 | 36000 | Around 1 | Around 2 |
| 2 | 9 | 18000 | Around 1/2 | Around 1 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 9000 | Around 1/4 | Around 1/2 |
| 8 | 2.25 | 4500 | Around 1/8 | Around 1 |
Connection of dual track pulse generators
BSC2 measuring amplifiers are available in models capable of measuring rotation angle/speed or travel distance. For this purpose, an incremental pulse generator is connected, which emits phase-shifted square signals in the event of a change in travel distance or rotation angle through 90° (connections A and B).
| Function | 5-pole socket BSC2 |
| Mass (GND), shield | 2 |
| Supply +5V | 1 |
| Pulse signal A | 3 |
| Pulse signal B | 4 |
Connection of a torque sensor
- A dual-channel measuring amplifier BSC2-5 10mV/V/RPM/Sub-D15 is recommended for operating the torque sensor.
- Lines “A” to “M” of the torque sensor are connected to the SubD-15 socket of the measuring amplifier.
Configuration
| Port “A” | Port “B” |
| “Log mode” off | “Log mode” on |
| Scaling factor 2 mV/V or a corresponding factor calculated for the sensor parameter. | Scaling factor 31207.6 for the display in angular degrees. The resolution is 0.5°. |
- The data frequency is configured to port “A” . Port “B” transmits synchronously with the data frequency of port “A”.
- Port “B” functions as an incremental counter and is not automatically reset to zero. After reaching the figure 65535°, it reverts to zero.
- The command “SetZero” can be used to reset the counter to 0 at any time.
| Torque signals | Torque 12-pole plug connector | BSC2 5-pole M12 socket; Port “A” | BSC2 5-pole M12 socket; Port “A” |
| straingage Us+ | B | 1 (brown) | |
| straingage Us- | A | 2 (white) | |
| straingage Ud+ | C | 3 (blue) | |
| straingage Ud- | D | 4 (black) | |
| Counter +5V (Vcc) | F | – | 1 (brown) |
| Counter GND | E and J (where applicable, connected) | – | 2 (white) |
| Counter A | G | – | 3 (blue) |
| Counter B | H | – | 4 (black) |
| Shields | M | Cable shield | Cable shields |
Technical data
| BSC2 | Unit | |
| Accuracy class | 0.1 | % |
| Measurement range (v.E.) | 2 Standard 10 | mV/V mV/V |
| Connectable wire strain gauge range | 120 bis 5000 | Ohm |
| Bridge supply voltage | 4.2 ±0.2 | V V |
| Input impedance | >20 / 300pF | MOhm |
| Common mode rejection DC 100Hz | 100 80 | dB dB |
| Deviation in linearity | <0.02 | % v.E. |
| Temperature impact on zero point per 10K | <0.1 | % v.E. |
| Temperature impact on measurement sensitivity per 10K relative to the measured value | <0.1 | % v.S. |
| Output filter |
| BSC2 | Unit | ||
| 3dB limit frequency analog, | 1,250 | kHz | |
| Bessel, 3. Ordnung | FIR-Filter + configurable MW filter | ||
| Digital output filter | |||
| Data frequency | 0.00 … 1220.00 | Hz | |
| Measuring frequency | 76.80 Hz … 10080.67 | Hz | |
| Resolution | ±15 Bit | ||
| Zero balance | |||
| Tolerance | <5, type <2,. | mV | |
| Period | <90 | ms | |
| Falling edge resolution after at least 4ms high level (3.5V … 30V or supply voltage) | |||
| Interface | USB 2.0 | ||
| Supply voltage Working range | 4.5. 5.5 via USB port | V DC | |
| Power consumption with a nominal voltage per channel with 350 ohms Full bridge | < 120 | mA | |
| Parameter memory | Four complete sets of parameters can be saved in the EEProm. 1. Last setting 2. Default setting 3. User 1 User 2 | ||
| Working temperature range | -10…+65 | °C | |
| Storage temperature range | -40…+85 | ||
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 126 x 85 x 25 | mm | |
| Protection type for housing models (DIN 40 050) | 4. IP40 | ||
Abbreviations
v.E. (from end value), v.S. (from target value)
The attainable signal/noise ratio depends on the ambient conditions (cable length, shielding), the configured data rate and the FIR filtration which can be optionally applied. The figure below shows the resolution
Adapting the measuring amplifier
- Using solder bridges on the platinum subsurface, the measuring amplifier can be configured into a range of operating modes. Two screws on the front side can be removed to open the housing. The screws are covered with black cover caps.
- The measuring amplifier includes an add-on for quarter bridges with 350 ohm and this configuration can be activated using solder bridges. With the “quarter bridge / half bridge” configuration, half bridges are also connectable from 120 ohm.
- Additional adaptations include voltage input +-10V, current input 4…20mA, input for potentiometer transmitters.
- Terminal assignment on the platinum subsurface
straingage full bridges
straingage quarter bridges
Potentiometric transmitter, displacement sensors
Voltage input -10V…+10V
Current input -20mA …+20mA
Advice for the USB interface
Switching on electrical devices (laboratory power supplies, power supplies, engines, heating coils, neon lights) can lead to the computer USB interface shutting down. In the event of any problems, the computer should be supplied via a isolating transformer or via a separate electrical circuit.
There are several ways of improving the reliability of the USB interface of the PC or laptop:
- Use a high-quality USB cable with a ferrite core,
- Reduce the number of USB devices used, since the overall current is limited to 500mA,
- Use an active (self-powered) USB hub,
- Use laptop power supplies with grounding.
The use of an active USB hub with its own power supply is particularly helpful for improving the reliability of the USB interface.
Notes on the threshold pick-up
Threshold pick-up
- The transformer will trip if the limit value is exceeded.
- The maximum switching current is 200mA.
Changelog
| Version | Changes |
| Revision A | Initial Release |
Warranty
All instrument products from Interface Inc., (‘Interface’) are warranted against defective material and workmanship for a period of (1) one year from the date of dispatch. If the ‘Interface’ product you purchase appears to have a defect in material or workmanship or fails during normal use within the period, please contact your Distributor, who will assist you in resolving the problem. If it is necessary to return the product to ‘Interface’ please include a note stating name, company, address, phone number and a detailed description of the problem. Also, please indicate if it is a warranty repair. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight insurance and proper packaging to prevent breakage in transit. ‘Interface’ warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the buyer such as mishandling, improper interfacing, operation outside of design limits, improper repair or unauthorized modification. No other warranties are expressed or implied. ‘Interface’ specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose. The remedies outlined above are the buyer’s only remedies. ‘Interface’ will not be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages whether based on the contract, tort or other legal theory.
Any corrective maintenance required after the warranty period should be performed by ‘Interface’ approved personnel only.
CONTACT
- Interface Inc.
- 7418 East Butherus Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 USA
- Phone 480.948.5555
Documents / Resources
 | Interface BSC2 Measuring Amplifier [pdf] User Manual BSC2-1, BSC2-2, BSC2-3, BSC2-4, BSC2-5, BSC2 Measuring Amplifier, BSC2, Measuring Amplifier, Amplifier |