TE Connectivity strain gauge amplifier includes five different gain settings

The TE Connectivity Model 142A inline strain gauge amplifier, available from Durham Instruments

Durham Instruments is a top supplier of high-end measurement instruments for industrial users, including many products manufactured by TE Connectivity. This includes TE’s Model 142A inline strain gauge amplifier, a remote instrument that is designed for use with ¼ bridge strain gauge instruments.

Weighing only 34 grams, this strain gauge amplifier is the ideal choice for applications in a wide range of industries, such as static force testing, instrumentation labs, load monitoring, and strain measurement.

Auto-zero function removes offset drift

Among the advantages of the Model 142A are its compact, rugged package and its five user-selectable gain settings, which have a gain accuracy of plus or minus 0.5 per cent and a bandwidth of up to 100 kilohertz. It also has a patented auto-zero function that lets the user zero the offset voltage to within plus or minus 1.5 millivolts, usually before measurement information is taken, which can be done either remotely or by pressing the amplifier’s onboard button. The auto-zero function enables more accurate measurement by removing all offset drift.

In addition, this instrument is supplied with a 350-ohm completion resistor, which users can replace with one of another value to match that of the strain gauge, if necessary. TE suggests using a Vishay Dale PTF56 Series metal film resistor.

Other distinct traits of this amplifier include the following:

• Ability to function in temperatures ranging from -20 to 85 degrees Celsius;
• Anodized aluminum case material;
• Compliance with IP50 environmental-protection rating;
• Vibration and shock resistance;
• Uniaxial strain gauge input with four wires;
• Input range of 0.5 volts; and
• Reverse polarity protection of -20 volts on excitation line.

The Model 142A inline strain gauge amplifier is a versatile instrument that suits many sectors. Durham Instruments recommends it for applications in general manufacturing, aerospace, automation, food processing, forestry, education, mining, packaging, power generation, alternative energy, transportation, and research and development.

About the supplier

Durham Instruments is a distributor of electronic quantitative measuring instruments, with headquarters in Pickering, Ont. and three other Canadian locations. The company was founded in 1977.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

• Tweet