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Frequently Asked Questions About TEDS

1. What is TEDS? 4. How are TEDS created?

TEDS stand for Transducer Electronic Data Sheet. It contains informa-tion relevant to the sensor in question, such as serial number, calibration dates and calibration factors. TEDS are defined by the TDL or Template Description Language as defined by the IEEE 1451.4 standard. The IEEE 1451.4 standard provides predetermined templates for most sen- sors. However by using the TDL language new templates can be created. The TDL code would then be provided to end user. It then becomes their responsibility for translation.

2. What is the purpose of TEDS? 5. Is “TEDS” option available on FUTEK product?

TEDS will simplify the configuration of electronic equipment by providing all the information needed for setting up and calibration of electronics. Ideally the electronics would self configure. Yes for all sensors and selected instruments such as IPM500, IBT500 & also CSG series in-line amplifier.

6. Does FUTEK upgrade existing Customer sensors with “TEDS” option? 3. How is TEDS implemented?

Yes. TEDS is implemented by using a 1-Wire eeprom device. This device receives and transmits bits of information that is permanently stored or changed as desired. The host instrument is responsible for the data transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Futek Sensors

1. What is the technology used on FUTEK Sensors? 15. What is matched, Normalized or standardized output?

Bonded foil strain gages. Most FUTEK standard load cells have nominal output with ±15% toler- ance. We can match the output of a batch of the load cells to the lowest output value. Or we can standardize or normalized the output per printed specification such as 2mV/V or 3mV/V with tighter tolerance.

2. What is the “FS” or “RO" which are referred to in this catalog or other drawings?

“FS” stands for FULL Scale and “RO" stands for Rated Output which is also known as terminal output which is the mV/V output at the rated capacity. It is used to calculate percentage error.

16. How do I trouble shoot my sensor?

Verify the industrial bridge resistance across the input & output legs, check Zero at no load, Leakage to ground, electrical shorts, wiring code & connections and check the instrument setup & configuration. Also check your cable & connector assembly.

3. What exactly is mV/V output?

The electrical output of sensor in milli volts (mV) per volt (V) of sensor excitation at the rated load, Torque or pressure. For example the electrical voltage output of a load cell with 2 mV/V out put at 100 lbs rated capacity utilizing 10 volts excitation will be 20 mV at 100 lbs or 0.2mV for each lbs of applied load.

17. How critical is mounting bolt torque?

It is very critical & can result in Zero distortion & specification errors. Visit www.futek.com for more details.

4. What is the Scale factor used on FUTEK certificates with system calibration? 18. Do you have technical support for your instruments on www.futek.com?

Yes. www.futek.com Tech Support section for more details When a sensor is calibrated with FUTEK IPM500 (D500) series of display instruments a unique# is provide for the system which is called Scale factor. If the sensor is replaced or changed, the scale factor for the re- placement sensor or new sensor should be entered utilizing the Menu of the display for proper scaling of the new or changed system. Pls visit

19. Can I balance my high zero offset?

Yes. Please refer to Zero Balance calculator on www.futek.com in cal-culator section.

20. Where did you get the very popular FUTEK on line calculators?

www.futek.com tech support section for IPM500 (D500) series.

5. Is calibration Certificate available online?

All FUTEK calculators including the conversion calculators were designed, created and coded by FUTEK Engineering team. Yes, Futek has made full calibration certificate available online since 1998. Please visit www.futek.com and enter the sensor ID# engraved on each FUTEK sensor in the search box or you may also refer to tech support for calibration record.

21. Are FUTEK TRS, TRD, TRH 600 & 605 non contact ro- tary torque sensors strain gage type or magnetic type?

They are strain gage type. FUTEK non-contact standard series meet up to 12000RPM. Please see page 14 .

6. How reliable are Futek load cells? What will the failure rate or MTBF be in my application?

Pls contact FUTEK or visit www.futek.com for a white paper on "MTBF".

22. How do I avoid damaging my sensor during handling & installation? 7. How well will Futek sensors survive fatigue in repeti- tive testing applications?

Simply have your sensor connected to the electronic, allowing the sensor to talk to you. It depends on sensor type and also the presence of extraneous loads & moments. Please contact FUTEK or visit www.futek.com for detailed extraneous factors per model.

23. What is Non-linearity?

The maximum Deviation of the Calibration Curve from a straight line drawn between the no-load and Rated Load outputs, expressed as a percentage of the Rated Output and measured on in- creasing load only.

8. How can I validate the performance of my load cell my- self? Can I calibrate my load cell in-house?

Yes you may. FUTEK offers a complete VCal system to support in house verification & calibration. Please visit www.vcal.net .

9. What kind of instrumentation is available to display the loads being measured? Can the load cells be interfaced to my PC?

Please refer to instrument section on page 17 . Via RS232, RS485 & USB interface & analog output option for direct connection to PC. Interface software also available.

10. What is meant by “Overload protection”?

Protects the load cell from accidental overloading above the rated capacity. FUTEK has integrated this unique feature in most of its low capacity product.

24. What is the Hysteresis? 11. What is the range of excitation voltage that can be ap- plied to the units?

The maximum dif- ference between the transducer out- put readings for the same applied load; one reading obtained by increasing the load from zero and the other by decreasing the load from Rated Output. Usually measured at half Rated Output and expressed in percent of Rated Output. Measure- ments should be taken as rapidly as possible to minimize Creep. Futek provides maximum excitation voltage values per Model in this catalog.

12. What is the load cell resolution?

All FUTEK strain gage type sensors have analog output and the resolution is limited by instrumentation & electronic and existing noise.

13. Does cable length affect the load cell output?

Yes it does. Especially with 4 wire sensors. Visit www.futek.com for detailed report.

25. What is the Non-repeatability? 14. How do I use Shunt calibration?

The maximum difference between transducer output readings for repeated loadings under identical loading and environment conditions See inside back cover of this catalog. .

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