Definitions of Technical Specifications of Sensors

Measuring Range: The measuring range is the load range within which the guaranteed error limits must be maintained.

Rated Load: The rated load is the maximum load within the measuring range. Depending on the sensor, this may be a tensile or compressive load.

Accuracy Class: The accuracy class indicates the maximum individual error (in percent) relative to the sensor’s output signal. For load cells, this is determined according to OIML R60. The tolerance of the rated output is not included.

Usable Load: The usable load is the maximum load the sensor can withstand beyond the rated load without losing its specified characteristics. This range should only be used in exceptional cases.

Limit Load: The limit load is the highest permissible load at which the sensor is not destroyed. However, the specified error limits no longer apply at this load.

Breaking Load: The breaking load is the load at which the sensor is permanently damaged or destroyed.

Maximum Dynamic Load (according to DIN 50100): This is the maximum amplitude of a sinusoidal force that the sensor can withstand over 10⁷ cycles at rated load without significant change to its metrological properties.

Nominal Measuring Travel: The nominal travel is the distance the outer load application points move in the measuring direction when the rated load is applied.

Input Resistance: The input resistance is the electrical resistance between the supply voltage connections.

Output Resistance: The output resistance is the electrical resistance between the output signal connections.

Bridge Resistance: The bridge resistance is the total electrical resistance of the measuring bridge.

Insulation Resistance: The insulation resistance is the electrical resistance between the connection leads and the sensor body.

Temperature Coefficient of Rated Output: This is the change in the actual output value relative to the rated output for a temperature change of 10 K.

Temperature Coefficient of Zero Signal: This indicates the change in the output signal of an unloaded sensor for a temperature change of 10 K.

Reference Temperature: The reference temperature is the ambient temperature to which the technical specifications of the sensor refer.

Nominal Temperature Range: The nominal temperature range is the temperature range within which the sensor maintains its technical specifications and error limits.

Operating Temperature Range: The operating temperature range is the temperature range in which the sensor can be operated without permanent changes to its measurement properties. The specified error limits no longer apply in this range.

Supply Voltage: The supply voltage is the voltage required to operate the sensor correctly and without error.

Output Signal: The output signal is the sensor’s signal at rated load, minus the zero load signal.

Rated Output: The rated output is the theoretically specified target value of the output signal.

Storage Temperature Range: The storage temperature range is the temperature range in which the sensor can be stored (mechanically and electrically unloaded) without permanent changes to its measurement characteristics.

Combined Error: The combined error F_comb is half the distance c between the limits of the tolerance band that encloses the curve in the measuring range during increasing and decreasing loading, relative to the rated output C_n. It consists of linearity error and hysteresis error.
F_comb = c / C_n

Creep Error: The creep error is the maximum allowable change in the output signal over a specific period under constant load and stable environmental conditions.

Repeatability: Repeatability is a measure of the relative standard deviation of the output signal, resulting from ten repeated measurements at two points of the curve with the same mechanical magnitude and changes.

Protection Class according to DIN VDE 0470 (replaces DIN 40050), EN 60529: The protection class of a housing is defined by the IP code and a two-digit number that describes the protection against contact, foreign objects, and water for electrical equipment.

Check: A check resistor in the sensor generates a signal equivalent to the sensor’s rated output. This reduces the need for recalibration and allows verification of the zero point and rated value before each measurement.

Minimum Division / Resolution: The minimum division or resolution is the smallest measurable increment.

Zero Signal: The zero signal is the output signal of the sensor in an unloaded condition.

Return to Zero: Return to zero is the maximum permissible change in the output signal over a specified time after complete unloading under stable environmental conditions.

Mounting Torque: The mounting torque is the specified tightening torque of the mounting screws to secure the sensor.