GE DS3820MSAB

Key Parameters

• Channels: 4 differential analog inputs

• Input Type: Strain gauge / load cell / bridge sensor (quarter, half, full bridge)

• Bridge Excitation: Integrated 5 V or 10 V DC (software-selectable per channel, up to 30 mA per channel)

• Resolution: 24-bit ADC

• Accuracy: ±0.02% of full scale (25°C); ±0.06% over –40°C to +70°C

• Input Range: ±10 mV, ±20 mV, ±50 mV, ±100 mV (software-selectable per channel)

• Input Impedance: >10 MΩ

• Sampling Rate: Up to 100 Hz per channel

• Diagnostics: Open-wire detection (excitation and signal), over-range/under-range detection, short-circuit protection (excitation)

• Isolation: 1500 V RMS (field-to-backplane); 500 V RMS between channels

• Power: 24 V DC backplane power, ≤4 W (including excitation load)

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +70°C

• Terminals: Screw-type (suffix-dependent)

Advantages

• Integrated bridge excitation – eliminates external power supplies for load cells and strain gauges; reduces wiring and panel space.

• 24-bit resolution – provides precise measurements for demanding weighing and force applications.

• Software-configurable bridge types – supports quarter, half, and full bridge configurations without hardware changes.

• Selectable excitation voltage – 5 V or 10 V per channel to match sensor requirements.

• Open-wire detection – detects broken excitation or signal wires for proactive maintenance.

• Per-channel diagnostics – over-range, under-range, and short-circuit detection.

• Hot-swappable – replace without rack power-down.

• High input impedance – >10 MΩ minimizes loading errors on bridge sensors.

• Wide sensor support – supports most common strain gauge and load cell types.

Applications

• Weighing systems – tank, silo, hopper, and conveyor belt scales

• Force measurement – press force monitoring, tension/compression testing

• Torque measurement – rotational torque monitoring in motors and drivetrains

• Pressure measurement – bridge-type pressure transducers

• Material testing – tensile and compressive strength testing machines

• Automotive testing – component force and strain analysis

• Aerospace – structural load monitoring and fatigue testing

Competitor Comparison

The DS3820MSAB is the integrated bridge input module – combining excitation, signal conditioning, and 24-bit ADC in a single slot. Compared to external load cell amplifiers with standard analog inputs, it saves significant panel space, reduces wiring, and lowers total installed cost (4 channels in one module vs. 4 separate amplifiers + AI module). Against competitor bridge modules, the DS3820MSAB offers superior diagnostics (open-wire detection on both excitation and signal lines) and software bridge configurability at a competitive price. For weighing and force measurement applications, the DS3820MSAB delivers the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution.

Selection Tips

• Choose DS3820MSAB when you need to measure strain gauges, load cells, or bridge sensors with high precision and integrated excitation.

• Ideal for weighing systems, force monitoring, torque measurement, and material testing.

• Verify the bridge type (quarter, half, full) matches your sensor – software-configurable per channel.

• Check the excitation voltage (5 V or 10 V) required by your sensors – software-selectable per channel.

• Verify total excitation current does not exceed 30 mA per channel and 120 mA total per module.

• Not suitable for thermocouples or standard 4–20 mA sensors – use dedicated TC or analog input modules.

• Ensure your PLC/DCS can handle 24-bit data resolution from the DS3820MSAB.

Precautions

• Excitation current: Do not exceed 30 mA per channel (total 120 mA per module). Higher current may cause excitation voltage droop or overheating.

• Bridge wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cables for bridge connections (excitation + and -, signal + and -). Ground shield at module end only.

• Kelvin (4-wire) sensing: For full bridge sensors, use 4-wire connection to compensate for lead resistance – the DS3820MSAB supports this configuration.

• Quarter bridge: For quarter bridge configurations, ensure proper completion resistors are used (internal or external).

• Wiring: Keep bridge signal wiring away from power cables and VFDs to avoid noise.

• Open-wire detection: Requires minimum sensor impedance – very low-impedance sensors may not trigger detection.

• Grounding: Maintain single-point grounding to avoid ground loops affecting bridge measurements.

• Power sequencing: Apply backplane power before field power.

• Calibration: Perform periodic calibration using precision shunt resistors or calibrated load cells to maintain accuracy.

• Spare: Keep one spare DS3820MSAB for critical weighing applications – the specialized bridge input feature set may have longer lead times.