Rice Lake Weigh Modules/Mount Assemblies - Manual (Page 78)

GLOSSARY
G-2
C
CALIBRATION
The comparison of load cell outputs against
standard test loads.
CALIBRATION CURVE
A record (graph) of the comparison of load cell
outputs against standard test loads.
CANTILEVER BEAM
A beam-type load cell that has a
machined-out center. The load sensing
elements (strain gauges) are mounted on the
inside perimeter of this machined center.
CAPACITANCE
The ability of a component or material to store
an electrostatic charge; measured in farads.
Because the farad is a very large quantity,
capacitance in electronic applications is usually
expressed in millionths of a farad (microfarads)
or millionths of a millionth of a farad (pico
farads).
CERMET
An alloy of ceramic and metal, usually titanium
carbide and nickel, used as a resistance element
in some variable resistors; acronym of ceramic
metal.
CHECK RODS
Rods installed to prevent a vessel or other
weighing system component from gross tipping
or extended travel. They do not interfere with
normal travel or expansion.
CHECKWEIGHER
A scale used to verify predetermined weight
within prescribed limits.
CLASS III
Classes of scales used in commercial weighing
not otherwise specified; grain test scales, retail
precious metals and semiprecious gem
weighing, animal scales, postal scales, and
scales used to determine laundry charges.
CLASS IIIL
Vehicle, axle-load, livestock, railway track
scales, crane and hopper (other than grain
hopper) scales.
CLC (Concentrated Load Capacity)
Maximum load designated by the manufacturer
that can be placed anywhere on the platform of
a vehicle, axle-load or livestock scale using the
prescribed test pattern (an area at least 4 feet
long and as wide as the scale platform).
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor)
Chip technology characterized by a low power
requirement and a high noise immunity. CMOS
chips are susceptible to damage by electrostatic
discharge (ESD).
CREEP RECOVERY
The change in no-load output occurring with
time, after removal of a load which has been
applied for a specific period of time; usually
measured over a specified time period
immediately following removal of rated load
and expressed as a percent of rated output.
CURRENT
Flow of electrons past a point in a specified
period of time; measured in amperes.
CURRENT LOOP
A current-based method of serial communica-
tions between digital devices; a logic high is
represented by current flowing in the loop; a
logic “low” is represented by a lack of current
flowing in the loop.
D
d (Division)
Value of the smallest increment indicated
(displayed) by a scale.
DASH POT
A dampening device used to reduce scale
oscillations.
DEAD LOAD
The fixed force of the weigh bridge, platform,
and other load-supporting structures of the
scale, the value of which is to be permanently
balanced or cancelled out in the weight or
measuring system
DEFLECTION
The change in length along the Primary Axis of
the load cell between no-load and Rated Load
conditions.
DEMAND MODE
Transmission of serial output data which
requires a manual “Print” command to initiate
the output data. Usually used to interface
indicators to printers.
DIGITAL
System of signal representation employing
discrete rather than continuously variable
(analog) values.
DIGITAL AVERAGING
The ability of a digital indicator to smooth
bouncy or erratic readings by taking several
readings and averaging them together before
sending the signal to the display. Increasing the
digital averaging slows the indicator’s update
rate.
DIP (Dual Inline Package)
An integrated circuit contained within a
standard housing characterized by its low
profile, rectangular body, and symmetrical
placement of leads along two opposing sides of
the device.
CC (NTEP Certificate of Conformance)
Certification that a device meets all applicable
requirements of Handbook 44.
COMBINED ERROR
(Non-linearity and Hysteresis)
The maximum deviation from the straight line
drawn between the original no-load and rated
load outputs expressed as a percentage of the
rated output and measured on both increasing
and decreasing loads.
COMPENSATION
The utilization of supplementary devices,
materials or processes to minimize known
sources of error.
COMPRESSION
A force applied to a strain gauge that causes the
gauge wires to compress and their cross-
sectional area to increase, thus decreasing the
gauge resistance.
CONFORMALLY COATED
Refers to load cells which have a protective
coating applied over the strain gauges, terminal
strip, etc., within the gauged cavity. The cavity
opening may additionally be covered with side
plates to protect against physical damage. These
cells are suitable for normal indoor applica-
tions; they should not be used in wet or
washdown applications.
CONTINUOUS MODE
Transmission of serial output data in which the
data is transmitted automatically following
each indicator display update; usually used to
interface indicators to computers, score boards
and other remote devices requiring constant
data updating.
CONTROL DRAWING
A drawing or document provided by the
manufacturer of the intrinsically safe or
associated apparatus that details the allowed
interconnections between the intrinsically safe
and associated apparatus.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The computer module or chip that controls
fetching, decoding and executing instructions;
controls processing operations for the device.
CREEP
The change in load cell output occurring with
time, while under load, and with all environ-
mental conditions and other variables
remaining constant; usually measured with
Rated Load applied and expressed as a percent
of Rated Output over a specific period of time.