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Load cells

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Revision as of 17:43, 14 January 2025 by Dank (talk | contribs) (→‎Suitable ICs)

Electric load cells are transducers converting tension/compression/torque into an electrical signal (usually a voltage level). Combined with a suitable ADC, they're the usual way to get deformation (e.g. weight) measurements into MCUs like Arduino or ESP32.

Suitable ICs

These are all 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs.

  • Infineon HX711: two-wire communication. Difficult to find as a discrete component; more frequently available on breakout boards, including from Adafruit and SparkFun (SEN-13230, SEN-13879).
  • Nuvatron NAU7802: Communication via I2C. Available in throughhole (KGI) and SMD (SGI) form factors.
  • TI ADS1231/ADS1232: two-wire communication. SMD only.
  • Analog Devices AD7780: two-wire communication. Available in throughhole (BRUZ, 16 pin) and SMD (BRZ, 14 pin) form factors.