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Load cells
From dankwiki
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 pin-compatible throughhole (KGI) and SMD (SGI) form factors (16 pin).
- 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.
Some ICs accept an external clock source for improved filtering of 50/60Hz. Most accept both an analog and digital VDD.
Calibration
Some ICs offer internal calibration, eliminating internal PGA gain and offset errors. This calibration typically stores its results to on-device registers, where they are automatically applied to future measurements.
