Mantracourt ICA3, ICA6S, ICA6H User Manual

ICA3

ICA6

ICA3 & ICA6S and H Versions

Strain Gauge or Load Cell Embedded

Analogue Amplifier

User Manual

mantracourt.com

Mantracourt Electronics Limited ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual

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ICA3 & ICA6 S and H Versions Manual

Contents

Contents .................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction to the ICAS and ICAH Range of In-Cell Amplifiers ................................................................ 2

Chapter 1 The ICAS and H Range ..................................................................................................... 3

Figure 1.1 Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 3

The ICA6 .................................................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 2 Installing the ICA3 and ICA6 S and H ................................................................................... 4

Pre Installation ............................................................................................................................ 4

Figure 2.1 Dimensions ................................................................................................................... 4

Power Connections ....................................................................................................................... 5

Figure 2.2 Connection Details for the ICA3 .......................................................................................... 5

Figure 2.3 Connection Details for the ICA6 .......................................................................................... 5

Figure 2.4 Connection Details for Best EMC Immunity ............................................................................. 5

Table 2.1 ................................................................................................................................... 6

Output Connections ...................................................................................................................... 6

Chapter 3: Calculating the gain resistor value .................................................................................... 7

Table 3.1 ICA3 and ICA6 (±10 Volts) ................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 4 Calibration ................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 4.1 Connection Details for Calibration ....................................................................................... 8

Chapter 5 The ILE Enclosure .......................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 6 Trouble Shooting ........................................................................................................... 9

Chapter 7 Product Care ............................................................................................................... 10

Chapter 8 Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 9 Specifications for the ICA3 Load Cell Amplifier .................................................................... 13

Table 8.1 ICA3S and ICA3H (±10V) .................................................................................................... 13

Electrical and Environmental .......................................................................................................... 13

Measurement ............................................................................................................................. 13

Specifications for the ICA6 Load Cell Amplifier .................................................................................. 14

Table 9.1 ICA6S and ICA6H (±10V) .................................................................................................... 14

Electrical and Environmental .......................................................................................................... 14

Measurement ............................................................................................................................. 14

CE Approvals .............................................................................................................................. 14

Other Mantracourt Products.......................................................................................................... 15

Mantracourt Electronics Limited ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual

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Introduction to the ICAS and ICAH Range of In-Cell Amplifiers

Two new families, the ICAS (industrial stability) and ICAH (high stability) have been introduced into the Mantracourt
range of In-Cell Amplifiers. They offer improved performance and easier installation over the original designs.

The following points detail the main changes:

• The ICA1 and ICA2 output ranges have been changed to cover 0.1V to 10.1V and 0.1V to 5.1V respectively to
facilitate calibration and interpretation of the output level.
The linearity has been improved at the lower end of the scale (down to 70mV output).

• Excitation is standardised at 5V DC on the ICA1,2,3,4 and 6.

• The performance of the ICA family has been much improved over the operating temperature range by using

high performance, auto-zero amplifiers and low drift resistors.
The standard (‘S’) versions give a 200% improvement compared to the earlier versions.
The high performance (‘H’) versions are fitted with higher-specification resistors to offer a 400%
improvement over the earlier versions.

• The user-selectable span resistor is mounted via two standard plated through holes in the printed circuit
board making it easier to change if required.
There is also provision for a second resistor (not normally fitted) to give an offset zero if required for
example, 5.1V ±5V for an ICA1.

• All wire connections are via plated through holes instead of the single-sided pads used in the original design.
This allows all wires to enter from either side of the board resulting easier installation and improved joint
reliability.

• Multi-layer printed circuit boards and additional filtering has been added to further improve the EMC
performance.

• Faster and easier mounting/installation: The mounting hole size and position has been standardised on all
models and also provides the capacitive-coupling connection to the sensor body which further improves the
EMC performance.
The hole will accommodate a 2mm (#0-80) screw with adequate clearance for the head.
As this mounting method is compatible with our range of ‘D-Cell’ products, a single pocket design will
accept either digital or analogue conditioners.

• An ATEX (Intrinsic Safety) certified version of the ICA5 has been introduced.

• All variants are RoHS compliant.

• All models have a reduced height of just 7.6mm. The diameter remains at 19.5mm.

• A new model, the ICA6 has been introduced which will provide a ±10 Volt output from a uni-polar 15 to 24V

supply.

• Non-interaction between the trimmers makes calibration easier and faster.

Mantracourt Electronics Limited ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual

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Chapter 1 The ICAS and H Range

Figure 1.1 Block Diagram

The ICA is a Strain Gauge Amplifier, converting a strain gauge input to a Volt or mA output – otherwise known as a
Signal Conditioner.

The ICA provides a wide range of signal conditioning for Strain Gauges, Load Cells, Pressure and Torque Transducers.

Offered in 6 versions and two performance categories, ICAS and ICAH. The ICAH offers lower drift over the operating
temperature range.

• ICA1 - 3 wire - 0.1 to 10.1V

• ICA2 - 3 wire - 0.1 to 5.1V

• ICA3 - 4 wire - ± 10V / ±15V supply

• ICA4 - 3 wire - 4 to 20mA

• ICA5 – 2 wire – 4 to 20mA

• ICA6 - 3 wire – ±10V / 15-24V supply

This manual only deals with Versions ICA3 and ICA6, separate manuals exist for versions ICA1 & 2, ICA4 and the
ICA5.

Transducer SENSITIVITY of between 0.5 mV/V and 150mV/V are possible. It is optimised to 2.5 mV/V. This range
covers most - but not all – strain gauges.
Sensitivity adjustment is achieved by a combination of gain (span) resistor ‘R’ change and associated fine
adjustment by potentiometer.

Similarly transducer ZERO can be compensated for in the module. This adjustment is to compensate for slight errors
in the strain gauge and not to offset tare.

Mantracourt’s SGA (Strain Gauge Amplifier) covers a range from 0.06 mV/V to 30mV/V and it’s 79% offset can
provide tare compensation.

The ICA6

The ICA6 is a two-part module which combines an ICA3 with a DC-DC power module.
The power module generates both positive and negative supply rails for the ICA3 thereby enabling it to produce its
normal ±10V output from a single 15-24V supply.

The ICA6 also has pads on its underside which can be used to mount and provide connections for a range of
Transducer Electronic Data Sheet ICs (TEDS).

Mantracourt Electronics Limited ICA3 & 6 S and H Versions User Manual

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Chapter 2 Installing the ICA3 and ICA6 S and H

Pre Installation

See Specification details in Chapter 9 for details of Environmental Approvals.

Carefully remove the ICA unit from its shipment box. Check that the unit is complete and undamaged.

The ICA units can be operated in any industrial environment providing the following limits are not exceeded.

Operating Temperature

-40ºC to +85ºC

Humidity

95% non condensing

Storage temperature

-40ºC to +85ºC

The following installation practices are advised:

• Minimise vibration

• Do not mount next to strong electrical fields (transformers, power cables)

• Ensure easy access to the module

• Install electrical protection device as the unit is not internally fused

• Always ensure the package is secure and protected

Figure 2.1 Dimensions

The module is designed to fit in the strain gauge pocket. Use the 2.1mm hole to secure the unit if required.
The mounting hole will accept an M2 screw or American equivalent #0-80.
Important Note: DO NOT USE #2 screw size.

Take care when soldering cables to the pads.
Use a temperature controlled soldering iron set to a maximum 330 ºC, for no longer than 2 seconds per pad.
Excessive heat or increased soldering time may result in damage to the PCB.

If changing resistor ‘R’ do so at a workbench and not on site.

Check the relevant details for model ICA3 or ICA6, – ensure the module matches the instructions –

The ICA3 and ICA6 solder pads are as shown in the wiring diagrams:
4 pads for the strain gauge.
1 pad for the output.
3 pads for the power supply (the ICA6 has only 2 pads for the power supply).

In both cases the fixing screw hole provides a ground connection to improve EMC performance.