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Maximum bridge supply current on a RS strain gauge amp


Robin123

I'm using a RS strain gauge amp (Stock no 846-171, part no 1210, using the standard PCB) to take readings from two 350 ohm, 5kg load cells connected in parallel. However according to the amp data sheet the maximum bridge supply current is only 12 mA, this means I have to set the bridge supply current down to about 2V to avoid blowing the amp? Also 12 mA seems a very low figure?

I tested with one load cell at 5V and the readings were perfect. But at a 2V bridge supply I have to increase the gain from 1000 to 5000 to get the same output, the accuracy of the readings are completly off and the noise is terrible...

PS my background is ChemEng so I have limited electronics knowlege