SY016 Digital Strain Gauge

Amplifier

User Manual
 SY016 Digital Strain Gauge Amplifier

Uncased SY016 Cased SY016

Issue 2 version with 24bit ADC and watchdog timer

User configurable by serial data connection

Description
The SY016 is a self contained unit which provides excitation for up to four 350R load
cells and measures both strain and temperature. Its fully differential input allows it to
work in both tension and compression. The built in microcomputer then calculates a
temperature compensated signed 20 bit value directly proportional to load. Calibration
parameters are stored in non-volatile EEPROM. This version also features a watchdog
timer.
Commands for the SY016 Digital Load cell Amplifier
PC Software is available for download from our website;
http://www.synectic.co.uk/sy016-digital-strain-gauge-bridge-amplifier.html?
search=sy016&description=1

General remarks:
The commands must be entered in upper case ASCII characters
Leading zeros must be entered
cr = carriage return
If any commands not understood the unit responds with ?cr
RS485 version
The RS485 interface supports the use of several devices. In order to be identified, each device
connected to the network requires a different address. SY016 devices can be allocated
addresses in the range 128 to 255 ($80 - $FF). Each RS485 version has its address on a label.
All of the following commands need to be preceded by the appropriate address. eg. to read the
unit ID of an SY016 with address 129 ($81) the string 129 @ ($81 $40) would be sent .

Command Description Response

@ Read unit ID The model number, software version,
and a 6 digit serial number eg:
SY016, v2.0,16001cr
 A Read temperature zero offset value (16 bit binary number)=A to D converter
reading of temperature at zero deg C.
Output in 4 digit ASCII
eg: 90C0cr

B Write temperature Zero offset value For example to set the above figure in
the command would be B90C0.

F Set ADC filter value Sets a filter value which determines the
24 bit ADC update rate. Values are:
Value Readings/sec
1 470
2 250
3 125
4 62.5
5 33.3
6 16.7
7 8.33
8 4.17

G Set gain value Sets the gain of the Programmable

Gain Amplifier (PGA). Values are:
Value Gain Input range
1 1 +/-7mV/V
2 2 +/-3.5mV/V
3 4 +/-1.7mV/V
4 8 +/-0.8mV/V
5 16
6 32
7 64
8 128
K Read temperature The temperature is measured to a
resolution of 0.1°C.
Output in ASCII with leading zeroes
replaced by spaces.

M Read the load cell input Responds with the measured value as
polarity followed by 6 digits in the range
+/-524000

N Set streamed data output This command puts the unit into
streamed data mode. It enters a
continuous measurement loop.

O Zero the measured value Acts as a tare for the measured input.

T Tare the signal input Same as O command

U Untare the signal input Cancels a Tare command

Options

 RS232.
 RS485.
 PCB only or enclosed.
Baud Rate Settings
Four baud rates are available selected by the two jumpers (LK2 & LK3).
The baud rate is selected according to the following table:
Rate LK2 LK3
2400 out out
9600 out in
38K4 in out
115K2 in in (default as supplied)
The data format in all cases is 8 data bits 1 stop bit no parity.

Connections (RS232 version)

pin 1 reset (active low) not normally required as unit automatically resets on power up
pin 2 RXD (data in)
pin 3 TXD (data out)
pin 4 NC
pin 5 0V
pin 6 Factory test
pin 7 no connection
pin 8 NC
pin 9 NC

Connections (RS485 version)

pin 1 reset (active low) not normally required as unit automatically resets on power up
pin 2 NC
pin 3 RS485 signal B
pin 4 NC
pin 5 0V
pin 6 Factory test
pin 7 NC
pin 8 RS485 signal A
pin 9 NC
If the RS485 version does not respond, try swapping the A & B signals.
Specifications

Parameter Min Typ Max

Power consumption 7 12 20
(dc at 22mA + 350R bridge)
Input sensitivity (mV/V) -7 +7
Excitation voltage (V) 0 5 5
Resolution 24bit +/-500000 counts
Sampling rate (rps) 470 Limited mainly by serial port transmission speed.
Full resolution available at all rates).
Bandwidth (-3dB) 200Hz
Current consumption(mA) Dependent on the supply voltage
Full scale step response (usec) 75
Communications options RS485 or RS232, or bluetooth.
Baud Rate Baud rate is jumper selectable 115k2, 38k4, 9600 or
2400 baud.
Cable Length Maximum cable length - 1200m on RS485,
15m on RS232.
Compensated temperature range 10 70
(C)
Operating temp. (C) -40 105
Storage temperature (C) -65 150
Case CAN style aluminium box. L = 62, W = 43, H = 33mm
with mounting lugs.
PCB Board dimensions 40x55mm can be mounted by
fixing pillars through corner holes, or cased.
Connections 9 pin din for data , load cell by way of 4 way terminal
block. DC2.1 socket for Power supply (centre pin
+ve) plug supplied. DC transformer is an optional
chargeable extra
 Troubleshoots
If you experience Error message (Virtual machine stack over
flow) Please follow the steps below:
1- Make sure your amplifier is properly connected to the PC and running

2- Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.

3- Click Start

4- Type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press Enter to start the System
Configuration utility.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, you should type the
password or provide confirmation.
5- On the general tab click on the Selective start up option, and then click to clear the Load start up items
check box. (The Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.)

6- On the Services tab, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click
Disable all.
If the problem still persists please follow the following steps:
1- Make sure your amplifier is properly connected to the PC and running
2- Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.
3- Click Start
4- Choose control panel
5- Select “System” from the control panel

6- On the left panel select advanced settings

7- On the new window select advanced then settings
8- Select Advanced and then Change ( Note the total page file size for all drivers)

9- Finally un tick automatically manage paging file size, select custom size and enter a
new size bigger than the one noted from the previous step