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How to convert differential to single ended (load cell amplifier)

Category: Hardware
Product Number: AD8426

I am using a 6-axis load cell which has a built in amplifier.  However, the output signal is differential and the analogue inputs on the control unit are single ended (0V to 5V). 

Therefore I need to convert the load cell differential signal to single ended (0V to 5V).

I was wondering if I could use an AD8426 instrumentation amplifier to convert the differential signal to single ended and if so how ?

Details about the load cell are below (M3815C) :

The full scale for each channel is 5V...

I have assumed that: 

  • +SIG can swing from -2.5V to +2.5V (with respect to ground)
  • -SIG can swing from -2.5V to +2.5V (with respect to ground)

My understanding is that +SIG and -SIG are always the same magnitude, just opposite polarities.  In which case the behavior is shown in the animation below...

I used the online tool to simulate the circuit.  Are the following parameters correct ?

  • Vs = +/-12V
  • Gain = 1
  • Vref = 5V
  • Vcm = 0V

https://tools.analog.com/en/diamond/#difL=-5&difR=5&difSl=-5&gain=1&l=0&pr=AD8426&r=0&sl=0&tab=2&ty=1&vn=-12&vp=12&vr=5 

As the output is 10V I was thinking of using a potential divider to scale it down to 5V (the simulation does not allow a gain of less than 1).



Revised understanding of differential signals (+SIG and -SIG are always the same magnitude, just opposite polarities) and added GIF
[edited by: skyrat at 3:49 PM (GMT -5) on 27 Nov 2024]

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