QCS / IES Corporation

High Precision Weighing Glossary:

analog electronics - That part of the electronic system that operates the measuring cell and measuring circuits.

calibration error - The difference between what a weight of near the full capacity of the instrument reads on the digital display and it's true mass.

capacity - The largest weight the instrument is capable of weighing.

cornerload error - Refers to variations in the displayed weight as the object being weighed is moved to various positions on the weighing pan.

count - The smallest increment of weight which the digital display resolves.

digit - The smallest increment of weight that the digital display resolves.

digital electronics - That portion of the electronic circuits dedicated to changing the analog signal into a format which can be displayed on the numeric readout.

drift - A progressive (continuously upward or continuously downward) change in the number displayed on the digital readout. See "instability" to distinguish this characteristic from a non-progressive change in the displayed number.

flexible bearings - Precision components in the measuring cell which allow the force coil to move without friction.

force motor - See "measuring cell."

hysterisis error - Refers to the condition of repeatedly weighing the same object, but obtaining different readings on the numeric readout.

instability - Refers to a displayed number which continues to vary randomly or sporadically, rather than progressively. See "drift."

light emitting diode (LED) - A type of solid-state numeric readout device. Often characterized by red or orange-red numbers.

linearity - The ability to reproduce the same incremental weight reading for a particular sample throughout the weighing range of a balance or scale of a particular sample.

liquid crystal display (LCD) - A numeric readout device, often characterized by black numerals on a silver background.

measuring cell - (Also known as a force motor.) is the part of the instrument which "senses" weight, and converts it to an electrical signal. Similar to "mechanical system" or "force motor."

mechanical system - Includes the measuring cell and other mechanical members connected with sensing the applied weight and converting it to an electrical signal.

reproducibility - Refers to the ability of an instrument to return the same numeric result with repeated application of the same weight. See " hysteresis."

resolution - The smallest increment of weight which the numeric display can indicate.

vacuum florescent display (VFD) - A numeric readout device characterized by greenish blue numerals.

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Geek Speak ?

We may use terms you've never heard or how they apply to weighing instruments, here's a glossary.