Intelligent connection box for load cells

Weighing systems with built-in service technician

Increase the functionality of your weighing systems with the "intelligent terminal box" from Hense Wägetechnik. Save time during installation and commissioning and simplify troubleshooting on silo and container scales. Easy control over all components of a weighing system.

Get advice now

That's why the smart terminal block is the right solution for you

  • Simplified and faster commissioning of load cell measurements
  • Easy monitoring of all connected load cells and the entire system
  • Detects overloads, underloads, and uneven load distribution on the load cells
  • CAN bus interface for secure signal transmission to the measuring amplifier
  • Simplified cabling thanks to CAN bus
  • Robust industrial design – reliable even in demanding environments
  • Relay output "all functions OK" for safe operation
  • Bright OLED display with high contrast for optimal readability

You are probably familiar with this situation:

Your silo or container is mounted on four or more load cells, and the system is ready to be put into operation. Before doing so, the load on each individual load cell must be checked to ensure even load distribution. This leveling process is mandatory for large silos for static reasons and is necessary for all containers to ensure optimum measurement accuracy.

To measure the load on each load cell, you need a high-quality multimeter. One after the other, the signal lines must be disconnected from each load cell, the load cell signal measured, and the line reconnected. All signals are noted and the load cell with the lowest signal is shimmed with shims. Then all signals are measured again and, if necessary, further points are shimmed. This is repeated until the signals are at a similar level and the load cells are evenly loaded. A tedious and time-consuming process.

A better way:

With the "intelligent terminal box," you can keep an eye on all load cells at the same time. It replaces conventional terminal boxes or connection boxes for load cells.

The signal of each load cell (mV/V) and thus its load are shown in parallel on the display. This allows you to see at a glance whether shimming is necessary and whether it has been successful. A multimeter is no longer required, and the cabling does not need to be disconnected. Leveling can be carried out by a mechanic alone. By setting the limit value, insufficient leveling can be displayed as an error. The message only disappears once this task has been successfully completed.

Wiring errors, cable breaks, and overloads or underloads are automatically detected and forwarded to the measuring amplifier.

This makes the terminal box a valuable solution not only for installation, but also for ongoing monitoring during operation. In the event of errors, the specific component or type of fault (e.g., cable break in cell 2) is indicated.

How the smart terminal block works

 

The "intelligent terminal box" monitors up to four load cells simultaneously. For systems with more than four load cells, up to eight terminal boxes can be networked via the CAN bus.

In addition to the individual signals, the average value and the supply voltage are measured and displayed. 

The individual signals are summed in the evaluation electronics.

Error messages can be displayed and acknowledged both on the "intelligent terminal box" and on the higher-level evaluation system. Each fault message (e.g., cable break) can be individually defined as a warning or alarm.

Do you have a question about the smart connection box?

Our experts are here to help you with advice and assistance.

Technical specifications

Housing:IP 65 plastic for rail or wall mounting,
optionally available in stainless steel
Display:Bright, high-contrast OLED display,
256×64 pixels
Dimensions:212 x 108 x 47 mm,
mountings 162 x 88 x 4.5 mm
Weight0.65 kg
Power supply:5–10 VDC / 60 mA via load cell electronics power supply,
alternatively 24 VDC external
Inputs and outputs:4 full-bridge strain gauges, CAN bus,
sum signal from the load cells
Relay contact for fault reporting

Why choose Hense Wägetechnik?

Unternehmenseigenschaft schnelle Reaktion

Fast response

Unternehmenseigenschaft hohe Flexibilität

High flexibility

Unternehmenseigenschaft individuelle Lösungen effiziente Standardsysteme

Individual solutions & efficient standard systems

Unternehmenseigenschaft kompetenter kostenfreier Support

Qualified & free support

Unternehmenseigenschaft Zuverlässigkeit

Reliable

Unternehmenseigenschaft jahrzentelange Erfahrung

Decades of experience

Unternehmenseigenschaft eigene Produktentwicklung

Inhouse product development

Unternehmenseigenschaft wartungsfreie Produkte und einfache inbetriebnahme

Maintenance-free products & simple commissioning

Unternehmenseigenschaft hohe Verfügbarkeit und Qualität

High availability & quality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Every additional technology increases the complexity of a system. The intelligent terminal block facilitates commissioning and ensures reliable system monitoring. However, like any additional component, it carries a minimal error margin of its own, which can slightly affect the overall accuracy.

If maximum precision is required, alternative solutions should be considered.

The connected load cell capacities determine the measuring range of a scale. The intelligent terminal box can be used in any measuring range.

The intelligent terminal box is particularly suitable for silos, tanks, and other containers that are supported at four or more points, as the leveling support can save considerable working time during commissioning and troubleshooting.

 

 

Standard terminal blocks can be easily replaced with the intelligent terminal block. However, you should first check whether the supply voltage of the evaluation electronics is compatible with the system.

Calibration of the intelligent terminal block is not necessary, as the system is calibrated independently of it.

CAN bus: The intelligent terminal box communicates with the associated evaluation electronics, types Target260, Status290, and Taskmaster, via an internal CAN bus. Load cell signals, faults, and error messages are transmitted via the CAN bus.

Classic 6-wire connection: The total signal from all connected load cells is transmitted to the scale's evaluation electronics via signal, supply, and sense lines. This is done in the same way as with a standard terminal box. 

Switching output: Collective fault as relay output