Developing Strain Gauges and Instruments

STRAIN GAUGE MEASUREMENT

1-Gauge 4-Wire Strain measurement method

For strain gauge measurement, the Wheatstone bridge Leadwire resistance
circuit is employed according to the number of strain gauges In the conventional method, as thick and short leadwires as
to be used and measuring purpose. In a quarter bridge possible are recommended to keep the resistance of
configuration, three wire method is widely used to remove the leadwires lower. However, as the 1-gauge 4-wire method is
effect of temperature on gauge leadwire resistance. However, not influenced at all by the leadwire resistance, it is possible
some measuring error occurs owing to gauge factor caused to connect thin and long leadwires to strain gauges.
by leadwire resistance and variation in the contact resistance
when leadwires are connected to the bridge.
The TML 1-gauge 4-wire strain measurement method does not
Compares Quarter Bridge 3-Wire vs. 1-Gauge 4-Wire
use the Wheastone bridge circuit, but instead a simple series Quarter Bridge 3-wire
1-Gauge 4-Wire
circuit with gauge resistance (R) and reference resistance (Wheatstone Bridge)
(Rs) to measure the strain. Find the strain with voltage (V) Size of leadwire Thick Thin
generated in gauge resistance and voltage (Vs) generated
Weigt of leadwire Not less Less
in reference resistance. As the path where the current runs
and the path where the voltage is measured are different, it is Different lead-
Not available Available
wires
possible to perform a measurement without being affected by
leadwire resistance or contact resistance (r). Color of leadwire Planned Free
Load to specimen Not less Less
Carrying cost Not less Less
r1
R
r2 Strain gauges with leadwires and modular plug
V Most of our strain gauges can be supplied with the pre-
r3 E attached 4 leadwires and modular plug (RJ12) that make up
r4 our proprietary 1-Gauge 4-Wire system. Because a modular
i plug is attached to the end of the leadwires, soldering or
screwing connections to a measuring instrument is
Rs Vs unnecessary, but the instrument must be of TML make. The
4-wire leadwires are covered with polypropylene resin which
does not generate noxious gas even if exposed to fire.
where
R : Gauge resistance
Rs : Reference resistance Single element strain gauge with 4-wire paralleled leadwire
r1 ~ r4 : Leadwire resistance and contact resistance
i : Current flowing in gauge resistance and
reference resistance
E : Excitation voltage
V : Voltage of gauge resistance
Vs : Voltage of reference resistance

Not affected by contact resistance Three-element rectangular rosette strain gauge

Conventionally, leadwire extension and connection to a
measuring instrument are done by soldering or the use of With 6-wire paralleled leadwire and modular plug
specailly designed connectors. As the 1-gauge 4-wire method
is not affected at all by contact resistance, a modular plug can
be used. The modular plug makes leadwire extension and
connection to the instrument inexpensive and efficient while
With 4-wire paralleled leadwire and modular plug
preventing wiring mistakes are eliminated and also RoHS-
compliant lead free soldering is unnecessary.

Compares Quarter Bridge 3-Wire vs. 1-Gauge 4-Wire

Quarter Bridge 3-wire
(Wheatstone Bridge) 1-Gauge 4-Wire
Plug connection Not available Available
Soldering works Required Not required
Wiring time Required Less
Wiring error Occurs None
RoHS-directive Lead inclusive Lead free

Using commercial interconnection

adapter, leadwire extension can be
easily done.

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