Analog Current Force and Load Sensors

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Description

Analog Current Force and Load Sensors are devices designed to measure the force or load applied to an object and convert this measurement into an analog electrical signal. These sensors are integral in providing precise and continuous monitoring of force, enabling real-time data acquisition for various engineering and industrial applications.

Working Principle

The working principle of Analog Current Force and Load Sensors typically involves the use of strain gauges. When a force is applied to the sensor, it deforms slightly, causing a change in resistance in the strain gauges. This change in resistance is then converted into an electrical signal, which is proportional to the force applied. This conversion allows for accurate and reliable measurement of force or load, making these sensors highly useful in applications where precision is critical .

Applications

Analog Current Force and Load Sensors are used in a wide range of applications. For instance, they are employed in industrial automation to monitor and control machinery operations. In the automotive industry, these sensors are used for testing the durability and performance of vehicle components. Additionally, they are utilized in the aerospace sector for structural testing and monitoring the forces acting on aircraft components.

Advantages over other Force and Load Sensors

One of the primary advantages of these sensors is their precision and accuracy, which are crucial in applications where exact measurements are necessary . They are also known for their reliability and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for a variety of industrial settings. Furthermore, their versatility in terms of shapes and sizes allows them to cater to a wide range of applications and load capacities .

Limitations

A notable limitation of using motor current to calculate force is the potential for large errors and measurement uncertainties due to power losses and varying operating modes of the machine . This can affect the accuracy of the measurements, particularly in applications where high precision is required.

Considerations

When considering the use of Analog Current Force and Load Sensors, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can vary depending on the specific type and application requirements. Operating expenses may include calibration and maintenance to ensure continued accuracy and reliability. Durability is generally high, but the sensors must be chosen based on the environmental conditions they will face. Accuracy is a key advantage, but potential errors due to power losses should be considered. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the overall cost of ownership, as regular checks and calibrations may be necessary to maintain performance.

32 Results
Sensor -- SKDA-0.8-AB
from Festo Corporation

Robust metal housing. Thin film sensor [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Device: Sensor Element / Chip
  • Force Rating: 0.0 to 180
  • Operating Temperature: -4 to 176
Deep Sea Clevis Pin System
from Strainsert

The Strainsert deep sea/high pressure Clevis Pin provides the ability to measure force at clevis joints under high-pressure conditions. Complete systems are available, and include the Instrumented Clevis Pin, cabling, and a digital display indicator. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Operating Temperature: 15 to 150
  • Package: Load Pin
Force Load Cells -- EM905-X-C00013
from TE Connectivity

Electrical Characteristics. Force Load Cell Supply Voltage (VDC)  : 11 - 300. Other. Protection Index  : IP65. Product Type Features. Force Load Cell Sensor Type  : Digital Display Meter. Signal Characteristics. Output Signal  : 4 - 20 mA, 0 - 10 VDC. Usage Conditions. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Operating Temperature: 14 to 140
  • Device: Sensor Element / Chip
Pressductor Radial Load Cell -- PFRL101
from ABB Measurement & Analytics

The Pressductor Radial Load Cells are ideal for applications on a wide range of web processing machinery in the converting, plastic film, printing, textiles, and other industries. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 112 to 1124
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer; Instrument / Meter
Force Sensor Elements -- EXAM-X-C00042
from TE Connectivity

Electrical Characteristics. Supply Voltage (VDC)  : 10. Product Type Features. Force Sensor Element Sensor Type  : Current Inline amplifier. Signal Characteristics. Output Signal  : 4 - 20 mA. Usage Conditions. Operating Temperature Range  : -10 - 70  DEGC  ... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Operating Temperature: 14 to 158
  • Device: Sensor Element / Chip
All-Round Shackle Load Cell -- Model F5302
from tecsis LP

Shackle Load Cells are designed for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments. They provide a simple and reliable method of measuring a wide range of weights and loads. The shackle load cell consists of a shakle and a force transducer. Thin film sensors, produced by very modern... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 15000 to 30000
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
DSRC BT Series Strain Ring
from Baumer Ltd.

Strain ring with radial cable connector for tension, compression or torsion measurement. Installation without surface preparation. Strain measurement on shafts, axes and cylinders. For cyclical applications. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Package: Donut / Washer
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
Strain Link Sensor With Variable Digital Amplifier -- SL76/80-VDA268
from Gefran

Strain link sensors picks up surface-strain between the 2 mounting locations. The strain occuring between the mounting areas is mechanically amplified inside of the sensor. The integrated digital amplifier processes the signal on the spot, avoiding EMC problems. Thanks to the rugged design, this... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Accuracy: 0.50
  • Package: Cantilever
Cantilevered Load Cells
from Montalvo Corporation

The Montalvo N-Series Cantilevered Load Cells are designed for accurate, consistent tension measurement of paper, film, foil, and other narrow web materials. Used on single side frame machines which are equipped with cantilevered idler rollers such as tag, label, and tape machines, the Montalvo... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 25 to 1000
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Coil Tubing Load Cell -- Model 3420
from Interface, Inc. - AZ

Why the Interface series 3420 Coil Tubing Load Cell is the best in class: Hermetically sealed cell. Performance to .05%. 4-20 mA. ATEX approved. More Information. These are designed for measuring tension and compression on coil tubing in the oil industry. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Force Rating: 30000 to 50000
  • Package: Pancake
Canister Load Cell -- CNR960
from Stellar Technology

Description. The Series CNR960 tension / compression canister. style load cells are designed specifically for. high capacity and high accuracy test and measurement. applications requiring long fatigue life. combined with high resistance to the effects of. extraneous bending and off-axis loading. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus
  • Accuracy: 0.20
  • Force Rating: 25000 to 2.00E6
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
LCF500 Low Profile Universal Pancake -- QSH01355
from FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc.

LCF500 , Ch 1: 10000 lb; Ch 2: 50000 lb, Low Profile Universal Pancake , Dual Bridge , Material - 17-4 PH S.S. , M33x2-Thread , Internal Amplified 12 Â ±8 mA , Tension/Compression , 6 Pin Bendix Receptacle, PT02A-10-6P [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Accuracy: -0.10 to 0.10
  • Force Rating: 10000
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
Bolt Sensor -- Model XLDB
from tecsis LP

Model XLDB is a load washer designed to fit bolts with standard ID/OD dimensions. Ranges from 500 to 300,000 lbs are available and standard output is 2-4 mV/V. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Package: Bolt
  • Force Rating: 500 to 300000
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
DSRC QM Series Strain Ring
from Baumer Ltd.

Strain ring with radial cable connector for tension, compression or torsion measurement. Installation without surface preparation. Strain measurement on shafts, axes and cylinders. For cyclical applications. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Package: Donut / Washer
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
Dead Shaft-Idler Load Cells -- ES Series
from Montalvo Corporation

Not all load cells are created equal. As part of the ES Series of load cells, Dead Shaft/Idler load cells deliver the finest sensitivity in the industry. Accuracy, Precision, Consistency, & Functionality combine to make the most reliable & repeatable tension sensing system available today. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 25 to 500
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Coil Tubing Load Cells -- Model 3420
from Interface, Inc. - AZ

Why the Interface series 3416 & 3430 Coil Tubing Load Cells is the best in class: Hermetically sealed cell. Performance to .05%. 4-20 mA. ATEX approved. More Information. These are designed for measuring tension and compression on coil tubing in the oil industry. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Force Rating: 30000 to 50000
  • Package: Pancake
Clevis Pin Load Cell -- LDP990
from Stellar Technology

Standard Features. • Tension/Compression. • All Welded Stainless Steel. • -65 °to 250 °F Operation. • mV/V and. Amplified Output. •Ranges to 200,000 Lbf. •Shock and Vibration. Protection [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus
  • Accuracy: 0.75
  • Force Rating: 3000 to 200000
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
QLA133 Custom Pancake Load Cell w/ Built in Amplifier -- QSH00078
from FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc.

QLA133 , 200 lb , Custom Pancake Load Cell w/ Built in Amplifier , Amplified 4-20mA Compression , Material - 2024-T4 , 5/8-18-Thread , 6 Pin Bendix Receptacle, PT02A-10-6P [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Accuracy: -0.10 to 0.10
  • Force Rating: 200
  • Force Measured: Compression
Electric Compression Force Transducer -- Model F1301
from tecsis LP

In addition to our bonded foil strain gage capability, we also provide load cells and force transducers featuring welded thin film technology. The standardized thin film sensing elements are versatile enough to be applied to a variety of load cell configurations and make automated manufacturing... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Accuracy: 1.00
  • Force Rating: 2248 to 44960
  • Force Measured: Compression
DSRC ST Series Strain Ring
from Baumer Ltd.

Strain ring with radial cable connector for tension, compression or torsion measurement. Installation without surface preparation. Strain measurement on shafts, axes and cylinders. For cyclical applications. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Package: Donut / Washer
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
Live Roller Load Cells -- ES Series
from Montalvo Corporation

Not all load cells are created equal. As part of the ES Series of load cells, Dead Shaft/Idler load cells deliver the finest sensitivity in the industry. Accuracy, Precision, Consistency, & Functionality combine to make the most reliable & repeatable tension sensing system available today. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 25 to 500
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Standard Stainless Steel 2-Wire Amplified Load Cell -- Model 2424
from Interface, Inc. - AZ

Why the Interface series 2404 Standard Stainless Steel 2-Wire Amplified Load Cell is the best in class: Stainless steel construction. Tension and compression. Counterbored mounting holes. Internally amplified with 4-20 mA output. Proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages. More... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
  • Force Rating: 100 to 1000
  • Package: Pancake
Miniature Series - Load Cell -- MIN800
from Stellar Technology

• Small Size. • Tension / Compression. • Welded Stainless Steel. • 0.25% Accuracy. • -65 °F to +250 °F Operation. • mV/V Output [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus; MODbus
  • Accuracy: 0.25
  • Force Rating: 100 to 1000
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
Force Sensing Load Pin -- Model F5301 & Model F53C1
from tecsis LP

The tecsis model F5301 load pin utilizes thin film technology for high accuracy and proven performance. The unit is available in ranges from 1,100 to 45,000 lbs (5 to 200 kN) and is ideal for dynamic or static measurements. Amplified output of 4-20 mA (2-wire) or 0-10 VDC (3-wire) is standard. The... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage
  • Package: Load Pin
  • Force Rating: 1124 to 44960
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
Live Shaft Load Cells -- ES Series
from Montalvo Corporation

Not all load cells are created equal. As part of the ES Series of load cells, Dead Shaft/Idler load cells deliver the finest sensitivity in the industry. Accuracy, Precision, Consistency, & Functionality combine to make the most reliable & repeatable tension sensing system available today. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 25 to 500
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Pancake Series - Load Cell -- PNC700
from Stellar Technology

Standard Features. •Low Profile. Tension / Compression. Pancake. •All Welded Stainless Steel. •High Accuracy 0.05%. •-65 °to 250 °F Operation. •Barometrically. Compensated. •High Off-Axis Capability. •3 mV/V Operation. and Amplified [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus
  • Accuracy: 0.05
  • Force Rating: 100 to 100000
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
Force Transducer with Swivel Head -- Model F2303
from tecsis LP

Swivel heads are important machine elements when the measuring conditions involve rotary motions, pivoting or tilting movements. The tecsis LP swivel head force transducer uses thin film technology and rugged stainless steel construction to perform in these unpredictable and demanding applications. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Accuracy: 0.20
  • Force Rating: 4046 to 10116
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
Montalvo 50mm Load Cell -- N Series
from Montalvo Corporation

Typically used for measuring tension in ribbon, filament, rope, and wire applications the Montalvo R-Series is uniquely engineered to fit virtually any application. Ultimate performance is derived from two factors: the best in tension sensing technology, and engineering to seamlessly integrate into... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 25 to 1000
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Pancake Series - Load Cell -- PNC740
from Stellar Technology

• Tension / Compression. • All Welded Stainless Steel. • Barometrically. Compensated. • Accuracy to 0.03%. • Fatigue Rated. • 100 million Cycle life. • 0.25% Off-Axis Sensitivity. • -65 ° to 250 ° F Operation. • mV/V Operation [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus; MODbus
  • Accuracy: 0.03
  • Force Rating: 250 to 100000
  • Force Measured: Tension; Compression
Submersible Donut Load Cell -- Model XLD-S
from tecsis LP

Donut load cells are uniquely designed to fit around shafts and bolts to provide a compression force reading. These high capacity load cells are available in submersible configurations for service in wet, splash down, or fully submersed applications over ranges from 5 to 50,000 lbs. [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Package: Donut / Washer
  • Force Rating: 5000 to 50000
  • Device: Sensor / Transducer
Pillow Block Load Cells -- U-120
from Montalvo Corporation

The U-Series Size 120 (U-120) is suited for heavy duty operations and is available in 3 different load capacities. The U-120 is commonly used for measuring and monitoring tension in high force applications. Choosing the proper size load cell will depend on the sizing force calculated for your... [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current
  • Force Measured: Tension
  • Force Rating: 5620 to 22480
  • Package: Rod End - Male
Rod End Series - Load Cell -- RDE900
from Stellar Technology

• Ranges From. 5K lbs. to 120K lbs. • In-Line Loading. • Small Diameter. • Variety of Thread. Arrangements. From Which To Choose. • 0.20% Accuracy. • Welded Stainless Steel. • -65 °F to 250 °F Operation. • mV/V Output and. Amplified Output Available [See More]

  • Output: Analog Current; Analog Voltage; Digital; RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485; CANbus; MODbus
  • Accuracy: 0.20
  • Force Rating: 5000 to 120000
  • Force Measured: Tension