A&D AS2503 User manual

AS2503／AS2603
DC BRIDGE SYSTEM
DYNAMIC STRAIN AMPLIFIERS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
1WMPD4003356

DC BRIDGE SYSTEM
DYNAMIC STRAIN AMPLIFIERS
AS2503／AS2603
OPERATION MANUAL
Cautions
- Read this manual carefully before using this product.
- Place this manual within reach of theAS series amplifier.

１
INTRODUCTION
▲Before Using▼
Thank you for your purchase of our product strain amplifier AS2503/AS2603. Please read this
manual carefully before operating this instrument.
This manual provides the information necessary to operate the instrument safely. This manual
covers basic functions and operations of the AS series amplifiers and handling precautions. Place
this manual within reach of the AS series amplifier. If you encounter any problem in the manual,
please contact our sales representative.
▲Examining Contents in Package▼
If opening the package in a warm room during the cold season, open the package after it has
reached room temperature to avoid any operational failure due to condensation on the surface
of the product.
The warranty does not apply for the case where damages or faults caused by use against
instructions, warnings, or cautions.
This instrument is delivered after a thorough examination at the factory prior to shipment.
However, please examine the product's condition and verify that no obvious shipping damage
has occurred after opening the package. Also, examine the specifications of the input units and
accessories. If there are any missing or damaged items, please contact our sales
representative.
▲Cautions▼
The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No parts of this manual may be
transcribed or reproduced without written permission.
Please let us know if there are any points that are unclear or missing in this manual.
We do not assume any responsibility for the outcome of the use of the AS series amplifier.

２
PRECAUTIONS
Observe the following warning and cautions when using amplifiers. The warranty does not
apply any damage caused by the use against instructions, warnings, and cautions. To
safely use the amplifiers, the following statements are used in this manual to call the
readers' attention.
This indicates a condition or practice that could result in personal injury or loss of life, and
measures and instructions to avoid such conditions.
This indicates a condition or practice that could result in damage to the instrument or other
property and general cautions that users must take into consideration.
WARNING
CAUTION

３
Power Supply
Make sure that the power supply is within the rating. If any voltage exceeding the rated voltage were
supplied, there would be risk of damage to this amplifier, or even a fire. Also, in order to prevent
electric shock and hazards such as a fire, be sure to use only the AC power cable supplied with this
amplifier.
Protective Grounding
Be sure to ground this amplifier before supplying power. Grounding is necessary to use this
amplifier safely, as well as to protect the user and peripheral equipment from injury or damage. Be
sure to observe the following instructions:
1) Protective grounding
This product uses a 3-pole power cable, which is provided with grounding. Always connect to the
power outlet having grounding.
2) Caution on protective function
While the power is supplied to the amplifier, do not cut or remove the protective grounding line.
Otherwise, safety of the amplifier is not guaranteed.
3) Protective function failure
Avoid using this product when there is a failure in protective grounding or protective functions.
Confirm that there is no failure in the protective function before using.
Use in Gaseous Atmosphere
Never use this amplifier in a flammable or explosive atmosphere, or atmosphere of steam. Use in
such atmosphere will result in danger to users and the amplifiers.
Input Signal Connection
Connect the signal wire to the input terminal after connecting protective grounding terminal to
the ground. When connecting the signal wire, check whether the signal wire is being properly
protected from leak signals from the environment or common-mode voltage in order to avoid
electrical shock or burning. Note that the AS2503 does not have isolation between the input
block and output block.
Cautions during Operation
Be careful of operations because large voltage might be applied between the input terminal (input
signal wire) and ground of this amplifier or input terminal and output terminal (output signal wire).
Installation Category and Contamination Level
The AS series amplifiers are devices with Installation Category II and Contamination Level II.
Use them following the regulations defined in Installation Category II and Contamination Level II.
WARNING

４
Caution in Handling
When using this amplifier, always follow the precautions below.
1) Users
Users who are not familiar with the operation of this instrument should avoid using it.
2) Use and storage environment
The storage temperature and humidity of this instrument is –20 to 70C and 10 to 90%,
respectively. Avoid storing in places where the temperature could rise over the storage
temperature and where there is direct sunlight exposure such as inside an automobile.
Do not use this recorder at the following locations.
１．Locations where the temperature and humidity rise due to direct sunlight or heaters.
(The operating environment of the amplifier; temperature: -10 to 50 °C, humidity: 20 to 85%)
2. Wet locations
3. Locations where salt, oil, or corrosive gases exist
4. Damp or dusty locations
5. Locations subject to strong vibrations
3) Cautions on power supply
1. Be careful of power voltage fluctuations. Avoid using the amplifier when the voltage is
likely to exceed the rated voltage.
2. If the power supply includes a lot of noise or high-voltage inductive noise, use a noise filter
or other noise protection.
4) Calibration
We recommend a periodical calibration to maintain the accuracy. More reliable measurement
are possible by calibrating the amplifier once a year (extra cost option).
CAUTION

５
CAUTION IN HANDLING
Read this manual carefully before using the amplifier.
1. Do not apply neither voltage nor current to the output terminal of this amplifier from external
source.
2. Use this amplifier with power supply voltages from 85 VAC to 132 VAC, 180 VAC to 264 VAC, or
10 VDC to 30 VDC. The AC power supply selection switch is provided inside the chassis. To switch
the AC power supply voltage, refer to Page 7-4. If the power fuse is burnt, check the cause of fuse
blow-out. To replace the fuse, always disconnect the power plug and input/output signal cable first,
and then replace the fuse in the fuse holder. For how to replace fuse, see Page 7-3. When
replacing, examine the ratings of fuse (e.g. for AC or DC).
3. The operating temperature and humidity of the amplifiers is –10 to 50C and 20 to 85%,
respectively. If opening the package in a warm room during the cold season, open the package
after it has reached room temperature to avoid any operational failure due to condensation on
the surface of the product.
Do not use this instrument at the following locations.
- High-humidity locations
- Locations with direct sunlight exposure
- In the vicinity of high-temperature heat source
- Location with vibrations
- Locations where salt, water, oil, or corrosive gases exist
4. When using many amplifier units, install fan units.
5. When a case is used to accommodate amplifiers, the case must be grounded.
6. This product uses a flash memory for saving setup values. Replacement of battery is not needed
accordingly.
7. This amplifier unit uses rotary encoders are used for knobs to control functions. However,
indication position of the knob sometimes stays at the position between scale markings. In such
case, the settings upon power-up may differ from those upon turning off the amplifier. To avoid
such event, it is recommended to allow knob indication to be at the correct scale marking position.

６
WARRANTY
We ship our products after conducting quality control, which covers from design to manufacturing. It is,
however, possible that failures may occur in the products. If the product does not operate correctly,
please make a check of the power supply, cable connections, or other conditions before returning this
product to us. For repair or calibration, contact our sales agency. Before returning, be sure to inform us
of the model, serial number, and problematic points. The following is our warranty.
LIMITED WARRANTY
1. Warranty period
Two years from our shipment.
2. Warranty limit
We will repair the defects of our product free of charge within the warranty period; however, this
warranty does not apply in the following cases.
(1)Damage or faults caused by incorrect use.
(2)Damage or faults caused by fire, earthquake, traffic accident, or other natural disasters.
(3)Damage or faults caused by a repair or modification that is carried out by someone other than
a service representative of us.
(4)Damage or faults caused by use or storage in environmental conditions that should be
avoided.
(5)Periodical calibration.
(6)Damage or faults caused during transportation.
3. Liability
We do not assume any liabilities for equipment other than us.

７
Disposing of your used our product
- Disposing of your used our product -
In the European Union
EU-wide legislation as implemented in each Member State requires
that used electrical and electronic products carrying the mark(left)
must be disposed of separately from normal household waste. This
include electrical accessories, such as chargers or AC adaptors.
The mark on the electrical and electronic products only applies to
the current European Union Member States.
Outside the European Union
If you wish to dispose of used electrical and electronic products
outside the European Union, please contact your local authority and
ask for the correct method of disposal.

８
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Before Using ·················································································1
Examining Contents in Package ·························································1
Cautions ·······················································································1
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS ················································································2
Warning ·························································································3 to 4
Caution ·························································································5
Cautions In Handling
Cautions In Handling·········································································6
Warranty
Warranty ·······················································································7
Limited Warranty ·············································································7
Disposing of your used our product
Disposing of your used our product ·····················································8
Table of Contents ················································································ 9 to 11
1.Overview
1.1 Features ··················································································1-1
1.2 Major Features of Amplifiers ·························································1-2
1.3 Accessories ··············································································1-2
1.4 Block Diagram of Measurement ·····················································1-3
1.5 Features of Dynamic Strain Amplifiers ············································1-4
2. Names and Functions of Parts
2.1 Names and Functions of Parts on Front Panel ··································2-1 to 2-5
2.2 How to Set Calibration Value (Entering strain) ···································2-6
2.3 How to Set Calibration Value (Entering voltage) ································2-7
2.4 Indication upon Balancing ····························································2-8
2.5 Names and Functions of Parts on Rear Panel ··································2-9 to 2-10
2.6 Selecting Bridge Supply ·······························································2-11

９
3. Before Measuring
3.1 Cable Connections ·······································································3-1
3.1.1 Input Cable Connections·························································3-1
3.1.2 Power Supply Cable and Output Cable Connections ·····················3-2
3.2 Operation before Measuring ···························································3-2
3.2.1 Standalone Operation ···························································3-2 to 3-3
3.2.2 Measuring Range ······························································3-4 to 3-5
3.3 Wire Disconnection Check Function ··················································3-6
3.3.1 Overview ···········································································3-6
3.3.2 Error Indication List upon Wire Disconnection and Short ·················3-7
3.4 Wire Length Adjustment Function ·····················································3-8 to 3-9
3.5 How to Switch Special Function Setting ·············································3-10
3.6 Cases ······················································································3-11
3.6.1 Names of Case Elements ······················································3-11
3.6.2 How to Use Case ································································3-11 to 3-13
3.6.3 Heat Release for Case ··························································3-14 to 3-15
4. Measurement
4.1 Cautions before Measuring ·····························································4-1 to 4-2
4.2 Input Connection ·········································································4-3
4.2.1 Examples of Strain Gauge Bridge Configurations ··························4-3 to 4-5
4.2.2 Bridge Box ·········································································4-6 to 4-8
4.2.3 Measurement with Transducer ················································4-8 to 4-9
4.2.4 When usingAS Series amplifire as DC amplifire ···························4-9 to 4-11
4.3 Connection of Output to Load ··························································4-12
4.3.1 Connection of Output to Data Recorder ·····································4-12 to 4-13
4.4 How to Read Measured Values ························································4-13 to 4-15
4.4.1 Correction of Calibration (CAL) Values ·······································4-15 to 4-16
4.5 Special Applications ·····································································4-17
4.5.1 Configuring two or more bridges using a single power supply ···········4-17
4.5.2 Special use of transducer ·······················································4-17 to 4-18
5. Operation Theory
5.1 Flow of Measured Signal ·····························································5-1 to 5-2

１０
6. Optional Functions
6.1 Case Function and Type ······························································6-1
6-1-1 Accommodating amplifier units ·············································6-1
6-1-2 How to Mount Blank Panels ·················································6-1
6-1-3 Connecting Grounding Wire ·················································6-1
6-1-4 Cautions on Rack-mount Case ·············································6-1
7. Maintenance
7.1 Items to Be Checked ···································································7-1 to 7-2
7.2 How to Replace Fuse ··································································7-3
7.3 Changing AC Power Supply Voltage ···············································7-4
8.Specifications
8.1AS2503 Specifications ·································································8-1 to 8-3
8.2 AS2603 Specifications ·································································8-4 to 8-6
9. References
9.1 Frequency and Phase Characteristics ·············································9-1 to 9-2
9.2 Cable List ·················································································9-3 to 9-4
9.3 External Dimensions ···································································9-5
9.3.1 Amplifier Unit (AS2503)·························································9-5
9.3.2 Amplifier Unit (AS2603)·························································9-6
9.3.3 Panel Cut Sizes···································································9-7
9.3.4 Bench-top Case ·································································9-8
9.3.5 Rack-mount Case ······························································9-9
9.3.6 Bridge Box (5370 and 5373) ·················································9-10

１－１
１.OVERVIEW
1.1. Features
The AS2503 and AS2603 are amplifiers that inherit the superior performance in conventional A&D’s
amplifiers. Moreover they feature new functions such as wire length adjustment and wire disconnection
checking, realizing higher-accuracy and higher-quality measurement and a reduction in measurement
preparation time. The AS2503 and AS2603 include an LED monitor and the auto-balancing function,
thereby improving their operability. The connection status between input/output block and power supply
block in AS2503 is direct connection and the structural status of those in AS2603 is isolation. Since
constant voltage ranging from 2VDC to 10VDC for bridge power supply is used and high frequency
responses (DC to 500 kHz in AS2503 and DC to 100 kHz in AS2603) are realized, measurement of
high-speed strain like shocks is possible. Also these amplifiers can be used as a DC amplifier, featuring
10,000X in AS2503 and 5,000X in AS2603 of the maximum gain.
Another feature of the AS2503 and AS2603 amplifiers are their lead-free and battery-less product design.
When several amplifier units are installed in a case, power supply, auto-balancing, calibration value
input, and key-locking for all amplifier units can be made by one operation. If you encounter any problem,
read the section for maintenance, and contact with A&D’s sales agency if the problem is not solved.
Wide Bandwidth
DC Strain Amplifier
Wide Bandwidth
DC Strain Amplifier
AS2503
AS2603
DC Strain Amplifier

１－２
1.2 Major Features of Amplifiers
The following table lists the overview of dynamic strain amplifiers AS2503 and AS2603.
Table 1-1 Specifications of DC Strain Amplifiers
The following cases for units are provided.
Product Name
Model
Description
Remark
Bench-top case
AS16-104
4CH Bench-top case
Functions of +/-CAL, BAL, KEY-LOCK and
batch power-on/off is available for all units.
Linked or synchronized operation with other
units is available.
AS16-105
6CH Bench-top case
AS16-106
8CH Bench-top case
Rack-mount case
AS16-107
8CH Rack-mount case
Table 1-2 Description of Case
1.3 Accessories
・Output cord (0311-2057) x 1
・Time-lag fuse
(Fuse for AC power supply: 85 to 132VAC/180 to 264VAC, 125mA: 0334-4307 x 1)
(Fuse for DC power supply: 10V to 30VDC, 800mＡ: 0334-4315 x 1)
・Screw driver x 1
・AC power cord (0311-5044)
・Instruction Manual x 1
Model
BV
Configuration
Balance
Frequency
response
Sensitivity
(at BV = 2V)
Major application
AS2503
DCV
Unit
Auto
DC～500kHz
10V/1,000×10-6
strain
- Measurement of high-speed
strain like a shock
- Can be used for a DC amplifier.
AS2603
DCV
Unit
Auto
DC～100kHz
10V/2,000×10-6
strain
- Measurement of high-speed
strain like a shock.
Can be used for a DC amplifier.
Isolation between input and output
and power-supply block.

１－３
1.4 Block Diagram of Measurement
The following diagram illustrates a typical measurement system that broadly covers a variety of factors
including signal amplitude, frequencies, and measuring time.
Figure 1-1 Block Diagram of Measurement
Phenomena Sensor Instrument Recorder & Analyzer
Oscilloscope Waveform
Data Recorder Data Recording
Digital Voltage
Meter Digital Recording
Pen
Oscillograph
Waveform Rec. in Low Freq.
Range DC 120Hz
Thermal Dot
Recorder
Waveform Rec. in High Freq.
Range DC 20kHz
DAQ Waveform Rec. in High Freq.
Range DC 100kHz
Data Processor Data Analysis & Processing

１－４
1.5 Features of Dynamic Strain Amplifiers
Bridge power
voltage supply
DC bridge
(DC strain amplifier）
Recommended sensors
1. Strain gauges
2. Sensors for load, displacement, acceleration, and torque
(Strain gauge-type transducers)
Features
DC strain amplifiers have higher non-linearity and sensitivity than those of
AC strain amplifiers. Generally, the DC strain amplifiers are used with
strain gauge transducers, but they can also be used as DC amplifiers.
Amplifier Type
ＤＣ Strain Amplifier
ＤＣ Strain Amplifier
Model
AS2503 (Wide-range type)
AS2603 (Wide-range type)
Voltage sensitivity
+/- 10 V output in ±1,000×10－6
+/- 10 V output in ±2,000×10－6
Non-linearity
±0.01% /FS
±0.05% /FS
Frequency response
DC to 500kHz
DC to 100kHz
Noise
80×10－6strain p-p
50×10－6strain p-p
Maximum gain
10,000X
5,000X
Bridge voltage
2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 VDC
2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 VDC
Isolation between input block
and power supply
NA
+++
Measurement with strain
gauge transducers
+++
+++
Measurement of strain
such as shock
+++
++
Measurement with strain gauge
+
+
If the distance between
measuring point and instrument
+++
Wire-length adjustment: patent protected
+++
Wire-length adjustment: patent protected
Using as DC amplifier
Possible
Possible
+++: Best suited ++: Suited +: Usable but not suited NA: Not suited or cannot be used
Table 1-4 Functional Difference between AS2503 and AS2603
Table 1-3 Recommended Sensors and Features

２－１
２.NAMES and FUNCTIONS OF PARTS
2.1 Names and Functions of Parts on Front Panel (See 2-1.)
Number
Name
Function
①
Model
Model indication
②
Level meter (17-dot LED)
This level meter monitors the output voltage of
OUTPUT1 3 . The green LED at the middle comes on
when the output voltage is within 100 mV. When the
output voltage exceeds 10.05 V, the LED at the
over-voltage side blinks.
Table 2-1 Front Panel: Names and Functions (1)
①
－ｆ
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
⑩
⑪
⑫
⑬
⑭
⑯
⑮
⑰
⑱
⑲
1
2
3
5
7
4
6
Figure 2-1
AS Amplifier Front View (AS2503)
Figure 2-2
AS Amplifier Back View

２－２
Number
Name
Function
③
Digital monitor (Four digits 1/2)
This monitor digitally displays the output voltage of
OUTPUT2 4 . When OUTPUT2 level adjustment
volume ⑱is turned clockwise, [10.000] is indicated in
response to an output of 10 V. In combination with ⑱, 2
kN can be displayed as [2.000] when the transducer
converting 2 kN to 10 V is used. For decimal point shift,
refer to page 3-10.
④
Wire disconnection check/
Wire length adjustment/
Auto-balance knob (BAL)
* See pages 3-4 to 3-6 for wire
disconnection check and wire
length adjustment
Pressing the knob performs wire disconnection check
and wire length adjustment, enabling automatic
balancing of resistors and capacitance. For details, see
page 2-6 Indication upon Balancing.
The result of wire disconnection check is indicated on
digital monitor ③. If there is neither disconnection nor
short, the indication of Good is made, thereby making
wire length adjustment (dropout rate indication) and
auto-balancing. If there is a disconnection or short, the
problematic location is repeatedly indicated. After
confirming the location, make repair. For more
information on wire disconnection function, see pages
3-4 and 3-5.
Whenever this button is pressed, the resistance
balance is automatically kept accordingly.
Note When the high-pass filter is used (High-pass
filter LED ⑮illuminating), even balancing is not
performed, indication of good balance (0 V) is made.
Therefore, do not forget to perform balancing. When the
high-pass filter is turned on, a frequency element of 0.5
Hz or lower including DC is deleted, which is the state of
the offset voltage cancellation.
Resistance balance fine tuning
(R-FINE)
Turning this knob clockwise moves the output to the
positive side, while turning it counter-clockwise moves
the output to the negative side.
Table 2-1 Front Panel: Names and Functions (2)