Capacitive Load Cells

We offer the world's first and only true USB load cells that are made using capacitive load cell technology. The iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro sensors are fully integrated load cells with UART or USB digital calibrated outputs that can connect directly with a PC/Mac/Linux computer and show force data. No need for a data aquisition system or LabVIEW or any thing else! Not even external power supply needed. Just connect to the USB port of your machine and start measuring. 'Plug and Sense' simplicity in an integrated all in one load cell!

These capacitive load cells are meant for use under controlled room temperature (~25C) conditions and provide data at a maximum of 150 Hz (base models) or 500 Hz (high speed version). These load cells offer accuracies from +/- 0.25% of full scale to +/- 1% of full scale and are considered moderate accuracy, general purpose force sensors. 

The iLoad Mini Load Cells are miniature capacitive load cells that decoupled the sensing portion from the interface portion to offer much smaller size sensors. They output frequency and need the DQ-1000U or DQ-4000U frequency to UART/USB interface devices to output force data. 

Highlights

  • Capacities
    The iLoad series force sensors are available from 10 lb, to 10K lb capacities and range in size from 1.25" diameter to 4" in diameter

  • Calibration Mode
    These sensors come in dome only for Compression measurements only or with threaded studs or threaded bosses for Tension or Universal Measurements. 

  • Accuracy Class & Compensated Temperature Range
    +/- 0.25% to +/- 1% of full scale from 20C to 30C

  • Construction and Use
    Made of aircraft grade aluminum or 17-4 PH grade alloy steel for rugged use

  • UART/USB Output
    iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro offer UART outout and with the S2U adapter USB output to connect with PCs, Macs, or Linux machines. The Mini and Mini Pro load cells work with the DQ-1000U, or the DQ-4000U/DS-4000U interfaces for one channel or four channels with USB output

    Wireless Output
    Wireless output via XBee (802.15.4) or WiFi or BLE using the DQ-4000 or DQ-4000 four channel interfaces. The XBee interface offers the best industrial grade performance to a range of ~1000 ft

    Analog Output
    Analog output via 0-5V DC using the DQ-1000A for easy input to DAQ/PLC

iLoad Series
iLoad
iLoad

Low Profile Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 50 lb, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb
Size: Dia 3 inch, 0.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad TR
iLoad TR

Tilt Resistant Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb

Size: Dia. 3 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Pro
iLoad Pro

Digital Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 50 lb, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K, 10K lb
Size: Dia 3.25 inch, 0.5 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.25% - 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Flex
iLoad Flex

Thin Flexible Miniature Load Cell with UART/USB Output
Capacities: 10 lb

Size: Dia. 10 mm, 3 mm high
Accuracy Class: 1-2% of Full Scale
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Mini
iLoad Mini

The smallest, thinnest capacitive load cell we offer
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb, 200 lb
Size: Dia. 1.25 inch, 0.25 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.5% - 1% FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Mini Stud
iLoad Mini Stud

The mini load cell for tension/universal
Capacities: 10 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb, 200 lb
Size: Dia. 1.25 inch, 0.8 inch high
Accuracy Class: 0.5% to 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Mini Pro
iLoad Mini Pro

High Capacity Miniature Load Cell

Capacities: 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K lb
Size: Dia 2 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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iLoad Mini Pro Stud
iLoad Mini Pro Stud

High Capacity Miniature Load Cell with Stud
Capacities: 500 lb, 1K lb, 2.5K lb, 5K lb
Size: Dia 2 inch, 1 inch high
Accuracy Class: 1% of FS
Operating Temp Range: 20C to 30C Controlled Steady State

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Comparison of Capacitive Load Cells

  miniature load cell iLoad Mini Bite iLoad Mini Pro iload mini pro threads with label v 2 digital load cell iLoad TR Load Cell

digital load cell

  iLoad Mini
Load Cell
iLoad Mini
Load Cell
iLoad Mini Pro
Load Cell
iLoad Mini Pro
Load Cell
iLoad Low Profile
Digital or Analog
iLoad TR
Digital or Analog
iLoad Pro
Digital or Analog
Diameter 1.25 in. 1.25 in. 2 in. 2 in. 3 in. 3 in. 3.25 in. to 5 in.
Height 0.25 in. 0.25 in. 0.8 in. 1.925 in. 0.5 in. 1.2 in. 0.66-0.90 in.
Capacity 10, 50, 100 & 200 lb. 10, 50, 100 & 200 lb. 500, 1K, 2.5K, 5K, 10K lb. 500, 1K, 2.5K, 5K, 10K lb. 50, 100, 250 & 500 lb. 10, 50, & 100 lb. 50, 100, 250, 500, 1K,
2.5K, 5K, 10K lb.
Best Accuracy* ± 0.5% of FS ± 0.5% of FS ± 1% of FS ± 1% of FS ± 0.25% of FS ± 0.25% of FS ± 0.25% of FS
Mode of Use Compression or
Tension or
Universal
Compression Only Compression Only Compression or
Tension or
Universal
Compression Only Compression or
Tension or
Universal
Compression or
Tension or
Universal
Cable Strain Relief No
(USB Type MiniB)
No
(USB Type MiniB)
Yes
(USB Type MiniB)
Yes
(USB Type MiniB)
No
(USB Type A)
Yes
(USB Type A)
Yes
(USB Type A)
Signal Conditioner DQ-1000 or DQ-4000
or DS-4000
DQ-1000 or DQ-4000
or DS-4000
DQ-1000 or DQ-4000
or DS-4000
DQ-1000 or DQ-4000
or DS-4000
Built in to
Load Cell
Built in to
Load Cell
Built in to
Load Cell
Output Options Frequency (base),
Serial TTL or USB
(with DQ-1000)
Frequency (base),
Serial TTL or USB
(with DQ-1000)
Frequency (base),
Serial TTL or USB
(with DQ-1000)
Frequency (base),
Serial TTL or USB
(with DQ-1000)
Serial TTL or USB Serial TTL or USB Serial TTL or USB
Off Center Loading
Compensation
No
(Force applied Axially)
No
(Force applied Axially)
No
(Force applied Axially)
No
(Force applied Axially)
No
(Force applied Axially)
Yes
(Can handle small off center loads)
No
(Force applied Axially)
Compatible Display DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
DS-3000-Pro-1 or
DS-3000-Pro-4 
*With TARE at room temperature

USB Load Cell to PC

The iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro digital USB load cells offer a direct output of the calibrated force, load or weight values that can be read using LoadVUE, SensorVUE or ControlVUE software.
iLoad Capacitive Load Cell with S2U and Software LV-1000
Kit Includes:


iLoad Pro USB Load Cell
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

The sensors include an ASCII command set using which the calibrated force data can be read using Putty or any terminal emulator utilities. You can write your own code to "get" this data into your own software if needed.  The output signal is available via UART (Serial TTL) or via USB through the S2U Serial TTL (UART) to USB adapter which is included as part of the purchase. Using UART you can connect with a microcontroller such as an Arduino or any other microcontroller. The output data is available at up to 150 Hz with the base model and at up to 500 Hz using the high speed version of this device.

USB Load Cell Kit with Tension Adapter & Rod Ends

This USB force sensor kit includes an iLoad Pro USB Load Cell with an in-line tension adapter and two rod-ends and offers the convenience of an all in one solution for easy connectivity with a PC or Mac or Linux machine. Just pick the calibration you need - compression only, tension only or both.
iLoad Capacitive Load Cell with S2U and Software LV-1000
Kit Includes:


iLoad Pro USB Load Cell
Inline Tension Adapter
Two matching rod-ends
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

USB Load Cell with LCD Display

This kit shows how you can connect an iLoad, iLoad TR or iLoad Pro load cell with USB output (via S2U Serial to USB adapter included with purchase) to our DS-3000-Pro-1 Single Channel Touch Screen LCD Load Cell Display. ons use, just plug the USB ouput to the display!

iLoad Capacitive Load Cell with S2U and DS-3000-Pro-1 Channel Display
Kit Includes:


iLoad Pro Load Cell
DS-3000-Pro-1 Display
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

You can use the same USB load cell solution on a PC or Tablet for R&D purposes to gather data and display Force vs. Time plot and then use it with the display when you want to use it for operations.

Four USB Load Cells to 4-Channel Display

This kit illustrates the beauty of the scalability of the USB Load Cells. If you need to use four load cells, simply connect the four iLoad Pro's to the DS-3000-Pro-4 Four Channel Load Cell Display and you are done! No need for external power or USB hub. It is powered by the four USB ports on the DS-3000-Pro-4 Touch Screen LCD Display.
4 iLoad Capacitive Load Cell with S2U and DS-3000-Pro-4 Channel Display
Kit Includes:


Four iLoad Pro USB Load Cells
DS-3000-Pro-4 4 Channel Display
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

4 USB Load Cells to HX-400U and SensorVUE

This kit illustrates the beauty of the scalability of the USB Load Cells. If you need to gather data from four load cells, simply connect the four iLoad Pro's to a Four Port USB Hub (like our HX-400) and connect to the USB port of your PC and you are done! No need for external power or data acquisition system. You can then display, log and plot data using SensorVUE software on any Win 8 or Win 10 PC. Truly illustrates what we mean by our tag line "Sensing Made Easy!"
4 iLoad Capacitive Load Cell with S2U, HX-400U and SensorVUE Software
Kit Includes:


Four iLoad Pro Load Cells
HX-400 4 Port USB Hub
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

USB Load Cells with Analog Output!

This is an unusally innovative load cell developed by Loadstar Sensors. Most conventional resistive load cells are analog mV/V load cells that can be either amplified to a 0-5 V analog signal or amplified and then digitized to a digital signal.

Our iLoad Pro sensors are unusual in that even though they are digital, they also offer an analog 0.5 to 4.5 V DC analog output! So the same sensor that works via USB with a PC can also output an analog 0-5 V analog signal. So it can be used in digital or analog mode!

In order to enable a user to use it in either (or both modes simultaneously!) we offer the HX-100 adapter (break-out board) that enables a user to tap into the pin that carries the analog signal as shown below. The same HX-100 adapter can also be used to tap into the Tx, Rx low level Serial TTL digital output to connect to an Arduino or other microcontrollers!
Capacitive Load Cells with Analog Output
Kit Includes:


iLoad Pro Load Cell
HX-100 Hybrid Interface
Add Analog Calibration
Add Accessories

iLoad Mini Load Cell with DQ-1000U Interface USB Kit

The iLoad Mini Load Cell connects with a DQ-1000U interface device which provides the regulated power needed to power the load cell, reads the frequency signal from the load cell, applies calibration values to the signal and provides a digital output of the calibrated force, load or weight values.  The output signal is available via UART (Serial TTL) or via USB through the S2U Serial TTL (UART) to USB adapter.

The output data can be obtained at up to 150 Hz with the base DQ-1000U device and at up to 500 Hz using the DQ-1000UHS version of this device. Log and plot and display the data using LoadVUE Pro software.
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Dome
iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell with USB Output DQ-1000U and Software LV-1000
Kit Includes:


iLoad Mini DOme Load Cell
DQ-1000U Load Cell Interface
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Add Calibration
Add Accessories

iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud
iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell with USB Output DQ-1000U and Software LV-1000
Kit Includes:


iLoad Mini DOme Load Cell
DQ-1000U Load Cell Interface
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Add Calibration
Add Accessories

Four iLoad Mini Load Cells with DQ-4000U USB Kit

This kit shows four iLoad Mini load cells connected to a four-channel version of the DQ-1000U interface. By using four iLoad Mini load cells with a DQ-4000 interface, one can quickly build a moderate accuracy scale by placing the four load cells at the four corners of a frame.

But in addition to UART and USB, this device optionally offers wireless communication and battery operation capability via the DQ-4000ZP/DQ-4000WiFi/DQ-4000BLE versions of this interface. Please contact us for further information or to order items.
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Dome
4 iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cells with USB Output DQ-4000U and Software SensorVUE
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DQ-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud
4 iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cells with USB Output DQ-4000U and Software SensorVUE
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DQ-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

Miniature Load Cells with 4 Port Interface & Display

In addition to all the features offered by the DQ-4000 miniature load cell interface, the DS-4000 device has a built-in LCD screen that displays the individual readings of each load cell as well as the sum total of all connected load cells.

For applications that cannot use a PC or Tablet as a display, this device provides a quick and easy display solution while still enabling data collection on a PC via USB or Wireless protocols.
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud
4 Channel iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with USB Output DS-4000 and Software SensorVUE
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

iLoad Mini Load Cell with Dome
4 Channel iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with USB Output DS-4000 and Software SensorVUE
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

Mini Load Cell Kit with Wireless Interface

This kit is similar to the four sensor kit with USB output but offers wireless connectivity via XBee. Optional WiFi or BLE are also possible options. The included LCD display on the DS-4000 device provides a nice local quick display of the individual as well as sum of all connected load cells.
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud
Wireless iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with Output DS-4000ZP and Software LV-4000
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000ZP 4 Port Wireless Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

iLoad Mini Load Cell with Dome
Wireless iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with Output DS-4000ZP and Software LV-4000
Kit Includes:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000ZP 4 Port Wireless Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

Mini Load Cell Kit with Analog Output

If you want analog output from an iLoad Mini or iLoad Mini Pro sensor in order to connect to a PLC, then you can choose the DQ-1000A interface which has a terminal block that can work off an external power supply and output a 0-5 V DC output proportional to the loads. The DQ-1000A is also a DQ-1000U device that can work with a PC via USB but has a terminal block that can be used to power the device and to tap into the analog 0.5 to 4.5V DC output to work with PLCs or DAQs.
Analog iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with Output DQ-1000A
Kit Includes:


iLoad Mini Load Cell
DQ-1000A Load Cell Interface
LoadVUE Pro Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

DQ-1000A Wiring Diagram

DQ-1000A Wiring Diagram

Displays for Capacitive USB Load Cells

The DS-3000-Pro displays work with capacitive as well as resistive load cells. They are compatible with the iLoad Series load cells including the iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro USB load cells. They are also compatible with the iLoad Mini and iLoad Mini Pro load cells when connected with the DQ-1000U USB Load Cell interfaces and calibrated together as show below.

Capacitive Load Cell iLoad Mini DQ-1000 DS-3000pro
Kit Includes:


iLoad Mini Load Cell
DQ-1000U USB Interface
Calibration in Tension
DS-3000-Pro-1 Display
Add Accessories

Why Buy From Us?

30 day money-back guarantee

Generous application support

NIST Traceable Calibration

Ready to use out-of-the-box

Royalty Free Software APIs 

Patent protected technology

FAQ

What is a Capacitive Load Cell?

A capacitive load cell works on the principle of change of capacitance in response to applied forces. When a force is applied, it changes the gap between two capacitive plates. This change is transduced into a change in frequency of the output signal. Instead of minute changes in voltage, one can get change in frequency and conver this into a measure of force.

What is a Resistive Load Cell?

A resisitive load cell is built using strain gauges arranged in a wheatstone bridge network. A strain gauge is basically a resistive element that is piezo resistive i.e. it changes resistance in response to changes in strain (change in length over original length). Applied forces lead to induced stresses that lead to displacement and strain. The change in strain leads to a change in resistance. So with an applied inout voltage one can measure tiny changes in voltage and use this to infer the applied force.

Capacitive vs. Resistive Load Cell?

A resistive load cell offers excellent accuarcy and temperature compensation but are analog output devices with a millivolt output change in response to applied loads. They need external interfaces to get USB, UART or other digital outputs. Capacitive load cells like the iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro are integrated digital force sensors. They offer rugged single body solution for moderate accuracy controlled room temperature applications.

What interface devices are available?

The iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro do not need external signal conditioners. The iLoad Mini and Mini pro would need a DQ-1000U or DQ-4000U or DS-4000U to outout via USB and display, log and plot data on a PC/Mac/Linux. Or simply connect to our touch screen LCD display to show values on a simple physical display like our DS-3000-Pro-1 single channel display or the DS-3000-Pro-4 four channel display.

What software do you offer?

We offer free LoadVUE Lite software to display force/weight on a Windows 8/10 PC/Tablet. The LoadVUE Pro software allows you to display, log & plot force/weight data, recalibrate sensors and get remote support. SensorVUE extends support to an unlimited number of sensors as well as all types of sensors we offer. ControlVUE software extends the functionality offered by SensorVUE and adds the ability to control external devices based on sensor values through a USB Relay with one to eight channel. Our sensors and interfaces allow you to write your own code as well! We also offer customization and custom softrware development services to meet your specific needs!

Do you offer calibration service?

Yes. We offer calibration service on new sensor purchases as well as recalibration service for previously purchased sensors. We use NIST traceable reference standards to perform and validate the calibration and provide a free calibration certificate as part of the service. We are NOT ISO certified.

How can I get pricing information?

You can register on our website, login and see all prices, download spec sheets and solid models. You can also send us an email with your contact information and shipping address and we will be happy to send you a formal quote.

What is your return policy?

We give you a 30 day guiarantee for you purchase. You can exchange or return your purchased products for a refund of the purchase price of the product. Any calibration service fees, shipping and payment fees cannot be refunded. Feel free to try out our products risk free and see for yourself how easy we make it for you!

What is the typical lead time?

We need between one and two weeks usually to ship your order for items in stock. This is because we have to make your sensor, interface and calibrate them together, make sure the quality meets all specs and then pack and ship it to you. We offer expedited processing options if you are in a rush and need to get sensors sooner. If out of stock or if sensors are needed in volume, we could take 4-6 weeks or longer. Please contact us to get an estimate of price and lead time for your particular needs.

Do you offer educational discount?

We believe teaching young kids and encouraging R&D is crucial to make this world a better place. We support teaching and research activities in educational institutions with a 10% education discount on purchased products in exchange for sharing write ups, pictures, video clips and other material we can use in our marketing materials on and off line.

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