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
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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
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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 outputWireless 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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Comparison of Capacitive Load Cells
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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 |
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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

Kit Includes:
iLoad Pro USB Load Cell
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories
USB Load Cell Kit with Tension Adapter & Rod Ends

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!

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

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

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!
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!

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

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

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
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

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

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
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud

Kit Includes:
4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Dome

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
iLoad Mini Load Cell with Stud

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

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

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

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.