Bridge Sensor Digitizer Unit

xStrain® is a distributed bridge sensor digitizer unit for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. In essence, the xStrain enables precise digitization of Wheatstone bridge sensors like strain gauges, load cells, pressure cells, and displacement sensors. More precisely, it captures microvolt‑level signals with high fidelity, ensuring accurate monitoring of structural loads, stresses, and deformations.
In the same way as the other products from the distributed family, the xStrain uses a compact and rugged IP67 enclosure. Moreover, it is optimized for permanent installations in harsh environments. On top of that, you can deploy it as a standalone unit or as part of our distributed xDAS SHM network.
It uses CAT5e cabling or wireless links, making the preventive maintenance and bridge condition monitoring very simple and easy. The integrated Voyager® software compatibility ensures seamless acquisition, storage, and reporting. Also, an analysis for bridge inspection and other SHM and condition monitoring requirements.
The xStrain unit employs a top-notch 24‑bit Delta‑Sigma ADC tailored for mV/V measurements, supporting up to 16 single‑ended channels, 8 full‑bridge channels (4‑wire), or 4 sensed full‑bridge channels (6‑wire) with voltage sense compensation. This flexibility supports accurate monitoring of strain gauges while also enabling geotechnical and civil engineering sensors with ultra‑low voltage outputs, such as load cells, pressure cells, and earth pressure transducers.
Moreover, the key design features include a built‑in anti‑aliasing filter, configurable sampling rates from 1 sps to 1000 sps, including a Store&Forward® capability for uninterrupted data acquisition. You can store the data locally on SD/eMMC in MiniSEED format or streamed in real time via Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, DigiMESH®, or GSM/4G communication. Lastly, the GPS or DigiSync® provides precise time synchronization across all connected units in a seamless condition monitoring system.
| General | External full-bridge (Wheatstone) sensor interface compatible with various strain gauges and load cells. Sampling Rate: 200 sps (100, 500,1000); Software filters; Ethernet, Wi-Fi, GSM Communication; Full-bridge, half-bridge, and quarter-bridge strain gauges, load cells, pressure, force, and torque transducers (mV/V output); ±39.06mV to 5V; Gain: 1, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128; Excitation: 5V |
|---|---|
| Channels | Up to 8 pseudo differential, 24-bit, internally temperature-compensated inputs; programmable gain; software or hardware configurable. |
| Data Reliability | Store&Forward® buffering – retains data during communication loss and automatically forwards upon link restoration, ensuring zero data loss |
| Synchronization | GPS-disciplined oscillator or DigiSync® network synchronization protocol |
| Integration | Works with Nexus® SeedLink client, Vista® data viewer, and Observer® OMA suite |
| Physical | Rugged aluminum enclosure, IP67; Weight: 0.7 kg; Dimensions: 130 × 120 × 65 mm (5.12 × 4.72 × 2.56 in) |
| Power | Input: 9 – 28 V DC (typ. 12 V) PoE compatible; Consumption: ~2.5W (w/o sensor); Sensor Power Supplied from Digitizer |
| User Interface | Informational LEDs; Web App Panel; System Configuration Panel |
| Environmental | Operating Tem.: -20°C to 60°C; 0-100% Non-Condensing |
| Firmware Update | Over-the-air (OTA) updates via Voyager® or embedded HTTP server |
| Certification & Calibration | CE, RoHS, ISO9001, ISO14001; Factory calibrated; individual calibration certificate included |
The xStrain bridge sensor digitizer is purpose-built for monitoring structural strain and load in Structural Health Monitoring projects. Furthermore, it offers a broader applicability to any system utilizing bridge-based sensors. Typical applications include:
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After all, Digitex Systems deeply nurtures the partnership with engineers, researchers, and asset managers worldwide. That’s why Digitex Systems delivers reliable, field-proven Structural Health Monitoring solutions.
Additionally, if you are planning a new monitoring system or upgrading an existing installation, our team provides expert guidance tailored to your project’s requirements.
Most importantly, feel free to check our solutions focused on accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance backed by decades of experience in dams, bridges, tunnels, mines, as well as high-rise infrastructure.
Unlock the full potential of your Structural Health Monitoring with Digitex.
Digitex Systems
Provider of real-time structural health monitoring systems to assist engineers with non-destructive testing and early structural damage detection