MRS Electronic combines force & moisture measurement

For over 25 years, MRS Electronic has been developing and manufacturing cross-industry smart electronic products and custom hardware and software solutions for the automotive industry at its headquarters in Rottweil, Germany. Now, with the new CMM9, it is expanding its portfolio with a compact, CANbus-compatible measurement module that combines force and moisture measurement in a single device.

The CMM9 CANbus-compatible force and moisture measurement module. (Photo: MRS Electronic)

Designed for off-highway machinery, the CMM9 processes measurement signals on site and transmits them via the CANbus. The combination of high-resolution measurement technology, rugged construction and simple CANbus integration enables reliable data acquisition even under demanding operating conditions, the company stated.

The CMM9 performs signal conditioning directly within the module. Analog sensor signals, such as those from strain gauge load cells, are amplified, digitized and transmitted interference-free to the vehicle control system.

Flexible sensor connectivity is achieved via five configurable multifunction inputs. A switchable reference voltage output ensures a stable power supply to the connected sensors, even under demanding operating conditions. Parameterization can be completed quickly via MRS Applics Studio, which allows for flexible adaptation to individual applications, said MRS Electronic.

Three CMM9 variants are available with combined force and moisture measurement or as standalone versions. Force measurement offers two high-precision signal amplifier channels for strain gauge sensors and load cells. Resistive moisture measurement includes two dedicated inputs for moisture determination.

The unit has a rugged design with an IP6K8 protection rating and temperature range from –40° C to +85° C.

Originally developed for agricultural balers, the module is also suitable for other applications, such as measuring the weight of payloads in all types of vehicles. It can also be used in harvesting and forage handling equipment and other agricultural machinery and mobile off-highway applications.