interface 6A Multi-Axis Sensors

Especificacions
| Model | Measured components (software-calculated) | Calibration rule / matrix size | Units / matrix element units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6A / 6ADF | Forces: Fx, Fy, Fz; Moments: Mx, My, Mz (3 axes + 3 moments) | Calibration matrix A (cross product): L = A × U, where A has 36 elements in 6 rows × 6 columns (6×6). For “Matrix Plus”: L = A × U + B × U* (additional matrix B for mixed quadratic signals). | Matrix elements (rows 1–3): N/(mV/V); (rows 4–6): Nm/(mV/V). For “Matrix Plus”: B matrix element units: N/(mV/V)² (Fx,Fy,Fz) and Nm/(mV/V)² (Mx,My,Mz). |
| 6A150 / 6A175 / 6A225 / 6A300 | Forces Fx, Fy, Fz and moments Mx, My, Mz (calculated in software for 6×12 matrix) | 6×12 matrix used for error compensation: two independent 6-channel sensor/amp sets (connector A → channels 1–6, connector B → channels 7–12). Requires software evaluation. | Not explicitly stated in the text for 6×12 matrix element units. |
| 5AR | Measured/calculated: Fz; Moments: Mx, My; channel 4 outputs H which is constantly 0V by line 4 after applying matrix | Calibration matrix A has dimensions 4×4 (u has 4×1; result vector (Fz, Mx, My, H) is 4×1) | Example matrix element values shown: Fz in N/mV/V and Mx/My in Nm/mV/V; H output line is 0V. |
| Stiffness matrix (defined for 6A sensors in text) | Relates forces/moments to shifts and rotations | f = S × u; stiffness matrix is symmetric (cij = cji). Example provided as 6A130 stiffness matrix. | Forces Fi: N or kN; Moments Mi: kNm or Nm or Nmm; shifts ui: m or mm; angles αi: radians. |
Funció
Function of the 6A Multi-Axis Sensors
The set of 6A Multi-Axis Sensors comprises six independent force sensors equipped with strain gauges. Using the six sensor signals, a calculation rule is applied to calculate the forces within three spatial axes and the three moments around them. The measurement range of the Multi-Axis sensor is determined:
- pels rangs de mesura dels sis sensors de força independents, i
- per la disposició geomètrica dels sis sensors de força o mitjançant el diàmetre del sensor.
The individual signals from the six force sensors cannot be directly associated with a specific force or moment by multiplying with a scaling factor. The calculation rule can be precisely described in mathematical terms by the cross product from the calibration matrix with the vector of the six sensor signals. This functional approach has the following advantages:
- Rigidesa especialment alta,
- Separació particularment eficaç dels sis components ("conversació baixa").
Matriu de calibratge
The calibration matrix A describes the connection between the indicated output signals U of the measurement ampen els canals 1 a 6 (u1, u2, u3, u4, u5, u6) i components 1 a 6 (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz) del vector de càrrega L.
| Measured value: output signals u1, u2, …u6 onchannels 1 to 6 | output signal U |
| Calculated value: forces Fx, Fy, Fz;moments Mx, My, Mz | Load vector L |
| Calculation rule: Cross product | L = A x U |
- La matriu de calibratge Aij inclou 36 elements, disposats en 6 files (i=1..6) i 6 columnes (j=1..6).
- La unitat dels elements de la matriu és N/(mV/V) a les files 1 a 3 de la matriu.
- La unitat dels elements de la matriu és Nm/(mV/V) a les files 4 a 6 de la matriu.
- La matriu de calibratge depèn de les propietats del sensor i de la mesura ampmés viu.
S'aplica a la mesura BX8 amplifier i per a tots amplifiers, which indicate bridge output signals in mV/V. The matrix elements may be rescaled in other units by a common factor via multiplication (using a “scalar product”).
The calibration matrix calculates the moments around the origin of the underlying coordinate system. The origin of the coordinate system is located at the point where the z-axis intersects with the facing surface of the sensor.1) The origin and orientations of the axes are shown by an engraving on the facing surface of the sensor.
- The position of the origin may vary with 6A sensor types. The origin is documented in the calibration sheet. E.G the origin of 6A68 is in the center of the sensor.

Example of a calibration matrix (6A, 6ADF)
| u1
in mV/V |
u2
in mV/V |
u3
in mV/V |
u4
in mV/V |
u5
in mV/V |
u6
in mV/V |
|
| Fx in N / mV/V | -217.2 | 108.9 | 99.9 | -217.8 | 109.2 | 103.3 |
| Fy in N / mV/V | -2.0 | 183.5 | -186.3 | -3.0 | 185.5 | -190.7 |
| Fz in N / mV/V | -321.0 | -320.0 | -317.3 | -321.1 | -324.4 | -323.9 |
| Mx in Nm / mV/V | 7.8 | 3.7 | -3.8 | -7.8 | -4.1 | 4.1 |
| My in Nm / mV/V | -0.4 | 6.6 | 6.6 | -0.4 | -7.0 | -7.0 |
| Mz in Nm / mV/V | -5.2 | 5.1 | -5.1 | 5.1 | -5.0 | 5.1 |
The force in the x-direction is calculated by multiplying and totalling up the matrix elements of the first row a1j with the rows of the vector of the output signals uj.

Per example: on all 6 measurement channels is u1 = u2 = u3 = u4 = u5 =u6 = 1.00mV/V displayed. Then there is a force Fx of -13.7 N. The force in the z direction is calculated accordingly by multiplying and summing the third row of the matrix a3j with the vector of the indicated voltages uj:

Matrix Plus for 6A / 6ADF sensors
Quan s'utilitza el procediment de calibratge "Matrix Plus", es calculen dos productes creuats: matriu A x U + matriu B x U *
| Measured values: output signals u1, u2, … u6 atchannels 1 to 6 | output signals U |
| Measured values are output signals as mixed products: u1u2, u1u3, u1u4, u1u5, u1u6, u2u3 of channels 1 to 6 | output signals U* |
| Calculated value: Forces Fx, Fy, Fz;Moments Mx, My, Mz | Vector de càrrega L. |
| Calculation rule: Cross product | L = A x U + B x U* |
Exampfitxer d'una matriu de calibratge "B"
| u1·u2
in (mV/V)² |
u1·u3
in (mV/V)² |
u1·u4
in (mV/V)² |
u1·u5
in (mV/V)² |
u1·u6
in (mV/V)² |
u2·u3
in (mV/V)² |
|
| Fx in N / (mV/V)² | -0.204 | -0.628 | 0.774 | -0.337 | -3.520 | 2.345 |
| Fy in N /(mV/V)² | -0.251 | 1.701 | -0.107 | -2.133 | -1.408 | 1.298 |
| Fz in N / (mV/V)² | 5.049 | -0.990 | 1.453 | 3.924 | 19.55 | -18.25 |
| Mx in Nm /(mV/V)² | -0.015 | 0.082 | -0.055 | -0.076 | 0.192 | -0.054 |
| My in Nm / (mV/V)² | 0.050 | 0.016 | 0.223 | 0.036 | 0.023 | -0.239 |
| Mz in Nm / (mV/V)² | -0.081 | -0.101 | 0.027 | -0.097 | -0.747 | 0.616 |
The force in the x-direction is calculated by multiplying and summing the matrix elements A of the first row a1j with the rows j of the vector of the output signals uj plus matrix elements B of the first row a1j with the rows j of the vector of the mixed- quadratic output signals:
Exampel de Fx

Attention: The composition of the mixed quadratic terms may change depending on the sensor.
Desplaçament de l'origen
Forces which are not applied in the origin of the coordinate system are shown by an indicator in the form of Mx, My and Mz moments based on the lever arm.Generally speaking, the forces are applied at a distance z from the facing surface of the sensor. The location of the force transmission may also be shifted in x- and z- directions as required. If the forces are applied at distance x, y or z from the origin of the coordinate system, and the moments around the offset force transmission location need to be shown, the following corrections are required:
| Corrected moments Mx1, My1, Mz1 followinga shift in force transmission (x, y, z) from the origin | Mx1 = Mx + y*Fz – z*Fy My1 = My + z*Fx – x*Fz Mz1 = Mz + x*Fy – y*Fx |
Note: The sensor is also exposed to the moments Mx, My and Mz, with moments Mx1, My1 and Mz1 displayed. The permissible moments Mx, My and Mz must not be exceeded.
Escalat de la matriu de calibratge
- By referring the matrix elements to the unit mV/V, the calibration matrix can be applied to all available ampaixecadors.
- La matriu de calibratge amb els elements de la matriu N/V i Nm/V s'aplica a la mesura BSC8 amplifier with an input sensitivity of 2 mV / V and an output signal of 5V with a 2 mV/V input signal.
- La multiplicació de tots els elements de la matriu per un factor de 2/5 escala la matriu de N/(mV/V) i Nm/(mV/V) per a una sortida de 5V a una sensibilitat d'entrada de 2 mV/V (BSC8).
- By multiplying all matrix elements by a factor of 3.5/10, the Matrix is scaled from N/(mV/V) and Nm/(mV/V) for an output signal of 10V at an input sensitivity of 3.5 mV/V (BX8)
- La unitat del factor és (mV/V)/V
- La unitat dels elements del vector de càrrega (u1, u2, u3, u4, u5, u6) són voltagés en V
Exampel de Fx
Sortida analògica amb BX8, sensibilitat d'entrada 3.5 mV/V, senyal de sortida 10V:

Matrix 6×12 for 6A sensors
With the sensors 6A150, 6A175, 6A225, 6A300 it is possible to use a 6×12 matrix instead of a 6×6 matrix for error compensation. The 6×12 matrix offers the highest accuracy and the lowest crosstalk, and is recommended for sensors from 50kN force.
In this case, the sensors have a total of 12 measuring channels and two connectors. Each connector contains an electrically independent force-torque sensor with 6 sensor signals. Each of these connectors is connected to its own measuring amplificador BX8.
Instead of using a 6×12 matrix, the sensor can also be used exclusively with connector A, or exclusively with connector B, or with both connectors for redundant measurement. In this case, a 6×6 matrix is supplied for connector A and for connector B. The 6×6 matrix is supplied as a standard.
La sincronització de les dades mesurades es pot fer, per exemple, amb l'ajuda d'un cable de sincronització. Per amplifiers with EtherCat interface a synchronization via the BUS lines is possible.The forces Fx, Fy, Fz and moments Mx, My, Mz are calculated in the software BlueDAQ. There the 12 input channels u1…u12 are multiplied by the 6×12 matrix A to get 6 output channels of the load vector L.
- Els canals del connector “A” s'assignen als canals 1…6 al programari BlueDAQ.. Els canals del connector “B” s'assignen als canals 7…12 al programari BlueDAQ.
- Després de carregar i activar la matriu 6×12 al programari BlueDAQ, les forces i moments es mostren als canals 1 a 6.
- Channels 7…12 contain the raw data of connector B and are not relevant for further evaluation. These channels (with the designation “dummy7”) to “dummy12”) can be hidden from the display and the recording via the function “Channel”–> “Hide”.
When using the 6×12 matrix, the forces and moments are calculated exclusively by software, since it is composed of data from two separate measuring ampaixecadors.
Tip: When using the BlueDAQ software, the configuration and linking to the 6×12 matrix can be done by “Save Session”. and “Open Session” is pressed. so that the sensor and channel configuration only has to be carried out once.
Matriu de rigidesa
The stiffness matrix is defined by:

Example of a stiffness matrix 6A130 5kN/500Nm 
- When loaded with 5kN in x-direction, a shift of 5 / 93.8 mm = 0.053 mm in the x direction, and a twist of 5 kN / 3750 kN = 0.00133 rad results about the y-axis.
- When loaded with 15kN in z-direction, a shift of 15 / 387.9 mm = 0.039 mm in the z direction (and no twist).
- With Mx =500 Nm a twisting of 0,5kNm / 505,2kNm = 0.00099 rad results about the x-axis, and a shift from 0,5kNm / -3750 kN = -0,000133m = -0,133mm in the y-axis.
- Quan es carrega amb Mz 500 Nm, es produeix un gir de 0,5 kNm / 343.4 kNm = 0.00146 rad al voltant de l'eix z (i sense desplaçament).
Matriu de calibració per a sensors 5AR
The sensors of the type 5AR allow the measurement of the force Fz and the moments Mx and My. The sensors 5AR may be used for displaying 3 orthogonal forces Fx, Fy, and Fz, when the measured torques are divided by the lever arm z (distance of force application Fx, Fy of the origin of the coordinate system).
| cap 1 | cap 2 | cap 3 | cap 4 | |
| Fz in N / mV/V | 100,00 | 100,00 | 100,00 | 100,00 |
| Mx in Nm / mV/V | 0,00 | -1,30 | 0,00 | 1,30 |
| My in Nm / mV/V | 1,30 | 0,00 | -1,30 | 0,00 |
| H | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 |
The force in the z direction is calculated by multiplying and summing the matrix elements of the first row A1J with the lines of the vector of the output signals uj
- Fz = 100 N/mV/V u1 + 100 N/mV/V u2 + 100 N/mV/V u3 + 100 N/mV/V u4
- Example: on all 6 measurement channels is u1 = u2 = u3 = u4 = 1.00 mV/V displayed. Then a force Fz results of 400 N.
- La matriu de calibratge A del sensor 5AR té les dimensions 4 x. 4
- El vector u dels senyals de sortida de la mesura amplifier has the dimensions 4 x. 1 The result vector (Fz, Mx, My, H has the dimension of 4 x. 1
- At the outputs of ch1, ch2 and ch3 after applying the calibration matrix, the force Fz and the moments Mx and My are displayed. On the Channel 4 output H is constantly displayed 0V by the fourth line.
Posada en marxa del sensor
The BlueDAQ software is used to show the measured forces and moments. The BlueDAQ software and related manuals can be downloaded from the weblloc.
| Pas | Descripció |
| 1 | Installation of the BlueDAQ software |
| 2 | Connect the measuring amplifier BX8 via USB port; Connect the sensor 6A to the measuring amplifier. Switch on the measuring ampmés viu. |
| 3 | Copy directory with calibration matrix (supplied USB stick) to suitable drive and path. |
| 4 | Start BlueDAQ software |
| 5 | Main window: Button AddChannel; |
| Pas | Descripció |
| Select device type: BX8 Select interface: for example COM3Select channel 1 to 6 to open Button Connect | |
| 6 | main window: Button Special Sensor Select six axis sensor |
| 7 | Window “Six-axis sensor settings: Button Add Sensor |
| 8 | a) Button Change Dir Select the directory with the files Serial number.dat and Serialnumber.matrix.
b) Button Select Sensorand select Seial number c) Button Auto Rename Channels d) if necessary. Select the displacement of the force application point. e) Button OK Enable this Sensor |
| 9 | Select Recorder Yt” window, start measurement; |
Posada en marxa del sensor 6×12
- En posar en marxa el sensor 6×12, els canals 1 a 6 de la mesura amplifier at connector “A” must be assigned to components 1 to 6.
- Canals 7…12 de la mesura amplifier at connector “B” are assigned to components 7 to 12.
- When using the synchronization cable, the 25-pin SUB-D female connectors (male) on the back of the ampLifier estan connectats al cable de sincronització.
- El cable de sincronització connecta els ports núm. 16 de la mesura amplifiers A and B with each other.
- Per amplifier Un port 16 està configurat com a sortida per a la funció com a mestre, per amplifier B port 16 is configured as input for the function as slave.
- The settings can be found under “Device” → Advanced Setting” →Dig-IO.
Suggeriment: La configuració de la freqüència de dades s'ha de fer tant al "Mestre" com a l'"Esclau". La freqüència de mesura del mestre mai ha de ser superior a la freqüència de mesura de l'esclau.
Captures de pantalla
Afegir un sensor de força / moment


Configuració com a mestre/esclau

Resolució de problemes
- Unexpected moment values when forces are not applied at the coordinate origin: the manual states that forces applied at distances (x, y, z) require corrected moments: Mx1 = Mx + y·Fz − z·Fy; My1 = My + z·Fx − x·Fz; Mz1 = Mz + x·Fy − y·Fx. Verify whether the displayed moments correspond to the offset force application location.
- Forces/moments exceed allowable limits: the sensor is exposed to moments Mx, My, Mz while corrected moments Mx1, My1, Mz1 may be displayed. The manual notes permissible moments Mx, My, Mz must not be exceeded—reduce the load accordingly.
- Calibration scaling mismatch between ampConfiguració del lifier: calibration matrix scaling depends on output signal and input sensitivity. The manual provides scaling factors (e.g., multiply all matrix elements by 2/5 for BSC8 scaling; by 3.5/10 for BX8 scaling to 10V output at 3.5 mV/V input). If results seem off, confirm the amplifier input sensitivity/output signal and apply the matching scaling factor.
- 6×12 multi-amplifier data not aligning: during 6×12 commissioning, ensure connector A channels 1–6 map to components 1–6 and connector B channels 7–12 map to components 7–12. For synchronization, ensure port 16 is configured correctly (A=master/output, B=slave/input) and that the master measuring frequency is never higher than the slave measuring frequency.
- Using “Matrix Plus” mixed quadratic terms: mixed quadratic composition may change depending on sensor type. If “Matrix Plus” results are unexpected, ensure you are using the sensor-specific Matrix Plus configuration/files.
Documents/Recursos
![]() | 6A Multi-Axis Sensors |
Referències
- interfaceforce.comwww.interfaceforce.com
- interfaceforce.com/www.interfaceforce.com
- Manual d'usuarimanual.tools
