A&D AD-4408C CC-Link Weight Indicator

Overview

The A&D AD-4408C CC-Link Weight Indicator is a compact, high-precision industrial weighing display engineered for integration into automated production and process control systems. Designed specifically for compatibility with the CC-Link fieldbus protocol—a widely adopted open automation network standard in Asia and global manufacturing facilities—the AD-4408C serves as a robust interface between load cells and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It employs sigma-delta analog-to-digital conversion technology to deliver stable, noise-immune weight measurement with 16-million-count internal resolution and up to 100 readings per second sampling rate. Its architecture supports both analog sensor inputs (up to eight 350 Ω strain-gauge load cells) and digital CC-Link I/O communication, enabling real-time weight data exchange within distributed control environments compliant with IEC 61158 and JEMA TR-4002 standards.

Key Features

• Integrated CC-Link slave functionality—no external gateway required; supports up to 64 units per master station
• Sigma-delta A/D converter with 16,000,000 internal resolution and ≤0.005% F.S. nonlinearity
• High-stability excitation supply: DC 5 V ±5%, 120 mA, capable of powering eight 350 Ω sensors simultaneously
• Wide zero adjustment range: −35 mV to +35 mV (−7 mV/V to +7 mV/V); extended span calibration capability
• Front-panel IP65-rated enclosure for dust- and water-resistant operation in harsh industrial settings
• 6-digit green LED display (14.6 mm character height) with polarity and multi-state status indicators (ZERO, STABLE, GROSS, NET, HOLD)
• Configurable display resolution: selectable division values (1, 2, 5, 10, or 50) and unit labels (g, kg, t)
• Dual calibration modes: physical load calibration and digital calibration via front-panel keys
• Standard 20 mA current-loop serial output for legacy system interoperability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AD-4408C is compatible with standard full-bridge analog load cells (350 Ω nominal impedance, ±10% tolerance), including tension, compression, and platform-type transducers used in batching, filling, conveyor weighing, and tank monitoring applications. Its input impedance exceeds 10 MΩ, minimizing signal degradation across long cable runs. The device complies with CE marking requirements under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. It meets JIS B 7720-1 (2019) for industrial weighing instruments and supports traceable calibration procedures aligned with ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratories. While not certified for hazardous locations, its IP65 front-panel rating ensures reliable operation in environments subject to washdown, humidity, and particulate exposure—common in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical dosing lines.

Software & Data Management

The AD-4408C operates autonomously without embedded firmware-based configuration software; all setup—including CC-Link node address assignment, display resolution, unit selection, and I/O mapping—is performed locally via intuitive front-panel key navigation. Configuration parameters are retained in non-volatile memory and survive power interruption. For system-level integration, CC-Link parameterization is executed through the master PLC’s engineering tool (e.g., GX Works3 or CC-Link IE Configuration Tool), ensuring seamless synchronization with broader factory automation architectures. Audit trails and change logs are not natively supported; however, when deployed in GLP/GMP-regulated environments, configuration records must be maintained externally per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. Optional third-party SCADA/HMI platforms can acquire real-time weight data via CC-Link’s cyclic transmission mode at user-defined update intervals.

Applications

• Automated batch weighing and recipe control in chemical and food manufacturing
• In-line checkweighing on high-speed packaging conveyors with PLC-triggered reject logic
• Tank and hopper level monitoring via load cell arrays in continuous process industries
• Dynamic weighing systems requiring fast response (≤10 ms cycle time) and high repeatability
• Modular weighing stations integrated into CC-Link-based MES or IIoT edge nodes
• Multi-head weighers and combination scales where synchronized weight acquisition across multiple sensors is critical

FAQ

What types of load cells are compatible with the AD-4408C?
The indicator supports standard 4-wire or 6-wire analog load cells with nominal resistance of 350 Ω and sensitivity of 2.0 ±0.2 mV/V.
Can the AD-4408C operate without a CC-Link master controller?
Yes—it functions as a standalone weight display with local calibration and manual unit selection, though CC-Link communication remains inactive without a master station.
Is the device suitable for use in wet or washdown environments?
Only the front panel meets IP65; the rear terminal block and mounting flange are not sealed—enclosure integration per IEC 60529 is recommended for full environmental protection.
Does the AD-4408C support NIST-traceable calibration?
It accepts calibration using certified test weights traceable to national metrology institutes; final verification must follow ISO 9001 or ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.
What is the maximum cable length between the AD-4408C and connected load cells?
For optimal noise immunity and accuracy, A&D recommends ≤30 m total loop length using shielded twisted-pair cable with proper grounding at the indicator end only.