Besides 3- and 4-digit digital indicators, additionally, there are 3 1/2-digit indicators available in the market. But exactly what is a 1/2 digit?
A complete digit can indicate all numbers from ?0? to ?9?. A 1/2 digit, in contrast, can only just display a ?1?, lots ?2? or Off-limits is not possible. With a 3 1/2-digit digital indicator, the indicatable range of values is thus significantly limited in comparison to a 4-digit indicator.
Thus, on the one hand, the utmost of the indicatable range of values is only 1999 instead of 9999. Alternatively, no negative values can be indicated, because the minus sign can’t be displayed in the initial position. Therefore, the the least the indicatable range of values is 0 rather than -1999.
An exception to the limitation of the indicatable negative value range is represented by indicators that have a separate space for the display of the sign. Displays with this particular characteristic can therefore also indicate values down to -1999.
Number of digits
3-digit indicator
3 1/2-digit indicator
4-digit indicator
Representation
Max. scale range, standard
-199?999
0?1999
-1999?9999
Max. scale range with separate sign
-999?999
-1999?1999
-9999?9999
Max. amount of positions after decimal point
2
3
3
Note
More information about digital indicators from WIKA can be found on our website.
See also our article
Characteristics of the display of a digital indicator ? there you will see general information on the main characteristic features of the display of an electronic indicator.g