Besides 3- and 4-digit digital indicators, additionally, there are 3 1/2-digit indicators available for sale. But what is a 1/2 digit?
A full digit can indicate all numbers from ?0? to ?9?. A 1/2 digit, in contrast, can only just display a ?1?, a number ?2? or higher isn’t possible. With a 3 1/2-digit digital indicator, the indicatable selection of values is thus significantly limited in comparison with a 4-digit indicator.
Thus, on the main one hand, the maximum of the indicatable range of values is 1999 rather than 9999. However, no negative values could 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 instead of -1999.
An exception to the limitation of the indicatable negative value range is represented by indicators which have a separate space for the display of the sign. Displays with this characteristic can therefore also indicate values right 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? Grounded
-9999?9999
Max. number 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 an electronic indicator ? there you will discover general information on the most important characteristic features of the display of an electronic indicator.