Besides 3- and 4-digit digital indicators, there are also 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, on the other hand, can only just display a ?1?, lots ?2? or higher is not 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 selection of values is 1999 rather than 9999. On the other hand, no negative values could be indicated, because the minus sign can’t be displayed in the first position. Therefore, the minimum of 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? Case Study
-1999?1999
-9999?9999
Max. amount of positions after decimal point
2
3
3
Note
More info 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 see general information on the most crucial characteristic features of the display of a digital indicator.