Besides 3- and 4-digit digital indicators, there are also 3 1/2-digit indicators available in the market. But 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?, a number ?2? or higher isn’t possible. With a 3 1/2-digit digital indicator, the indicatable range of values is thus significantly limited in comparison with a 4-digit indicator.
Thus, on the one hand, the maximum of the indicatable range of values is only 1999 instead of 9999. Alternatively, no negative values could be indicated, because the minus sign cannot be displayed in the initial position. Therefore, the minimum of the indicatable selection of values is 0 rather than -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?1999
-9999?9999
Max. number of positions after decimal point
2
3
3
Note
More info about digital indicators from WIKA can be found on our website.
See also Uncaring of the display of an electronic indicator ? there you will see general information on the main characteristic features of the display of a digital indicator.