Besides 3- and 4-digit digital indicators, there are also 3 1/2-digit indicators available for sale. 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 selection of values is thus significantly limited in comparison to a 4-digit indicator.
Thus, on the main one hand, the maximum of the indicatable selection of values is only 1999 rather than 9999. On the other hand, no negative values can be indicated, since the minus sign can’t be displayed in the first 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 that have another 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? Exclusive
-9999?9999
Max. amount of positions after decimal point
2
3
3
Note
More info about digital indicators from WIKA are available on our website.
See also our article
Characteristics of the display of a digital indicator ? there you will find general information on the main characteristic features of the display of an electronic indicator.