3 1/2- vs. 4-digit digital indicator ? Exactly what is a 1/2 digit?

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 complete digit can indicate all numbers from ?0? to ?9?. A 1/2 digit, in contrast, can only display a ?1?, a number ?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 one hand, the maximum of the indicatable range of values is 1999 instead of 9999. However, no negative values can be indicated, because the minus sign cannot be displayed in the initial position. Therefore, the the least the indicatable selection of values is 0 instead of -1999.
An exception to the limitation of the indicatable negative value range is represented by indicators which have another space for the display of the sign. Displays with this particular 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? Vicious
-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 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 find general information on the most crucial characteristic features of the display of an electronic indicator.

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