What is Signal Conditioning?
To process the form or mode of a signal so as to make it
intelligible to, or compatible with, a given device, including such manipulation
as pulse shaping, pulse clipping, compensating, digitizing, and linearizing.
The process of interfacing to a sensor, amplifying and
filtering its signal ready for display or ADC.
Signal conditioning is an important component of any complete
measurement system. No matter which sensor you are using, signal conditioning
can improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and safety of your measurements
because of capabilities such amplifications, isolation, and filtering.
Computer-based measurement systems are used in a wide variety
of applications. In laboratories, in field services and on manufacturing
plant floors, these systems act as general-purpose measurement tools
well suited for measuring voltage signals. However, many real-world sensors
and transducers require signal conditioning before a computer-based measurement
system can effectively and accurately acquire the signal. The front-end
signal conditioning system can include functions such as signal amplification,
attenuation, filtering, electrical isolation, simultaneous sampling,
and multiplexing. In addition, many transducers require excitation currents
or voltages, bridge completion, linearization, or high amplification
for proper and accurate operation. Therefore, most computer-based measurement
systems include some form of signal conditioning in addition to plug-in
data acquisition DAQ devices.
