The function of a signal conditioner is to convert one type of electronic signal into another type of signal. The most common example of signal conditioning is used in analog-to-digital converters (abbreviated ADC, A/D) where a continuous quantity is converted to a discrete digital quantity with its associated sampling rate.
Typical steps in control engineering application:
Sensors collect data.
Signal Conditioner converts this data the appropriate signal type.
Processing of data by a controller (For example Microcontroller or a Programmable Logic Controller.)
It must be noted that controllers come with varied functions. For example a microcontroller is designed for simpler tasks on embedded machinery applications and a Programmable Logic Controller is a digital computer used for more complex automation processes.
When signal conditioner converts an electronic signal there are a number of tasks that may take place depending on the complexity and operating environment of the process control installation. One such task is the “amplification” of the overall scale of the signal. An example of this would be converting a 0-10mV signal to a 0 -10V signal is an example of amplification.
Another process associated with conditioning is the “electrical isolation” of functional sections of electrical systems which basically results in unwanted signals from the input line from passing through the output line. Electrical isolation is sometimes referred to as “loop isolation”.
“Cold Junction Compensation” and “linearization” are common in signal conditioners for thermocouple applications which a non-linear input signal to a linear output signal as well as adjusting for fluctuations in room temperature. As you may have surmised, thermocouple conditioners are used for temperature measurement and control in industrial applications.
Mounting standards
DIN Rail Mounts utilise an industry standardized 35 mm wide metal rail to mount one or more signal conditioners. A Backplane Mount refers to conditioners that can be mounted on a shared backplane with a common connector funnelling multiple output signals (this is a common setup in data acquisition systems.) “Loop Booster”, “signal splitter”, “power supply isolator” are all commonly used when talking about signal conditioners.
Latest Developments for Signal Conditioners
Instrumentation has evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years. Digital signals being favoured over analog signals for a number of reasons. Digital Signals offer a higher resistance to electrical noise distortion can be easily connected to controllers and computers and can transmit over larger distances. Digital formats such as RS232 (Recommended Standard 232), RS485 (Recommended Standard 485) and Ethernet make for easier overall integration into increasingly sophisticated control engineering applications. Ethernet is defined as a collection of computer networking technologies for local area networks. The most obvious advantage of utilising this framework is that the signal can be read across an entire network or even across the internet if so configured.
It is also notable to mention Smart signal conditioners. These components have been designed to accept most common process and temperature sensor inputs. This provides the user with a programmable current or voltage output signal plus dual trip relays.
It is important to sourcing a signal conditioner with the entire system in mind and it is always a good idea to confirm compatibility and efficiency with an instrumentation automation specialist when upgrading your industrial system. asthegirlturns.com, brookscavalier.com, valuetail.com, jemangebio.com
PJ Boner is an instrumentation and calibration company based in Ireland. Products include signal conditioner, data loggers and industrial sensors. http://www.pjboner.com