The Signal conditioning refers to the electrical and mathematical processing of sensor signals so that they can be reliably acquired, processed, and evaluated. In this process, physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, force, level, flow, or vibration are converted into standardized electrical signals that can be processed by measurement and automation systems.
Since sensors often produce different output signals, it is necessary to adjust them to uniform signal levels. Signal conditioning ensures that measured values are recorded accurately, with minimal interference, and in a format compatible with downstream measurement, control, or analysis systems.
Why is signal conditioning necessary?
Many sensors provide raw signals with very small voltages or changes in resistance that cannot be processed directly. Examples include:
- Thermocouples with millivolt signals
- Pt100 and Pt1000 Temperature Sensors
- Strain gauge
- Pressure Sensors
- Force sensors
- Vibration Transducer
Signal conditioning converts these raw signals into standardized measured variables, such as:
- 0 to 10 V
- ±10 V
- 0 to 20 mA
- 4 to 20 mA
- Frequency signals
- Digital Measurement Values
This allows various sensors to be integrated into measurement and automation systems in a standardized manner.
Functions of Signal Conditioning
Depending on the application, signal conditioning includes various functions:
Reinforcement
Weak sensor signals are amplified to enable precise measurement.
Linearization
Nonlinear sensor characteristics are corrected mathematically so that the measured values correspond as closely as possible to the actual process variables.
Filtering
Interference and noise are filtered out to improve signal quality.
Galvanic isolation
Electrical isolation prevents interference caused by potential differences and improves measurement reliability. The Delphin data acquisition system features galvanically isolated inputs and interfaces for high immunity to interference. [delphin.de]
Scaling
The sensor signal is converted to the desired measurement range and displayed directly in physical units.
Signal Conditioning in Measurement Technology
Traditionally, signal conditioning is often performed by external devices such as:
- Transmitter
- Isolation amplifier
- Signal Converter
- Temperature Transmitter
implemented.
However, modern measurement data acquisition systems already integrate these functions directly into the hardware. This reduces the amount of wiring required, improves measurement accuracy, and simplifies commissioning.
Signal Conditioning with Delphin Data Acquisition
The measurement data acquisition systems from Delphin Technology feature built-in signal conditioning functions and support a wide variety of sensor signals directly at the input. These include, among others:
- Pt100 and Pt1000 Sensors
- Thermocouples
- Voltage measurements (mV and V)
- Current signals (0/4 … 20 mA)
- Frequency and Pulse Signals
- Vibration Signals
This allows many sensors to be connected directly without the need for additional transducers or external signal conditioning. This reduces costs, simplifies the measurement setup, and increases the reliability of the entire measurement chain. Delphin’s universal measurement data acquisition solutions enable the flexible acquisition of a wide variety of physical quantities, as well as the direct processing and analysis of the measurement data.
In addition, the measurement data can be processed using software solutions such as ProfiSignal 20 visualized, analyzed, and used for process monitoring, test benches, or laboratory applications.
Advantages of Integrated Signal Conditioning
- Direct connection of many types of sensors
- Reduction of External Transducers
- Greater measurement accuracy
- Less installation effort
- Improved immunity to interference
- Easier maintenance and commissioning
- Flexible adaptation to different measurement tasks
Signal conditioning plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality and reliable measurement data, particularly in industrial applications, test benches, laboratories, and monitoring systems.