Signal Conditioners

Signal conditioners, or signal converters, are electronic devices used to modify and optimise electrical signals in various measurement and control systems. They are typically employed in situations where the electrical signals from sensors, transducers, or other sources need to be adjusted or conditioned to meet specific requirements.

How do Signal Conditioners Work?

The primary purpose of a signal conditioner is to ensure that the signals are suitable for further processing, transmission, or conversion by other devices or systems. Signal conditioners can perform a variety of functions depending on the specific application.

Types of Signal Conditioners

Signal conditioners are crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of signal processing in various applications. They can be classified into different types based on the nature of the signals they process: analogue, current, and digital.

Analogue Signal Conditioners: Analogue signal conditioners process analogue signals such as voltage or current. They are designed to amplify, filter, or linearise analogue input signals to make them suitable for further processing or accurate measurement. These conditioners are essential in applications requiring precise analogue signal processing, such as in industrial automation and instrumentation.

Current Signal Conditioners: Current signal conditioners specifically handle and condition current signals. They convert and condition current inputs to appropriate levels for processing or measurement. These conditioners are commonly used in industrial processes where current is a more accurate or easier-to-measure parameter than voltage, ensuring reliable performance and monitoring.

Digital Signal Conditioners: Digital signal conditioners convert analogue signals into digital form for digital processing and analysis. They often include features like analogue-to-digital conversion, digital filtering, and data logging. These conditioners are vital in modern systems that rely on digital signal processing for precise measurements and control, offering high accuracy and flexibility.

The main distinction between these types of signal conditioners is the nature of the signals they process. Analogue signal conditioners are used for continuous signals requiring precise manipulation, current signal conditioners are tailored for accurate current measurements, and digital signal conditioners are perfect for systems needing digital conversion and processing. Each type ensures signal integrity and accurate data interpretation for specific applications.

Common Signal Conditioner Functions

Signal conditioners can perform several functions based on the specific needs of the signals they process. Here are some common functions of signal conditioners:

Amplifiers: Amplifiers are signal conditioners used to amplify weak input signals. They increase the signal strength to a level suitable for further processing or transmission.

Filters: Signal conditioners that incorporate filters are used to remove unwanted noise or interference from the input signals. Different types of filters, such as low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or notch filters, are used based on the specific frequency ranges to be filtered.

Linearisers: Linearisers are signal conditioners that compensate for nonlinearities in the input signal. They apply mathematical algorithms or lookup tables to linearize the output and provide a more linear response over the measurement range.

Isolation Amplifiers: These signal conditioners provide electrical isolation between the input and output sides of a system. They protect sensitive measurement equipment from electrical noise, voltage spikes, and ground loops, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.

Converters: Signal conditioners known as converters are used to convert signals from one form to another. For example, analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs) convert analogue signals into digital form, while digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) convert digital signals into analogue form.

Where are Signal Conditioners Used?

Signal conditioners are essential in many industries where accurate and reliable signal processing is critical. They optimise signal quality, reduce noise, and improve the overall performance of measurement and control systems. Here are some of the key industries where signal conditioners are used:

• Industrial Automation: In industrial automation, signal conditioners are used to ensure accurate signal transmission between sensors and controllers. They help in amplifying, filtering, and isolating signals to maintain the integrity of data, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of automated systems.
• Process Control: Analogue signal conditioners and digital signal conditioners. play a vital role in process control by converting and conditioning signals from various sensors to a standardised format. This ensures precise monitoring and control of processes such as temperature, pressure, and flow.
• Data Acquisition Systems: In data acquisition systems, signal conditioners are used to convert signals from sensors into a format that can be easily digitised and analysed. Current signal conditioners and voltage signal conditioners ensure accurate data collection for subsequent processing and analysis.
• Scientific Research: Signal conditioners are crucial in scientific research for ensuring the accuracy of experimental data. They help in filtering out noise and amplifying weak signals, which is essential for high-precision measurements in various research applications.
• Medical Equipment: In medical equipment, signal conditioners such as isolated signal conditioners and analogue signal conditioners are used to ensure the safety and accuracy of patient monitoring systems. They provide electrical isolation and signal amplification to protect both the patient and the equipment.
• Telecommunications: Signal conditioners are used in telecommunications to enhance the quality of transmitted signals. Signal converters and signal adaptors help in maintaining the integrity of data over long distances by reducing noise and ensuring signal compatibility.
• Energy and Power: In the energy and power sector, signal conditioners are used to monitor and control electrical parameters. They help in converting and conditioning signals from power metres and sensors to ensure accurate measurement and efficient energy management.

Buying Signal Conditioners, Converters or Adaptors: Ordering & Delivery

RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of signal conditioners, converters or adaptors. We carry a comprehensive range including analogue, current, digital universal, frequency, voltage, isolated signal conditioners and more. Our signal conditioners are from leading brands like Phoenix Contact, Siemens, Wago, Weidmüller, and more. To place an order online, browse our extensive catalogue where you can filter and select your preferred products based on your specifications.

RS Singapore offers fast delivery of all types of signal conditioners. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.