What is Signal Conditioning?

To process the form or mode of a signal so as toacquire the signal. The front-end signal conditioning
make it intelligible to, or compatible with, a givensystem can include functions such as signal
device, including such manipulation as pulse shaping,amplification, attenuation, filtering, electrical isolation,
pulse clipping, compensating, digitizing, and linearizing.simultaneous sampling, and multiplexing. In addition,
The process of interfacing to a sensor, amplifyingmany transducers require excitation currents or
and filtering its signal ready for display or ADC.voltages, bridge completion, linearization, or high
Signal conditioning is an important component of anyamplification for proper and accurate operation.
complete measurement system. No matter whichTherefore, most computer-based measurement
sensor you are using, signal conditioning can improvesystems include some form of signal conditioning in
the accuracy, effectiveness, and safety of youraddition to plug-in data acquisition DAQ devices.
measurements because of capabilities suchThe accuracy, repeatability and reliability of analog
amplifications, isolation, and filtering.measurements are at the heart of every data
Computer-based measurement systems are used in aacquisition or measurement and control system.
wide variety of applications. In laboratories, in fieldReliable data from sensors is critical to achieving
services and on manufacturing plant floors, thesedesired system results, whether it's product /
systems act as general-purpose measurement toolsprocess improvements, raw material optimization,
well suited for measuring voltage signals. However,improved quality or increased uptime. Analog Devices
many real-world sensors and transducers requirehas been solving signal conditioning problems for over
signal conditioning before a computer-based30 years, and is at the forefront of analog signal
measurement system can effectively and accuratelyprocessing technology.