Signal Conditioner 101
Signal isolators are used in instrumentation, control and measurement systems where accurate and reliable signal processing is required. The purpose of a signal isolator is to ensure that the electrical signal from a sensor is compatible with the input requirements of subsequent signal processing devices.
The key features of signal conditioners include amplification, filtering, isolation and linearization. Depending on the specific application and type of signals, they can fulfill different functions.
Interfaceforce signal conditioners are used with a variety of load cells and force gauges. Transducers convert force or weight into an electrical signal. The output signal from a load cell is usually in the form of a small electrical voltage that is proportional to the force applied.
Be sure to check out the Gauge Selection Guide to find gauges with signal isolators that are best suited to your force measurement application.
Understanding the use of signal conditioners with Load cells
Reinforcement: Load cells produce small electrical signals that may need to be amplified to bring them to a usable level. Signal conditioners can contain built-in amplifiers that increase the strength of the load cell signal. This amplification helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio and increases the sensitivity of the system.
Filter: Load cell signals can be affected by electrical noise or interference, which can degrade the accuracy of measurements. Signal isolators often have filtering capabilities to remove unwanted noise and interference from the load cell signal. This ensures that the signal is clean and reliable.
Excitement: Load cells require an excitation voltage or current to function properly. Signal isolators provide a stable and regulated source of excitation to power the load cell. This excitation voltage is typically supplied to the load cell via the signal isolator to ensure consistent and accurate measurements.
Calibration and linearization: Load cells can exhibit nonlinear characteristics, meaning that the relationship between the applied force and the output voltage is not completely linear. Signal conditioners can include calibration and linearization algorithms to compensate for these nonlinearities. By applying appropriate mathematical adjustments, the signal conditioner can provide a linear output signal that accurately represents the applied force.
Signal conversion: Load cell signals are typically analog voltages, but must be converted to a digital format for further processing or transmission. Some signal conditioners contain analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that convert the analog load cell signal into digital data so that it can be processed by digital systems.
Signal conditioner considerations
Form factor: Box mount, DIN rail, inline cable, integrated into the load cell
Output options: ±5/±10VDC, 0,1-5VDC, current, frequency, digital
Polarity: Bipolar or unipolar
bandwidth
Onboard filtering
Power supply type: cable, built-in, wireless
Immunity to noise
Interfaceforce top signal conditioner
PRODUCT: DMA2 DIN RAIL MOUNT SIGNAL CONDITIONER
- User selectable analog output +/-10V, +/-5V, 4-20mA
- 10-28VDC power
- Selectable input ranges 5-50mV
- Can be mounted on DIN rail
- Shunt calibration at the push of a button
- 1000Hz bandwidth
PRODUCT: SGA AC/DC POWERED SIGNAL CONDITIONER
- User selectable analog output +/-10V, +/-5V, 0-5V, 0-20mA, 4-20mA
- 110VAC, 220VAC, OR 18-24VDC power supply
- Filtering 1Hz to 5kHz selectable via switch
- One channel supplies up to four transducers
- Selectable full scale input range .06 to 30mV/V
- Sealed ABS housing
- Optional bridge termination and remote shunt activation module
PRODUCT: ISG INSULATED DIN RAIL MOUNTED SIGNAL PRODUCER
- Galvanically isolated power supply
- High precision
- +/-5VDC or +/-10VDC analog output (4-20mA optional)
- 10-30VDC power
- Switch selectable filtering 1Hz to 1kHz (up to 10kHz optional)
- Accepts inputs up to 4,5mV/V
- Can be mounted on DIN rail
- CSC and LCSC-OEM inline signal converters
PRODUCT: CSC and LCSC OEM INLINE SIGNAL CONSTANTS
- IP67 stainless steel housing (CSC only)
- CE approved (CSC only)
- Adjustment of zero point and span
- 1 kHz bandwidth
PRODUCT: VSC2 Robust compact vehicle-powered signal converter
Highly accurate bipolar precision differential amplifier- ± 5VDC output
- Accepts inputs from ±1,4 to ±-4,2
- 1000 Hz low pass filter
- Robust construction and compact size
- Course, fine zero and span settings
- Activate R-CAL (Shunt Cal) with internal switch
Signal conditioners ensure that the load cell output is optimized for accuracy, stability and compatibility with the measurement or control system. They help with noise reduction, amplify weak signals, provide excitation, and perform calibration and linearization to ensure precise and reliable measurements of force or weight.
Visit the Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide to see all available products with signal conditioning functionality.
Watch the Testing Lab Essentials Part 3 webinar to learn more about the benefits and use cases of Interface Signal Conditioners.