Sensors and signal conditioning

Signal conditioning includes the steps needed to make the sensor an active part of a measurement system by providing excitation, if required, and then performing the preliminary actions needed to obtain a signal that can be processed. The output of the signal conditioning stage can be used for something as simple as driving a display subsystem. Some of the key signal conditioning functions that an instrument need to perform include excitation, input matching, signal translation, signal detection, linearization, noise reflection, and protection. Taking a close look at each function can ensure successful conditioning.