CHAPTER 3 - Analog Signal Conditioning

Abstract

This chapter presents the details on the concept of analog signal conditioning. Nearly, all transducer signals must be conditioned by analog circuitry before they can be digitized and used by a computer. This conditioning often includes amplification and filtering, although more complex operations can also be performed on the waveforms. Amplification is necessary for the signal's amplitude to fit within a reasonable portion of the analog-to-digital converter dynamic range. Filtering must usually be performed on analog signals for several reasons. Sometimes noise or unwanted signal artifacts can be eliminated by filtering out certain portions of the signal's spectra. The simplest analog circuit elements are passive components—resistors, capacitors, and inductors. They can be used as attenuators and filters. The most common analog circuit semiconductor component is the operational amplifier, called the op amp. This circuit element is usually a monolithic device (an integrated circuit), although hybrid modules, based on discrete transistors, are still used in special applications. The op amp is used in both linear and nonlinear applications involving amplification and signal conditioning.