Signal Conditiong

Question 1

The process of converting raw signals from a sensor or transducer into a form that is suitable for processing by a control unit in a mechatronics system. It includes operations like noise reduction, linearization, amplification, and conversion between analog and digital forms.

Answer 1

signal conditioning

Question 2

Converts a nonlinear signal to a linear form. Often necessary for sensors like thermocouples, which have a nonlinear relationship between input and output.

Answer 2

linearization

Question 2

To prepare signals by removing noise, converting nonlinear signals to linear, and adjusting signal amplitude so they are suitable for a control system.

Answer 2

purpose of signal conditioning

Question 2

Reduces high-amplitude signals to a lower, manageable level, usually for data acquisition systems limited to specific voltage ranges.

Answer 2

attenuation

Question 3

Increases low-amplitude signals, typically from sensors, to levels suitable for processing.

Answer 3

amplification

Question 4

Removes noise from a signal, allowing only the desired frequency components to pass through. Filters can be low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or band-reject.

Answer 4

filtering

Question 5

Prevents high voltages from affecting the control system, often achieved using isolation amplifiers. This is critical in applications involving high voltages.

Answer 5

isolation

Question 5

Converts digital signals back into analog form, often through circuits like the binary-weighted-input
DAC.

Answer 5

digital to analog conversion (DAC)

Question 6

Converts analog signals to digital format, often involving sample-and-hold circuits to map out the waveform digitally.

Answer 6

analog to digital conversion (ADC)

Question 6

Key components for signal conditioning, enabling amplification of low-level output signals from sensors like thermocouples and strain-gage bridges.

Answer 6

operational amplifiers

Question 7

Commonly used to measure electrical resistance changes, particularly useful for strain gauges

Answer 7

Wheatstone bridge

Question 8

Circuits designed to pass or reject certain frequency bands in a signal, used extensively to eliminate noise

Answer 8

filters

Question 9

. Provides positive gain without inverting the signal phase, used when signal integrity in the same polarity is needed.

Answer 9

non-inverting amplifier

Question 10

Inverts the input signal’s phase, often used in applications where a phase inversion is required.

Answer 10

inverting amplifier

Question 11

Maintains the original signal’s voltage level while providing high input impedance and low output impedance, preventing disturbance to the original circuit.

Answer 11

voltage follower/buffer

Question 12

Compares two voltages and outputs a signal indicating which input is higher. Common in control applications where voltage thresholds are critical.

Answer 12

voltage comparator

Question 13

Adds multiple input voltages, each with a specific gain factor, useful in applications requiring combined signal inputs.

Answer 13

summing amplifier

Question 14

Amplifies the difference between two input voltages, often used with sensors like thermocouples that measure differential voltage.

Answer 14

differential amplifier

Question 15

Converts current to a proportional voltage, useful in sensor applications where current output needs voltage conversion.

Answer 15

current to voltage converter

Question 16

Converts a voltage signal to a proportional current, often applied in current-driven control systems.

Answer 16

voltage to current converter

Question 16

Produces an output proportional to the rate of change of the input signal, effective for detecting rapid changes in signals.

Answer 16

differentiator

Question 17

Integrates the input signal over time, providing an output that represents the accumulated signal value, often used in applications like control systems where accumulation over time is significant.

Answer 17

integrator

Question 17

Allows low-frequency signals to pass and attenuates high-frequency signals, commonly used to remove high-frequency noise.

Answer 17

low-pass filter

Question 18

Allows high-frequency signals to pass while blocking low-frequency components, useful for eliminating low-frequency interference.

Answer 18

high-pass filter

Question 18

Blocks signals within a specific frequency range while allowing frequencies outside that range to pass, often used to eliminate specific unwanted frequencies.

Answer 18

band-reject filter

Question 18

Passes signals within a specific frequency band and blocks signals outside that range, ideal for isolating a particular frequency range in applications.

Answer 18

band-pass filter

Question 19

Provides electrical isolation using light transmission, commonly used to isolate high voltages and protect control systems.

Answer 19

optoisolator

Question 20

Protects circuits from surges and faults, ensuring the safety and longevity of components in a system.

Answer 20

circuit protection