Safety Signal Conditioners

Signal conditioners are devices that convert one type of electronic input signal into a different type of output signal. The input signals received from sensors are amplified, filtered and isolated into a more easily read output signal for processing. Many applications involve measurements from sensors that need signal conditioning before the instrument can accurately and effectively measure the signal.

Isolation amplifiers are used to isolate two parts of a circuit and provide amplification for low power signals. They provide isolation from the source side to the load side so that there is no direct connection between the two. This provides a safety barrier to the user on the power side. With such isolation, it creates a possibility for high current to pass through both sides. As this high current is isolated to the user, there is a break in the ohmic continuity of electrical signals between input and output. Isolation amplifiers are intended for applications requiring safe, accurate measurement of low frequency voltage in the presence of high common-mode voltage. They are useful for line-receiving of signals transmitted at high impedance in noisy environments. They are also used for safety in general-purpose measurements where DC and line-frequency leakage must be maintained at levels well below certain mandated minimums. Isolation amplifiers can be found in electrical environments associated with industrial process control systems, medical equipment, power plants and automatic test equipment.