‫بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم‬

Thamar University
Bachelor of Mechalectronics
Engineering

Interface
LECTURE 3

Signal conditioning
Prepared by Ebrahim Alhamidi
 Signal Conditioning
• Signal conditioning circuits improve the quality of
signals generated by transducers before they are
converted into digital signals by the PC's data-
acquisition hardware.
• Examples of signal conditioning are signal scaling,
amplification, linearization, cold-junction
compensation, filtering, attenuation, excitation,
common-mode rejection, and so on.
 Signal Conditioning
Functions: modify the analog signal to match
the performance of the ADC
– Pre-filtering: remove undesirable high
frequency components
– Amplification: amplify the signal to
match the dynamic range of the ADC
 Signal Conditioning
• One of the most common signal conditioning
functions is amplification.
• For maximum resolution, the voltage range of the
input signals should be approximately equal to the
maximum input range of the A/D converter.
Amplification expands the range of the transducer
signals so that they match the input range of the A/D
converter. For example, a x10 amplifier maps
transducer signals which range from 0 to 1 V into
the range 0 to 10 V before they go into the A/D
converter.
 Field Wiring
Field wiring involves the installation of cables, wires, and connectors to establish
electrical connections between field devices and the control system. It is essential to
ensure proper wiring practices to maintain signal integrity and reliability. Some
important considerations in field wiring include:

1. Cable Selection: Choosing the appropriate type of cables based on factors such
as the environment, voltage levels, current carrying capacity, and signal type.
Common cable types used in field wiring include twisted pairs, shielded cables,
and coaxial cables.
2. Cable Routing: Properly routing and protecting cables to minimize the risk of
damage from environmental factors (temperature, moisture, chemicals) or
physical stress (vibration, impact). This may involve using conduits, cable trays,
or appropriate cable glands.
3. Termination and Connections: Ensuring proper termination and connection
techniques, such as crimping, soldering, or using terminal blocks, to establish
secure and reliable electrical connections.
4. Grounding and Shielding: Implementing effective grounding and shielding
techniques to minimize electrical noise, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and
ensure safety.
 Signal Measurement
Signal measurement involves acquiring and processing the electrical signals
generated by field devices for monitoring, control, and analysis. This typically
requires the use of signal conditioning and measurement instruments. Here are
some key aspects of signal measurement:
1. Signal Conditioning: Field signals often require conditioning to optimize their
measurement accuracy and compatibility with the control system. Signal
conditioning may involve amplification, filtering, linearization, isolation, or
conversion of signals from one form to another.
2. Data Acquisition: Data acquisition systems are used to sample, convert, and
digitize analog signals for further processing by the control system or data
analysis software. These systems may include analog-to-digital converters
(ADCs), multiplexers, and data communication interfaces.
3. Calibration and Accuracy: Ensuring accurate and reliable measurements by
calibrating instruments and sensors against known standards. Regular calibration
helps maintain measurement accuracy over time.
4. Communication and Integration: Transmitting the measured signals to the
control system or other devices using communication protocols such as analog
signals, digital protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus), or network protocols (e.g.,
Ethernet, Fieldbus).
 Noise
Noise refers to unwanted or random fluctuations in the sensor's output signal that
are not related to the measured quantity. It can arise from various sources, including
electrical, thermal, environmental, and even inherent characteristics of the sensor
itself. Noise can degrade the signal-to-noise ratio and introduce errors in the
measurement. Some common types of noise include:
1. Thermal Noise: This is caused by the random motion of electrons in conductors
due to thermal energy. It is present in all electrical circuits and is proportional to
temperature and bandwidth.
2. Shot Noise: Shot noise occurs due to the discrete nature of electrical charge and
current flow. It is prominent in devices where current flows in small quantities,
such as photodiodes or semiconductor devices.
3. Environmental Noise: External factors such as electromagnetic interference
(EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), and electromagnetic radiation from
power lines, machinery, or other electronic devices can introduce noise into the
sensor's output.
4. Sensor Noise: Some sensors inherently produce noise due to their physical
operation or technology. For example, in imaging sensors like CCD or CMOS
sensors, pixel noise or readout noise can affect image quality.
 Interference
Interference refers to the presence of unwanted external signals that can corrupt the
sensor's output and lead to measurement inaccuracies. Interference can be caused
by various sources, including:

• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): EMI occurs when external electromagnetic

fields couple with the sensor's circuitry or wiring, leading to induced voltages or
currents that interfere with the sensor's signal.
• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): RFI refers to the interference caused by
electromagnetic radiation from radio frequency sources, such as nearby radio
transmitters, mobile devices, or wireless communication systems.
• Cross-Talk: Cross-talk interference occurs when signals from adjacent circuits or
sensors couple or interfere with each other due to improper shielding, proximity,
or poor isolation.
• Ground Loops: Ground loops can introduce interference when there are multiple
ground connections with different potentials, causing unwanted currents to flow
between the sensor and the measurement system.
• Environmental Interference: Environmental factors like temperature variations,
humidity, vibration, or electromagnetic fields can introduce interference into the
sensor's output.
 Minimizing noise and interference
To mitigate noise and interference in sensor measurements, various
techniques can be employed:
1. Shielding: Proper shielding of sensor cables and circuitry can minimize
the influence of external electromagnetic fields and reduce noise and
interference.
2. Filtering: The use of filters, such as low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass
filters, can help attenuate unwanted noise or frequency components
outside the desired measurement range.
3. Grounding: Proper grounding techniques, such as star grounding or
signal ground isolation, can minimize ground loop interference.
4. Signal Conditioning: Signal conditioning circuits can be employed to
amplify the sensor's weak output, linearize non-linear responses, and
filter out noise or unwanted signals.
5. Calibration: Regular calibration of sensors against known standards can
account for inherent sensor noise and improve measurement accuracy.
6. Location and Installation: Proper placement and installation of sensors
away from noise sources or electromagnetic fields can minimize
interference.
 Shielded
Shielded cables are designed to provide a protective shield around the signal-
carrying conductors. The shield is typically made of a conductive material such as
copper or aluminum and is grounded to provide a path for electrical interference to
dissipate harmlessly. The shield acts as a barrier, preventing external
electromagnetic fields from coupling with the signal wires and reducing the impact of
EMI on the sensor signals. Key features of shielded cables include:

1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection: The shielding layer helps

to block and redirect external electromagnetic fields, reducing the
interference that can affect the sensor signals.
2. Signal Integrity: Shielded cables help maintain the integrity of the sensor
signals by minimizing noise and reducing signal degradation caused by EMI.
3. Applications: Shielded cables are commonly used in environments with
high levels of electromagnetic noise, such as industrial settings, power
plants, and locations with heavy electrical equipment.
4. Types of Shielding: Shielded cables can have different types of shielding,
such as foil shielding, braid shielding, or a combination of both. Foil shielding
uses a thin metallic layer wrapped around the conductors, while braid
shielding consists of a woven mesh of conductive material.
 Twisted-pair cable
Twisted-pair cables consist of two insulated conductors that are twisted together in a
helical configuration. The twisting pattern helps to reduce the impact of external
electromagnetic interference by canceling out induced voltages. Twisted-pair cables
are widely used in many sensor applications due to their effectiveness in minimizing
noise and interference. Key features of twisted-pair cables include:

1. Common-Mode Noise Rejection: The twisting pattern of the conductors helps to

cancel out common-mode noise, which is noise that affects both conductors
equally. This allows for effective noise rejection and improved signal integrity.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Twisted-pair cables are generally more cost-effective
compared to shielded cables, making them a popular choice for various sensor
applications.
3. Flexibility: Twisted-pair cables are often more flexible and easier to handle
compared to shielded cables, allowing for easier installation and routing in tight
spaces.
4. Applications: Twisted-pair cables find applications in a wide range of industries,
including telecommunications, data networks, process control systems, and many
sensor-based applications.