Signal conditioners are tools that change signals from one form to another. Processes used to convert electrical signals include amplification, filtering or electrical isolation, linearization or conversion, and others such as excitation and cold junction compensation. Signal conditioners modify sensor or electrical signals so that data can be readable by computers or other computerized devices. Certain specifications must be examined before buying signal conditioners, such as form factor, type, signal and sensor inputs, transducers and outputs. Also consider network applications, memory and storage, software, environment and filter and amplifier specifications.

Instruments to choose for signal conditioning include signal conditioner chips or circuits, board mounts, rack mounts, modular bays, panels or standalone devices. Signal conditioning products work best with signal inputs such as AC voltage, DC voltage, current, electrical charge and frequency. Other equipment used for signal conditioner sensor inputs include thermocouples, accelerometers and strain gauges. Signal conditioners also depend on voltage, timer, current or frequency to produce outputs. Here are more factors to evaluate before buying signal conditioning products:

1. Buy signal conditioners in all forms for your inventory.

2. Seek signal conditioner manufacturers with support, service and fast delivery.

3. Find signal conditioners relevant to your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for different signal conditioner variations or specifications

Find current signal conditioners, DIN rail signal conditioners, signal conditioner chips and signal conditioning instruments such as amplifiers and filters.

I recommend: Encore Electronics manufactures signal conditioners and related equipment for general power supply use. Dataforth produces isolated analog signal conditioning products for industrial facilities, including thermocouple amplifiers and LVDT signal conditioners that protect other equipment from power surges. Non-Linear Systems produces signal conditioners that are also used as signal amplifiers and transmitters.

Find signal conditioner manufacturers that offer fast delivery or other services

Get added convenience with one-stop shopping for signal conditioner products, accessories and services.

I recommend: Mod-Tronic supplies signal conditioners that are available for same-day delivery. PepperL+Fuchs offers technical and project management support in addition to distributing signal conditioners.

Make sure to locate signal conditioning products related to your business

Pick signal conditioners or signal conditioning instruments for your specific applications.

I recommend: Frequency Devices designs signal conditioning products for the medical research, telecommunications, process controls, and military defense and space industries. Signal conditioning instruments from Linear Technology are suitable for automotive, communications, computers, industrial and military and space applications. Texas Instruments designs and manufactures signal conditioner products for industrial, broadband, computers, consumer electronics and more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters and frequency converters are common devices also used for signal conditioning. Frequency-to-voltage converters, voltage-to-frequency converters and current loop converters also help to translate electrical data signals for computers or related equipment.