Application Note 301 Signal Conditioning for Sophisticated Transducers

A substantial amount of information is available on signal conditioning for common transducers. Fortunately, most of these devices, which are used to sense common physical parameters, are relatively easy to signal condition. Further, most transducer-based measurement requirements are well served by standard transducers and signal conditioning techniques. Some situations, however, require sophisticated transduction techniques with their attendant special signal conditioning requirements. This application note details signal conditioning and applications information for a diverse group of sophisticated and unusual tranducers. Because these devices are unusual or somewhat difficult to signal condition, relatively little material has appeared on how to design circuitry for them. Many of these devices permit measurements which cannot be accomplished in any other way. For this reason it is worthwhile to have a basic familiarity with their capabilities and what is required to signal condition them. The circuits shown are intended as instructive examples only, although each one has been constructed and tested. Every individual transducer application has a set of specifications and constraints which will require modification or revision of the circuits presented. Sources of additional information which feature more vigorous treatment are presented in a reference section at the end of the application note.