Signal Conditioning Introduction
Signal conditioning is a vital part of the data acquisition process and measurement chain. Poor choice of signal conditioning can seriously compromise the overall quality of the measurements taken by any data acquisition system and as a result the choice of conditioning equipment is important when specifying a measurement solution. After consideration of the signal quality of a conditioning system, the functionality and integration aspects of the equipment should be seriously considered. Traditionally conditioning equipment has remained separated from the data acquisition systems using solely analogue links between the two. This has some advantages, particularly in allowing multiple vendor choices, but does also miss some opportunities for improving the entire measurement chain. For instance with modern internal or digitally connected external programmable conditioning systems on-the-fly changes in parameters can be handled and integrated into the acquired data (such as gain changes). Automation of calibration, and overload / short circuit monitoring is also possible and provides useful aids to the over-pressed measurement engineers of today. HGL Dynamics has always taken a lot of care to ensure that its high-quality data acquisition systems are matched with equally high-quality signal conditioning systems and now provides internal and external conditioning solutions for all of its data acquisition products. HGL can also supply a range of external conditioning systems for 3rd party acquisition systems as required. The following sections provide some overview information on the internal and external solutions available for our data acquisition systems to aid in product selection. Internal Conditioning Solutions HGL provides a number of internal conditioning options for its range of data acquisition devices, the following provides an overview of the options based on the HGL acquisition system families in which they can be utilised. The low-power and cost conscious highly modular Dragonfly platform provides a basis for a wide range of individual low cost per channel conditioning modules, some of which can be stacked together to provide near universal conditioning within the compact Dragonfly chassis. The Dragonfly conditioning modules provide a simple set of fully programmable functions (gain, coupling etc) specific to each module type. All modules also allow direct voltage inputs to be taken (bypassing the conditioning). Currently the module set includes: HGL MCS (Modular Conditioning System) A modular low-cost conditioning option for the HGL Eagle and HDR range of data acquisition systems.The MCS provides a full length motherboard onto which individual 8-channel modular conditioning cards can be mounted. Different modules can be mounted on any one of the 4 standard positions (32 channels). The MCS motherboard also provides a monitor out function (usually suitable for attaching to an oscilloscope etc) and a headphone output. All MCS functions are fully programmable, but the range of functionality is limited to reduce costs. The MCS range currently includes the following daughter cards: The compact dimensions of the Hummingbird series of data acquisition systems presents its own challenges as regards signal conditioning. Additionally the requirement to provide conditioning that does not adversely affect the performance of the Hummingbird acquisition card (135dB SNR) whilst providing universal conditioning has led to the development of a world class ultra-miniature conditioning card. The modules are all fully programmable and include a rich set of features allowing use for virtually any application. The modules described here are designed for Hummingbird, but can be fitted to the Eagle range as well. Currently two modules are provided each of which supports 8 analogue input channels: External Conditioning Systems HGL has a long-standing partnership with Fylde Electronics based in Preston, UK. Fylde Electronics has specialised for many years in providing high quality signal conditioning systems for a wide range of industries including aerospace, marine, and industrial. Fylde has a wide range of solutions for signal conditioning, tip clearance and other applications and although only three ranges are presented on these pages HGL can provide any of the Fylde range of equipment. For specialised requirements both HGL and Fylde are interested in providing customised solutions. For reasons of simplicity only three ranges are presented on these pages: (Series 5) For all other requests or requirements please feel free to contact
with your requirements or questions.
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