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AN116 Why Use Isolated Signal Conditioners?

From Dataforth Corporation
 

 

Isolating power sources and sensor signals is the most effective method for eliminating undesirable ground loop currents and induced electrical noise. Dataforth Signal Conditioning Modules (SCMs) use up to four levels of isolation to eliminate ground loop problems and induced field noise. The reader is encouraged to visit Dataforth's website and examine the complete line of isolated SCMs. For additional reading on isolating unwanted ground loop currents, see Reference 2.

When you move a data acquisition system from the controlled environment of the laboratory to validation testing or the manufacturing floor, some problems may arise. Many factors may combine to destroy measurement accuracy, or possibly even the equipment. Understanding these factors is crucial to measurement success.

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Data acquisition output modules or cards transfer amplified, conditioned, or digitized signals. Search by Specification | Learn more about Data Acquisition Output Modules
Signal conditioning products provide amplification, filtering, converting, and other processes required to make sensor output suitable for reading by computer boards. Search by Specification | Learn more about Signal Conditioners
Current-to-voltage converters scale and convert current signal input to the desired output voltage range. Search by Specification | Learn more about Current-to-Voltage Converters
Instrumentation amplifiers are differential amplifiers that have been optimized for use with DC signals. They are characterized by high gain, high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR), and high input impedance. Search by Specification | Learn more about Instrumentation Amplifiers
Sensor multiplexers allow the signal delivered to an instrument to be scanned or switched between multiple sensors. The multi-channel testing of multiple sensors/samples increases sample throughput and the productivity of costly instrumentation. Learn more about Sensor Multiplexers
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Dataforth Corporation - 8B 2-Wire Transmitter Interface Modules
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Dataforth Corporation - 8B Voltage and Bipolar Current Output Modules
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Dataforth Corporation - Dataforth SCM5B True RMS Input SCMs
Each SCM5B33 True RMS input signal conditioning module provides a single channel of AC input which is converted to its True RMS DC value, filtered, isolated, amplified, and converted to a standard... (read more)
Dataforth Corporation - DSCA DIN Rail Analog Signal Conditioning Family
Dataforth's DSCA DIN rail mount signal conditioner family consists of 370+ models that accept millivolt, volt, milliamp, RTD, thermocouple, potentiometer, strain gage, DC LVDT, frequency, and two-wire... (read more)
Topics of Interest
As a prerequisite to this Application Note, the reader is encouraged to examine Dataforth's Application Note AN112, Reference 2, which describes the amplitude characteristics and reviews the... (Read More)
Signal conditioning modules, SCMs, used for measuring process control variables such as temperature, pressure, strain, position, speed, level, etc. are always subject to externally induced noise... (Read More)
Bridge circuits have been in use for well over 150 years. To date, the bridge is still the most economical circuit technique for accurately measuring resistance. The original bridge circuit topology... (Read More)
System error budgets should be developed and analyzed as an integral part of system designs. System engineers must determine the necessary levels of accuracy for system elements such as field sensors,... (Read More)
Associated Research strongly recommends the use of an isolation transformer or isolated power source for powering up the Device Under Test (DUT) when performing the Line Leakage or Functional Run... (Read More)
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