The System Approach to Signal Conditioning

This paper describes a complete highly flexible signal conditioning system for matching transducers to readout devices. This system differs from conventional systems, in which a matching channel consists of separately packaged and powered components with interconnecting cables, in that all the components for a matching channel are packaged and powered together in one mainframe that provides the interconnections. The system gains tremendous advantages in flexibility, space, heat production, ``connectorology,'' and cost. Mathematically, any matching channel can be represented by a transfer function that can be analyzed into simpler transfer functions. Conversely, any matching channel can be synthesized by combining appropriate transfer functions. The subject system provides five types of components that provide power supply, input, preamplifier, processor, and dual output transfer functions. In each category, the number of transfer functions for which components can be designed is limited only by the user's imagination. By proper selection of components, the system can be used to match a wide variety of transducers and readout devices. The paper applies the analysis and synthesis techniques to several commonly used matching systems as a means of indicating the flexibility of the subject system.