Measurement & Instrumentation

Module 3:
Signal Conditioning and
Amplification
By
Lt Col AS Imam, Professor of Mechatronics & Robotics
Head, Mechatronic Engineering Department
Nigerian Defence Academy

This module explores the crucial role of signal

conditioning and amplification in instrumentation
systems, particularly within mechatronics and
robotics.
Signal Conditioning Techniques
1 Signal Conversion 2 Signal Linearization
Transforming signals from one form to Modifying non-linear sensor outputs to create
another, for example, converting a voltage to a linear relationship, improving accuracy.
a current.
3 Signal Filtering 4 Signal Amplification
Eliminating unwanted noise and disturbances Boosting the signal strength for improved
from the signal to ensure accuracy. signal-to-noise ratio and clearer readings.
Signal Conditioning
Techniques: Attenuation
Reducing Signal Protection from
Amplitude Overload
Attenuation lowers the Attenuation safeguards
signal amplitude to delicate circuits by
match the input range of preventing excessive
subsequent circuits. voltage or current.

Matching Impedance
Attenuation helps to match the impedance of different
parts of the circuit, improving signal transmission.
Signal Conditioning
Techniques: Isolation
Preventing Ground Protecting
Loops Sensitive Devices
Isolation eliminates Isolation prevents high
unwanted electrical voltage or current from
connections between damaging sensitive
different parts of the instrumentation
circuit. components.

Improving Signal Integrity

Isolation enhances signal accuracy by reducing noise
and interference from external sources.
Signal Conditioning Techniques: Calibration
Reference Signal Verification
A known input signal is used to establish a The calibration process is repeated to confirm
baseline for the sensor's response. the sensor's accuracy and reliability.

1 2 3

Adjustment
The sensor's output is compared to the reference
signal, and adjustments are made to ensure
accuracy.
 Amplification and Signal
Processing
1 Gain and Bandwidth 2 Noise Reduction
Amplifiers increase the Amplifiers can be
signal strength, but designed to minimize
their gain and noise and interference,
bandwidth influence improving signal
the output signal. clarity.

3 Signal Shaping
Signal processing techniques like filtering and
averaging can modify the signal shape for specific
applications.
Amplifier Types
Operational Amplifiers Instrumentation Amplifiers Differential Amplifiers
(Op-amps)
Specialized amplifiers for Amplifiers that amplify the
Versatile amplifiers with high precise measurements, often difference between two input
gain and low input current, used used in medical devices and signals, used for noise
in a wide range of applications. industrial control systems. reduction and signal isolation.
Filtering and Noise Reduction

Low-Pass Filters High-Pass Filters

Pass signals below a certain Pass signals above a certain
frequency while attenuating frequency while attenuating
signals above that signals below that
frequency. frequency.

Band-Pass Filters Band-Stop Filters

Pass signals within a Attenuate signals within a
specific frequency range specific frequency range
while attenuating signals while passing signals
outside that range. outside that range.
Filtering Techniques: Active
Filters
Op-amps Frequency Selectivity
Active filters use op- Active filters can be
amps to amplify and designed with precise
shape the signal, frequency cutoffs,
improving performance enabling targeted noise
compared to passive reduction.
filters.

Higher Order Filters

Active filters can implement higher-order filters,
providing steeper roll-offs and better noise rejection.
Filtering Techniques: Passive
Filters
Resistors and Limited Frequency
Capacitors Control
Passive filters use only Passive filters have less
resistors and capacitors, precise frequency cutoffs
offering simplicity and compared to active
cost-effectiveness. filters.

Lower Order Filters

Passive filters typically implement lower-order filters,
resulting in less steep roll-offs and weaker noise
rejection.
Noise Reduction
Techniques: Averaging
Multiple Samples Reducing Random Noise
Averaging takes multiple Averaging effectively
samples of the signal reduces random noise, as
over a period of time, random fluctuations tend
reducing the impact of to cancel out over time.
random noise.

Slow Signal Changes

Averaging is most effective for signals that change
slowly, as it reduces the impact of noise on the overall
signal trend.
Noise Reduction Techniques: Shielding
Electromagnetic Reducing Noise Pickup Protecting From
Shielding External Sources
Shielding involves Shielding prevents noise from Shielding can be used to
surrounding sensitive circuits entering the circuit, improving protect circuits from
with a conductive material to signal accuracy and interference from nearby
block external performance. equipment, electrical wiring,
electromagnetic interference. or other sources of noise.
Noise Reduction
Techniques: Grounding
Common Ground Reducing Ground
Reference Loops
Grounding establishes a Proper grounding
common reference point techniques prevent the
for all components in the formation of ground loops,
circuit, minimizing noise which can introduce
introduced by different unwanted currents and
ground potentials. noise into the circuit.

Improving Signal Integrity

Grounding plays a crucial role in ensuring that signals
travel through the circuit without distortion from noise or
interference.
Signal Conditioning and
Amplification in Robotics
Sensor Data Acquisition
Sensors collect data about the robot's environment
and internal state, providing input to the control
system.
Signal Conditioning
Signal conditioning circuits process the sensor data,
adjusting it for the control system's requirements.

Amplification
Amplifiers boost the signal strength for accurate
processing and transmission to the control system.

Control System Input

The conditioned and amplified signal is used as input
to the robot's control system, enabling precise
movements and actions.
Signal Conditioning and Amplification in Mechatronics
Area Application
Motor Control Amplifiers boost the signal strength to drive motors,
enabling precise and powerful movements.

Sensor Feedback Signal conditioning circuits process sensor data, providing

feedback to the control system for closed-loop control.

Communication Interfaces Signal conditioning ensures accurate data transmission

between different components in the mechatronic system.