A teaching tool for engineers and plant managers who want to learn the basics of signal isolation / conditioning. Ideal if you are a industrial, mechanical, or chemical specialist or engineer who finds yourself in a position of managing production lines, plants, or facilities outside of your field of expertise. Very helpful in understanding how to maximize your PLC or DAQ.

1. Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.
Cecomp Electronics
Proudly Represented by
Instrumentation Resources Inc (IRI)
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Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

2. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal
Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

3. Absolute Process Instruments
What is Signal
Conditioning?
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

4. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is the
manipulation of a process
signal or sensor input . . .
Pressure
Temperature
Flow
Level
Speed
Voltage
Current
Load/Strain
Pulse
Etc.
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

5. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
. . . so it is compatible with
the next stage of processing
Relay
Communications
Etc.
Pressure
Temperature
Flow
Level
Speed
Voltage
Current
Load/Strain
Pulse
Etc.
DC Voltage
DC Current
Frequency/Pulse
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

6. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

7. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

8. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
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Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

9. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

10. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Filtering
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

11. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Filtering
Linearization
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

12. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Filtering
Linearization
Replication
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

13. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Isolation
Amplification/Attenuation
Filtering
Linearization
Replication
Communications
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning is one or a
combination of the following:
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

14. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Change a sensor or process signal
input to an output that is
compatible with a control or
monitoring device
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

15. Absolute Process Instruments
Conversion
Temperature Sensors
Thermocouple, RTD, Thermistor, IR Sensor
Wheatstone Bridge
Load Cells, Strain Gages, Transducers
Pressure Sensors
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

16. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Conversion
Speed / Flow
Mag Pickups, Frequency, Pulse
High Voltage/Current
AC – Motor, Pump
DC – Battery , Solar
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

17. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Conversion
Process Signals
4-20mA, 0-10V, 1-5V
Signal Reversal, Math Functions, Offsets
Digital Outputs
1 or 2 Relays/Solid State
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

18. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Isolation
Optical or galvanic barrier between
the input and the output
Typically 1200 to 2000V
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

19. Absolute Process Instruments
• Eliminate ground loops and
unwanted interference
• Reduce potential for damage to
sensitive equipment due to
transients or spikes
Why is isolation needed?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

20. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Amplification
Convert a low or weak signal to one
that is robust and capable of driving
larger loads and/or transmitting
over a long distance
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

21. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Attenuation
Reduce a high input signal to one
that is compatible with a control or
monitoring device
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

22. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Filtering
“Clean up” unwanted “noise” or
signal fluctuations by increasing the
response time between input and
output
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

23. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Linearization
Linearize a sensor or process signal
so it represents the physical
quantity being measured
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

24. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Replication
Split, duplicate, replicate a sensor or
process input to 2 or more outputs
DC Voltage or
Current Outputs
can be same or
different
Pressure
Temperature
Flow
Level
Speed
Voltage
Current
Load/Strain
Pulse
Etc.
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

25. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Communications
Monitor and/or control sensors or
process signals via Ethernet,
Modbus, Profibus, CANopen, Etc
Pressure
Temperat
ure
Flow
Level
Speed
Voltage
Current
Load/Str
ain
Pulse
Etc.
Modbus
Profibus
Ethernet
CANopen
Etc.
1 or More
Inputs
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

26. Absolute Process Instruments
Combination
Covert, Isolate, Amplify/Attenuate,
Filter, Linearize, Replicate,
Communicate
What Is Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

27. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

28. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
• Very common question: “Why not go
direct to PLC or controller?”
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

29. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
• Very common question: “Why not go
direct to PLC or controller?”
• In order to reduce cost and increase
I/O density, some PLCs or controllers
do not have isolated inputs
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

30. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
• Very common question: “Why not go
direct to PLC or controller?”
• In some existing applications, it may
not be possible to add additional I/O
cards (no room to expand)
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

31. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
• Very common question: “Why not go
direct to PLC or controller?”
• If a 4-20mA input exists, it may be
more cost effective to use a signal
conditioner to convert a temperature
or other sensor input
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

32. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
• Very common question: “Why not go
direct to PLC or controller?”
• Some controls do not accept all sensor
types: T/C, RTD, Potentiometer, Strain
Gage, Etc
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

33. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
• My flow meter (or other device)
already provides a conditioned output
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

34. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
• My flow meter (or other device)
already provides a conditioned output
• Sometimes both devices are providing power to the
loop and cannot be connected together. If so, you
can use a signal conditioner with a sinking input and
a sinking output to connect the two.
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

35. Absolute Process Instruments
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
• My flow meter (or other device)
already provides a conditioned output
• Many flow meters or other devices have limited
loop drive capability (ie, 500 Ohms). If more drive is
needed, a signal conditioner can be added to boost
the drive (up to 1000 Ohms).
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

36. Absolute Process Instruments
• Ground loops are VERY common
problem and are difficult to eliminate
• Running T/C or other sensors long
distances is expensive and prone to
EMI/RFI (4-20mA far more robust)
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

37. Absolute Process Instruments
• Field configurable
signal conditioners
reduce cost of
system because all
control inputs can
be the same (ie, 4-
20mADC
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

38. Absolute Process Instruments
• Sometimes it is preferred to perform
math functions in a signal conditioner
rather than controller
• Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide
• Square Root
• Comparator
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

39. Absolute Process Instruments
• Converting a process signal to
frequency allows totalization,
counting.
• Most temperature input cards are
expensive and include multiple (2 to
8) inputs
Why Use Signal Conditioning?
Basics of Signal Conditioning
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

40. Absolute Process Instruments
Basics of Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning comes in a variety
of styles
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.

41. Sensors to Solutions
www.api-usa.com
Manufacturer of
Signal Conditioners, Isolators, Limit Alarms,
Digital Pressure Gauges &
Digital Temperature Indicators
Since 1988
Engineering Oriented
Application Driven
American Made
The content of this slide presentation is intended for employees, affiliates, and current and potential customers of Absolute Process Instruments,
Inc. Slide content may not be reproduced, published, or transmitted in any format, print or digital, without express written permission from the
Company. The API logo and all creative content are exclusive to the API brand and may not be used without permission.
© 2016 Absolute Process Instruments, Inc.