Seismic Signal Conditioners

Signal conditioning itself is a collection of operations that work on a signal to give it the ability to function with other systems or devices. Others achieve additional signal processing while signal conditioners work to perform these functions.

What Are Seismic Signal Conditioners?

Seismic signal conditioners are designed to accept an input from (and provide power to) a seismic sensor. They convert the signal to a proportional 4-20mA DC signal that can be used as an input to process control instrumentation such as a PLC or DCS. They provide additional convenience features such as optional displays, BNC connectors to access the dynamic sensor signal, and bandpass filtering.

This process of conversion is called a transfer function. This goal is to make the input signal into a workable output signal. One good example of this is in the case of a temperature gauge for a system. While it measures the temperature of the functioning system, the measurement must be converted to an electrical signal to be input into a control system.

Metrix offers seismic signal conditioners that can accept either acceleration or velocity sensors and are available with or without an integral display.

How Signal Conditioners Work

The various types of signal conditioners work to provide different functions:

 

 

 

  • Filtering -  A filter can be created with either passive or active parts. The architecture of a filter may be either digital or analog. Filters will remove noise or information that is unwanted in a signal.
  • Amplification - A unity gain amplifier is used to increase the power of the signal so it can be sent further downline without distortion. In Metrix’ case this is increasing the signal strength so that it can travel more than 300m (1000ft) to 600m (2000ft).
  • Excitation -  Signal Conditioners provide power to the sensors.
  • Isolation - An isolation signal operates by isolating high DC levels from the device. It also can filter any noise that is unwanted from the signal.

Metrix 5580 Smart Signal Conditioner

This signal conditioner can accept signals from machine casing-mounted velocity sensors, accelerometers, or shaft-observing proximity probe systems. It produces a 4-20 mA output proportional to the measured variable to amplify signals. This Smart Vibration Signal Conditioner features two independent channels and a scale output function that can be selected for various units (e.g., RMS, peak, or peak-to-peak if a proximity sensor is used).

When using a proximity probe system as an input, the 5580 Smart Vibration Signal Conditioner can output peak to peak vibration, thrust position, and or speed. The 5580 can be configured with the free Metrix software for a variety of scale ranges.

The 5580 comes with a BNC to access the raw signal and LEDs for sensor status. The display can be used to read both the engineering units and mA for each channel. It can be applied to various items, including generators, turbines, reciprocating compressors, industrial fans, centrifuges, natural gas/diesel engines, motors, and pumps.

Trust Metrix For Your Signal Conditioning Needs

For data acquisition systems, signal conditioners are a crucial facet. Metrix Vibration is a leading supplier of seismic signal conditioners. We offer a full range of products to serve a variety of industries and needs, and we have an online store available for your convenience. If you have questions about seismic signal conditioners, contact the experts at Metrix Vibration.