What is a transducer?
A device that converts one physical quantity into another (e.g. energy form into electrical signal)
What is the difference between a sensor and an actuator?
A sensor is an input transducer; an actuator is an output transducer
Give an example of a temperature sensor.
Thermocouple / thermistor / RTD
What does ADC stand for?
Analogue to digital converter
What is the function of an ADC?
It converts an analogue signal into a digital signal for processing
What is signal amplification?
Increasing the strength/amplitude of a signal
What is signal attenuation?
A reduction in the strength/amplitude of a signal
What is the purpose of a filter in signal conditioning?
To remove unwanted frequencies or noise from a signal
What is a thermistor?
A resistor whose resistance changes with temperature
What does LDR stand for?
Light Dependent Resistor
How does an LDR work?
Its resistance decreases as light intensity increases
What is the purpose of isolation in a signal conditioning system?
To electrically separate parts of a circuit to prevent interference and protect components
What is linearisation in signal conditioning?
Converting a non-linear sensor output into a linear, proportional signal
What type of transducer is a microphone?
An input transducer — it converts sound into an electrical signal
Name one example of an output transducer.
Loudspeaker / LED / motor / buzzer
What is the difference between a step-up and step-down signal in conditioning?
Step-up = amplification (signal increased); Step-down = attenuation (signal decreased)
