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