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Signal converters are electronic devices used for conversion of one type of input signal into output signal of another type. Usually, the conversions include process such as filtering, in which, some signal frequencies are allowed to pass while some are blocked; amplification, which involves multiplying signals to the match scale of the input device. Similarly, optical isolation & magnetic induction could be used for signal isolation. A capacitor can also be used to achieve to achieve signal isolation.
Signal converters are usually supplied with the inputs, such as AC and DC voltages, AC and DC currents, charges from piezoelectric devices, and frequencies and other specialized waveforms. In order to make converters more efficient, multiplexers are used in signal converters which have an ability to combine several AC or DC inputs serially into one output. Signal converters have variety of form factors. Some devices mount on integrated circuits (ICs), standard DIN rails, or printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are fitted to enclosures or plug into computer backplanes.
Types of converters
There are several types of signal converters available in the market, which are as follows:
1. Digital-to-Analog Converter
2. Analog-to-Digital Converter
3. Frequency Converter
4. Inverter
5. Frequency-to-Voltage Converter
6. Voltage-to-Frequency Converter
7. Charge Converter
8. Current LoopConverter
9. Current-to-Voltage Converter
Analog-to-Digital Converter
An analog-to-digital converter is an electronic device used for converting an analog or continuous wave signal into a discrete wave pattern or digital pulses.
Digital-to-Analog Converter
A digital-to-analog converter is an electronic device used for converting a digital or discrete pulsed signal into an equivalent analog voltage or current signal.
Frequency converter
A frequency converter is an electronic device used for conversion of input frequency into equivalent output frequency.
Inverter
An inverter is an electronic device used to convert direct current into alternating current is called an inverter.
Frequency-to-Voltage Converter
Frequency-to-voltage converters are electronic devices used to provide analog output voltage, which is a function of input signal.
Voltage-to-frequency converter
The voltage-to-frequency converter produces an output signal, like square wave, triangular wave, rectangular wave, and pulse width modulation (PWM), which is a function of input signal.
Charge Converter
Charge converters are electronic devices used to convert the charge output from devices, such as piezoelectric or other charge-producing sensors in to analog voltage or current.
Current Loop Converter
Current loop converters generate current loop output (5-20 Ma or 0-10 mA) from an input digital or analog signal.
Current-to-Voltage Converter
Current-to-voltage converters are electronic devices used to produce output signal voltages, which are a function of the input current.
Specifications of Signal Converters are as follows:
- Analog Input Channels
- Differential Channels
- Resolution
- Accuracy
Advantages of Signal Converters include powerfulness & robustness, reliability, high efficiency, low noise production, dew resistant and low installation cost.
Signal Converters are used for many applications such as communicating applications, like mobiles, fax machines phones and modems; household applications like printers and notebook computers; industrial and automotive applications, and marine applications.
Other uses of signal converter are as follows:
- To solve current loop loading problems
- For scaling of process variables
- For changing the signal level
- To drive long signal lines
- Used in turbine meters and water meter pulse units
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