Sensors, Signal Processors, Readouts, and Power Supplies

1 Sensors, Signal Processors, Readouts, and Power Supplies 

In general, an instrument consists of four components a sensor that converts a property of the solution into a weak electrical signal, a signal processor that amplifies or scales the signal and converts it to a useable form, a readout device that displays the signal for the analyst to see, and a power supply to provide the power to run these three components. The information flow within the instrument occurs with the movement of electrons, or electrical current. 

FIGURE 6.6 The four instrument components for translating a property of a solution to a readout for the analyst to observe. 

A sensor is a kind of translator. It receives specific information about the system under investigation and transmits this information in the form of an electrical signal. Sensors are specific to a given property of the system under investigation. Some sensors are sensitive to temperature, others are sensitive to light, still others to pH, pressure, etc. 

The signal processor is also measurement specific. A different mathematical treatment, such as a logarithmic conversion, is required for data from each kind of sensor, depending on what the operator desires as a readout. Some data treatment is often conducted with computer software. 

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