Component
Description
Common Contents
Sensing Element
- Produces a physical or chemical change in response to variations in the measured parameter (chemical, electrical or physical)
- Converts a signal into a useful and meaningful value
- Transducer
Signal Conditioning Element
- 'Conditions' the signal output of the sensor into a signal suitable for the next stage of operation - mostly through conversion of a physical quantity into an electrical form
- Some overlap occurs with signal processing
- Analogue-to-digital convertors (ADC)
- Resistance circuits (e.g. Wheatstone bridge)
- Filters
- Amplifiers
- Isolators
Signal Processing Element
- 'Processes' the signal through modification, enhancement and analysis
- Some overlap occurs with signal conditioning
- Analogue-to-digital convertors (ADC)
- Resistance circuits (e.g. Wheatstone bridge)
- Filters
- Amplifiers
- Isolators
Display Presentation Unit
- Provide an interface between the processed output signal and the clinician
- Presents graphical or numerical data, often in real-time, with storage and alarm systems
- Monitor screen
- Alarm system
- Data Processor
- Data Storage