There are several different kinds of signal converters on the market. The ones you will probably find most useful are the ones that allow you to use the current equipment you have with new equipment you buy. In others, by purchasing signal converters, you don’t have to buy newer versions of equipment you already own.
A signal convertor can change a signal from analog to digital, and from digital to analog. Some signal convertors allow you to convert one kind of signal range into a different signal range. This type of signal convertor provides extra safety, especially when dealing with a controlling device and a device being controlled that are of different voltage.
1. Consider looking for a signal converter if you buy new equipment that is incompatible with your old equipment. It’s better for the environment, and it saves you money.
2. Most of the time, businesses need analog-to-digital converters, however there are times when a digital-to-analog converter might be needed.
3. Signal converters can also be useful when you have two devices that operate under very different voltage requirements.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose an analog-to-digital signal converter for most needs
Analog-to-digital signal convertors allow you to modernize your current equipment. If you find a new piece of technology or machinery, you may find that it is only available to work in a digital format. Converters work because they take the analog voltage of a machine and turn it into usable, digital binary code. By using a signal convertor, you can get new digital equipment to work with your old analog equipment.
I recommend: Linear Technology’s
LTC2440 is a 24-Bit High Speed Differential Delta Sigma that allows you to select different speeds and resolutions. The
TW-3J A/D Converter is one of the analog-to-digital converters that allows for two-line inputs.
Pick digital-to-analog signal converters for special circumstances
As one might suspect, a digital-to-analog signal converter works in exactly the opposite way. These signal converters take digital code and translate it into the continuous spectrum of analog output. These are normally used in situations where there are a lot of different voltages.
I recommend: The
Maxim MAX5765 is an example of a serial digital-to-analog signal converter. For a highly accurate option that utilizes low amounts of energy, consider using a multiple digital-to-analog signal convertor.
Texas Instruments’ DAC8801 models allow you to upgrade easily.
Get a signal converter interface unit to manage many connections
Signal converter interface units allow you to manage many different kind of inputs and outputs through a singular device.
I recommend: Apogee Labs makes the AL2073 Interface
r, with fiber optic connections and code conversions among its many features. Another signal converter interfacer that is especially useful for industrial applications is the
RS-485/422/232 Multimode from ESI Electronic Solutions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Consult with your technical staff to make sure you know exactly what kind of signal converters your company needs. The best signal converter in the world is useless if it isn't the kind that your techs actually need.
The official source of Signal Converters is the Signal Converters page at Business.com
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