Electronics & Software Signal conditioning is particularly important when mechanical quantities such as force, strain and torque are being measured. Piezoelectric sensors produce a charge which varies linearly with the load acting on the sensor. The charge amplifier converts this charge into standardized voltage and current signals, which can then be evaluated by signal processing. In order to cater for various requirements in practical applications, Kistler offers a broad spectrum of charge amplifiers, which vary in terms of construction, number of channels, accuracy, measuring range, sensitivity, bandwidth and filter characteristics, scaling facilities and signal evaluation. As PCs are now frequently used to record the measured data, the software for the visualization and evaluation of the force signals has to meet tough requirements with regard to functionality and user-friendliness. Kistler DynoWare is an easy-to-use universal software, which is particularly suitable for force measurements with dynamometers or single and multi-component force sensors. For signal analysis, DynoWare provides the technician with online visualization of the curves measured, together with useful calculation and graph functions. As well as permitting simple configuration of the main measuring instruments, the software supports individual documentation of the measurements, plus storage of configuration and measured data. Sensor technology is constantly evolving as a result of new developments in microelectronics. For example, the charge amplifier is now built into the sensor case, so that there is no need for a sensor cable and external signal conditioning. Kistler control monitors are used for the integrated monitoring and control of production processes. The CoMo II and CoMo II-S record two associated measurands (e.g. press force and travel distance) and evaluate their functional relationship. The parameters for the monitoring functions and the methods of evaluation can be freely set within wide limits. The monitors are specifically designed for process engineering and no special programming or software knowledge is needed for the configuration or for setting parameters. You can find further information on Kistler electronic products in the Measurement and Analysis catalog. 40 www.kistler.com