abstract |
A transducer assembly for connection with a digital signal processing system includes an analog transducer, a digital connector assembly movable relative to the analog transducer to facilitate connection with the digital signal processing system, and a cable permanently affixed between the analog transducer and the digital connector assembly to convey an analog transducer signal therebetween. The digital connector assembly includes a connector housing, a digital connector mounted by the connector housing to mate in a detachable manner with the digital signal processing system, and transducer interface circuitry disposed within the connector housing in a non-removable manner and including a digital storage device programmed to store digital transducer data, such as transducer identification, configuration settings and calibration or correction factors, for retrieval by the digital signal processing system. The transducer interface circuitry can also include signal conditioning circuitry and a microcontroller. Incorporating the transducer data memory and interface circuitry in the connector housing allows conventional transducers to be used without modifying existing mounting techniques and, at the same time, provides traceability of the transducer and its calibration data. |