Relays and signal conditioning are two distinct but complementary components in electrical systems. Relays function as electrically operated switches, controlling the flow of power in a circuit, while signal conditioning prepares and optimises electrical signals for further processing or measurement.
When used together, signal conditioning first refines the input signals, either by amplifying, filtering, or converting them. This refined signal is then used to activate a relay. For instance, in a temperature control system, a thermocouple (a type of temperature sensor) generates a small voltage proportional to the temperature. This signal, however, is often too weak and noisy to control a relay directly.
Here, signal conditioning comes into play. It amplifies and filters the thermocouple's signal, converting it into a more robust and cleaner signal. This conditioned signal can then be used to operate a relay reliably, which in turn, can activate or deactivate heating elements or cooling systems based on the temperature readings.
Thus, while signal conditioning ensures the accuracy and usability of the signal from sensors or other input devices, relays provide the necessary action or control based on the conditioned signal, enabling precise control over complex electrical systems.