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Decreasing the Source Impedance of an Analog Input Signal

Hardware: Multifunction DAQ (MIO)

Problem:
When scanning through multiple input channels, I am seeing crosstalk or ghosting between my signals. How do I create a buffer to decrease the source impedance of my analog input signal to reduce or eliminate this ghosting?

Solution:
Source impedances greater than 1 kΩ are not recommended with multiplexed data acquisition devices because they increase the amount of settling time required for an accurate measurement.

A unity gain buffer, also called a voltage follower, provides a high input impedance, and a low output impedance.  With this buffer,  the multiplexer can receive low-impedance signals from high-impedance sources, thus decreasing the time required for settling.

A unity gain buffer is implemented with an operational amplifier.  For a description and illustrations of how to set up a unity-gain buffer in a data acquisition setup, see section 3 of Developer Zone Tutorial: Using a Unity Gain Buffer (Voltage Follower) with a DAQ Device.

There are other methods to eliminate or reduce ghosting. For more information see KnowledgeBase 3L8IETLO: How Do I Eliminate Ghosting From My Measurements?

For more information on the implementation, use, and need for unity gain buffers, please refer to the Related Links section below.



Related Links:
Developer Zone Tutorial: Using a Unity Gain Buffer (Voltage Follower) with a DAQ Device
Developer Zone Tutorial: Is Your Data Inaccurate Because of Instrumentation Amplifier Settling Time?
KnowledgeBase 3L8IETLO: How Do I Eliminate Ghosting From My Measurements?
Wikipedia: Buffer amplifier

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Report Date: 08/09/2002
Last Updated: 06/24/2008
Document ID: 2O8AD10T

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