A smart sensor can include a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) configured to receive analog signals from a sensor module, and a plurality of channel modules. Each channel module can be connected to a respective ADC and each channel module can include a limited data processing module configured to provide initial processing. The sensor can include a data control module operatively connected to each of the plurality of channel modules and configured to select a selected channel of the plurality of channels to receive initially processed data from the limited data processing module of the selected channel. The data control module can be configured to interface with external memory to store data to the external memory and/or to read data from the external memory. The sensor can include a batch processing module operatively connected to the data control module and configured to receive the initially processed data of the selected channel from the data control module to provide further processing of the initially processed data.

An analog input device, which converts an inputted analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the digital signal, includes a high resolution AD converter, a first low resolution AD converter, and a second low resolution AD converter. When a difference between a first digital signal converted by the high resolution AD converter and a second digital signal converted by the first low resolution AD converter is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold, the analog input device outputs first digital signal. When the difference between the first digital signal and the second digital signal is larger than the predetermined first threshold, the analog input device stops an output of the first digital signal.

Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.

A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.

A smart sensor can include a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) configured to receive analog signals from a sensor module, and a plurality of channel modules. Each channel module can be connected to a respective ADC and each channel module can include a limited data processing module configured to provide initial processing. The sensor can include a data control module operatively connected to each of the plurality of channel modules and configured to select a selected channel of the plurality of channels to receive initially processed data from the limited data processing module of the selected channel. The data control module can be configured to interface with external memory to store data to the external memory and/or to read data from the external memory. The sensor can include a batch processing module operatively connected to the data control module and configured to receive the initially processed data of the selected channel from the data control module to provide further processing of the initially processed data.

A digital-display control apparatus of a garbage can with adjustable sensing distance includes an emitter, a receiver, amplifier, an analog to digital converter, an analog to digital conversion result register, a comparison unit, a sensing distance adjustable register, a microcomputer control unit and a drive circuit, wherein the receiver is connected to the analog to digital conversion result register via the amplifier and the analog to digital converter, wherein the outputs of the analog to digital conversion result register and the adjustable sensing distance register are respectively connected to the comparison unit, wherein one output of the microcomputer control unit is connected to the drive circuit, wherein control ports of the microcomputer control unit are respectively connected with the analog to digital conversion result register, the comparison unit, the adjustable sensing distance register and the emitter. The digital-display control apparatus further includes a digital displayer and keys, which is capable of selecting the sensing distance by directly pressing keys or choose the predetermined sensing distance.

An analog input device, which converts an inputted analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the digital signal, includes a high resolution AD converter, a first low resolution AD converter, and a second low resolution AD converter. When a difference between a first digital signal converted by the high resolution AD converter and a second digital signal converted by the first low resolution AD converter is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold, the analog input device outputs first digital signal. When the difference between the first digital signal and the second digital signal is larger than the predetermined first threshold, the analog input device stops an output of the first digital signal.

Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.