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Technology / Engineering guide
Wind Sensor Analogue & Digital Signal Interfaces
A sensor quantity and its electrical signal are different descriptions. An analogue range, a discrete state, a pulse output and a digital message each need their own interpretation. Identify the signal meaning before considering a compatible receiving interface.
Keep the physical quantity and signal representation separate.
An interface record should explain what a value represents without guessing from the connector or cable.
01 / Quantity boundary
Identify what the sensor is intended to report.
Record the physical quantity, its location and whether it represents an instantaneous value, average or state.
Record the physical quantity, its location and whether it represents an instantaneous value, average or state. Wind speed, wind direction and an equipment status require different semantic definitions even if their outputs share similar connectors.
The data-dictionary guide describes project quantities. This page focuses on how the proposed signal represents a quantity and what information the receiving interface needs.
02 / Analogue range
Keep electrical endpoints with engineering endpoints.
A continuous analogue output may represent an engineering range through a documented transfer relationship.
A continuous analogue output may represent an engineering range through a documented transfer relationship. Identify the electrical units, endpoint definitions, linearity assumption and any conditions for values outside the stated range.
In a hypothetical linear 4–20 mA representation of 0–100 arbitrary engineering units, 12 mA represents 50 units. The example assumes those endpoints and linear scaling; it is not a MARSTON sensor range, supported interface or field measurement.
03 / Discrete states
Define what each state means.
A discrete signal can represent two documented states, but those states are not automatically “normal” and “fault.” Retain state labels, valid conditions and the receiving-interface interpretation from the actual documents..
A discrete signal can represent two documented states, but those states are not automatically “normal” and “fault.” Retain state labels, valid conditions and the receiving-interface interpretation from the actual documents.
NI’s digital-sensor reference distinguishes on/off outputs from analogue values. It also discusses pulse trains whose transitions convey a quantity. The example illustrates signal categories, not a choice of input hardware for a MARSTON controller.
04 / Pulse quantities
Retain the factor and observation period.
Where pulses represent a continuous quantity, identify what each count or pulse frequency means.
Where pulses represent a continuous quantity, identify what each count or pulse frequency means. Count over an interval, pulse frequency and cumulative pulses are different reported quantities. Retain the applicable conversion factor and time basis.
An absent pulse can mean no represented motion, unavailable information or another condition depending on the actual interface. Do not infer the physical value or fault state without the source definition and any applicable validity information.
05 / Digital messages
Separate signal delivery from protocol semantics.
A digital data interface can carry multiple encoded quantities and statuses.
A digital data interface can carry multiple encoded quantities and statuses. It still needs a documented physical interface, transport and protocol. A connector label or a binary electrical level does not establish a register map.
Use the protocol-map guide for address and encoding semantics. No Modbus, CAN, remote command or particular sensor interface is confirmed by the generic signal examples here.
06 / Interface review
Preserve the actual transmitter and receiver scope.
A useful record pairs source and receiving equipment identities with signal type, units, scaling, update basis and invalid-state interpretation.
A useful record pairs source and receiving equipment identities with signal type, units, scaling, update basis and invalid-state interpretation. Compatibility requires the actual electrical and semantic requirements, not merely similar range labels.
NI’s signal catalogue shows that acquisition systems distinguish current and digital inputs. This guide gives no wiring, resistor selection, excitation specification or calibration procedure. Actual interface evidence should accompany the selected equipment enquiry.
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General background: NI: discrete sensor outputs and pulse representations · NI: current and digital signal acquisition categories. These references explain industry concepts; they are separate from the applicable MARSTON product and project documents.
Prepare the information for this review.
Use the checklist to organise the project information. Mark unavailable items and retain document references.
| Review item | Information to provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity identity | Physical meaning, location and averaging or state basis | Define the represented information. |
| Signal category | Analogue, discrete, pulse or encoded message | Choose the correct interpretation. |
| Transfer meaning | Endpoints, factor, units and applicable conditions | Preserve scaling. |
| Validity and time | Unavailable states, update basis and represented interval | Avoid interpreting silence as zero. |
| Equipment match | Actual source and receiver interface documents | Review compatibility without assumptions. |
Engineering questions.
Does a connector identify the measured quantity?
No. Quantity meaning and signal definition require documentation.
Are all digital outputs only status signals?
No. Pulses or encoded messages can represent continuous quantities.
Is 4–20 mA confirmed on MARSTON controllers?
No. The range is used only as a generic illustrative example.
Does no pulse always mean zero wind?
No. Its meaning depends on the documented interface and data validity.
Does a matching range label prove compatibility?
No. Actual electrical requirements and semantic definitions also matter.
Are wiring or excitation instructions supplied?
No. This guide concerns interface records and interpretation.
Technical enquiry
Bring your project information to the discussion.
A sensor quantity and its electrical signal are different descriptions. Share the available information and the equipment scope you want reviewed in a technical quotation.