Hi Everyone, I am trying to get a 1kHz small signal from buries of noises. And a lock-in amplifier has been chosen. I have some questions on using lock-in Amps.

1. The last stage of a lock-in amplifier is a low-pass filter or an integrator. What is the exact difference of using these two components?

Could I say that the integrator is more accurate, since the output is measured by counting time needed to discharge the capacitor (you can visit http://cappels.org/dproj/syncdet/syncdet.html for more information), which means the result is time-averaged.

If I use a low-pass filter, the result is just measured by, say ADC instantly. Could the measured result represent the real value? Or may I ask, if the lock-in amplifier is trading time for accuracy, what is the minimum time required to measure a 1kHz signal accurately?

2. The amplifier will mix a synchronized signal with the measured signal. Could I just use switches? What are the differences of mixing signal with sine wave or with pulses?

Thank you very much. Any idea will be highly appreciated. )

 

A low-pass filter is an integrator.

You can use a switch. Some lock-in amplifiers are designed using reed relays operating at the lock-in frequency.

 

This may help understanding more about lock-in amps

 

A low-pass filter is an integrator.

You can use a switch. Some lock-in amplifiers are designed using reed relays operating at the lock-in frequency.

Sorry I was not specific enough,
integrator way: The output it connected with a capacitor first for 999cycles and then discharge the capacitor. The time costed to discharge the capacitor indicates the amplitude desired.
Low-pass filter way: Connect the ADC with the output of low pass filter directly.

Which is better? And what is the time requirement for using the low-pass filter way?

Thank you very much