Physiograph Transducers and Couplers: A Practical Guide
A physiograph is only as versatile as its transducers. Here is what each common transducer does.
Transducers and typical experiments
| Transducer | Measures | Example experiments |
|---|---|---|
| Force (isometric) | Muscle tension | Skeletal and smooth muscle contraction |
| Isotonic | Muscle shortening | Muscle work and fatigue |
| Pressure | Blood or fluid pressure | Blood pressure recording |
| Volume | Volume changes | Plethysmography |
| Respiration belt | Chest movement | Breathing patterns |
| Pulse | Peripheral pulse | Heart rate and pulse wave |
| Temperature | Body/skin temperature | Thermoregulation |
Couplers
Couplers condition transducer signals for the recording channel. The student digital physiograph integrates six couplers in one unit (biopotential, ECG, strain gauge, pulse-respiration, temperature and isotonic) and supports eight transducer types.
Calibration
- Calibrate force transducers with known weights.
- Calibrate pressure transducers against a reference.
- Record calibration values for each session.
Care tips
- Handle gently; avoid overloading force transducers.
- Keep connectors clean and dry.
- Store in padded cases.
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions after wet experiments.
Building your set
Match transducers to your practical curriculum and research interests. The three channel physiograph ships with couplers, transducers and accessories.
Contact us for transducer sets and spares.
Student Digital Physiograph (Single Channel)
Single channel student physiograph, expandable to 2–3 channels. ₹90,000 – ₹1 lakh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an isotonic transducer?
It measures muscle shortening under constant load.
How do I calibrate a force transducer?
Use known weights per the manual and record calibration values.
Are transducers interchangeable between brands?
Not always — check connector and coupler compatibility.
This article is for general information for healthcare buyers and professionals and is not medical advice. Clinical decisions should be made by qualified practitioners.
