Modular luminescence-based measuring system using fast digital signal processing

An opto-electronic assembly for measuring a quantity related to a parameter, comprising the following formed on a single self-supporting substrate in the form of a printed circuit board:

• an optical assembly attached to said substrate and including a photodetector positioned along a first side of the optical assembly, a diode having a light radiation output positioned along a second side of the optical assembly and a length of optical fiber having one end terminating along a third side of the optical assembly, another end of the optical fiber communicating with an optical sensor that is characterized by transmitting radiation to said one end which is proportional to said parameter, said optional assembly including therein a dichroic beamsplitter positioned to reflect a majority of the diode output to said optical fiber one end termination and to transmit a majority of the sensor radiation from said optical fiber one end termination to said photodetector,
• a first group of electronic components carried by said substrate in an area adjacent said first optical assembly said and including means connected to receive an electrical output from said photodetector for amplifying said electrical output,
• a second group of electronic components carried by said substrate in an area adjacent said second optical assembly said and including means electrically connected to said diode for driving said diode.
• an electronic analog-to-digital signal converter positioned on said substrate adjacent said first group of electronic components and receiving an amplified photodetector output therefrom, thereby to provide a digitized amplified photodetector output,
• means carried by said substrate and connected with at least said second group of electronic components and said signal converter for synchronizing operation of the second group of electronic components and analyzing the digitized amplified photodetector signal in a manner to calculate the quantity related to said parameter, and
• a connector attached to said substrate and electrically connected with at least said synchronizing and analyzing means, thereby providing connectability of the assembly within a system wherein the parameter related quantity may be utilized to provide an indication of said parameter.