A fluid pump system includes a pump having a plurality of cylinders, each having
an outlet port coupled to a high-pressure manifold. A pressure transducer is coupled
to the manifold and configured to convert pressure levels of fluid in the manifold
to a voltage signal at an output of the transducer. The system further includes
a digitizer configured to convert the voltage signal from the transducer to a digital
signal at a digitizer output, such that when a value of the voltage signal is less
than a selected reference voltage a first digital value is produced, and when the
voltage level exceeds the selected reference voltage a second digital value is
produced. A diagnostic circuit having an input coupled to the digitizer output
is configured to detect malfunctions of the pump based upon characteristics of
the digital signal.