Circuitry adapted for carrying out associated techniques for: (a)
calculating a damping factor, e.g., a damping ratio represented by
.zeta., or a quality factor Q, where .zeta..apprxeq.1/2Q, for a transient
signal received, having been emitted from a resonator-type sensor
element; (b) determining amplitude, A, of the transient signal; or (c)
generating a frequency response dataset of interrelated points for the
transient signal. A threshold comparison circuit is included for
converting the transient signal received into a first and second digital
waveform; the first digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the
transient signal associated with a first threshold value, and the second
digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the transient signal
associated with a second threshold value. The transient signal may be
converted, likewise, into third, and so on, digital waveforms, whereby
the third digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the transient
signal associated with a third threshold value. Respective digital
counters are included, each of which is adapted for determining a total
number of cycles of the first, second, third, and so on, digital
waveform. A processing unit of suitable speed and capacity is employed
for the calculating of the damping factor, determining an amplitude,
and/or generating a frequency response dataset.