A method and system that allows various sensor types to be connected to common input ports of a patient monitor. The system includes a data acquisition module that identifies the type of sensor connected to each one of a plurality of input ports. Once the sensor type has been identified, the data acquisition module configures amplification circuits and input circuits such that the output signal from the sensor is properly received and amplified within the patient monitor. The properly amplified output signal from the sensor, along with a sensor identifier, is supplied to a controller of the patient monitor. In this manner, the patient monitor can identify the type of sensor connected to each input port and properly display the conditioned output signal from the sensor.