Processing a photoplethysmographic (“PPG”) signal in a monitoring device that monitors a property of blood flow. A switching component is operated to select between at least a first light source when the mode selection signal specifies the first mode of operation and a second light source when a mode selection signal specifies the second mode of operation. A selected one of the first light source and the second light source, as selected by the switching component, is then operated. A first digital signal representing a detected light signal from the selected light source is obtained, and a second digital signal is generated from the first digital signal based at least in part on the selected mode of operation. The second digital signal is provided to a processor for use by the processor in measuring a property of blood flow.