Learning objectives
A study of operation, design, applications of modern sensors typically found in an automated manufacturing environment. A variety of techniques and signal conditioning configurations will be covered.<br />
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: understand the various types of sensors available in industry and their applications; understand physical principles behind various sensors; know how to interface sensors to a system. <br />
Lecture and lab.
Prerequisites
It is expected that students will know operational amplifiers. Electronic Measurements
Course unit content
Introduction: sensors, transducers, and actuators; sensor classification; interfering and modifying inputs, compensation techniques; static and dynamic characteristics; materials; primary sensors.<br />
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Resistive sensors: potentiometers, strain gages (piezoresistive effect, types, and applications), resistive temperature detectors, thermistors (types, applications, linearization), magnetoresistors.<br />
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Signal conditioning for resistive sensors: measurement of resistance, voltage dividers, Wheatstone bridge (sensitivity, linearity, amplification). Interference.<br />
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Inductive sensors: equivalent circuit, dissipative effects, dissipative and quality factors. Variable reluctance sensors, eddy current sensors, linear variable differential transformers (LVDT), magnetoelastic and magnetostrictive sensors. Electromagnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors).<br />
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Capacitive sensors: equivalent circuit, dissipative effects, dissipative and quality factors. Variable capacitor, differential capacitor.<br />
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Signal conditioning for reactance variation sensors: AC bridges (sensibility, linearization, amplification, power supply decoupling, shields, AC/DC converters). Coherent detection. Specific signal conditioners for capacitive sensors.<br />
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Self-generating sensors: thermocouples (thermoelectric effects, common thermocouples, signal conditioning), piezoelectric sensors (piezoelectric effect, materials, signal conditioning, applications), pyroelectric sensors (pyroelectric effect, materials, radiation laws, applications).<br />
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Resonant sensors: sensor based on quartz resonators, SAW sensors.<br />
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Digital and intelligent sensors: sensor-microcontroller interfacing, communication systems for sensors (current loop 4-20 mA, buses). Intelligent sensors. <br />
Bibliography
R. Pallàs-Areny, J. G. Webster, Sensors and Signal Conditioning, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2001 (ISBN: 0471332321)<br />
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J. Fraden, Handbook of modern sensors. Physics, designs, and applications. 3rd ed. Springer, 2003 (ISBN: 0387007504)<br />
S. Franco, Design with operational amplifiers and analog integrated circuits, 3rd ed., McGrawHill, 2002 (ISBN: 0071207031)<br />
Practical design techniques for sensor signal conditioning, Analog Devices, http://www.analog.com/
Teaching methods
20 hours with 1 laboratory assignment.<br />
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Final Exam, Laboratory Report and presentation, homework assignments.<br />
