Learning objectives
The Goal of the course is to provide a practical, working knowledge of modern sensor technologies. The course offers an overview of the basic sensor technology areas.<br />
Course content will include some sensor operational principles, some basic electronics. At the end of the course, I hope students will understand how many sensors work, what issues limit the use of sensors for measurements, and how to select sensors for specific applications.
Prerequisites
Since most sensor signals are eventually converted to electrical signals, basic circuit analysis is highly useful for this course. Specifically, Ohm's Law, voltage dividers, op-amps, and phase/magnitude calculations are used throughout the course.
Course unit content
Introduction: sensors, transducers, and actuators; sensor classification; interfering and modifying inputs, compensation techniques; examples of applications, requirements, trends, basic elements of MEMS technology (bulk and surface technology, scaling law).<br />
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Signal conditioning: differential amplifiers, instrumentation amplifiers, bridges (DC and AC), synchronous detectors, charge amplifiers.<br />
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Magnetic sensors: search coils sensors, fluxgate, Hall sensors, magnetoresitors (AMR, GMR).<br />
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Position sensors: LVDT.<br />
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Capacitive sensors. Differential capacitors. Examples: linear and angular encoders, level sensors, inclinometers, accelerometers.<br />
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Basic elements of mechanics of materials: stress and strain. Conformity and stiffness tensors. Bending of beams.<br />
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Conductive strain gages. Piezoresistive effect in semiconductors.<br />
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Piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric resonators: quartz, distribute elements motion analysis, wave equation, a lumped elements model of a vibrating piezoelectric rod, small-signal equivalent circuit.<br />
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Thermal sensors: RTD, NTC, PTC, thermocouples, thermometers based on semiconductor junctions, pyroelectric effect and materials.<br />
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Hot-wire anemometer.<br />
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Infrared optical sensors: photoconductive and photovoltaic sensors.<br />
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Chemical sensors: chemiresistors and chemicapacitors, calorimetric sensors, metal-oxyde sensors, ISFET/ChemFET, electochemical cells, Clark oxygen sensor, acoustic sensors (QCM, SAW).<br />
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Biosensors: the components of biosensors, biomolecule layer, immobilization of biological elements, affinity-based biosensors, enzyme biosensors.<br />
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Inertial sensors: accelerometers and gyroscopes.<br />
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Electrostatic and thermal microactuators.
Bibliography
There is no assigned book for the course. Handbook of Modern Sensors by Fraden is an optional book that provides additional information and can serve as a good reference to buy and keep. Recommendations for pertinent reading are listed with the lecture dates
Teaching methods
Two lectures of 2 hours for week.<br />
One laboratory of 3-4 hours for week. Only one laboratory assignment.<br />
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Grading Method: <br />
10% on homework, 50% on final exam, and 40% on the project that consists of two segments: (1) preliminary project presentation and (2) final project report.
