Sensor Principles and Integrated Interface Circuits - Seminar / Kurs von Universität Ulm

1. Motivation and example sensor Applications

• Chemical sensors (pH sensors, gas sensors, ...)
• Sensors for mechatronics (Hall sensors, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, ...)
• Medical imaging sensors (MRI detectors, X-Ray and CT detectors, ultra-sound transducers, ...)

2. Noise in sensors and integrated sensor readout circuits

3. Sensor types

• Self-generating vs. modulating sensors
• Electrical behavior (R, L, C, I-source, V-source, etc.)

4. Readout concepts

• Amplitude and frequency sensitive detection
• Resonant readouts
• Phase-sensitive detection (Lock-in amplifiers)
• Continuous-time vs. discrete-time readout
• Open-loop vs. closed-loop readout
• Absolute vs. difference measurements

5. Readout circuit implementations

• Instrumentation amplifiers
• Transimpedance amplifiers
• Switched-capacitor readout circuits

6. Data converters for sensor readouts

• A/D converters
• D/A converters
• T/D converter

The students can identify the most relevant noise sources in sensors and sensor readout electronics and predict their effect on the achievable limit of detection. They can distinguish between self-generating and modulating sensors and classify different sensor types with respect to their electrical behavior. The students distinguish different readout concepts including amplitude, phase and frequency sensitive detection and apply these concepts to design example sensory systems. They can explain the advantages and disadvantages of continuous and discrete sensor readout circuits for a given application context. The students can differentiate open-loop and closed-loop readout concepts and identify the pros and cons of each approach for a given target application. The students evaluate the performance difference between absolute and difference measurement systems and their applicability for the formation of integrated circuit based sensors and sensor readouts. The students analyze and synthesize important readout circuit configurations including instrumentation amplifiers, transimpedance amplifiers and switched capacitor readout circuits. The students analyze and compare different A/D and D/A converter structures concerning their achievable performance and suitability for a given sensor application. The students can explain the concept of time-to-digital conversion and analyze common T/D converter architectures.