University of Colorado Boulder

Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design

This course is part of Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

James Zweighaft
Jay Mendelson

Instructors: James Zweighaft

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.6

(1,101 reviews)

|

93%

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
31 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Progress towards a degree

What you'll learn

  • Use the core features of the Cypress PSOC development kit.

  • Choose the right temperature sensor, rotary sensor and amplifier for an application.

  • Interface sensors, LCD, and ADC to the PSOC development kit.

Details to know

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Assessments

5 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.6

(1,101 reviews)

|

93%

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
31 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Progress towards a degree

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This course is part of the Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 5 modules in this course

In module 1 you will learn how to specify and use temperature sensors in an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about common types of sensors and actuators found in common products such as smart phones and automobiles. Then you will get a high-level overview of analog and digital interfaces, followed by a deep dive into thermistors, RTD’s, and thermocouples. For each of these three types of thermal sensors, we define the core theory and formulae, give you examples of how commercial sensors are packaged, and explain what you need to know to purchase them on a web site.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 quiz

In module 2 you will learn how to design a complete temperature sensor system within a development kit environment. We will teach you how to assign internal components to the schematic. This includes pins, amplifiers, MUX’s, DAC’s, and ADC’s. Then you will learn how to wire in external parts: resistors, thermistors in particular, to the kit. Finally, you will take a deep dive into interfacing a thermistor and associated front end components to the development kit. This includes lessons on using the schematic portion of the kit, as well as writing application software in c code.

What's included

14 videos2 readings1 quiz

In module 3 you will learn how rotary sensors work and how to specify them for purchase. In our videos rotary sensors include both optical encoders and resolvers. You will also learn the design intricacies of flow sensors, along with their appropriate applications. The videos will discuss variable area, differential pressure, vortex, ultrasonic, turbine, thermal mass flow, and coriolis flow meters.

What's included

15 videos3 readings1 quiz

In module 4 you will learn the theory and practical application of amplifiers and circuit noise. You will review how gain is calculated in inverting, non-inverting, summing, differential, and instrumentation amplifiers. We will then contrast theoretical vs. real-world amplifier performance, and give examples of how commercial chips specs are interpreted. Then we will discuss the causes of noise in sensor circuits, how the noise affects sensor accuracy, and some steps you can take to reduce noise in your sensor circuit designs.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 quiz

This module contains the materials you need to complete the thermistor lab assignment.

What's included

2 readings1 quiz

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.6 (297 ratings)
James Zweighaft
University of Colorado Boulder
4 Courses88,124 learners
Jay Mendelson
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses89,155 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

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