OVERVIEW

Sensors represent one of the core blocks of an electronic system, as they allow the system to collect information. Such information will be provided to further modules depending on the specific purpose: display, storage, transmission, actuation, closed-loop control, etc. Drones, robots, IoT devices are only a few examples of technologies that rely on sensors and measuring systems. Accordingly, this course aims to introduce the basic elements of sensors and measuring systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Basic notions in sensing, design of a sensing system, measurement.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course a student

- should be familiar with the quantities and parameters that characterize a sensor and a measuring system

- should know the basic principles behind common sensors

- should be able to implement simple measuring systems involving a microprocessor and one or more sensors

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and laboratory acitivites

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Sensor as a device in a measuring system: range, full scale output, static response curve, sensitivity, resolution, dynamic characteristics

Measurement and measuring systems: probabilistic approach to measurement, uncertainty, calibration, accuracy

Resistive sensors: potentiometer, touch screen, temperature sensors (RTD, NTC, PTC), piezoresistive sensors (load cells, pressure sensors, accelerometers) 

Capacitive sensors: distance/displacement sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, proximity switches

Piezolectric sensors: pressure sensors, accelerometers, ultrasound sensors

Magnetometers: Hall sensors, AMR sensors

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

R. Pallás-Areny, J. G. Webster, Sensors and Signal Conditioning, Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2001

J. Fraden, Handbook of modern sensors : physics, designs, and applications, Third Edition, AIP Press, 2004

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLO GASTALDO (President)

ERMANNO DI ZITTI

CHRISTIAN GIANOGLIO

EDOARDO RAGUSA

RODOLFO ZUNINO

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam with ÷multiple-choice tests

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Laboratory assignments

Final exam

Exam schedule