The smart-sensor era has only recently started (see Chapter 25). However, there is already a wide variety of smart sensors and systems available. In this chapter we will discuss a number of sensor principles, designs and applications in two important sensor groups: thermal sensors and capacitive sensors. The terms 'thermal' and 'capacitive' refer to signals of the intermediate type only, and not to the physical input or output signals themselves. Yet, as will be shown, there is a lot of similarity in the signal processing for the various types of sensors within a certain group. Besides the sensor groups dealt with in this chapter, there are other important groups, such as optical, chemical and magnetic sensors. However, it is the aim of this text to show a design philosophy and methodology rather then to give a complete survey.
Intelligent sensor systems and smart sensors: applications, Page 1 of 2
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