Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control from Coursera

"Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control" can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5343, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This is our fourth course in our specialization on Embedding Sensor and Motors. To get the most out of this course, you should first take our first course entitled "Sensors and Sensor Circuits", our second course entitled "Motor and Motor Control Circuits", and our third course entitled "Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors". Our first course gives you a tutorial on how to use the hardware and software development kit we have chosen for the lab exercises. Our second and third courses give you three hands-on lab experiments using the kit. This third course assumes that you already know how to use the kit.

You will learn about sensor signal characterization and manufacturing techniques and how to optimize the accuracy of sensors. You will also learn about more advanced sensors, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, and how this method is used to give you a closed loop sensor feedback system.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

● Understand how sensor manufacturers characterize and calibrate their sensors.

● Tune a PID control loop and access the PID control function of the Cypress PSoC development kit for a motor control application.

● Understand manufacturing methods used to build electro-mechanical and micro-machined sensors.

You will need to buy the following components to do the two course projects based on the videos in this module. Note that if you have already purchased the PSOC 5LP PROTOTYPING KIT, you do not need to buy it again.

These parts may be purchased off the Digikey web site, www. Digikey.com. Or, you may obtain the specs from the site, and purchase them elsewhere. All are quantity one except for N107-ND where you need three, and 493-15371-ND where you need two.

428-3390-ND

P14355-ND

FQU13N10LTU-ND

N107-ND

1N5393-E3/54GICT-ND

RNF14FTD1K00CT-ND

P0.62W-1BK-ND

493-15371-ND

Additional equipment needed:

• Wire - various gauges and lengths

• Breadboard

• Oscilloscope – suggested models are:

o PICOSCOPE 2204A-D2 available on www.digikey.com or

o Digilent 410-324 | OpenScope MZ available on www.newark.com

Depending on your budget, you can also investigate these models:

o Hantek HT6022BE20MHz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009H4AYII

o SainSmart DSO212 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QBQNB7

o PoScope Mega50 USB - https://www.robotshop.com/en/poscope-mega50-usb-mso-oscilloscope.html

o ADALM2000 - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc./ADALM2000/7019661

What's inside

Syllabus

Process Control

In module 1 you will learn how companies perform process control in their factories. First, you will review how 2nd order transfer functions work, which is the theoretical basis for much of process control. Then you will learn how plant-wide control systems are implemented and details about the software protocols used to communicate between plant controllers and sensors. Then you will perform a lab for PID control with your PSoC system, which will get you some hands-on experience with this type of control system.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches sensors, microcontrollers, and digital circuits, which are fundamentals of engineering

Instructors are recognized for their work in the field of electrical engineering

Builds upon a foundation of sensors and embedded systems

Covers advanced sensor types and manufacturing techniques

Requires purchase of additional components for hands-on projects

May require students to have prior knowledge of electrical engineering

Reviews summary

Sensor control and manufacturing deep dive

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in sensor manufacturing and process control, with a particular focus on PID control. Many found the technical content to be in-depth and the practical labs using the PSoC kit to be highly valuable for applying theoretical concepts. However, some reviewers noted that the course requires significant prerequisite knowledge, making it potentially challenging for beginners. The requirement and setup of specific hardware components, such as the oscilloscope, were also highlighted as potential barriers and added costs. Overall, students describe it as a rewarding but demanding course best suited for those with a solid engineering background seeking to deepen their understanding.

Provides valuable hands-on practice with specific hardware.

"The hands-on labs using the PSoC development kit were very useful for applying theory."

"While the hardware setup was a bit complex initially, the lab exercises solidified my understanding."

"The requirement for specific hardware like the PSoC and oscilloscope adds significant cost and complexity."

Modules are well-organized and logically flow.

"The modular structure made it easy to follow the progression from theory to application."

"Topics were logically sequenced, building from foundational concepts to more advanced ones."

"Liked how the labs tied directly into the theoretical concepts taught in the modules."

Detailed lectures on sensor technology and processes.

"The course provides good technical depth covering sensor characterization, manufacturing, and advanced types."

"Learned a lot about MEMS manufacturing and different sensor applications like LiDAR and medical."

"Content on linearization, compensation, and calibration was very informative."

Strong coverage of PID theory and application.

"The PID control module was exceptionally clear and helped me finally grasp how to tune a PID loop effectively."

"Practical application of PID using the PSoC kit in the lab was a highlight for me."

"Found the sections on second-order transfer functions and PID tuning particularly useful."

Requires significant background; not for beginners.

"This course assumes a strong background in electrical engineering and circuits."

"Definitely not a beginner course; you need the prerequisites from previous courses in the specialization."

"Was challenging at times because it moved quickly, assuming prior familiarity with concepts and the PSoC kit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control with these activities:

Review soldering techniques

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Refreshes your hands-on hardware implementation skills and prepares you for the lab exercises.

Browse courses on Soldering

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Read articles and tutorials about soldering techniques.
Watch videos about soldering basics and best practices.
Practice soldering on a breadboard, connecting wires and electronic components.

Organize your notes and materials

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Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials to improve your ability to review and retain information.

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Review your notes and identify any areas that need improvement.
Create a system for organizing your notes.
Organize your assignments and other course materials.

Read the book Principles of Electronic Materials and Devices

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Review the fundamentals of electronic materials and devices to strengthen your understanding of sensor operation.

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Read chapters 1-3 of the book.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Summarize the key concepts in each chapter.

Seven other activities

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Watch a video tutorial on sensor calibration

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Watch a video tutorial to learn more about sensor calibration and its importance in ensuring accurate measurements.

Browse courses on Sensor Calibration

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Search for a video tutorial on sensor calibration.
Watch the tutorial and take notes on the key points.
Summarize the tutorial in your own words.

Read Sensors and Signal Conditioning

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Review the basics of sensors and signal conditioning to refresh your knowledge and better prepare you for the course.

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Read chapters 1-3 of the book.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Summarize the key concepts in each chapter.

Participate in a study group

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Join a study group to discuss course material, ask questions, and work through problems with other students.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.

Solve PID control problems

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Practice solving PID control problems to improve your understanding of how control systems work.

Browse courses on PID Control

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Review the basics of PID control.
Solve a variety of PID control problems.

Create a mind map of sensor manufacturing processes

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Create a visual representation of the manufacturing processes involved in sensor production to solidify your understanding.

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Research different sensor manufacturing processes.
Identify the key steps in each process.
Create a mind map that connects the steps in each process.

Build a simple sensor project

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Design and build a simple sensor project to apply your knowledge of sensors and electronics.

Browse courses on Sensor Applications

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Choose a sensor project idea.
Design the circuit.
Build the circuit.
Test the circuit.

Contribute to an open-source sensor library

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Contribute to an open-source sensor library to gain practical experience with sensor programming and contribute to the community.

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Find an open-source sensor library.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Make a contribution to the library.

Career center

Learners who complete Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sensor Design Engineer

Sensor Design Engineers design, develop, and test sensors. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control would be highly useful to an aspiring Sensor Design Engineer, as it teaches about sensor signal characterization, manufacturing techniques, and the optimization of sensor accuracy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sensor Design Engineer

Calibration Technician

Calibration Technicians calibrate and maintain measuring and test equipment. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control would be highly useful to an aspiring Calibration Technician, as it teaches about the calibration of sensors and the techniques used to characterize sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Calibration Technician

Production Manager

Production Managers plan and direct the activities of production departments within manufacturing companies. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control can help build a foundation for aspiring Production Managers, as it teaches about the process control techniques used in factories, as well as the manufacturing methods used to build sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Manager

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for an Electrical Engineer who works on developing sensor systems, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build sensors and the techniques used to characterize and calibrate sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for an Electronics Engineer who works on developing sensor systems, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build sensors and the techniques used to characterize and calibrate sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Software Engineers who work on developing software for sensors or sensor systems, as it teaches about the characteristics of sensors and the techniques used to control sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and components. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for a Mechanical Engineer who works on developing sensor systems, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build sensors, including MEMS construction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Systems Engineers who work on developing systems that incorporate sensors, as it teaches about the characteristics of sensors and the techniques used to control sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Managers oversee the implementation of quality assurance programs within organizations. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Quality Assurance Managers who work in the manufacturing of sensors, as it teaches about the techniques used to characterize and calibrate sensors, as well as the accuracy specs of sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to further knowledge in a particular field. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Research Scientists who work in the field of sensor development, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build sensors and the techniques used to characterize and calibrate sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and marketing of products. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Product Managers who work on products that incorporate sensors, as it teaches about the characteristics of sensors and the techniques used to control sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Test Engineer

Test Engineers develop and conduct tests to ensure that products meet specifications. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Test Engineers who work on testing sensors or sensor systems, as it teaches about the calibration of sensors and the accuracy specs of sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Project Managers who work on projects related to the development or manufacturing of sensors, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build sensors and the techniques used to characterize and calibrate sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Control Inspector

Quality Control Inspectors examine products to ensure that they meet specifications and quality standards. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful for Quality Control Inspectors, as it teaches about the calibration of sensors and the accuracy specs of sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Inspector

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers oversee the production of goods, ensuring that products are made efficiently and to the correct specifications. This course in Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control may be useful to a Manufacturing Engineer, as it teaches about the manufacturing methods used to build electro-mechanical and micro-machined sensors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer