Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors from Coursera

"Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors" can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5342, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This is our third 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 first course gives you a tutorial on how to use the hardware and software development kit we have chosen for the lab exercises. This third course assumes that you already know how to use the kit.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

● Understand how to specify the proper AC or DC motor for a machine design.

● Integrate the motor to a machine, based on analysis of motor equations for voltage, current, torque and speed.

● Implement the motor and accompanying rotary sensor into a motor control circuit in both hardware and software.

● Add a motor and motor control circuit into a microprocessor based development kit.

● Create hardware and firmware to process motor feedback data to a microprocessor for further evaluation.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

● Understand how to specify the proper pressure, force, strain, position, motion, acceleration, occupancy, and humidity sensors for taking real-time process data.

● Implement these sensors into an embedded system in both hardware and software.

● Add the sensor and sensor interface into a microprocessor based development kit.

● Create hardware and firmware to process sensor signals and feed data to a microprocessor for further evaluation.

In this course you will build the circuit from Video 7 (Lab Exercise on strain gauges), Module 2 (Force and Strain Sensors and Touch Screens), and use it to make screen shots of the timing of the switch. If you haven't already wired up the system and written all the software per the instructions of Video 7, please do so now.

You will need to buy the following components to complete this assignment. 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. One part needs to be purchased off the Sparkfun website www.sparkfun.com. Or, you may obtain the specs from the site, and purchase them elsewhere.

Digikey Part numbers are typed out here:

428-3390-ND

CF14JT22K0CT-ND

CF14JT100KCT-ND

Table shown here:

Index Quantity Part Number Description

1 1 428-3390-ND PSOC 5LP PROTOTYPING KIT

2 2 CF14JT22K0CT-ND RES 22K OHM 1/4W 5% AXIAL

3 1 CF14JT100KCT-ND RES 100K OHM 1/4W 5% AXIAL

Sparkfun part numbers are typed out here:

TAL221

Table shown here:

Index Quantity Part Number Description

1 1 TAL221 Mini-load cell - 100g, straight bar

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

Pressure Sensors

In module 1 you will learn how to specify and use various types of pressure sensors for an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about piezoresistive, capacitive, and vacuum sensors. This includes a deep dive into the piezoresistive effect and how a Wheatstone bridge is used in these systems. This is followed by a discussion on pressure transmitters and how to calculate an error budget. Finally, we will give you examples of commercial pressure sensors and explain what you need to know to purchase them on a web site.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners by building on previous courses

Suitable for individuals with prior knowledge in sensor circuits and embedded systems

Develops valuable skills and knowledge for engineers and those working with sensors and motors

Recommended to take the first course on Sensor and Sensor Circuits before starting this course

Requires additional components and materials for lab exercises, which may incur costs

Reviews summary

Practical guide to embedded sensors

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in various sensor types, including pressure, force, motion, and humidity. Students particularly appreciate the detailed explanations of sensor principles like piezoresistance and Wheatstone bridges. The hands-on labs and practical application of integrating sensors into embedded systems are frequently mentioned as strengths, offering valuable experience. However, some reviews indicate that the required hardware setup and components can be challenging or costly, and the course assumes a significant level of prior knowledge, sometimes more than the stated prerequisites might suggest, making it potentially less accessible for complete beginners in embedded systems.

Specific components and equipment are necessary, potentially costly.

"You will need to buy the following components to complete this assignment... PSOC 5LP PROTOTYPING KIT..."

"Additional equipment needed: Wire, Breadboard, Oscilloscope..."

"Obtaining the specific Digikey and Sparkfun parts added an extra step and cost."

In-depth explanations of sensor technology are a highlight.

"The deep dive into the piezoresistive effect and Wheatstone bridges was very informative and cleared up many concepts."

"I learned how to specify the proper pressure, force, and motion sensors based on a strong theoretical base."

"Understanding how different sensors like Hall sensors and accelerometers work was thoroughly covered."

Hands-on exercises offer valuable embedded system integration skills.

"The lab exercises were excellent for putting theory into practice, really cementing my understanding of sensor integration."

"I gained valuable experience wiring gauges into the PSoC system and writing code."

"Implementing the sensors into an embedded system through hardware and software was a key takeaway."

Assumes solid background in embedded systems and sensor circuits.

"To get the most out of this course, you should first take our first course entitled Sensors and Sensor Circuits."

"This third course assumes that you already know how to use the kit."

"Felt like it required more prior embedded systems experience than I expected, even after the first course."

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 Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors with these activities:

Participate in Peer-led Discussion Groups

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and improve understanding of sensor and motor technologies.

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Join or form a peer-led discussion group.
Attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.
Prepare questions and share insights based on the course materials.

Design a Motor Control System

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Develop a design for a motor control system to enhance understanding of motor operation and control principles.

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Identify the requirements and specifications for the motor control system.
Select appropriate motors, sensors, and other components.
Design the control algorithm and implement it on a microcontroller or embedded system.
Test and evaluate the system's performance.

Attend a Workshop on 'Practical Embedded Sensor Interfacing'

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Enhance practical skills in embedded sensor interfacing by attending a workshop that provides hands-on experience.

Browse courses on Sensor Interfacing

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Research and identify a suitable workshop.
Register for the workshop and prepare for the hands-on activities.
Actively participate in the workshop sessions and ask questions to clarify concepts.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Contribute to the PSoC Open Source Project

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Enhance understanding of embedded system development by contributing to an open-source project that uses the PSoC platform.

Browse courses on Embedded Systems

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Familiarize yourself with the PSoC Open Source Project.
Identify an area where you can contribute, such as code development, documentation improvement, or issue tracking.
Submit your contributions to the project.

Develop a Tutorial on 'Understanding Piezoresistive Sensors'

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Solidify understanding of piezoresistive sensors by creating a tutorial that explains the principles, applications, and limitations of these sensors.

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Research and gather information on piezoresistive sensors.
Outline the key concepts to be covered in the tutorial.
Create content that is clear, concise, and engaging.

Career center

Learners who complete Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems. These systems are found in a wide variety of devices, such as cell phones, cars, and medical equipment. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the sensors that are used in these systems. This knowledge is essential for any Embedded Systems Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Sensor Engineer

Sensor Engineers design, develop, and test sensors. These sensors are used in a wide variety of applications, such as medical devices, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of sensor design and operation. This knowledge is essential for any Sensor Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers develop and execute tests to ensure that products meet specifications. These tests can be performed on a variety of products, such as electronic devices, medical devices, and software. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of sensor testing. This knowledge is essential for any Test Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers ensure that products meet quality standards. They develop and implement quality control processes, and they investigate and resolve quality issues. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of quality control. This knowledge is essential for any Quality Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and implement manufacturing processes. They work to improve the efficiency and quality of manufacturing operations. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of manufacturing. This knowledge is essential for any Manufacturing Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Product Engineer

Product Engineers design and develop new products. They work with customers to understand their needs, and they develop products that meet those needs. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of product design. This knowledge is essential for any Product Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell products and services to customers. They work with customers to understand their needs, and they develop solutions that meet those needs. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of sales. This knowledge is essential for any Sales Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Marketing Engineer

Marketing Engineers develop and execute marketing campaigns. They work with customers to understand their needs, and they develop marketing campaigns that reach those customers. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of marketing. This knowledge is essential for any Marketing Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Customer Support Engineer

Customer Support Engineers provide technical support to customers. They work with customers to resolve problems and answer questions. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of customer support. This knowledge is essential for any Customer Support Engineer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documents. They work with engineers and other technical professionals to create documents that are clear, concise, and accurate. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of technical writing. This knowledge is essential for any Technical Writer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain and protect patents. They work with inventors to develop and file patent applications, and they represent clients in patent disputes. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of patent law. This knowledge is essential for any Patent Attorney who wants to be successful in their career.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They work with students to help them learn and grow, and they conduct research to advance the field of knowledge. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of teaching and research. This knowledge is essential for any Professor who wants to be successful in their career.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance the field of knowledge. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, government labs, and private companies. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of research. This knowledge is essential for any Research Scientist who wants to be successful in their career.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences. They work in a variety of settings, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of science writing. This knowledge is essential for any Science Writer who wants to be successful in their career.

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Technical Consultant

Technical Consultants provide advice and guidance to clients on a variety of technical topics. They work in a variety of settings, such as consulting firms, government agencies, and private companies. The course Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors provides a strong foundation in the principles of technical consulting. This knowledge is essential for any Technical Consultant who wants to be successful in their career.

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