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.

Force and Strain Sensors and Touch Screens

In module 2 you will learn how to specify and use various types of force and strain sensors for an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about how strain gauges use the piezoresistive effect and Wheatstone bridges to output a strain signal. Then you will learn how load cells use strain gauges to output a force signal. We have a video on a teardown of a weight scale for you to watch, where we teach you how the strain gauges are arranged in an unusual bridge circuit. Finally, we teach you about how touch screens used in kiosks, PC's and smart phones work. We have a lab exercise for you to perform on strain gauges, where you will get hands-on experience wiring the gauges into the PSoC system, and writing code to read the gauges.

Position, Acceleration and Velocity Sensors

In module 3 you will first learn how magnetic detection sensors such as Hall sensors and LVDT's work, as well as how capacitive detection sensors. Then you will learn how to specify and use accelerometers in an embedded circuit. We will discuss how the first accelerometers used the piezoelectric effect to output a sinusoidal signal. We will review the key principles and equations involved in vibrational measurement. Then you will learn later accelerometers used the piezoresistive effect and internal strain gauges to output a sinusoidal signal representative of force, as opposed to acceleration. Then we will explain how accelerometers are now using MEMS technology and changes in capacitive to output the signal. We teach you about gyroscopes, both traditional mechanical ones, still used in aircraft for angular position sensing, and modern MEMS ones used to determine angular velocity.

Motion, Distance and Humidity Sensors

In module 4 you will learn how to specify and use position and motion detectors in an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about the pyroelectric effect. Then you will learn how Passive Infrared motion detectors use the pyroelectric effect in commercial burglar alarms. Then you will learn how ultrasonic distance detection is accomplished, the same principles that whales, dolphins and bats use to navigate their worlds. We tackle microwave detection sensors last, as these are the most complex sensors that we cover in the course. They are used in long range position detection sensors and commercial security sensors for outdoors use.

Course Projects

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Well-received sensors course

According to students, this course is largely positive. It delivers engaging assignments, but many have issues with the lab work. This course is great for learners looking to gain a deep understanding regarding sensors and related parameters. Overall, the lectures are praised for being understandable, easy to follow, and informative.

Informative lectures

"by answering the questions reading material is required. overall good"

"Great introduction course to sensors."

"Great information, both the lecture and external reference."

Issues with the lab assignments

"The course has some good info. It needs a little polish"

"the quiz needs some corrections for the mistaken typo. It causes a lot of troubles"

"Lab assignment needs to be more specific and clearer."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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'

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Contribute to the PSoC Open Source Project

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Embedded Systems

Show steps

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'

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sensor Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Support Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer