Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5340, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

● Understand how to specify the proper thermal, flow, or rotary sensor for taking real-time process data.

● Implement thermal 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.

● Study sensor signal noise and apply proper hardware techniques to reduce it to acceptable levels.

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.

These are the part numbers typed out, so you can copy and paste them into the Digikey web site. You will need one of each part.

428-3390-ND

NHD-0216BZ-RN-YBW-ND

570-1229-ND

A105970CT-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

Thermal Sensors

In module 1 you will learn how to specify and use temperature sensors in an embedded circuit. First, you will learn about common types of sensors and actuators found in common products such as smart phones and automobiles. Then you will get a high-level overview of analog and digital interfaces, followed by a deep dive into thermistors, RTD’s, and thermocouples. For each of these three types of thermal sensors, we define the core theory and formulae, give you examples of how commercial sensors are packaged, 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

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Develops understanding of thermal, flow, and rotary sensors, which is standard in industry

Useful for electrical engineers who need to understand and implement sensors in embedded systems

Suitable for learners with basic knowledge of electrical engineering and embedded systems

Provides practical skills through hands-on labs and projects

Taught by James Zweighaft and Jay Mendelson, who are recognized experts in electrical engineering

Part of a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from CU Boulder, which adds academic credibility

Reviews summary

Sensors and sensor circuit design

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in sensor circuit design, particularly focusing on thermal sensors and embedded systems integration. Many highlight the hands-on projects using the PSOC 5LP kit as a valuable practical experience, bridging the gap between theory and application. The lectures are often described as clear and concise, covering essential topics like amplifiers and noise reduction. While the required hardware investment is noted, students generally find it necessary for the practical labs and appreciate the detailed guidance provided. Some suggest having a basic background in programming and electrical engineering is helpful for the course pace and difficulty.

Some find the pace challenging; background helpful.

"Having some prior experience in embedded systems or EE is beneficial to keep up with the pace."

"The course moves quickly, especially when transitioning from theory to the practical PSOC implementation."

"While challenging, the difficulty level pushes you to learn deeply."

Course requires purchase of specific hardware components.

"Be aware you need to purchase a specific development kit and oscilloscope for the labs."

"The cost of required hardware is a factor to consider before enrolling."

"While necessary for the labs, the hardware requirement adds to the overall expense of the course."

Addresses key aspects of sensor circuit design.

"Loved the detailed coverage of thermal sensors, amplifiers, and noise reduction techniques."

"The module on rotary and flow sensors was a good overview of different types available."

"Provides a solid overview of sensor theory and circuit implementation in embedded systems."

Course material is well-explained and easy to follow.

"The lectures are presented clearly, making complex topics like amplifiers and noise understandable."

"Theory on different sensor types and their interfaces is covered well, providing a good knowledge base."

"Videos are concise and cover necessary theory before diving into the practical aspects."

Hands-on labs provide essential real-world experience.

"The practical lab assignments with the PSOC 5LP kit are fantastic and really solidify the concepts."

"Hands-on projects are the course's strength, allowing direct application of sensor integration principles."

"I found the thermistor lab particularly insightful for understanding sensor interfacing in practice."

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 Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design with these activities:

Review basic electronics, including Ohm's Law.

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The course assumes familiarity with basic electronics. This activity will help refresh those skills.

Browse courses on Electronics

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Review the concepts of voltage, current, and resistance.
Practice applying Ohm's Law to simple circuits.

Watch video tutorials on sensor signal conditioning.

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Sensor signal conditioning is crucial for accurate measurements. These tutorials will provide a solid foundation.

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Watch videos on different types of signal conditioning techniques.
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Join a study group to discuss course concepts and work on assignments.

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Working with peers can enhance understanding and retention.

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Find a group of students to study with.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Review 'Temperature Measurement Techniques' by Jones, J.E.

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Thermal sensors are the foundation of measuring temperatures to study phenomena and control processes. This text covers all aspects of temperature measurement.

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Familiarize yourself with common temperature measurement techniques.
Understand the principles of each technique.
Compare and contrast the different techniques.

Offer to help other students in the course.

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Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding and develop your communication skills.

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Identify students who may need help.
Offer your assistance.
Provide guidance and support.

Solve practice problems on thermistor and RTD circuits.

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Solving practice problems will help you develop a deeper understanding of thermistor and RTD circuits.

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Find the resistance of a thermistor at a given temperature.
Calculate the temperature of a thermistor with a given resistance.
Design a circuit to measure the temperature using a thermistor.

Build a simple temperature monitoring system using a microcontroller.

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Building a real-world system will reinforce the concepts learned in the course.

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Choose a microcontroller and develop a hardware design.
Write software to read the temperature sensor and display the data.
Test and debug the system.

Write a blog post or article on a topic related to the course.

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Writing about the course material will help you to synthesize and retain information.

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Choose a topic related to the course.
Research the topic and write a draft.
Edit and publish your post or article.

Career center

Learners who complete Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sensor Engineer

A Sensor Engineer designs, develops, and tests sensors used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, covering topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors. It also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors and reduce sensor signal noise. These skills are essential for Sensor Engineers to develop reliable and accurate sensor systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sensor Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems and components. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is a crucial part of many electrical systems. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Electrical Engineers to design and develop systems that can accurately sense and measure physical parameters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics Engineer combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and build products and systems. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is a key component of many mechatronic systems. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Mechatronics Engineers to design and develop systems that can accurately sense and control physical parameters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and systems. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is a crucial part of many medical devices. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Biomedical Engineers to design and develop medical devices that can accurately sense and measure physiological parameters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Quality Engineer

A Quality Engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is used in many quality control processes. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Quality Engineers to design and implement quality control systems that can accurately measure and assess product quality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Field Service Engineer

A Field Service Engineer installs, maintains, and repairs equipment in the field. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is used in many types of equipment. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Field Service Engineers to diagnose and repair equipment problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field Service Engineer

Product Designer

A Product Designer designs and develops consumer products. This course helps build a foundation in sensor technology, which is used in many consumer products. It covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, as well as how to interface sensors with microprocessors. This knowledge is essential for Product Designers to design and develop products that are user-friendly and meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and tests robots. This course may be useful for Robotics Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many robots. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer designs, develops, and tests automobiles. This course may be useful for Automotive Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many automobiles. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling automobiles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and tests manufacturing processes. This course may be useful for Manufacturing Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many manufacturing processes. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling manufacturing processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft. This course may be useful for Aerospace Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many aircraft. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling aircraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and tests chemical processes. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many chemical processes. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling chemical processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs, develops, and tests civil infrastructure. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many civil infrastructure projects. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling civil infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer systems. This course may be useful for Computer Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many computer systems. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software. This course may be useful for Software Engineers, as it covers topics such as thermal sensors, rotary sensors, and flow sensors, which are used in many software applications. The course also teaches how to interface sensors with microprocessors, which is essential for controlling software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer