Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/pressure-force-motion-humidity-sensors

Introduction

**Course Review: Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors on Coursera** If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of sensor technology and its applications in electrical engineering, the course "Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors" offered by the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course is part of the specialization on Embedding Sensors and Motors and is also eligible for academic credit as ECEA 5342 within CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program. ### Overview The course is designed as the third installment in its specialization sequence, so it is strongly recommended that you complete the first course, "Sensors and Sensor Circuits," before diving into this one. This prerequisite ensures you have the necessary skills and knowledge to make the most of the hands-on lab exercises that are a vital part of this learning experience. ### Syllabus Breakdown This course comprises four comprehensive modules, each focused on different sensor types essential for embedded systems: 1. **Pressure Sensors** - The first module offers an in-depth exploration of pressure sensors, including piezoresistive, capacitive, and vacuum sensors. You will learn how the Wheatstone bridge configuration is essential in these systems and how to calculate an error budget for pressure transmitters. The practical aspect is covered with insights into selecting and purchasing commercial pressure sensors. 2. **Force and Strain Sensors and Touch Screens** - The second module teaches the principles behind force and strain sensors. You’ll understand how strain gauges operate and how they are utilized in load cells for measuring force. A unique aspect is the teardown of a weight scale, which provides real-world insights into sensor arrangement. Furthermore, you will explore how touch screens function, culminating in a hands-on lab exercise that solidifies your understanding. 3. **Position, Acceleration, and Velocity Sensors** - In the third module, you will delve into magnetic detection sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. This content covers the fundamental principles that govern these sensors, alongside the evolution of accelerometers from piezoelectric outputs to modern MEMS technology. 4. **Motion, Distance, and Humidity Sensors** - The final module connects the dots between motion detection and environmental sensing. You will learn about various detection techniques, such as the pyroelectric effect and ultrasonic distance detection, which mirrors the sophisticated navigation methods seen in nature (as used by dolphins and bats). ### Course Projects An integral part of the learning experience is the lab assignments, particularly the Strain Gauge lab that allows you to directly apply the knowledge you’ve acquired. This hands-on approach is one of the course’s standout features, making theoretical concepts tangible and easier to grasp. ### Recommendations I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in advancing their knowledge of embedded systems and sensor technology. Whether you are an engineering student, a professional looking to upgrade your skills, or simply an enthusiast eager to learn more about how modern sensors work, this course provides a robust foundation. The structure is engaging, and the hands-on labs provide crucial practical experience that sets this course apart from purely theoretical courses. Be sure to prepare by completing the first part of this specialization; doing so will enhance your learning experience and help you fully appreciate the advanced topics covered in this course. In summary, "Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors" is a comprehensive, well-structured course that expertly balances theory with practical application. Embrace the opportunity to expand your skills and deepen your understanding of sensor technologies in electrical engineering. Enroll today, and take the next step in your learning journey!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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