Abstract
In this tutorial, we discuss trade-offs in sensor system design. With examples from engineered systems in our laboratories, we address design considerations at the different system levels, from the choice of a particular sensor to the signal conditioning circuits, the choice of data converter, and data communication physical interfaces. Fundamental concepts from communication and information theory, as well as practical considerations applied to specific case studies, are presented for sensor readout systems. In particular, we address both fundamental trade-offs such as choice of signal representation for signal conditioning and conversion, as well as practical and technological trade-offs such as place of quantization (signal data conversion) application demands and integration technologies. The tutorial deals with what is commonly referred to as the Analog Front End (AFE) up to the point where the physical signal is represented in digital symbols. Although the discussion focuses on all the processing steps of the AFE, a more system-level approach is further explored, including stand-alone system approaches and system communication. Major system trade-offs during system design are discussed, providing important methodology insights towards the design of sensory systems operating within demanding constraints.
Highlights
S ENSORY systems are pervasive in our everyday life
While most of the applications of information theory are in communications and coding, we have demonstrated its value in the design of microsystems [7], [8]
Eq 1 applies to linear systems under additive Gaussian noise conditions. It assumes a peak amplitude constraint, which is appropriate for sensors and electronic circuits that must operate within a certain physical transduction limit or voltage range to avoid distortion and clipping
Summary
S ENSORY systems are pervasive in our everyday life. Today’s typical smartphone is equipped with a wealth of passive and active sensory peripherals [1]. The physical quantity of interest is transduced and processed by a series of functional blocks for storage and precise restitution of information; display a picture on the screen of the smartphone or extract relevant information for further action, sense the rotational motion of the phone and rotate displayed image to. Processor chips adds capabilities for local processing at the “edge” something that earlier generations of the device were lacking. Key to the local processing in Amazon Echo, 4th Generation is insightful information extraction as the signal proceeds to higher levels of processing.
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