Sensors Technical Articles

In this article we’ll explore a circuit that produces an output voltage proportional to the charge generated by a piezoelectric transducer....

This article explains some theory behind piezoelectric sensors and presents an equivalent circuit that you can use when you’re designing sensor systems....

This article discusses the PCB layout for a power-supply circuit that generates a regulated 3.3 V rail from a small solar cell.

This article discusses a 3.3 V power-supply circuit that is built around an inductorless DC/DC converter and a solar cell.

This article discusses details that will help you choose the right kind of solar cell and successfully incorporate it into your next project....

This article presents the equivalent circuit for a solar cell and discusses some implementation details.

In this article, we will assess and characterize the hardware of two power management IC development boards from Cypress Semiconductor, designed for energy-harvesting applications....

This technical brief discusses a parameter that conveys the sensitivity of an optical detector.

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, presents a straightforward circuit that allows you to measure temperature with little more than a diode and a BJT....

This article provides a closer look at the PCB design considerations and programming of a custom capacitive touch interface device.

This article, part of AAC’s Analog Circuit Collection, presents a simple yet effective replacement for ADC-based window detection.

GPS as we know it requires the precision of atomic clocks. This article looks at the importance of timing for GPS and the clocks that provide it....

This article will review some basic structures to implement Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters.

Learn about various movement-type sensors including accelerometers, tilt sensors, vibration sensors, PIR (passive infrared) sensors, and rotation sensors....

Learn about various types of temperature sensors and each of their advantages and disadvantages.

Highly integrated ICs such as the MAX30004 can help you to improve the performance and practicality of your wearable designs.

Rotary position sensors such as the PHS series can help you track mechanical changes in a wide variety of applications.

Hall-effect-based ICs such as the A1337 can help your device to perform a variety of sensor tasks related to angular motion.

Despite the convenience of CMOS imagers, CCD imagers still have their place. And if you really need low-light performance, consider a device with EMCCD technology, such as the KAE-02152....