University of Colorado Boulder
Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors
University of Colorado Boulder

Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors

James Zweighaft
Jay Mendelson

Instructors: James Zweighaft

16,702 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(236 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 23 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(236 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 23 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Choose the right pressure, force, strain, position, motion, acceleration, occupancy, and humidity sensor for an application.

  • Design these sensors into an embedded circuit. 

Details to know

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Assessments

5 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization
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There are 5 modules in this course

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.

What's included

9 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 quiz

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.

What's included

8 videos4 readings1 quiz

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.

What's included

6 videos4 readings1 quiz

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

What's included

1 reading1 quiz

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.6 (48 ratings)
James Zweighaft
University of Colorado Boulder
4 Courses93,874 learners
Jay Mendelson
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses95,094 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

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