Sensors and Smart Sensing Systems

Course objectives
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge about sensing methodologies, conditioning electronics for sensors and smart multi-sensor systems. In particular, basic principles of resistive, reactive and active sensing methodologies, as well as solutions for automatic test equipment  will be treated. Experimental laboratory sessions will be performed in order to provide students with useful skills on the use of instrumentaion and sensors. Such practical sessions will be strategic to learn about soft-skills usually linked to experimental activities. Moreover, the student will participate to group activities, supported by a qualified tutor.

 Knowledge and understanding
The course would porovide fundamentals on the design and the synthesis of sensors and sensor systems. Mian topics presented during the course are related to: sensor chracterization, sensing methodologies and sensors examples, conditioning electronics, smart multi-sensor systems and signal processing.

 Applying knowledge and understanding 
At the end of the course students will be able:
- design a sensor system
- properly use signal processing methodologies 
- correctly provide results of a measuremnt session

The course is structured in theoretical lessons and experimental sessions aimed to use knowledge on the use of sensors and sensing systems in real scenario. The experimental sessions will be organized in the form of work groups.

Above mentioened approach is in line with the course objectives which aim to implement the Transfer of Knowledge on sensors and sensing systems application.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Skills related to  basic measurement theory are useful for better access to the course content.

Basics on sensors

[Lectures: 3 hours]

Resistive sensors: potentiometers, Strain Gauges and RTD sensors

[Lectures: 6 hours]

Conditioning electronics for resistive sensors

[Lectures: 5 hours]

Reactive sensors: capacitive, Inductive

[Lectures: 5 hours]

Conditioning electronics for reactive sensors

[Lectures: 2 hours]

Active sensors: Thermocouples, Piezoelectric sensors and  conditioning electronics

[Lectures: 6 hours]

Automatic Test Equipment

[Lectures: 6 hours]

Smart Multi-Sensor Systems

[Lectures: 2 hours]

Excercizes on sensors and Smart Multi-Sensor Systems

[Practical sessions: 15 hours]

Contribution of the course to the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The topics covered in the course and the acquired knowledge are directly or indirectly aimed at the development of sustainable technological solutions, as well as contributing to a high quality education, in accordance with Goals 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

E. Doebelin: Mesurement systems, Mc Graw Hill;

Pallas-Areny J.G. Webster: Sensors and Signal Conditioning

Tutorial on Smart sensor systems and sensor networks

The examination consists in a colloquium aimed to assess competences on subjectes presented during the course.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Resistive sensors 

Capaciive sensors

Inductive sensors

 Active sensors (Thermocouples, piezoelectric sensors)

Conditioning electronics