Smart Sensors  Systems Design

   (Marie Curie Chairs (EXC) project MEXT-CT-2005-023991 SMARTSES)

General Overview. The Smart Sensors Systems Design (SMARTSES) project is based on the multidisciplinary research, which is focused on programmable parameter-to-frequency (time) converters as a digital sensor and smart sensors system core and structural-algorithmic methods for data extraction in order to move from a traditional analogue signal domain to frequency-time signal domain (frequency, period, duty-cycle, pulse-modulated, time interval, phase-shift, etc.). Working in the frequency-time domain simplifies design, and obviates some technical and technological problems, thanks to the properties of frequency as informative parameter. The proposed design approach compatible with system-on-chip (SoC) implementation and can overcoming current hurdles to truly widespread deployment of smart sensors and systems. The advanced methods for signal processing and conversion to be developed will become the basis for self-adaptive smart sensors and systems with programmable accuracy and non-redundant measuring time, applicable to all kind of modulating sensors (resistive, capacitive, inductive), resonant sensors and oscillator-based sensors.

The project is focused on the promotion and recognition of excellence in European Research, thereby increasing its visibility and attractiveness in the new, emerging and multidisciplinary area of research devoted to smart sensor systems and systems-on-chip. A novel design approach will be used (for the first time in Europe), which includes both technological and structural-algorithmic methods to improve system performance.

To target at a cost-driven European industrial market, a low-cost high-performance highly flexible universal frequency-to-digital converters for different frequency-time parameters and direct sensor interfacing circuits for resistive, capacitive, inductive and resistive bridges sensing elements will be developed. It could be used for any frequency-time domain signal, the same as a standard analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is used in the analogue signal domain. Sensors manufacturers will be able to simply integrate such submodules in microsystems, digital sensors or system-on-chip in order to produce a serial output or bus capability. Extension of IEEE 1451 standards family for frequency-time signal domain sensors will be proposed.

Each of the possible applications will carry a large benefit to the appropriate industry in Europe, thus improving its market position in the world.

The joint of two important inventions (program-oriented conversion methods and direct sensors interfacing in the frame of project devoted to smart sensor systems and systems-on-chip will benefit the European community and give its science more international recognition in the world in this emerging area.

The project also included teaching activities. In frame of the project a new course on Smart Sensors Systems Design is created and will be given in the host university - Universitat Politecnica de Cataluniya (UPC Barcelona), Spain in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The course is based on Problem (Project) Based Learning (PBL) approach. Taking into account that PBL gives students an opportunity to be involved in a small project in the area of smart sensor systems, they will have a possibility of working autonomously with a high responsibility, using an active knowledge acquisition tool in this emerging field and obtain, at the end, real results thanks to this training-through-research approach. The course is suitable for engineers,  graduate, Ph.D. and M.Sc. students. The online course version is available <here>.

Objectives. The main scientific and technological objectives of the proposed multidisciplinary research project is to develop a new design methodology for different smart sensors systems and systems-on-chip based on advanced frequency (time)-to-digital converters as its embedded core, made on the basis of novel conversion methods; to research, simulate and create different smart sensors and systems including self-adaptive and direct interfacing circuits for oscillator-based and modulating sensors. This modern approach for smart sensor systems creation will be based on both modern technologies and advanced methods for signal processing and conversion. The most effective method to achieve this purpose will be a combination of technological and structural-algorithmic methods. The proposed research focuses on a completely novel generation of form of frequency (time)-to-digital conversion with a constant programmable error of up to 0.001-0.0001 % along the entire frequency range and non-redundant conversion time.

A novel method for error estimation and uncertainty calculation for the designed frequency (time)-to-digital converters and overall systems will be used in the project. It based on the Lyapunov’s characteristic functions and piece-wise linear approximation of probability distribution (frequency function) and allows us to take into account the particular distribution laws for error components of the total error. Usually, this method improves the accuracy of the determined numerical characteristics of the overall error by up to 10 - 11 % and obtains the resulting probability distribution.

Expected Outputs

• Laboratory prototypes (universal frequency-to-digital converter, universal sensors and transducers interface,  data acquisition (DAQ) boards, virtual instruments and smart sensor systems) with programmable accuracy and conversion time for different signals from the frequency-time domain

• A design methodology for SoC based on both technological and structural-algorithmic approaches, suitable to reduce the time-to-market for new electronics products at reduced material and labour costs

• Library cells for the creation of self-adaptive digital output smart sensors with programmable accuracy

• Advanced self-calibration technique for frequency-to-digital converters working in the wide temperature range

Project duration: 3 years (2006-2009)

Funded: within the FP6 programme Marie Curie Actions: Human Resources and Mobility (HRM) Activity (Marie Curie Chairs (EXC))

Collaboration sought: information exchange/training, further research or/and teaching career development for Marie Curie Chairs (EXC) grant holder in European university or company at the end of project (CV on request ).

Contact:

Prof. Sergey Y. Yurish

Centro de Diseño d’Equipos Industriales (CDEI-UPC)

Parc Tecnologic de Barcelona, Edifici U

C/ Llorens Artigues 4-6, planta 0

08028 Barcelona, Spain

Tel: +34 696067716, fax: +34 93 4011989

E-mail: syurish@sensorsportal.com

 Project Results

Publications: Articles and Papers 2006/2007

[1]. Yurish S. Y., Kirianaki N. V., Automated Calibration Technique for Programmable Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converter, in Proc. of IFAC Workshop on Programmable Devices and Embedded Systems (PDeS’2006), Czech Republic, Brno, 14-16 February 2006, pp.72-77.

[2]. Yurish S. Y., Digital Sensors Design Based on Universal Frequency Sensors Interfacing IC, Sensors and Actuators A:, Vol.132, Issue 1, 2006, pp.265-270.

[3]. Yurish S. Y. Educational and Eurotraining Curriculum in Data Acquisition and Signal Processing for Smart Sensors, Microelectronics Education, Lausanne, Switzerland, Ed. by A. M. Ionescu, M. Declercq, M. Kayal, Y. Leblebici, Springer, 2006, pp. 197-201. (See details).

[4]. Yurish S. Y., Kirianaki N. V., Interface Circuit Design for Frequency-Time Domain MEMS Sensors, in  Proc. of International MEMS Conference, 9-12 May 2006, Singapore, Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Vol. 34, 2006. (Download: 80 Kb).

[5]. Yurish S. Y., Kirianaki N. V., Resolution Analysis of Modern Methods for Frequency and Period Measurements, in Proc. of IMEKO XVIII World Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 17 - 22, 2006.

[6]. Yurish S. Y., Extension of IEEE 1451 Standard to Quasi-Digital Sensors, in Proc. of the IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium 2007
(SAS-2007), San Diego, California, USA, February 6-8, 2007.

[7]. Yurish S. Y. Smart Universal Sensor and Transducer Interface, in Proc. of SENSOR+TEST Conference 2007, Nurnberg, Germany, 22-24 May 2007, Vol.1, pp. 307-312.

[8]. Yurish S. Y., MEMS Based System-on-Chip and System in Package: New Perspectives, Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 78, Issue 4, April 2007, pp. I-IV. (Download: 368 Kb).

[9]. Yurish S. Y., High-Speed Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converter for Quasi-Digital Sensors and Transducers, Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 80, Issue 6, June 2007, pp. 1225-1229. (Download: 479 Kb).

[10]. Yurish S. Y., Precise Frequency and Period Measurements for Slow Slew Rate Signals Based on the Modified Method of the Dependent Count, Measurement (in review).

Publications: Articles and Papers 2007/2008

[1]. Yurish S. Y., Advanced Analog-to-Digital Conversion Using Voltage-to-Frequency Converters for Remote Sensors, Key Engineering Materials: Measurement Technology and Intelligent Instruments VIII, Vol. 381 – 382, 2008, pp.623-626.

[2]. Yurish S. Y., Self-Adaptive Smart Sensors Systems, Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol.94, Issue 7, July 2008, pp.1-14 (in press).

[3]. Yurish S. Y., Novel Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converters and Sensors Interfacing Integrated Circuits, Sensor Electronics and Microsystems Technologies (in press).

[4]. Yurish S. Y., Low-Cost, Intelligent Data Acquisition System for QCM and Other Resonator-Based Bio- and Chemical Sensors, International Journal of Computing (accepted).

[5]. Yurish S. Y., Novel Modified Method of the Dependent Count for High Precision and Fast Measurements of Frequency-Time Parameters of Electric Signals, in Proc. of 2008 IEEE International Instrumentation & Measurement Technology Conference - I²MTC, Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, 12-15 May 2008, pp 876-881.

[6]. Yurish S. Y., Novel Curricula in Smart Sensors Systems Design in the Frame of Human Resources and Mobility Marie Curie Chairs (EXC) Action, in Proceedings of 7^th European Workshop on Microelectronics Education (EWME 2008), 28-30 2008, Budapest, Hungary,
pp. 132-133 (Download: 120 Kb).

[7]. Yurish S. Y., Universal Smart Sensors Interface and Signal Conditioner, in Proceedings of 6^th IEEE Conference Sensors 2007, Atlanta, USA, 28-31 October, 2007, pp.24-27.

[8]. Yurish S. Y., Intelligent Data Acquisition System for Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Other Resonator-Based Sensors. In Proceedings of IEEE International Workshop on Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems: Technology and Applications, 6-8 September 2007, Dortmund, Germany, pp. 2-7.

[9]. Yurish S. Y. Advanced Analog-to-Digital Conversion Using Voltage-to-Frequency Converters for Remote Sensors. in Proceedings of 8^th International Symposium on Measurement Technology and Intelligent Instruments, 24-27 September 2007, Sendai, Japan, pp. 465-468.

[10].Yurish S. Y., Smart Sensors Systems: Project Research Results Dissemination, Exploiting and Using in Teaching Activities, Marie Curie Conference, European Open Forum (ESOF‘ 2008), 17-18 July 2008, Barcelona, Spain, P-297. (Download poster: 0.5 Mb).

[11].Yurish S. Y., Low-Cost Automatic Paper-Type Sensor Based on Universal Sensors and Transducers Interfacing ICs, in Proceedings of 22^nd International Conference EUROSENSORS XXII, 7-10 September 2008 (accepted).

[12]. Yurish S. Y., Integration of Marie Curie Chairs (EXC) Project Based Course on ‘Smart Sensors Systems Design’ into ‘Sensors and Signal Conditioning’ Curricula, in Proceedings of 12^th IMEKO TC1-TC7 joint Symposium on Man Science & Measurement, 3-5 September, 2008, Annecy, France (accepted).

[13]. Yurish S. Y., Low-cost, Dual-Axis Smart Inclinometer, in  Proceedings of 7^th IEEE Conference on Sensors IEEE SENSORS 2008,
26-29 October 2008, Lecce, Italy (accepted).

[14]. Yurish S. Y., Smart Sensors Systems Design: New Challenges, 9-11 June 2008, Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre, Rosemont, IL, Illinois, USA (Download presentation: 5.4 Mb).

Books

[1]. Yurish S. Y., Data Acquisition for Frequency-time Domain Sensors, in Smart Sensor Systems, ed. by Gerard C. M. Meijer, Wiley-Interscience , 2008, (in press). (See details).

[2]. Yurish S. Y., Digital Sensors and Smart Sensors Systems Design. Publisher: IFSA (in press).

Patents

[1]. Patent No. 81851 (UA), Method of Frequency and Period Measurement of Harmonic Signal and Device for its Realization / Kirianaki N. V., Yurish S. Y., G01R23/02, February 2008.

Applicability. The patented method and device can be used in high precision counters, tachometers and tachometric systems, multimeters, smart and digital sensors, high performances data acquisition, measurement and sensors systems, frequency (period)-to-digital converters, automotive ABS, etc.

[2].Patent No. 79849 (UA), Method for Frequency Measurement and Device for its Realization/ Yurish S.Y. G01R23/00, July 2008.

Applicability. The patented method and device can be used in low power consumption smart, digital and autonomous sensors and sensor systems, MEMS based system-on-chip, hand-held multimeters and tachometers, etc.

[3].Patent No. 79854 (UA), Method for Duty-Cycle Measurement / Yurish S. Y., G01R23/00, July 2008.

Applicability. The patented method can be used in multifunctional counters, smart and digital sensors, duty-cycle (duty off factor) – to – digital converters, multimeters, data acquisition, measurement and sensors systems, etc.

[4]. Patent No. 78146 (UA), Method for Phase-Shift  Measurement / Yurish S. Y., Kirianaki N. V., G01R25/00, February 2007.

Applicability. The patented method is useful for digital phase meters, smart and digital sensors and transducers, multifunctional counters, phase-shift - to – digital converters, multimeters, data acquisition, measurement and sensors systems, etc.

[5]. Patent No. 78144 (UA), Method for Frequency Ratio Measurement and Device for its Realization/ Kirianaki N. V., Yurish S. Y., G01R23/02, February 2007.

Applicability. The patented method and device can be used in precision multifunctional counters, smart and digital sensors and transducers, frequency (period) ratio- to – digital converters, multimeters, data acquisition, measurement and sensors systems, etc.

Teaching activities

1. Smart Sensor Systems Design: Background and Further Perspectives (seminar):

• Centre d’Innovacio Tecnologica en Convertidors Estatics I Accionaments (CITCEA), ETS d’Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (UPC), Spain, November 2006

2. Smart Sensors Systems Design (short courses and seminars):

• University of Applied Science, Furtwangen, Germany, May 2007

• Universita di Brescia, Italy, April 2008

• University of Catania, Italy, April 2008

• Technical University of Catalonia (UPC Barcelona), Spain, May 2008

3. Sensors and Signal Conditioning course (20 hours, 2 credits):

• Technical University of Catalonia (UPC Barcelona), Spain, April-May 2008

4. Smart Sensors Systems Design - a five-day advanced engineering courses:

• Fundació UPC, Barcelona, (Spain), November 2007

• Fundació UPC, Barcelona, (Spain), November 2008

5. Smart Sensor Systems Design (online course and tutorial)

• IFSA's Sensors Web Portal (2295 visitors since December 2006 to June 2008)

• IEEE Sensors Council web site (some thousands visitors)

Awards

• Best Article Award 2007 for article "High-Speed Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converter for Quasi-Digital Sensors and Transducers", Sensors & Transducers Journal, Vol. 80, Issue 6, June 2007, pp. 1225-1229. (Download: 479 Kb)." as reflecting novel, innovation, outstanding research results and current importance. The award was given based on decisions of more than 210 editorial board members and 8 editors from 47 countries.

Project Related Books: