Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sensor-manufacturing-process-control
For anyone venturing into the intricate world of electronics, understanding how sensors are made and controlled is paramount. I recently completed Coursera’s ‘Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control’ course, and it was an incredibly illuminating experience.
This course, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering specialization on Embedding Sensor and Motors, is the fourth in the series. While it builds upon previous knowledge from ‘Sensors and Sensor Circuits,’ ‘Motor and Motor Control Circuits,’ and ‘Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors,’ it also stands on its own as a comprehensive introduction to sensor manufacturing and control.
**Module 1: Process Control** kicked off with a solid theoretical foundation, reviewing second-order transfer functions – the bedrock of much process control. We then delved into practical applications, exploring plant-wide control systems and the software protocols that enable seamless communication between controllers and sensors. The hands-on PID control lab with a PSoC system was a definite highlight, offering invaluable practical experience.
**Module 2: Sensor Characterization** focused on optimizing sensor performance. Linearizing non-linear response curves, automatically adjusting outputs for ambient temperature variations, and understanding calibration procedures were key takeaways. The module culminated in a closed-loop motor control lab, further solidifying our understanding of real-world sensor applications.
**Module 3: Advanced Sensors** broadened our horizons with fascinating insights into radar level transmitters, LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles, and the specialized sensor designs used in medical applications, including implantable sensors and patient care equipment.
**Module 4: Sensor Manufacturing** provided a deep dive into the creation of sensors. We explored MEMS construction for miniature sensors, micro-electronic connections, chip encapsulation, and the critical aspect of sensor housing design. The module concluded with an examination of high-reliability testing, a crucial step in ensuring sensor longevity.
The **Course Projects** module conveniently housed the materials for the PID control and closed-loop DC motor control labs, making it easy to consolidate learning.
**Recommendation:**
I highly recommend ‘Sensor Manufacturing and Process Control’ to engineering students, professionals in the field, or anyone with a strong interest in how the devices that power our modern world are created and managed. The blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on labs makes this an exceptionally valuable course. It’s a challenging yet rewarding journey into the heart of sensor technology.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sensor-manufacturing-process-control