Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/pressure-force-motion-humidity-sensors
Are you looking to build sophisticated embedded systems that can interact with the physical world? If so, Coursera’s ‘Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors’ course is an absolute must-take. This course, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering specialization in Embedded Sensor and Motors, provides an in-depth exploration of crucial sensor technologies.
Building upon the foundational knowledge from the ‘Sensors and Sensor Circuits’ course, this program dives straight into practical applications. The syllabus is meticulously structured, starting with **Pressure Sensors**. Here, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of piezoresistive, capacitive, and vacuum sensors, including a detailed look at the piezoresistive effect and the indispensable Wheatstone bridge. The course doesn’t shy away from practicalities, covering error budgets and providing real-world examples of commercial pressure sensors, complete with purchasing guidance.
Moving on to **Force and Strain Sensors and Touch Screens**, the course continues its practical approach. You’ll learn how strain gauges leverage the piezoresistive effect and Wheatstone bridges to measure force, with a fascinating teardown of a weight scale to illustrate circuit design. The inclusion of a hands-on lab exercise with strain gauges, involving wiring and coding within the PSoC system, is a significant highlight, offering invaluable practical experience.
The third module, **Position, Acceleration and Velocity Sensors**, explores magnetic detection (Hall sensors, LVDTs) and capacitive sensors. A significant portion is dedicated to accelerometers, tracing their evolution from piezoelectric to MEMS technology. The principles behind vibrational measurement and the distinction between force-based and acceleration-based signals are clearly explained. Gyroscopes, both traditional and MEMS, are also covered, providing a comprehensive overview of motion sensing.
Finally, **Motion, Distance and Humidity Sensors** delves into the pyroelectric effect, crucial for Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detectors. You’ll also explore ultrasonic distance detection, drawing parallels with natural sonar, and tackle the complexities of microwave detection sensors used in long-range applications.
Overall, ‘Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors’ is an exceptionally well-designed course for anyone serious about embedded systems. The blend of theoretical depth and practical, hands-on exercises makes it incredibly valuable. The instructors clearly have a passion for the subject, and their explanations are both clear and engaging. If you want to truly understand how to integrate and utilize a wide array of essential sensors in your projects, this course comes highly recommended.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/pressure-force-motion-humidity-sensors