Module overview
This module presents a broad overview of microsensor technologies, including the basic principles of measurement systems and the scaling effects arising from system miniaturisation. The practical component, assessed by a Lab Report, involves the design and construction of an interface circuit and subsequent characterisation of the performance of a microsensor. ELEC6203 is a prerequisite for ELEC6208 Bio/Micro/Nano Systems. Note that microfabrication techniques are covered in detail in ELEC6201 Microfabrication.
The module uses COMSOL Multiphysics, a specialist finite element analysis tool, to model a MEMS sensor.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The benefits of microsensor technology in relation to applications
- The basic principles of measurement systems
- The principles of some common transducer types, their strengths and weaknesses and their use in miniaturised sensors.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use industry-standard software to simulate sensor interfacing circuits.
- Construct an interface circuit and characterise the performance of a microsensor.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design interfaces for microsensors
- Appreciate the scaling effects arising from miniaturising systems
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Structure and write a technical report
Syllabus
- Microfabrication
- Magnetic Sensors
- Pressure Sensors
- Resonant sensors
- MEMS resonant sensors
- Measurement systems
- Physical sensors
- Intelligent sensors
- Thermal sensors
- Charge amplifiers
- Interfacing with sensors and actuators (Bridge circuits, Amplifiers, Closed-loop control, Filtering and signal conditioning
- Laboratory (Design and construct accelerometer interface circuit, Characterise microsensor performance)
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures to explain concepts and 3-4 supervised laboratory sessions to deepen understanding of selected concepts and methodology and to gain practical skills. Also several tutorial sessions to support the lectures and the labs and to help prepare for the examination. Note that the laboratory report will not be marked if the student has not attended the laboratory sessions
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 11 |
| Wider reading or practice | 33 |
| Lecture | 28 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 12 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Total study time | 142 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Beeby SP, Ensell GJ, Kraft M and White NM (2004). MEMS Mechanical Sensors. Artech House.
Bentley JP (2005). Principles of measurement systems. Longman Scientific and Technical.
Brignell JE and White NM (1996). Intelligent sensor systems revised edition. IOP Publishing.
Gaura E and Newman R (2006). Smart MEMS and Sensor Systems, Imperial College Press. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/soton-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1681718.
Maluf N and Williams K (2004). An Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems Engineering. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/soton-ebooks/detail.action?docID=227665.
Kaajakari V (2009). Practical MEMS: Design of microsystems, accelerometers, gyroscopes, RF MEMS, optical MEMS, and microfluidic systems. Small Gear Publishing.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Laboratory sessions are scheduled in the labs on level 2 of the Zepler building
Length of each session: 3 hours
Number of sessions completed by each student: 3
Max number of students per session: unlimited
Demonstrator:student ratio: 1:12
Preferred teaching weeks: 6 to 11
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 70% |
| Continuous Assessment | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External