James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

EE3901 - Sensor Technologies

Subject Description

Sensors are a fundamental component of many electronic systems. This subject teaches students how to design sensor systems, starting from the circuits needed to interface with common sensors. Circuit design considerations include noise, grounding, amplification, and filtering to ensure proper signal conditioning. Next, the subject covers the operational principles of resistive, thermoelectric, capacitive, piezoelectric, inductive, and magnetic sensors. Common applications of each sensor type are studied. Finally, the course introduces wireless sensor networks.

Learning Outcomes

• evaluate the effectiveness of sensors based on the understanding of sensor characteristics
• explain the working principles of resistive, thermoelectric, capacitive, piezoelectric, inductive, and magnetic sensors
• analyse the signal conditioning circuits of various types of sensors
• design signal conditioning circuits for the purpose of voltage and charge amplification, filtering, protection, and resistance to voltage conversion
• demonstrate understanding of the wireless sensor network architecture, networking principles, and protocols in the MAC and Network layers, and apply the knowledge for design and problem analysis related to wireless sensor networks
• appreciate and use sensors for various practical industry applications

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (50%)
• Invigilated > Quizzes or tests - (10%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (40%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities