Electronic interface for the accurate read-out of resistive sensors in low voltage-low power integrated systems

Systems designed by humans have no “intelligence” and only execute algorithms; however, they may, somehow, mimic an intelligent behaviour (smart systems). Since, at present, information management in the electrical energy domain is extremely advantageous, smart systems require, all together, sensors, actuators, and electronic interfaces. In literature there is some confusion, and even some contradiction, between the parameters used for characterizing the properties of sensors and of electronic interfaces. In the first part of the paper we provide a unified, coherent set of definitions which may be applied to both sensors and electronic interfaces. Afterwards we show how non-electrical systems may be conveniently analysed in the electrical domain by means of equivalent circuits, and we review some techniques for the design of high performance electronic interfaces; finally, we show a few examples, which illustrate the use of those techniques in practical applications.