This book is about devices commonly called sensors. Digital systems, however complex and intelligent they might be, must receive information from the outside world that is generally analog and not electrical. Sensors are interface devices between various physical values and the electronic circuits who "understand" only a language of moving electrical charges. In other words, sensors are the eyes, ears, and noses of silicon chips. Unlike other books on sensors, this book is organized according to the measured variables (temperature, pressure, position, etc.) that make it much more practical and easier to read. In this new edition recent ideas and developments have been added while less important and non-essential designs were dropped. Sections on practical designs and use of the modern micro-machining technologies have been revised substantially. This book is a reference text that can be used by students, researchers interested in modern instrumentation (applied physicists and engineers), sensor designers, application engineers and technicians whose job it is to understand, select and/or design sensors for practical systems. The scope of this book is rather broad covering many different designs. Some are well known, but describing them is still useful for students and those who look for a convenient reference. It is the author's intention to present a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the theory (physical principles), design, and practical implementations of various sensors for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications. About the Author: Jacob Fraden holds a Ph. D. in medical electronics and is the CEO of Advanced Monitors Corp., a company that produces medical and veterinary temperature sensors and monitors. He holds over 30 patents in the areas of sensing, medical instrumentation, consumer electronics, security, and others.

Auteur
Jacob Fraden holds a Ph.D. in medical electronics and is Chief Technology Officer of Kaz, Inc., a company that produces a large variety of medical, consumer electrical and electronic products. He holds over 50 patents in the areas of sensing, medical instrumentation, security and others.

Résumé
Since publication of the previous, the 3rd edition of this book, the sensor tech- logies have made a remarkable leap ahead. The sensitivity of the sensors became higher, the dimensions smaller, the selectivity better, and the prices lower. What have not changed, are the fundamental principles of the sensor design. They still are governed by the laws of Nature. Arguably one of the greatest geniuses ever lived, Leonardo Da Vinci had his own peculiar way of praying. It went like this, Oh Lord, thanks for Thou don't violate Thy own laws. It is comforting indeed that the laws of Nature do not change with time, it is just that our appreciation of them becomes re?ned. Thus, this new edition examines the same good old laws of Nature that form the foundation for designs of various sensors. This has not changed much since the previous editions. Yet, the sections that describe practical designs are revised substantially. Recent ideas and developments have been added, while obsolete and less important designs were dropped. This book is about devices commonly called sensors. The invention of a microprocessor has brought highly sophisticated instruments into our everyday life. Numerous computerized appliances, of which microprocessors are integral parts, wash clothes and prepare coffee, play music, guard homes, and control room temperature. Sensors are essential components in any device that uses a digital signal processor.

Contenu
Data Acquisition.- Sensor Characteristics.- Physical Principles of Sensing.- Optical Components of Sensors.- Interface Electronic Circuits.- Occupancy and Motion Detectors.- Position, Displacement, and Level.- Velocity and Acceleration.- Force, Strain, and Tactile Sensors.- Pressure Sensors.- Flow Sensors.- Acoustic Sensors.- Humidity and Moisture Sensors.- Light Detectors.- Radiation Detectors.- Temperature Sensors.- Chemical Sensors.- Sensor Materials and Technologies.