Microcontroller-based Readout of Resistive Sensors

Abstract

Resistive sensors are widely used in various industrial applications and research, but also in ordinary life of people. Reliable low-cost readout of resistive sensors is an imperative for further increasing number of deployed sensors. The scope of this paper is microcontroller-based readout of resistive sensors. Two methods were considered: resistance to voltage conversion (voltage divider circuit) and resistance to time conversion (RC circuit). Both methods were theoretically described and analyzed. After that, as a part of experimental work, measurement accuracy of both methods with 6 discrete resistors for two types of power supply: an USB port and a battery was compared. Finally, comparison of both methods in terms of speed, complexity and accuracy was summarized.