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Understanding Smart Sensors - Nomads.usp

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5Using MCUs/DSPs to Increase Sensor IQWe could use cow chips instead of microchips and save millions.—Dilbert, by Scott Adams5.1 IntroductionSeveral semiconductor technologies are available to improve the accuracy andthe quality of the measurements and to add diagnostics and other intelligenceto any type of sensor. Foremost among those technologies are MCUs, DSPs,application-specific ICs (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).Dedicated sensor signal processors are usually an adaptation of one of thoseapproaches. The technologies also have the potential to allow for a fully integrated(monolithic) smart sensor. Before taking this next, rather large step, it isimportant to understand the technologies that are available, their contributionto smart sensors, and their ability to provide a higher level of intelligence (andvalue) to sensors.5.1.1 Other IC TechnologiesASIC technology utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software tools toachieve custom circuit designs. ASIC technology consists of programmablelogic devices (PLDs) for low-circuit density (

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