Understanding Smart Sensors - Nomads.usp

116 Understanding Smart Sensorsprovides a shorter design cycle and lower initial cost for the sensor. Once theend product (containing the combination of this sensor and the MCU) hasachieved market acceptance and a minimum run rate, a phase II design (levelIII in Figure 1.7) is possible. The sensor interface is treated as a predesignedbuilding block for a fully integrated sensor signal processor using the modulardesign approach discussed earlier in this chapter.5.8 SummaryTrends in the development of microelectronics for MCUs, DSPs, ASICs, andFPGAs have been for faster, more complex signal processing and reduced featuresize (critical dimensions), into the submicron range. Those goals have ledto lower supply voltages (3.3V and less). In addition, customer requirementsfor increased and more easily programmed memory and reduced developmentcost and design cycle time are affecting the design and methodology used todesign those products. The resulting improvements can be useful in the designof smart sensors and can be cost effective by using other capabilities providedby the MCU, DSP, ASIC, or FPGA. Communicating the data from smart sensorsis among the capabilities that can be integrated on chip and is such a criticalpart that Chapter 7 is dedicated to that aspect of the control logic.References[1] Jacobsen, E., “Signal Conditioning a Pressure Sensor With a Field-Programmable AnalogArray,” Sensors, Nov. 1997, pp. 81–86.[2] Najafi, N., and K. Wise, “An Organization for Interface for Sensor-Driven SemiconductorProcess Control Systems,” IEEE Trans. Semiconductor Manufacturing, Vol. 3, No. 4,Nov. 1990, pp. 230–238.[3] Sibigtroth, J. M., Understanding Small Microcontrollers, Motorola Technical BulletinM68HC05TB/D Rev. 1, 1992.[4] “FRAM Makes a Comeback,” Portable Design, Oct. 1996, pp. 14–16.[5] M68HC05 Microcontroller Applications Guide, Motorola M68HC05AG/AD.[6] Benson, M., et al., “Advanced Semiconductor Technologies for Integrated Smart Sensors,”Proc. Sensors Expo ‘93, Oct. 26–28, 1993, pp. 133–143.[7] Frank, R., J. Jandu, and M. Shaw, “An Update on Advanced Semiconductor Technologiesfor Integrated Smart Sensors,” Proc. Sensors Expo West, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 8–10, 1994,pp. 249–259.