Low-frequency amplifiers for PVDF film sensors

David G. Williams, Kevin D. Donohue, Bruce F. O'Hara

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper proposes instrumentation amplifiers for use with large area Polyvinylidine Diflouride (PVDF) sensors designed to detect rodent motion. The sensor behaves as a pressure-to-voltage converter in series with a parasitic capacitance. Motion signals critical for classifying rodent behavior range from 0.5 Hz to 20 Hz. Amplification on the order of 20dB is required for the pass-band before digitization. Amplifier A is presently used in an experimental system. This amplifier has slow response time with noticeable drift. Amplifier B is designed to overcome these obstacles. It is more complex but reduces the drift and noise floor, while decreasing the response time. Performance is evaluated with metrics based on low-frequency drift and noise-floor power computed over a 19-hour period and with recovery time from saturation. The comparison shows amplifier B with a faster response and lower drift than amplifier A.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE SoutheastCon 2008
Pages75-79
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventIEEE SoutheastCon 2008 - Huntsville, AL, United States
Duration: Apr 3 2008Apr 6 2008

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE SOUTHEASTCON
ISSN (Print)1091-0050
ISSN (Electronic)1558-058X

Conference

ConferenceIEEE SoutheastCon 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHuntsville, AL
Period4/3/084/6/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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