Understanding Smart Sensors - Nomads.usp

Using MCUs/DSPs to Increase Sensor IQ 95Transducers array andinterface electronicsCLK,CIN,STRDOFrequency-todigitalconverterDVDODOPowerPROMDigitalregisterMicroprocessorAmplifierX10RAM12-bitADCAddressdetectorCommunicationinterfaceBusMPSExternal system busFigure 5.1 Block diagram of monolithic sensor interface design. (After: [2].)5.2 MCU ControlSingle-chip MCUs combine microprocessor unit (MPU) computing capability,various forms of memory, a clock oscillator, and I/O capability on a singlechip, as shown in Figure 5.2 [3]. MCUs provide flexibility and quick time-tomarketfor numerous embedded control systems and for smarter sensing solutions.The programmability and wide variety of peripheral options available inthe MCU provide design options. Those options can offset the cost of the additionalcomponent by eliminating other components or providing features thatwould otherwise require far more components. In addition, those high-volumeproducts enable systems to achieve low cost, high quality, and excellentreliability.