• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise

Sensor Tips

Sensor Product News, Tips, and learning resources for the Design Engineering Professional.

  • Motion Sensing
  • Vision systems
    • Smart cameras
    • Vision software
    • Lighting
    • Optics
  • Pressure
  • Speed
  • Temperature
  • Suppliers
  • Video
    • EE Videos
    • Teardown Videos
  • EE Learning Center
    • Design Guides
    • Tech Toolboxes

How can you get more than one measurement from a single sensing technology?

April 28, 2017 By Randy Frank

Getting more than one sensor measurement from a semiconductor sensor package that is perhaps 50% or more smaller than one commonly used a decade ago is no problem. Two and even all three of the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer (AGM) sensors found in an inertial measurement unit (IMU) commonly found in a smart phone are easily found in a small surface mount integrated circuit (IC) package. And, each one of these sensors measures all three axes, so an AGM provides nine degrees of freedom (nine measurements) unlike the first microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers that only provided a single axis measurement.

Since some pressure, accelerometer, tilt and other sensors require temperature measurements either for integral temperature compensation, proper operation or improved accuracy, it is also possible to find an IC packaged sensor that also measures temperatures and provides an output to the user.

Some manufacturers offer pressure and temperature measurements from a single package (threaded, stainless steel and more) that goes well beyond the plastic packages commonly used for semiconductor based sensors.

The real trick is using a single sensing technology to get more than one measurement.

Chemical sensors including gas concentration sensors often measure more than one parameter and provide an excellent example of one sensor, several measurements. Using arrays with different areas sensitive to different chemicals/gases, a single sensor can measure and/or detect several different chemicals/gases.

Some sensing technologies are used for more than one measurement technique such as piezoelectric technology. The piezoelectric technique is commonly used for acceleration, vibration, shock and pressure. A specific sensor design usually optimizes the sensor for measuring a specific parameter. Piezoresistive and capacitive technologies are also used in a variety of measurements.

With today’s advanced packaging techniques, compromising the capability of a single sensing technique to make disparate measurements is probably not a good idea. The sensor is often a small part of the total cost of signal conditioning, amplification and packaging without considering other IC technologies that can be included in the same sensing package. Array type sensor designs provide an exception to this.

Filed Under: Featured, Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) Tagged With: sensor packaging

Primary Sidebar

Featured Contributions

Integrating MEMS technology into next-gen vehicle safety features

Fire prevention through the Internet

Beyond the drivetrain: sensor innovation in automotive

Sensors in American football can help the game

Select and integrate sensors into IoT devices

More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“sensor
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

RSS Current EDABoard.com discussions

  • resonator mode being excited
  • Testing 5kW Grid Tied inverter over 200-253VAC
  • Issue in Two stage Chopper Amplifier Design..
  • 21V keeps getting shorted to my UART line.
  • Spreading unwanted heat around

RSS Current Electro-Tech-Online.com Discussions

  • what's it's name
  • using a RTC in SF basic
  • What is correct names for GOOD user friendly circuit drawing program?
  • Curved lines in PCB design
  • Is AI making embedded software developers more productive?

EE ENGINEERING TRAINING DAYS

engineering
“bills

RSS Featured White Papers

  • 4D Imaging Radar: Sensor Supremacy For Sustained L2+ Vehicle Enablement
  • Amphenol RF solutions enable the RF & video signal chains in industrial robots
  • Implementing Position Sensors for Hazardous Areas & Safety

DesignFast

Component Selection Made Simple.

Try it Today
design fast globle

Footer

EE WORLD ONLINE NETWORK

  • 5G Technology World
  • EE World Online
  • Engineers Garage
  • Analog IC Tips
  • Battery Power Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • DesignFast
  • EDA Board Forums
  • Electro Tech Online Forums
  • EV Engineering
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips

SENSOR TIPS

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
  • About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy