Simple and low-cost readout circuit for differential resistive sensors

In this paper, a simple and low-cost readout circuit for differential resistive sensors is presented. The realization method is based on the relaxation oscillation technique, which utilizes the operational amplifiers (op-amps) with a single supply voltage. The oscillating output Duty-Cycle is proportional to the difference of two sensing resistances. In comparison with the traditional voltage divider circuit or the Wheatstone bridge circuit or the previously reported readout circuit based on CCIIs, the proposed circuit can be interfaced with microcontroller without using an analog-to-digital converter. Theoretical predictions are supported by the PSPICE simulation results and the experimental data. In applying a slide potentiometer with changes of slider positions of ±15 mm, it is found that the maximum error of the proposed circuit is approximately-2.90% of full-scale. Copyright © 2018 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l.-All rights reserved.