Hybrid intelligent and adaptive sensor systems with improved signal integrity based on dynamically reconfigurable matched universal sensor electronics

Abstract

Hybrid intelligent sensor systems and networks are composed of modules of tightly co-operating software and hardware components. Bio-inspired information processing is embodied in algorithms as well as dedicated electronics for intelligent processing and system adaptation. This paper focuses on the challenges imposed on the small yet irreplaceable analog and mixed signal components in such a sensor system, which are prone to deviation and degradations. Novel architectures combine issues of rapid-prototyping, trimming, fault-tolerance, and self-repair. However, the common reconfiguration approaches cannot deal efficiently with real-world noise problems. This paper adapts effective solution strategies to advanced sensor electronics for hybrid intelligent and adaptive sensor systems in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology and reports on the design of a novel generic chip with flexible dimensions. Furthermore, we will focus on a generic dynamic reconfigurable amplifier cell with flexible topology and dimension called Generic Operational Amplifier (GOPA) and possible extension to an overall generic sensor system.