A variable R-C transmission line model for resistive stretch sensors

Andreas Tairych; Iain A. Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.2296805

27 March 2018 A variable R-C transmission line model for resistive stretch sensors

Andreas Tairych, Iain A. Anderson

Proceedings Volume 10594, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XX; 105941L (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2296805
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2018, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

Networks of soft wearable stretch sensors offer a distinctive advantage over camera based motion capture systems, since they can operate outside studios or laboratories. Soft sensors can be placed tightly against the skin, and are therefore capable of detecting soft tissue deformation, which is essential for reconstructing natural motion. However, the large number of sensors necessary to capture multiple limbs at a high enough spatial resolution requires many non-stretchable wires and rigid connectors, which severely compromise user comfort. In previous work, we have demonstrated how the wiring can be minimised in soft capacitive stretch sensing. Multiple sensors were interconnected with fixed external resistors along a R-C transmission line, which allowed capacitances to be measured through a single channel. We have now taken a similar approach towards resistive stretch sensors that change their resistance under deformation. The proposed method is based on a sensing transmission line consisting of resistive stretch sensors and fixed capacitors. The transmission line impedance was measured by applying excitation voltages with different frequencies. A system of nonlinear equations was established from measured and mathematically modelled transmission line resistances, and solved numerically for the unknown sensor resistances. Measuring multiple sensor resistances through one channel reduces the number of wires and connector, and potentially leads to a smaller circuit board footprint.

Citation Download Citation

Andreas Tairych and Iain A. Anderson "A variable R-C transmission line model for resistive stretch sensors", Proc. SPIE 10594, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XX, 105941L (27 March 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2296805

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