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In the proposed method parallel plate capacitors are used to transfer power across the encapsulation layer to the sensor, removing any need for protruding wires or cable glands. With one electrode placed within the encapsulation and the second connected to the sensor, sensors are replaceable even underwater. To maintain sensor performance however, a relatively high capacitance is required. For example if the coupling capacitance is 20x greater than sensor capacitance, sensitivity is reduce by approximately 20%. Whereas if the coupling capacitance is only 10x greater, sensitivity is reduced by 40%. Due to these high capacitance requirements combined with the area and weight restrictions of wearable applications, we have investigated the practicality of implementing capacitive coupling. A capacitive coupling interface has been developed and tested with dielectric elastomer sensors underwater. Analysis of the interface's impact on sensor sensitivity, measurement electronics and overall coupling capacitor size is presented. |
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Sensors
Capacitance
Interfaces
Dielectrics
Electronics
Capacitive coupling
Electrodes
