ASICs for integrated sensors

This paper will present three case studies of sensor applications where the use of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) has enhanced the performance of the sensor realisations. The paper will discuss two sensor systems, developed by the authors, which utilise a current-mode interface. These are current-mode analogue signal processing ASIC as part of both an electronic nose and a Wedge and Strip Anode (WSA) charged particle detector. The third case study will concentrate on a novel ultrasonic transducer receive system which has been developed. This too utilises ASIC technology and an account of progress to date will be presented.