Applications of a Universal Sensor Interface Chip (USIC) for intelligent sensor applications

Processing of output signals from all types of sensors is becoming increasingly critical as new sensor technologies are adopted and demands on signal processing, digital communications and local intelligence expand. These requirements make it imperative that the sensor and its associated electronics are viewed as a system and increasingly this system needs to be intelligent or smart. An alternative solution to existing ones is to develop a device that has a high degree of in built analogue and digital flexibility combined with an integrated microcontroller. This IC will not be dedicated to one application or sensor type, but can address the needs of many. The Universal Sensor Interface Chip (USIC) being developed within the EUREKA project JAMIE is such a device. The USIC has been designed as a flexible device and is intended to address the interfacing needs of the many industrial companies who cannot justify the development and production costs of dedicated mixed mode ASICs. The USIC includes all of the processing elements needed to produce many intelligent sensor systems and gives small and medium sized end users access to this growing market.