An intelligent microcontroller-based configuration for sensor validation and error compensation

A general-purpose sensor interface is presented in this work. The interface supports certain intelligent features for single-sensors systems, and is aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of gas sensing systems. A number of algorithms are used to test and evaluate the performance of the whole measuring system in order to minimize errors and evaluate sensor status. The functionality of self-calibration, self-validation and Built-In-Self-Test is described. An example of the technique is presented using a AT90s8515 microcontroller for commercial gas sensors.