Modular architecture for designing and fast prototyping of smart sensor microsystems combining integrated monolithic and hybrid technologies

A modular architecture for designing and fast prototyping of smart sensor microsystems, combining both monolithic and hybrid technologies, is presented. The architecture comprises several modules for analog sensor signal conditioning and processing, as well as the digital conversion and further digital processing of the signals. A microprocessor-based module is also included for added control and digital processing capability. The modules are, in general, both hardware and software programmable. Their functional models were included in a computer assisted design environment, which complemented the system and provided great flexibility for the systematic development and prototyping of smart sensor microsystems with local information processing capabilities