Distributed multiplexing architecture for PVDF multitransducer platform scanning: A theoretical and practical approach

A 23×15" platform (PODOSCAN) containing 1024 transducers has been designed for analyzing pressure distribution beneath the foot during movement using a piezoelectric Polyvinylidene-Fluoride (PVDF) film. An electronic switch is coupled to each sensor and all the switches on the same row converge towards a charge amplifier. A control signal connects sensors on the same column to the amplifiers. This architecture reduces the external connections of a matrix from NxM+1 to N+M+l only. By utilizing this technique on a film integrated circuit, a flexible high resolution insole to be inserted in a shoe as well as a miniaturized device for tactile images collection in robotics may be realized.