Self-powered optical sensor systems
conference paper
A 0.35 μm CMOS process has been used for on-chip integration of a sun sensor composed of a 2x2 photodiode array and a current-to-voltage amplifier. Unlike conventional sun sensors, a shade profile proportional to the angle of incidence of incoming light is projected onto the photodiodes. This concept enables an autonomous self-powered optical system with two the main functions (electrical power generation for the amplifier and the optical position measurement) implemented in the photodiodes by having these operated simultaneously in the photovoltaic and photocurrent mode respectively. The low-power current-to-voltage converter is used to readout the differential photocurrent, while powered from the photodiodes at minimum supply voltage level. Test structures have been designed, fabricated and used for validation of the concept. ©2009 IEEE.
Topics
Energy scavengingOptical systemPhotodiodeSelf-poweringSun sensorAngle of IncidenceCMOS processsElectrical power generationEnergy scavengingIncoming lightLow PowerOn-chip integrationOptical position measurementsPhotodiode arraysSelf-poweredSelf-poweringSun sensorSupply voltagesTest structureVoltage amplifiersActuatorsMicrosystemsOptical sensorsOptical systemsPhotocurrentsPhotodiodesPiezoelectric transducersPosition measurementSunVoltage regulatorsSolid-state sensors
TNO Identifier
272504
ISBN
9781424441938
Article nr.
5285827
Source title
TRANSDUCERS 2009 - 15th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems, 21 June 2009 through 25 June 2009, Denver, CO, conference code: 78628
Pages
1373-1376
Files
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