A Low-Power ADC-Free Resistive Sensor Readout Circuit for μC-Based Microsystems

Authors

  • João Maia Aguiar INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto
  • José Machado da Silva INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64552/wipiec.v12i2.142

Keywords:

Resistive sensor, ADC-free readout, low-power

Abstract

Implantable microsystems are required to show low-volume and low-power consumption, while ensuring high reliability and safe long‑term operation. This work addresses the development and evaluation of a compact readout circuit for a piezoresistive force sensor intended for integration in an active oral prosthesis. The approach proposed here can be included in the direct-to-microcontroller interface methodologies, but relies on a sigma-delta-like measurement process. Its performance has been experimentally compared to conventional Wheatstone bridge and simple voltage-divider topologies, showing, respectively, 76% and 44% reductions in power consumption, while ensuring 8 times better resolution.

Author Biographies

João Maia Aguiar, INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto

INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.

José Machado da Silva, INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto

INESC TEC, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.

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Published

2026-08-25

How to Cite

Aguiar, J. M., & da Silva, J. M. (2026). A Low-Power ADC-Free Resistive Sensor Readout Circuit for μC-Based Microsystems. WiPiEC Journal - Works in Progress in Embedded Computing Journal, 12(2), 6. https://doi.org/10.64552/wipiec.v12i2.142