Analog Sensor Interface for Field Mill Sensors in Atmospheric Applications

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Atmospheric Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of the atmospheric electric field is crucial for understanding weather phenomena.
• Existing electric field mill sensors often face challenges with power consumption and complexity.
• The need for robust and efficient sensors for both fair and foul weather conditions is evident.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of electric field mill sensor specifications for atmospheric electric field measurements.
• To present and analyze different design approaches for field mill sensor interfaces.
• To design, implement, and validate a low-power, cost-effective electric field mill sensor.

Main Methods:

• Overview and analysis of various field mill sensor interface designs.
• Design and experimental validation of a non-complex analog sensor interface using discrete components.
• Optimization of an integrated version focusing on noise and power consumption using 180 nm CMOS process simulations.
• Implementation of an intermittent motor operation for energy-autonomous functionality.

Main Results:

• A non-complex analog sensor interface was designed and validated.
• Advanced noise simulations were performed in a 180 nm CMOS process.
• The sensor achieved low power consumption (165 μW at 3 V) and energy-autonomous operation.
• The sensing system demonstrated adequate sensitivity (45 mV/kV/m) with a simple and cost-effective realization.

Conclusions:

• The developed electric field mill sensor is suitable for measuring atmospheric electric fields in fair and foul weather.
• The sensor's low power consumption and cost-effectiveness make it a viable alternative to existing systems.
• The design facilitates energy-autonomous operation for extended periods, enhancing its practical applicability.