A highly programmable sensor network interface with multiple sensor readout circuits

This paper presents a Universal Micro-Sensor Interface (UMSI) chip that significantly expands the capability of previously reported generic interface circuits. It implements a new power-conservative network-capable sensor bus, integrates programmable readout circuits for multiple signal modes, and includes a standard interface for application-specific peripherals. Up to 255 UMSI chips can be connected in a microsystem and each UMSI can interface with up to 8 capacitive, resistive, and/or voltage output devices. Fabricated in 0.5 μm CMOS process with a 2.22mm × 2.22mm die size, the chip dissipates from 40 μW to 13.5mW (depending on configuration) from a 3 V power supply. It supports several power management features and enables a new class of highly adaptive battery-powered microsystems capable of automatic reconfiguration in the field.