Resistance-to-Voltage Interface Module

Analog Front End for Resistive Sensors

Designed for sensors in which the measurand produces a change in electrical resistance.

Sensor ΔR → Excitation → R-to-V Conversion → Signal Conditioning → VOUT

The module converts resistance variation into a corresponding analog voltage, reducing the need to develop separate excitation and conversion electronics.

Interface Selection

Performance depends on:

Baseline resistance • ΔR range • sensitivity • excitation requirement • response speed • required VOUT span

Correct range matching improves usable sensitivity and helps prevent output saturation.

Suitable Sensors

Chemiresistors • Metal-oxide sensors • Conductive polymers • Nanocomposites • Resistive thin films • Strain-sensitive devices • Gas and chemical sensors

Resistive Sensor → R-to-V Module → VOUT → ADC / MCU / DAQ

Capacitance-to-Voltage Interface Module

Analog Front End for Capacitive Sensors

Designed for sensors in which the measure changes in device capacitance.

Sensor ΔC → AC Excitation → Capacitive Transduction → Signal Conditioning → VOUT

The module converts capacitance variation into an analog voltage suitable for downstream acquisition.

Interface Selection

Important parameters include:

Baseline capacitance • ΔC range • parasitic capacitance • excitation frequency • interconnect effects • required resolution • VOUT range

For small capacitance changes, PCB layout, cable length and sensor-to-module connections can influence measurement stability.

Suitable Sensors

Capacitive IDEs • Dielectric sensors • Humidity sensors • Chemical sensors • Thin-film capacitive devices • Proximity sensors • Experimental capacitive transducers

Capacitive Sensor → C-to-V Module → VOUT → ADC / MCU / DAQ

An ADC Measures Voltage—not Sensor Physics

Directly connecting an experimental sensor to an ADC does not provide the excitation, conversion or conditioning required by the sensing element.

The interface module performs five essential functions:

• Excitation: Establishes the sensor’s operating condition.

• Transduction: Converts ΔR or ΔC into voltage.

• Range Matching: Maps the sensor response into a useful output span.

• Signal Conditioning: Prepares the signal for acquisition.

• ADC Interface: Provides an accessible analog voltage output.

This creates a defined electronic boundary between the experimental sensor and the digital acquisition system.

Designed Around Research Workflows

YOU DEVELOP: Sensing material • Functionalization • Device • Experiment
WE ENGINEER: Excitation • Signal conversion • Analog interface • VOUT
YOU ACQUIRE: Voltage • Digital data • Response curves • Results

Schnaiffer Sensor Interface Modules

Engineering the electronic link between experimental sensors and digital acquisition.

Frequently asked questions

Can the glass or quartz IDE be reused?

Reuse depends on the deposited material and cleaning method. Aggressive chemicals, abrasion and repeated sonication may damage the metal pattern or adhesion layer. A cleaning protocol should be validated on a spare device before routine reuse.

Can I solder wires directly to the gold pads?

Direct soldering may damage a thin-film electrode. Spring contacts, conductive epoxy, anisotropic conductive materials or a compatible connector fixture are generally safer. The selected connection method should be tested for contact resistance and mechanical stability.

Is quartz always better than glass?

No. Quartz provides advantages under specific thermal and optical conditions, but glass is often the more economical and practical choice for routine room-temperature sensing.

Can Schnaiffer change the IDE geometry?

Yes. Custom chip size, finger geometry, active area and contact-pad layout can be reviewed. Custom production depends on fabrication feasibility and order volume.

Request the IDE catalogue, dimensional drawings, price quotation or custom-design review.

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