Suitable Sensors

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

For sensors where the measurand produces a change in electrical resistance. The module converts change in R into a corresponding analog voltage output for acquisition systems.

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

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.

Resistance-to-Voltage Interfaces

Capacitance-to-Voltage Interface Module

Suitable Sensors

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

For sensors where the measured quantity changes device capacitance. The module converts Delta C into analog voltage while managing excitation and conditioning requirements.

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

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.

Why Interface Electronics Matter

Core AFE Functions

Five Functions Between Sensor Response and Digital Data

The interface module turns a raw electrical variation into a defined voltage signal that downstream electronics can read reliably.

Excitation

Establishes the operating condition required by the sensing element.

Transduction

Converts resistance or capacitance variation into voltage.

Range Matching

Maps the sensor response into a useful analog output span.

Signal Conditioning

Improves readability before ADC or DAQ acquisition.

ADC Interface

Provides an accessible analog voltage output for digital systems.

Frequently asked questions

Can the module work with an Arduino or microcontroller?

Yes. The module provides analog voltage output that can be read by Arduino-compatible platforms, microcontrollers, DAQ systems and embedded ADC inputs.

Why not connect the sensor directly to the ADC?

Most sensors need excitation and conversion before voltage acquisition. Without a proper interface, the ADC may read an unstable, saturated or physically meaningless signal.

Can one module support every sensor range?

No. The interface should be matched to the baseline resistance or capacitance, expected signal change, excitation requirement and required output voltage span.

Can Schnaiffer review a custom sensor requirement?

Yes. Share the sensor type, expected resistance or capacitance range, target output voltage, sampling requirement and intended acquisition platform..

Request a Module Recommendation or Custom Interface Review

Send your sensor type, baseline range, expected Delta R or Delta C, output voltage requirement and acquisition platform.

Schnaiffer can help select or design the analog interface between your experimental sensor and digital data system.