Apparatus and associated methods relate to sensing a physical parameter and verifying correct operation of a system used to sense the physical parameter. A sensing device includes four resistive elements configured in a Wheatstone bridge configuration is configured to sense the physical parameter. A biasing network selectively provides first and second biasing conditions to the sensing device. First and second output electrical signals are generated by the sensing device in response to the first and second biasing conditions, respectively, selectively provided to the sensing device. The first and second output electrical signals are each indicative of the parameter value of the physical parameter, but not necessarily equal to one another. A verification module verifies correct operation of the system based on a consistency determination of first and second output electrical signals.

An interface pressure sensor includes a fluid pressure sensor disposed in a volume defined by a shear wall. The volume is enclosed, and the fluid pressure sensor is encapsulated by, an infill material. The infill material defines a sensing surface that, when pressed, can impart a force that is detectable by the fluid pressure sensor.

A method for determining the state of at least one sensor whose mechanical behaviour is nonlinear as a function of the amplitude of the pressure exerted against the sensor, the sensor and an electromechanical transducer being able to be coupled to a support, the method comprising the steps of: applying an electrical signal at a first amplitude to the terminals of the first electromechanical transducer, and determining a first set of values of a parameter characteristic of the electrical impedance of the first electromechanical transducer in response to the application of the electrical signal; applying the electrical signal at a second amplitude to the terminals of the first electromechanical transducer, and determining a second set of values of the parameter characteristic of the impedance; measuring a deviation between the first set of values and the second set of values; determining a state of the sensor as a function of the deviation between the first set of values and the second set of values.

A medical device accessory comprising an interface configured to connect the medical device accessory with a medical device for administration of a medical treatment using the medical device and the medical device accessory, a plurality of electrical contacts proximate the interface, the electrical contacts comprising a lead electrical contact adapted to receive an voltage from a power source associated with the medical device and one or more identifying electrical contacts, and at least one conductor providing an electrical connection between the lead electrical contact and the one or more identifying electrical contacts. An arrangement of the one or more identifying electrical contacts connected to the lead electrical contact identifies a characteristic of the medical device accessory.

A medical device accessory comprising an interface configured to connect the medical device accessory with a medical device for administration of a medical treatment using the medical device and the medical device accessory, a plurality of electrical contacts proximate the interface, the electrical contacts comprising a lead electrical contact adapted to receive an voltage from a power source associated with the medical device and one or more identifying electrical contacts, and at least one conductor providing an electrical connection between the lead electrical contact and the one or more identifying electrical contacts. An arrangement of the one or more identifying electrical contacts connected to the lead electrical contact identifies a characteristic of the medical device accessory.

A system and method for measuring resistance over an array. The array includes at least three electrodes. Nodes at each intersection between input electrodes and output electrodes have variable resistance. A driving voltage is applied to a selected input electrode and an output current is received at a selected output electrode. A selected node is at the intersection of the two selected electrodes and includes an electrical component with a resistive property. Remaining electrodes are connected with a ground for isolating the selected node from the effects of changes in impedance of the remaining nodes. The driving voltage is converted to an output current by resistance at the selected node. The output current is converted to an output voltage with a current-to-voltage converter circuit for measuring the resistance of the electrical component. The nodes may be measured as the selected node in sequential or non-sequential patterns.

A system and method for measuring resistance over an array. The array includes at least three electrodes. Nodes at each intersection between input electrodes and output electrodes have variable resistance. A driving voltage is applied to a selected input electrode and an output current is received at a selected output electrode. A selected node is at the intersection of the two selected electrodes and includes an electrical component with a resistive property. Remaining electrodes are connected with a ground for isolating the selected node from the effects of changes in impedance of the remaining nodes. The driving voltage is converted to an output current by resistance at the selected node. The output current is converted to an output voltage with a current-to-voltage converter circuit for measuring the resistance of the electrical component. The nodes may be measured as the selected node in sequential or non-sequential patterns.

A sensing device is provided in the present invention. The sensing device includes a first conductive element, a second conductive element, a processing unit, a cover and a base. The processing electrically connects to the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The cover has an opening. The base forms a space with the cover, and the first conductive element and the second conductive element are set on the base.

Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.

Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.