Digital Domain Feature Detection in a Complex Dielectric Sensor

An existing industrial sensor is used to monitor the production of synthetic polymer fiber, by measuring changes as fiber passes through an electromagnetic field. Dedicated analog circuitry performs low-level processing to detect specific physical structures in the fiber. Measurement of a given fiber requires fine-tuning of the analog circuitry, so the sensor cannot be configured to optimally measure multiple fiber types. It is proposed that the analog circuitry be replaced by a digital equivalent, using digital signal processing techniques where applicable. This will facilitate a less complex calibration procedure and allow real-time sensor parameterization. Effectiveness will be evaluated against the existing analog sensor, in terms of speed, accuracy, cost, and power consumption.