Interface Electronics for Tactile Sensors Based on Piezoelectric Polymers

In this paper, we propose a novel design approach for the interface electronics of piezoelectric polymer tactile sensing systems. An interface electronics prototype based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components having the same operating principle as the proposed approach has been fabricated. The system has been validated by using an experimental setup, where electrical and electromechanical characterization are carried out. The interface electronics measures charge of about 0.15 pC for applied forces as low as 12.5 mN at the working frequency of 27 Hz. The experimental average sensitivity of the system is 0.6 pC/kPa in the frequency range from 10 to 250 Hz. Long term goal is to miniaturize the interface electronics for the development of embedded tactile systems in prosthetic and robotic applications.