Range Extension of Borehole Strainmeters Using MOSFET-Based Multi-Switch Automatic Zero Setting
Borehole strainmeters are essential tools for observing crustal deformation. In long-term observational applications, the dynamic changes in crustal deformation over multi-year scales often exceed the single measurement range of borehole strainmeters. Expanding the measurement range while maintainin...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/2/476 |
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| Summary: | Borehole strainmeters are essential tools for observing crustal deformation. In long-term observational applications, the dynamic changes in crustal deformation over multi-year scales often exceed the single measurement range of borehole strainmeters. Expanding the measurement range while maintaining high precision is a critical technical challenge. To address this, a full-range measurement system was developed using a bidirectional analog multi-switch based on MOS transistors and automatic feedback control. This system automatically adjusts the zero point of the measurement bridge, maintaining the bridge output at a near-balanced state. The quantifiable zero-setting actions are dynamically converted into equivalent voltage, enabling automatic full-range measurements while fully utilizing the effective linear range of the differential capacitive sensors. A laboratory performance tests demonstrated that an RZB borehole strainmeter equipped with this automatic zero-setting range extension system successfully covers the differential capacitive sensor’s effective linear range of approximately 100 μm. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-8220 |