- Log-in Microchip Employees Only
- Developer Help
- Global
- What's New
Search

Analog Sensor Conditioning Circuits: Wheatstone Bridge

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/09 09:03

The circuit below shows a Wheatstone bridge that converts a change in resistance to a change in differential voltage. The MCP6xxx op-amp amplifies the voltage difference.

Simplified schematic of a Wheatstone bridge that converts a change in resistance to a change in differential voltage

Advantages:

Good rejection of common mode noise
Ratiometric output (with Analog-to-Digital Converter using V_DD as its reference voltage)
Simplicity
Detection of open sensor due to failure

Disadvantages:

Gain is a function of R_SEN
Need controller and firmware to correct errors
Voltage is non-linear with resistance

Sensor Examples:

Strain gauge
Pressure sensor
Magneto-resistive compass

Learn More

Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.

Analog Sensor Conditioning Circuits: Wheatstone Bridge

Learn More

Menu

On This Page

Microchip Support