CAPACITIVE FRINGING FIELD SENSORS AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS INTEGRATED INTO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

摘要

A device is provided for sensing the chemical composition of soils and aqueous solutions. The device includes a capacitive fringing field interdigitated electrode sensor integrated into the printed circuit board and configured to sense an electrical impedance. The device also includes an electrical conductivity sensor integrated into the printed circuit board and configured to sense an electrical conductivity. The sensed electrical impedance and electrical conductivity are indicative of chemical properties. The capacitive fringing field interdigitated electrode sensor may also be used to detect the accumulation of ice.