Patent ID: 6437583
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: G01B,G06K

Abstract:
An integrated sensor device for detecting a distance between the sensor device and an object, the sensor device comprising:a first capacitor plate for forming a first capacitance between the first capacitor plate and the object when positioned adjacent to the object; a second capacitor plate for forming a second capacitance between the second capacitor plate and the object when positioned adjacent to the object, the first and second capacitor plates being arranged in a substantially planar pattern in which a plurality of faces of the first capacitor plate are positioned adjacent to and facing a plurality of faces of the second capacitor plate; and an amplifier having an input and an output, the input being connected to one of the first and second capacitor plates and the output being connected to another one of the first and second capacitor plates to form a negative feedback branch that includes the first and second capacitances, whereby an output voltage is established at the amplifier output that is proportional to a distance between the first capacitor plate and the object.