Synthesis Methodology for Sensors Based on Nonlinear Resonators

This work presents a synthesis methodology for sensors based on nonlinear resonators. The new procedure enables high sensitivity near a specific value of the sensing parameter by tracing turning-point loci and identifying cusp bifurcations. As a key advantage, the method enables reconfigurability, since the sensitivity may be optimized around different target values. The sensor can also detect variations in the sensed parameter through discontinuous jumps observed when sweeping either the input amplitude or frequency. The concept has been validated using a prototype that was experimentally characterized.