Method for reducing response time in sensor measurement

Transients are present in sensor and instrumentation systems. They are caused by energy transference and are typically modeled as first-order systems. If too long, transients may suppose a critical factor for these systems unless they are analyzed (e.g., in terms of consumption). This work presents a new method for estimating the final value of a first-order system transient. Since this problem may be harmful, mainly to autonomous systems, the method equations are composed of simple operations that can be implemented on microcontrollers or similar interfaces with low computational capacity. The experimental results validate the theoretical models of the method and prove that, when the system coexists with disturbances, it is possible to estimate the final value in around 60% of the time we would have to wait until reaching it, in the worst case scenario. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3193717]