Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment,
a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital
signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE
via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter.
The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable
gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater
assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes
a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge
controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop,
wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and
one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby
provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing
ancillary functions as well.
