Described is a method for reading an array of sensors having a set of row
conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding row of the array and
a set of column conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding column
of the array such that each sensor is connected between a row conductor and a column
conductor. The method comprises: for each row of sensors in the array, performing
a read cycle comprising applying an activation pulse to the corresponding row conductor
to activate the sensors in the row, applying a reading pulse to the row conductor
on expiry of a predetermined time interval from an edge of the activation pulse,
and during the reading pulse, detecting, for each sensor in the row, a value dependent
on a variable characteristic of that sensor. The read cycle for at least one row
is commenced during the predetermined time interval of the read cycle for another
row. In a preferred example described in detail, the sensors are thermal resistance
sensors, the activation pulse is a heating pulse to heat the sensors, and the variable
characteristic is resistance.