A PC based platform for accurate quartz tuning fork characterization and sensing applications

A simple platform is proposed for the accurate characterization of Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) based sensors. The system is based on a Personal Computer (PC) and takes advantage of the fact that the resonance frequency of standard wristwatch QTFs falls well within the acquisition bandwidth of modern soundcards. The choices in the design of the extremely simple measurement hardware result in the ability to accurately compensate for non-idealities without any need for compensation hardware. Experimental test results are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach we propose.