Flexible capacitor characterisation using algebraic parameter identification approach

Abstract Flexible capacitive sensor devices have gained attention because of their versatility and adaptability to several requirements. However, the proper implementation of those devices into flexible electronic systems imply some challenges related to the readout strategies necessary to adequately determine capacitance values. Usually, electronic circuits are used to develop signal conditioning and processing tasks, as well as estimation of parameters. In this study, a free‐of‐signal conditioning strategy for capacitance measurement based on an algebraic parameter identification approach is presented. Furthermore, flexible capacitors over polyethylene terephthalate substrates and polydimethylsiloxane as dielectric material are fabricated with the aim to validate the behaviour of the capacitance measurement method. Experimental results are compared with standard recursive least square technique as well as standard capacitance metre. Overall results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed approach.