Self-temperature-testing of the quartz resonant force sensor

Temperature characteristics of a quartz resonant force sensor are important features, which should be seriously considered in the sensor's practical application. This paper analyzes the temperature characteristics of a quartz resonant force sensor and presents a self-temperature-testing method for the sensor by analyzing the different temperature characteristics when the quartz resonator vibrates in its fundamental mode and in its third overtone mode. A beat frequency results from the resonator's fundamental and third overtone frequencies. Experimental result show that the sensor's operating temperature can be measured by making use of this beat frequency rather than applying a temperature sensor.