Resistor-Capacitor Time Constant for Auto Ranging Capacitance Measurement

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-687-6_24How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Soft Robotics; Capacitance; Auto-Ranging; Time Constant

Abstract

The study develops a low-cost, Arduino-based capacitance measurement system with auto-ranging capabilities, aiming to enhance the measurement accuracy and flexibility for soft robotics applications. This system utilizes the principle of resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant, where Arduino discharges and recharges a capacitor through a predefined resistor, determining the capacitance by measuring the time constant. The system’s auto-ranging feature automatically adjusts resistor values, ensuring accurate measurement even with varying capacitance levels. The validation process compared the system’s performance with an LCR meter, resulting in a minor 3.75% error. The system also incorporates a custom-built soft material tester, where capacitance measurements were made alongside mechanical testing to evaluate stretchable conductive materials. Results from cyclic pressure tests showed stable performance and reliable data for material characterization. The system is designed to be scalable and easily integrated into electromechanical testing setups, providing an affordable alternative to expensive commercial equipment, especially in soft robotics and sensor testing. The study concludes that the Arduino-based system holds potential for advancing research in soft robotics, particularly in the development of soft, stretchable sensors for precise motion monitoring.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Download article (PDF)

TY  - CONF
AU  - Jalaluddin Jumhur
AU  - Raditya Fadhil Arfa
AU  - Gesang Nugroho
AU  - Galang Bagaskara
AU  - Witchuda Thongking
AU  - Ardi Wiranata
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/24
TI  - Resistor-Capacitor Time Constant for Auto Ranging Capacitance Measurement
BT  - Proceedings of the 8th Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Symposium (MIE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 341
EP  - 352
SN  - 2589-4943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-687-6_24
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-687-6_24
ID  - Jumhur2026
ER  -