The course provides the theoretical and practical (through examples from the state-of-the-art of the technological market) foundation for the study of sensors and data transmission with particular emphasis on applications in the agricultural area. To this aim, the course is divided into two separate modules: the first module will introduce the students to the basis of sensor technology and their use for the fabrication of microsensors and microactuators dedicated to the measurement of physical, chemical and biological parameters; examples of measurement, monitoring and control systems will be shown and discussed. The second module will introduce students on fundamentals of data transmission with a particular emphasis to main topics correlated to the use of smart sensors in smart farming and as a consequence needs related to long-range and low-power transmission models and tools.

Expected knowledge: - development of knowledge of sensor and actuators for farming tools - development of capabilities in design and selection of advanced technologies for smart farming and precision agriculture - development of knowledge in data transmission fundamentals and topics correlated to farming tools Expected competences and skills - ability to identify and select the most suitable technologies for soil, crop, water monitoring based on smart sensors - ability to identify and select the most suitable technologies for long range and low power data transmission - ability to apply the acquired knowledge in a research and/or industrial framework, applying capability and skills in solving problems related to the implementation of systems dedicated to the measurement of chemical, biological and physical parameters useful in agriculture - ability to communicate in a clear and unambiguous way technical aspects related to the design and manufacture of smart sensors both in writing and oral form and to both specialists and non-specialists; - development of self-learning skills to allow the student to continue to learn autonomously new techniques and design methodologies and fabrication techniques for smart farming, not necessarily explained and described during the course.

Topics covered by the courses of 1st semester are strongly preparatory In addition, students must have an elementary background in: • Classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, wave optics, fluidics, elements of structure of matter), solid state physics, chemistry and materials science • Elements of electronic devices and electronic circuits • Elements of signal theory and data transmission

First module – Sensors (40 hours) Topics of the first module include: - Introduction to micro electro mechanical devices, basis of fabrication, classification and characteristics. - Smart sensor, microsensors and microactuators (including harvesting). - Main methods for detection of physical, chemical and biological parameters. - Smart systems applied in farming; measurement, monitoring and control systems. - Current trends and open issues. - Analysis of a case study developed at Politecnico Second module – Data transmission (20 hours) Topics of the second module include: - Fundamentals of data transmission (message, sender, receiver, transmission medium, protocols, …) - Types of communication (simplex, duplex, full duplex communication. - Needs in smart farming and field applications (long range, low power communication suystems).

The course consists of: - lectures covering the topics described in the Course Topics section, delivered by slides and the use of the blackboard (or alternative tools like graphical tablet or similar in case of remote or blended lectures). The slides will be made available to students in pdf format on the Internet Didactic Portal at the beginning of the course; - training in laboratories equipped for the execution and characterization of some technological case studies illustrated during the lectures.

The didactic material (slides for the lectures) will be distributed in pdf format by the teacher and uploaded on the Didactic Portal before the course start. Suggested but not mandatory additive readings and books will be specified by the teacher. Selected scientific papers will be uploaded on the student portal.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula);

Exam: Written test;

... Written proof Expected learning outcomes - Understanding of the covered topics and ability to grasp the fundamental aspects of the various technologies. - Ability to compare (advantages/disadvantages) the different technological tools for the application of sensors and data transmission in smart farming. - Ability to compare, identify and logically use the best technological tools in order to optimize the use of natural resources. Criteria, rules and procedures for the examination - The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics listed in the official program of the course and the ability to apply the theoretical contents for the solution of simple case studies in smart farming. - The exam involves a written proof including both multiple-answer questions and open questions and short exercises. No books, notes or any other didactic material is allowed.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.