Modeling of large-area sensors with resistive electrodes for passive stimulus-localization

► A theoretical model for large-area sensors with resistive electrodes for passive stimulus localization is proposed. ► The one-dimensional theoretical model is based on the telegrapher's equations under the appropriate boundary conditions. ► The general solutions as well as approximations for certain parameter ranges are presented.► The developed model-based normalization procedures increase the signal quality and result in values which are independent from the magnitude of the applied stimulus. ► Theoretical calculations and measurement data agree well for the fabricated pyroelectric and piezoelectric polymer sensors.