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This work presents a new generic architecture for autonomous sensor nodes. The modular design methodology provides a flexible way to build a complete sensor interface out of configurable blocks. The settings of these blocks can be optimized according to the varying needs of the application. Furthermore, the system can easily be expanded with new building blocks. The modular system is illustrated in a Generic Sensor Interface Chip (GSIC) for capacitive sensors. Many configuration settings adapt the interface to a broad range of applications. The GSIC is optimized for ultra low power consumption. It achieves an ON-state current consumption of 40μA. The system maintains a smart energy management by adapting the bias currents, measurement time and duty cycle according to the needs of the application (parasitic element reduction, accuracy and speed). This results in an averaged current consumption of 16μA in a physical activity monitoring system. The activity monitoring system is implemented in a miniaturized cube. It consists of a sensor layer (GSIC and accelerometer), a microcontroller layer and a wireless layer. The bidirectional wireless link (from the sensor node to the computer) makes it possible to display the data in real time and to change the interface settings remotely. So, the smart autonomous sensor node can adapt at any moment to environmental changes. The GSIC is also successfully tested with other accelerometers and pressure sensors. Hence, the developed GSIC is a significant step towards a generic platform for low cost autonomous sensor nodes