Disclosed are methods, systems, devices, sensors, and other implementations, including a programmable sensor system that includes a variable voltage source (“VVS”) to receive an external input voltage and provide a variable output voltage from the input voltage, the VVS configured to be controlled to adjust behavior of the VVS, and a programmable sensor coupled to an output of the VVS to receive the variable output voltage. The sensor is configured to be programmed when a programming voltage of at least a predetermined level is provided by the VVS to power the sensor, and to perform regular sensor operations when regular-operation voltage is provided by the VVS to power the sensor. The sensor system further includes a controller to cause controllable adjustment of the VVS to provide the programming voltage for a predetermined period of time to power the sensor so as to cause the sensor to be programmed.