Texas Instruments introduced the first devices in a new family of humidity sensors that provide the industry’s highest reliability and accuracy and the lowest power consumption – along with built-in protection of sensing elements. The HDC3020 and HDC3020-Q1 will allow engineers to create more reliable industrial and automotive systems that withstand potential damage caused by moisture, […]
Can the AgeMeter help you?
Developed by Centers for Age Control, the AgeMeter takes user data and physiological biomarker tests to calculate functional age and provide other age-related feedback to users. Since it tests physiological biomarkers that decline with age, the AgeMeter can validate aging reversal as well as anti-aging therapies for healthcare practices, researchers, fitness programs and consumers. Intended […]
Digital sensors designed for analyzing liquid properties
Process plants typically use a multitude of sensors, each of which is normally connected to a transmitter. Older sensor technologies use analog signals to communicate with transmitters, but more modern models employ digital technology to improve accuracy, ease calibration, simplify troubleshooting, and reduce required maintenance. Endress+Hauser Memosens technology converts the measured value to a digital […]
New incremental encoder series supports extended resolution options
CUI Devices’ Motion Group announced the introduction of a new model to its AMT incremental encoder family. Based on the existing AMT10 series package, the new AMT10E series offers 13 new resolutions not possible in the standard version, including the common 1250 PPR, 2500 PPR, and 5120 PPR resolutions. This extended version of the AMT10 series achieves this by increasing the […]
An introduction to ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors have been a popular method for distance measurement and object detection for many years. Their basic operating principle works by measuring the amount of time it takes for their emitted ultrasonic pulse of sound to bounce off an object and return, hence the name ultrasonic sensor. With the market for autonomous robots, vehicles, […]
How do materials impact a sensor’s performance? Pt 2
The right materials are essential to achieve the desired sensor electrical performance, especially in many more demanding, high performance applications. Part 1 showed the performance impact of different sensor materials on infrared (IR) optical sensors. Radio frequency (RF) sensors also provide some interesting examples of a material’s impact on sensor performance. With expanding RF applications […]
How can force sensing be integrated for Industry 4.0 upgrades?
Upgrading facilities to industry 4.0 standards is one of the most significant trends in the manufacturing industry today. To do this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are pushing hard to renovate their facilities with connected, automated devices and machines to create greater efficiency and cost savings. Smarter devices can ease the transition. For example, force measurement […]
Hall-effect position sensors incorporate decoupling capacitors
TDK Corporation expands its Micronas 3D HAL sensor portfolio with the Hall-sensor family HAC 39xy*, which features integrated capacitors for stray-field robust position detection in automotive and industrial applications. The TO92UF package was designed explicitly for PCB-less applications, combining both a chip from the HAL 39xy* family featuring stray-field compensation capability and up to two […]
The challenge of temperature measurement and sensor calibration, Part 3
Temperature is a widely measured real-world physical variable, but achieving credible results is harder than it seems, even for a simple device such as a kitchen oven. While many temperature-related measurements require high accuracy, precision, and repeatability – let’s say, to better than 1⁰C – many others do not, yet still bring challenges. Consider the […]
The challenge of temperature measurement and sensor calibration, Part 2
Temperature is a widely measured real-world physical variable, but achieving credible results is harder than it seems, even for a simple device such as a kitchen oven. What is temperature, anyway? While we all “know” intuitively what temperature is, actually defining and calibrating its readings is a complicated discussion. A fundamentalist approach is to go […]
How do materials impact a sensor’s performance?
For harsh environments, materials provide the difference between survival and failure by addressing thermal, chemical and mechanical operating requirements. However, the right materials are also essential to achieve the desired sensor electrical performance, especially in many more demanding, high performance applications. This starts with the sensing element and extends to the packaging. As one of […]
The challenge of temperature measurement and sensor calibration, Part 1
Temperature is a widely measured real-world physical variable, but achieving credible results is harder than it seems, even for a simple device such as a kitchen oven. Calibration of a sensor and its associated electronics channel before making critical measurements or monitoring system performance is a common requirement in many situations. In some cases, it’s […]
Reliable detection of multipacks
The new dynamic reference diffuse sensor DRT25C.R from Leuze detects various film-wrapped bottles and cans fault-free. It uses the conveyor as a reference, and because the detection does not rely on objects, no adjustments are required when changing products. Leuze is expanding its range of dynamic reference diffuse sensors with the DRT 25C.R container sensor. […]
Focus event “Capture the Light” with image processing experts from IDS
For the successful implementation of image processing applications, it is not only important to choose the right camera and a suitable image sensor. In order to capture light without interference and convert it into usable information, suitable optics and high-quality filter glasses also play a decisive role. The focus event “Capture the Light” on June […]
SICK W4F miniature photoelectric sensor
SICK is launching its latest generation of miniature photoelectric sensors, the W4F. A new ASIC platform delivers numerous performance advantages to this product family. For example, these sensors can detect jet black, highly reflective, flat, or transparent objects with the utmost reliability. The W4F can also provide distance information, such as the height of objects […]
How do microphone sensors fit into a smart home?
A quick search for “sensors in the smart home” can easily identify dozens of sensors – primarily for sensing physical properties. The results could be one of many specific sensing technologies or specific products. For example, one search showed: Fire/CO detection Leak/moisture detection Window & door open and close Video doorbell Smart thermostat Motion sensors […]
Graphene Hall sensor operates at cryogenic temps and optimized for high field measurements
Paragraf introduces the GHS-C Graphene Hall Sensor (GHS), providing the industry’s only viable approach to measuring magnetic field strengths of 7 Tesla (T) and above, at temperature extremes below 3 Kelvin (K). Paragraf has entered volume production of the GHS-C, a Graphene-based Hall sensor optimized to provide high field measurements while operating at cryogenic temperatures. […]
What sensors make the latest Waymo Driver smarter?
You may read about the 5th-generation Waymo Driver but until you see one on the road, it is hard to appreciate the extent of its sensing capabilities. Sensors are visible everywhere on the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV. In fact, each visible mounting location has more than one sensor. To consistently obtain the amount of information […]
Tactile switch measures just 6.0 mm x 6.1 mm x 3.45 mm
C&K has developed a single pole double throw (SPDT) tactile switch designed for elevator buttons, gaming controllers, and the industrial market. The TLSM Series SPDT tact switch combines a space-saving design with high reliability all within a compact design that is only 6.0mm x 6.1mm. At only 6.0 mm x 6.1 mm x 3.45 mm, […]
What is the newest use for radar in automobiles?
The use of radar in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian and cyclist detection and more has been widespread for many years. In these external vehicle applications, radar detects the speed and range of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle and typically operates at 77 […]
SICK’S third TiM$10K Challenge concludes
For the third year, SICK invited students from universities around the country to participate in the TiM$10K Challenge. The challenge started in 2018 to support innovation and student achievement in automation and technology. Teams were supplied with a 270° SICK LiDAR sensor (TiM) and accessories and challenged to solve a problem, create a solution, or […]
Direct-angle hall-effect sensors get ASIL-B status
TDK Corporation has upgraded its Micronas 3D HAL direct-angle Hall-effect sensor family, HAL 37xy (HAL 37xy, HAR 37xy, and HAC 37xy),* for automotive and industrial applications regarding functional safety aspects. All members of HAL 37xy are now defined as SEooC (Safety Element out of Context) ASIL B-ready, according to ISO 26262. HAL 37xy rotary position […]
Precision RF connectors support 65 GHz applications
Samtec has released a family of SMPM products designed to support the demands of emerging technologies where space is limited and a high operating frequency up to 65 GHz is required. Samtec offers ganged, multi-port solutions in both cable-to-board and board-to-board applications. Standard SMPM connectors with bullet adaptors, and cable assemblies using .047″ and .086″ cable, are […]
What is the difference between variable reluctance and eddy current speed sensors?
Both variable reluctance (VR) and eddy current (EC) technologies provide contactless speed sensors based on interaction with a magnetic field. A variable reluctance sensor can be thought of as an ac generator with an output voltage proportional to speed. With its self-generating electrical signal, a VR sensor does not require an external power supply. The […]
Circuit layout, ground connections, sensor connectors added to sensor system
The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products, Inc. announces the KD-5100+, an upgraded higher reliability version of Kaman’s legacy KD-5100 measuring system. The KD-5100+ retains the proven performance of the KD-5100 system while incorporating upgrades to the circuit layout, ground connections, and sensor connectors. The upgraded system also features higher-reliability diodes and capacitors. The KD-5100+ […]