SENSORS

AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR series FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar level transmitters that utilize 80 GHz radar technology, which is unaffected by most media, processes, or environmental factors. Using the change in frequency between the transmitted and reflected signals and time-of-flight calculations, the FMR series sensors continuously measure liquid or bulk solid…

Novotechnik U.S. now offers Vert-X 26-series of non-contacting magnetic angle sensors. These sensors use a Hall effect to track the position of the shaft. Designed for challenging settings where high humidity, dampness, dust and vibrations are expected, these are suitable for automotive, off-highway, and other applications. The plug-in sensors using an AMP MQ5 six-pole connector. […]

Novotechnik U.S. has introduced the Vert-X 26 series of non-contact magnetic angle sensors. These Hall-effect sensors track shaft position and are intended for use in environments with high humidity, dust, vibration or similar conditions. They are plug-in units that use an AMP MQ5 6-pole connector. The sensors have a measurement range of 0 to 360°.…

AutomationDirect has added the ProSense DPM4 series digital panel meters, which offer multiple measurement and output options in a 1/8 DIN format. They support a range of sensor inputs and provide analog, discrete and serial outputs through optional expansion cards. The meters include main and secondary LED displays, selectable sensor excitation, configuration lockout and an…

AutomationDirect now offers di-soric patch cable in-line sensor signal converters which are compact, plug-and-play devices designed to provide versatile signal management right at the sensor. They allow for quick, easy retrofitting with existing M8 or M12 quick-disconnect sensors, making it simple to instantly upgrade discrete sensing capabilities without complex system changes. These rugged converters deliver…

STMicroelectronics has developed a three-in-one motion sensor designed for industrial IoT systems requiring both precision and durability. The device integrates low-g and high-g accelerometers with a gyroscope in a compact package that supports simultaneous detection of a wide range of accelerations. This enables accurate monitoring of both subtle vibrations and sudden shocks in demanding industrial […]

Bourns, Inc. introduced its Riedon RTDW Series Resistance Temperature Sensors by Bourns. Designed to deliver precise temperature sensing or compensation, the new series expands the Company’s sensing portfolio with devices engineered with advanced features and packaging options that supply high accuracy, long-term stability, and broad design flexibility. The RTDW Series combines standard RTD resistance values of 100, […]

A Hall-effect sensor is a transducer that converts a magnetic field directly into a usable electrical voltage. It enables engineers to perform non-contact measurement of shaft rotation, detect the proximity of a lid, or monitor the current in a high-power motor drive. From a system-level perspective, a Hall-effect sensor is a complete transducer that bridges […]

Bourns, Inc. announced its SSD-1000A Digital Current Sensor Series. Highly integrated and compact, Bourns new shunt-based current sensors feature a current range from 100 A to 1000 A and offer exceptional accuracy, stability, and electrical isolation in a wide -40° C to +115° C operating temperature range. These features are required in a broad range of applications, […]

AutomationDirect now offers Contrinex IO-Link smart proximity and photoelectric sensors that provide advanced processing functions such as real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, high-speed internal decision-making, configurable outputs, and scaled measurement data, without relying on a PLC. Smart inductive proximity sensors offer up to a 10 mm sensing distance, flush or semi-flush mounting, one PNP output, and one configurable discrete/IO-Link…

In its eighth year, Design World’s LEAP Awards showcase the best engineering innovations across several design categories. This wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and support of the engineering community. The editorial team assembles OEM design engineers and academics each year to create an independent judging panel. Below is their selection for this year’s LEAP […]

When well over 1” of rain fell rather quickly in various parts of Phoenix recently, areas prone to flooding accumulated much more. As one of the highest amounts of rain to fall within the past seven years, it provided a new scenario to Waymo robotaxis. Several of the driverless vehicles confronted “Do Not Enter When […]

A new magnetic current sensor has been introduced by Allegro Microsystems that delivers a 10 MHz bandwidth using tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) technology. The device is intended for power system engineers developing high-frequency designs such as electric vehicle inverters, renewable energy converters, and data center power supplies. The sensor provides a 50 ns response time and […]

This second part looks at measuring fluid flow rates instead of object presence. Find part one here. Sensing fluid flow Beyond basic object detection, ultrasonic transducers are used for non-invasive, non-contact measurement of liquid and gas flow rates (velocity). For these applications, the transducers operate at higher frequencies, typically above 200 kHz, to provide the […]

The automotive industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDV) and electrification is forcing a fundamental rethink of development processes, component specifications, and cross-industry collaboration. During a recent technical briefing, three engineers from TE Connectivity outlined how these changes are impacting everything from 30-year-old Stage-Gate processes to sensor latency requirements and the implementation of zonal architecture across […]

The model TI8 from Metis Engineering lets you connect up to eight isolated channels. UK-based Metis Engineering has introduced an eight-channel thermocouple module that digitizes temperature readings and send them to a host over the CAN bus. The Model TI8 provides up to 2500 V isolation for 1 minute and 600 V continuous across channels. […]

OMNIVISION has announced the OX08D20, an 8-megapixel CMOS image sensor with TheiaCel technology for automotive exterior cameras. The device is designed for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving applications. The OX08D20 succeeds the OX08D10 sensor launched in 2023. The OX08D20 includes a capture scheme developed in collaboration with Mobileye that reduces the motion blur […]

TDK Corporation has introduced tunnel magnetoresistance sensors as part of its sensing solutions for gaming peripherals. The TMR sensors target applications in keyboards, controllers, mice, webcams, augmented and virtual reality devices, driving wheels, and pedals. TDK’s gaming sensor portfolio includes TMR-based sensors, MEMS motion sensors, microphones, and ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors. TMR sensors provide ten times […]

Melexis has introduced the MLX90514, a dual-input inductive sensor integrated circuit. The device processes signals from two sets of coils simultaneously to compute differential or vernier angles on-chip. The sensor is designed for automotive applications, including steering torque feedback, steering angle sensing, and steering rack motor control in steer-by-wire implementations. The MLX90514 integrates differential and […]

Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced a new family of magnet-free inductive position sensor (IPS) ICs that can be fully customized for various coil designs compatible with a wide range of industrial applications, such as robotics, medical and healthcare, smart buildings, home appliances, and motor commutation. Built for high resolution, precision, and robust performance, the new RAA2P3226, […]

Ultrasonic energy is widely used to sense the presence of nearby objects and even determine their distance if needed, as well as to measure fluid flow rates in industrial and scientific applications. The advantages of ultrasound are that it is relatively easy to apply, is accurate, has very minimal safety or risk factors, carries no […]

Infineon Technologies AG has launched its XENSIV BGT60CUTR13AIP, a 60 GHz CMOS radar sensor designed for low-power IoT applications. The sensor targets smart home and IoT devices and includes Infineon hardware and software support, third-party modules, and transferable FCC certification. The XENSIV 60 GHz CMOS radar family incorporates on-chip processing through a hardware accelerator that […]

To achieve autonomous vehicle (AV) operation, sensing techniques include radar, LiDAR, and cameras, as well as infrared (IR) and/or ultrasonic sensors, among others. No single sensing technique is adequate by itself, and each of these sensors has its strengths and weaknesses. As shown in Table 1, one or more sensing techniques overcome the weaknesses of […]

AutomationDirect has added ProSense MAE1 series magnetic proximity sensors which offer excellent value for general industrial applications. They provide non-contact object detection and are used with a separate damping magnet to achieve long sensing ranges. They feature a compact 8mm tubular, flush-mounted 316L stainless steel housing ideal for space-limited installations and demanding environments. Additional features…

AutomationDirect has added ProSense SBLT series small bore submersible level sensors which deliver precision, reliability, and durability for challenging water level measurement applications. Their 316L stainless steel housing is compact for installation in deep wells, narrow boreholes, and standpipes, with sensing ranges from 23.1 to 461.3 feet and cable lengths up to 500 feet. These…