How do you solve complex sensing application issues?

A common problem in applying an existing sensor (or many other products for that matter) to a new application is a shortcoming in one or more of the sensor’s capabilities. In some cases, the sensor’s specifications clearly show its limitations. So, what does an inventor or system designer do to overcome the limitations?

For a sensor that is close to meeting the application requirements, one of the first steps is contacting the sensor supplier to see if there is flexibility in the limiting specification. In some cases, the supplier may have restricted the specification to achieve a price point but with special testing, and a subsequently higher price, the spec can be extended to meet the application requirements. In other cases, experts at the supplier may have ideas or be willing to explore alternate designs, potential with different materials, to meet the requirement. Again, this most likely comes with pricing implications.

If a sufficient number of potential customers inquire for the same improvement and ask several suppliers for their help, an industry-wide quest for the solution can occur. The first supplier to solve the problem can usually ask a premium for providing a timely solution. However, with many suppliers investigating the problem, it is not unusual for one or more additional suppliers to soon offer solutions and since they are not first to market, to differentiate their product they have either additional advantages/features or at the very least, more competitive pricing.

In many situations, suppliers are well aware of what it takes to make an existing product even better or what the next generation of the product should provide. That’s where the Sensor Tips website comes into the solution. When the new sensor is introduced, details of the new sensor, including its capabilities, can be found on Sensor Tips.