IC Insights Says Image Sensors will Grow 31% in 2010

With growth of 31% in 2010, image sensor devices will reach a record high of $8.5 billion in 2010 according to a new report from IC Insights. Driven by applications for CMOS-based devices, that are projected at 61% of sales, the remaining 39% will come from charge-coupled devices (CCDs).  The increased demand is expected from the increased use of vision sensors in digital cameras, camera phones, and machine-vision systems. Automotive applications are projected to be 17% of the total 2014 market of $8.3 billion.

For more information on IC Insights’ Image Sensor research bulletin click here.

Automotive MEMS Sensor Forecast from iSuppli

Microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors are used extensively in automotive applications but like everything else automotive, 2009 was not a good year. Richard Dixon of iSuppli forecasts that global shipments of automotive MEMS sensors will reach 591.2 million units in 2010, up 13.5% from 502.0 million in 2009. The second half will be up from the first and the increasing trend will continue through 2013. In fact, some MEMS products such as pressure sensors are experiencing shortages. The report “Automotive MEMS H1 2010 Market Tracker” provides more details.

For more information on iSuppli’s Automotive MEMS H1 2010 Market Tracker report click here.

Yole Developpement Forecasts Growth for MEMS & Sensors in Smartphones

At mid-year 2010, it’s time for market research companies to reaffirm or reevaluate their positions and forecasts for 2010. Here is the first of three newly released reports that involve sensors.

In the report “MEMS & Sensors for Smartphones,” Yole Developpement predicts double digit growth for MEMS & sensors for cell phones, expanding from $3.5B in 2009 to $7.9B in 2015. Among the sensors covered in report are MEMS gyroscopes, accelerometers and pressure sensors. CMOS image sensors are also included.

For more information on Yole Developpement’s report “MEMS & Sensors for Smartphones,” including a sample download and product leaflet with more information, click here.

2010 Embedded Systems Conference Chicago Exhibitor: Microchip Technology Touch Screen Sensing

Held in conjunction with Sensors Expo, I found an interesting sensor application in the exhibits at the 2010 Embedded Systems Conference Chicago. Cassandra Backus from Microchip Technology explained the company’s mTouch projected capacitive touch (PCT) screen sensing technology. With a higher resolution than resistive technology, the PCT approach has found its way into many of the latest consumer products including the Apple iPad and Motorola Droid. To see the video, click the arrow link below.

For more information about Microchip Technology mTouch projected capacitive touch-screen sensing technology including the development kit, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: MicroStrain Energy Harvesting

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Steve Arms from MicroStrain explains energy harvesting powered wireless sensing and the Sensors Expo 2010 Silver Award winning EH-Link. To see the video, click the arrow link below.

For more information about MicroStrain wireless energy harvesting solutions, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: Tellurex Corporation and Dexter Research

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Chuck Cauchy from Tellurex and Wayne Baer from Dexter Research explain each company’s role in developing an energy harvesting powered wireless sensor. To see the video, click the arrow link below.

For more information about Tellurex for thermoelectric solutions, click here.

For more information about Dexter Research for wireless sensing solutions, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: Henkel Electronics

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Steve Saito from Henkel Electronics explains the company’s low pressure molding materials for sensors. To see the video, click the arrow link below.

For more information about Henkel Electronics materials for sensors, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: ASM Sensors

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Fred Fiedler from ASM Sensors explains the company’s newest approach to angular magnetic sensors. To see the video click the arrow link below.

For more information about ASM Sensors magnetic angle sensors, click here.

Slim Line Magnetostrictive Sensors from ASM

ASM launches the new PCFP25 series of slim line Magnetostrictive sensors to compliment the existing “POSICHRON®” range. The PCFP25 is a slim, non-contact linear position sensor using Magnetostrictive sensing technology which has been specifically designed for harsh applications with limited space. With a profile of only 8mm x 28mm it can fit into areas that were previously inaccessible.

The PCFP25 is an industrial grade sensor which has been designed to be maintenance free due to the non-contact Magnetostrictive sensing technology which is also highly resistant to shocks and vibration. Due to the very small profile of the sensors they can also be used for safety critical applications where two PCFP25 units can be mounted together, either vertically or horizontally to provide two totally independent redundant outputs.

POSICHRON® represents a complete family of non-contact linear position sensors and the addition of the new PCFP25 extends the application ranges to areas with limited access or that are safety critical. This series of sensors offer a range of absolute analogue outputs of 0-10VDC and 4-20mA as well as CAN-bus versions and can be supplied in stroke lengths from 100mm to 5500mm in increments of 10mm.

ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk

ASM Introduces Compact MEMS Inclinometer for OEM Applications

ASM introduces its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications. The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°.

Due to its small size of 7mm in height and 48 mm in diameter, the PTAM20 series inclinometer has been designed to fit into the tightest locations in OEM applications. The enclosure is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.

The maximum measurement range for the single axis version is +/- 180° and +/- 60° for each axis in the dual axis version. Each version is available with smaller ranges in +/- 15° increments. Several analogue output types are available: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA.

The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Each version offers high shock resistance.

ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk

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