Communicating Camera Data in the Vehicle

At Convergence 2010 in Detroit, National Semiconductor’s Dac Tran explains how serial-deserialization (SerDes) technology plays a critical role in delivering camera sensing data in vehicles.  The SerDes in the demo is National Semiconductor’s FPD-Link III that provides real-time bidirectional control.

For more information on National Semiconductor’s FPD-Link III, click here.

To view the video, click here.

Four Cameras and Xilinx FPGA Provide Surround View for Vehicles

At Convergence 2010, Xilinx’ Paul Zoratti explains how new vehicle applications for cameras are possible using field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. With Xilinx SP605 evaluation board, four cameras can be used for a surround view system or decoupled into multiple systems including rear view parking and blind spot detection.

The cameras are OmniVision OV9715 automotive-grade megapixel sensors. The OV9715 uses a 3-micron pixel to achieve low light sensitivity of 3300 mV/lux-sec that make it attractive for use in automotive vision and sensing systems. Market research firm Techno Systems Research Co., Ltd., projects that megapixel sensors for the automotive market will increase from 1.3% market share in 2010 to nearly 35% market share by 2014.

For more information on Xilinx SP605 evaluation board, click here.

For more information on OmniVision camera sensors for automotive applications, click here.

To view the video, click here.

Throttle Position Sensing Using Hall Effect Devices

A total of four Hall Effect sensors are used in Micronas’ throttle position demo as explained at Convergence 2010 by Jochen Seidler. The sensor could be a programmable sensor with a ratiomatic, linear output such as one from Micronas HAL 82x family.

For more information on Micronas HAL 82x Hall Effect sensors, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Single IR-Based Sensor Performs Ambient Light and Proximity Sensing

At Convergence 2010 in Detroit, Intersil’s Niyant Patel explains how a single infrared (IR) sensor can provide both ambient light and proximity sensing for vehicles. The Intersil ISL29028 ambient light and proximity sensor operates linearly down to 1 millilux and can use 850nm and 950nm external IR LEDs.

For more information on Intersil’s ISL29028 ambient light and proximity sensor, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Automotive Camera Module Operates in Low-Light Applications

Melexis’ Mark White demonstrates the capability of the Melexis  automotive camera module  for night vision applications at Convergence 2010. With its high dynamic range and high sensitivity for low light levels and sensitivity to near infrared light, Melexis automotive camera module (ACM), the MLX75403, can be used for night sensing applications.

 For more information on Melexis MLX75403 automotive camera module, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Touch Sensing in a Remote Keyless Entry System

At Convergence 2010, Atmel’s Toby Prescott demonstrates touch sensing in a remote keyless entry system. The capacitive touch sensing capability is provided by the ATA6617, a LIN system in package solution. Atmel’s QTouch Library enables a number of touch applications.

Convergence has been the premier automotive electronics event since 1974. This year’s Convergence had a strong focus on consumer electronics in the vehicle but also brought out the latest products and challenges for future powertrain, safety and other vehicle systems

For more information on Atmel Touch Sensing, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Honeywell Extends SMART Position Sensor to 225 mm

Adding to its SMART Position Sensor 75 mm Linear Configuration, Honeywell’s SMART Position Sensor 225 mm Linear Configuration’s simple, non-contact design eliminates mechanical failure mechanisms, reduces wear and tear, improves reliability and durability, enhances operational efficiency and safety, and minimizes downtime. Also, the adaptable, non-contacting design allows customers to eliminate unnecessary connections for installation, reducing installation time and components

The sensors two output options include analog or digital for use in control systems requiring an RS232-type interface with a 57.6 kbits/s baud rate. The device accurately measures values down to 0.14 mm [0.0055 in] analog and 0.0035 mm [0.000137 in] digital.

For more information about Honeywell’s SMART Position Sensor 225 mm Linear Configuration, click here.

Embedded Pressure Sensor Addresses Variable Air Volume (VAV) in Wireless System

Here is an interesting application of pressure sensors in a wireless environment. CAN2GO’s Variable Air Volume (VAV) building automation controller has an on-board pressure sensor and is capable of bidirectional communication with EnOcean and wired end-devices. EnOcean is rapidly becoming the defacto standard for wireless building automation.

The controller features an embedded EnOcean transceiver and EnOcean-to-BACnet gateway, allowing total wireless control of energy harvesting end-devices within an end-to-end BACnet system. Extending the reach of centralized building automation systems, the VAV controller is a fully-programmable device.  The pressure sensor is used as a delta-P flow sensor. It has a measurement range of -500 to 500 Pa (-2 to +2 inch H₂O) and an accuracy of 3% m.v.  The CAN2GO controller can act either as a stand-alone product or be integrated into a larger BACnet system.

For more information on the CAN2GO VAV building automation controller click here.

IMI Sensors Universal Transmitter Provides 24/7 Industrial Vibration Monitoring

IMI Sensors  model 682A16 is a Universal Transmitter, a DIN rail mounted, relay module with optional detachable front panel LCD display and programmer (Model 070A80 sold separately) for industrial monitoring, control, and alarm requirements. The 682A16 provides loop power for 2-wire, 4-20 mA sensors and ICP excitation for analog 8 mV/g to 120 mV/g accelerometers. It also accepts a variety of sensor input signals including mA, Thermocouple, RTD, Linear Resistance, and Potentiometer.  The transmitter is designed to protect plant and process machinery including pumps, motors, fans and other critical rotating equipment.

For more information on IMI Sensors model 682A16 Universal Transmitter, click here.

Filter Protects Small Digital Humidity Sensor

It takes a variety of components to make a sensor appropriate for targeted applications and environments. To protect Sensirion’sSHT2x humidity and temperature sensor from water, dust, dirt and various contaminants, the SF2 filter cap is such a component.  Made of PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) the filter cap has an integrated filter membrane. With a filtration efficiency of 99.99% of all particles >0.1μm, the filter cap is designed to keep response time low. The SF2 fits exactly to the external dimensions of the SHT21 and also serves as an adaptor for mounting the humidity sensor directly into the wall of housing.  The use of an o-ring seal results in a waterproof mounting solution that allows protection according to IP67 to be achieved.

For more information on Sensirion’s SF2 filter cap, click, here.

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