Liquid Level Sensor for Food and Beverage Measurements

Stuff that sticks to the sides of the container makes accurate level measurements difficult. The LMT Series from ifm efector specifically addresses this problem for viscous media and powders in food and beverage processing tanks and pipes.   

High frequency (MHz) capacitive spectrum profiling technology enables the sensor to ignore foam and deposit build-up and differentiate between residue and actual product in a tank.

The solution involves sweeping the frequency band of 50 to 200 MHz for the capacitive sensor and taking three measuring points: electromagnetic field damping, permittivity phase shift of the molecule polarization in the magnetic field, and the media conductivity in the electric field. An algorithm in the sensor processes these measurements to calculate the signal amplitude.

For more information including a video about ifm efector’s LMT Series Sanitary Point-Level Sensor, click here.

Sensors Provide Temperature Signals without an RTD Input Card

Integration that reduces system complexity is always a highly desirable goal. Turck’s TTM series are integrated miniature temperature transmitters.  The units have analog output that eliminates the need for specialized RTD PLC input cards. This saves both space and cost associated with these cards.  Stainless steel connections make the transmitters well-suited for food and beverage applications.

The series provide a 4-20 mA output using an integrated PT100 resistance temperature detector. The plug-and-play units come pre-scaled at 0 to 100°C, 0 to 150°C, -50 to 50°C, or -50 to 150°C.

Pick product from one of four pages to download pdf datasheet, click here.

High-resolution Capacitive Sensor has User-adjustable Setpoint

Need high precision in proximity sensing?The setpoint of Lion Precision’s CPA100 capacitive sensor can be adjusted to detect presence/absence with 15 nm RMS (150 nm p-p) resolution. Industrial processing applications of the analog ouptut sensor include: production line part sorting, double sheet detection in printers or related processes and monitoring of processes involving nonconductive materials.

The sensor’s front panel has a range indicator to alert the operator to out-of-range conditions, DIN railmount electronics, and user adjustments for Offset (Zero) and Gain. Sensor probes are available in standard measurement ranges from 0.05 to 6 mm.

For more information about Lion Precision’s CPA100 capacitive sensor, click here.

Get Into Energy Harvesting with a Design Kit

All it takes is a sensor to be in the energy harvesting development mode with MicroStrain’s Advanced Pioneer Kit. The kit is based on MicroStrain EH-Link a hybrid energy harvesting wireless sensor node. The node collects energy from multiple sources including strain, vibration, thermal gradients, ambient light and electromagnetic fields. 

The Pioneer Kit includes an EH-Link node, USB Base Station with Antenna, Thermal Electric Generator (TEG), Solar Demo Board, 9-V Alkaline Battery, Battery Clip, EH-Link 1000 ohm Tester Board, and 1000 µF Capacitor as well as Node Commander Software and Manuals CD (Windows® XP, Vista, 7).

For more information including how to order the kit (use the Buy tab), click here.

Capacitive Signal Conditioner for MEMS Sensors in Harsh Industrial Environments

ZMDI’s ZSSC3122 is capacitive sensor signal conditioner with wide-dynamic-range and low power consumption. The chip delivers 14-bit resolution and 0.25% full-scale-output accuracy.  The signal conditioning circuit has an operating current as low as 60 µA over the entire voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V. A built-in sleep mode lowers current consumption to <1 µA for temperatures up to 85°C, making it ideal in low-power battery applications. The circuit targets MEMS sensing elements, such as pressure sensors for hydraulic control systems, humidity sensors and liquid level gauges. 

For more information on ZMDI’s ZSSC3122 capacitive sensor signal conditioner, click here.

Analog Devices Offers Trio of New Gyros

Three new gyroscopes from Analog Devices, Inc. provide new design options. Using differential quad-sensor technology to reject the influence of linear acceleration and vibration, the MEMS gyros have exceptionally accurate and reliable rate sensing even in severe shock and vibration ambients.

Rated at ±250°/s, the ADXRS642 brings improved vibration and shock immunity performance to existing ADI iMEMS gyroscope applications.

The ADXRS646 gyro has a measurement range of ±250°/s with 1 kHz bandwidth and 8°/hr drift with low broadband noise.

The ADXRS649  offers the highest rate of rotation sensing available with ±20,000°/sec and fast 3 millisecond (ms) start-up time for quick power cycling.

Secure Wireless Data Communication Module for Sensors

Based on the IPv6 Internet protocol, ZMD AG (ZMDI)developed a secure and easy-to-integrate low-power wireless data communication module for sensors and other space critical applications. The ZWIR4512 operates in the 868/915MHz frequency band and provides simplicity for network management, mesh routing with self-healing capability, data encryption and authentication, as well as multiple interfaces to support all types of sensors.

Data encryption and authentication are provided by the Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) protocol suite.

The 28 by 16.5 by 3.5 mm module includes an antenna connector and consumes 3.5 µA in sleep mode and 18.5 mA when transmitting data at 0dBm output power.

For more information on ZMDI’s ZWIR4512 wireless data communication module, click here.

Diffuse Contrast Sensor Operates within 50 µs

Print mark detection in high-speed packaging and printing operations requires a rapid response sensor.  Baumer’s FKDK 14 diffuse contrast sensor uses a white LED to precisely detect print marks within a response time of 50 µs. With the white light source, the photoelectric sensor can reliably detect print marks of all colors, even with slight contrast to the background. A yellow LED visible through the sensor’s transparent housing base indicates the switching status.

The sensor’s 14.8 x 43 x 31-mm size allows easy integration into machines.

For more information about Baumer’s FKDK 14, click here.

Sensing Print Mark Detection

TRI-TRONICS MARK•EYE PRO sensor has a 45-µs response time and high immunity to ambient light. Using the broadband characteristics of a white light LED, the sensor achieves high-resolution for detecting the greatest variety of color combinations on any color background.

With the sensor’s “One-Touch” AUTOSET, setup simply involves putting the background in view, pressing the black button if the background is darker than the registration mark or pressing the white button if the background is lighter than the registration mark.

Units are available with lens and fiberoptic light guide options as well as 6-ft cable or connector options.

For more information on TRI-TRONICS MARK-EYE Pro, click here.

Sensing in Wireless Bicycle Computer System

The iBike Dash CC (Cycling Computer) turns a bicycle into a versatile exercising machine. The system incorporates sensors and external data to measuring the rider’s speed, power, heart rate, wind speed, time, trip, elevation, and calories. A free iPhone/iPod touch Bike App displays the data on a iPhone or iPod touch screen with color graphics and animation. 

The system uses ANT+ sensors to wirelessly transmit the bike’s computer data. Compatible with all ANT+ speed, cadence and heart rate sensors, the iBike Dash Includes an ANT+ speed sensor – sensors for cadence and HR are optional.

Using the unit’s HR Pacing Meter, the rider determines fitness level with five Heart Rate Color Zones (from 50% to 100%) to address goals from losing weight in the lower zones to improving fitness in the middle zones, to maximizing performance in the top zones. 

 For more information about the iBike Dash CC (Cycling Computer), click here.