Multi-Pixel Array Sensors Increase Sensing Distance up to Three Times

Compared to similarly sized sensors, Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 multi-pixel array sensors can sense up to three times further away from the target. The sensors use an ultra high-intensity emitter called PowerBeam that provides a visible and uniform light spot, even on dark and dull black materials, to simplify sensor alignment and detection. With extremely low sensitivity to objects’ colors, the sensors can reliably and consistently detect objects and do not require re-adjustments or re-teaching if printed material changes or plastic parts fade or a new container is introduced.

For more information on Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 Multi-Pixel Array Sensors, click here.

Three-Axis Digital Gyroscope Targets Consumer and Portable Applications

Today’s advancements in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensor technology can mean new levels of performance and reliability in specific applications. An example is STMicroelectronics newest 3-axis digital gyroscope that provides high sensing resolution with high immunity to audio noise and vibrations. Housed in a 4x4x1 mm package, the L3GD20 is immune to both mechanical vibrations coupled through the printed circuit board and to audio noise, such as from speakers mounted close to the sensor that can easily occur in consumer and portable applications.

With user-programmable full-scale ranges from ±250 dps up to ±2000 dps, the low full-scale values provide high accuracy of slow-motion sensing and the high range can detect and measure very fast gestures and movements. The gyro has a 16-bit data output with additional embedded digital features, including configurable low- and high-pass filters. Operating over supply voltage range of 2.4 to 3.6V, the sensor includes power-down and sleep modes as well as an embedded FIFO (first-in first-out) memory block for smarter power management.

With these added capabilities, the new gyroscope is pin-to-pin adaptable and software-compatible with the current-generation L3G4200D gyroscope.

For more information about STMicroelectronics L3G420 three-axis digital-output gyroscope, click here.

Getting the Right Harsh Environment Photoelectric Sensor

New Conference Addresses Smart Sensors Technology Industry

The inaugural SENSORS Tech Forum will be held October 10-12, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel, Boston Massachusetts.  Focusing on sensors and sensor-based systems, the conference targets Product and System Design Engineers providing 32 conference sessions with four separate tracks: Aerospace, Defense and Harsh Environment; Optics and Imaging; Smart Sensors; and Wireless Technology/Sensor Networking and Integration.

In addition to the technical conference and exhibit, the forum includes all-day pre-conference session on Monday, October 10 that will address MEMS-Enabled High Volume Commercialization Opportunities. Organized by well-known sensor and MEMS industry expert,and marketing consultant, Roger Grace of Roger Grace Associates, the pre-conference session will have presentations from representatives of leading international companies who are bringing new and unique MEMS technologies to the market that will address quickly emerging application opportunities.

For more information on the SENSORS Tech Forum, click here.

Sensor Market Grows with Consumer and Automotive Demands

Market research firm Databeans forecasts the sensors and MEMs market to reach $19.1 billion by 2016 with a 10% compound annual growth rate. Driven by strong growth trends in consumer and automotive applications, the consumer segment is forecasted to increase to $853 million by the end of 2012 and automotive to $203 million. Different forces are impacting the growth in the two market segments.

In automotive, U.S. regulations requiring Electronic Stability Systems (ESC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in every production vehicle provide a guaranteed increase. However, other systems such as powertrain also require increased sensors as well.

For consumer applications, growing demand for smart phones and tablet PCs that have gyroscopes, accelerometers, touch sensors, GPS, and magnetic field sensors has made consumer the largest market for sensors.

For more information about Databeans market tracker report “Q3-2011 Sensors and MEMS”, click here.

Gems Introduces a New Rugged Metal Electro-Opto Sensor

Gems® Sensors & Controls™ (Gems) introduces the new low cost, miniature ELS-950M Series of Electro Optic Level Sensors (ELS) for a wide range of applications and industries.

The ELS-950M Series expands on the existing ELS-950 product line with a brass housing to perform in harsh environments, maintain integrity in temperatures ranging from -40°F to +230°F and pressures to 250 psi.

ELS-950M liquid level sensors feature an over-molded electronics insert, TPE insulated wires, and a flurocarbon O-ring seal to create a watertight, environmentally resistant assembly. The ELS-950M is UL and CE approved to EMI standards and shock and vibration tested to MIL standards, IP66/67 and RoHS compliant. These robust sensors are available in 5 or 12 Vdc models with mounting options of ¼” NPT, ½”–20UNF-2B or M12x1-8.

“With the development of the ELS-950M Series, Gems has continued to expand the broad offering of our ELS product line,” says Kevin Castonguay, Product Marketing Manager for Gems Sensors & Controls. “The product delivers a robust and reliable solution for OEM customers. The small, solid state-sensor is durable enough to handle almost any application or temperature.”

The compact size, durability, and low cost of the sensor creates an excellent option for liquid level applications in medical diagnostic equipment, sterilizers, washers, dialysis equipment; lubricant systems in machine tools, generator sets, on- or off-road vehicles; hydraulic fluid reservoirs; HVAC and refrigeration systems; radiators and fluid overflow containers and OEM food and beverage applications.

Gems Sensors & Controls
www.GemsSensors.com

Developing Wireless Sensor Nodes

At Embedded Systems Chicago, held in conjunction with Sensors Expo 2011, Rob Ostafia from Microchip Technology explains the company’s development kits for wireless
systems including the ZENA wireless adapter.

For more information about Microchip Technology wireless development kits, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Reliably Sensing Ultra Low Pressure

Honeywell TruStability ultra-low pressure sensors have three performance attributes difficult to achieve in the same product: high sensitivity with high overpressure and burst pressure.

The new sensors have an amplified compensated digital or analog output for reading pressure over the full-scale pressure span in the ultra-low pressure range of ±2.5 mbar to ±40 mbar [±1 inH₂O to ±30 inH₂O].  As a result, the units can address many low pressure industrial and medical applications including the more difficult clogged filter detection (industrial) and ventilators (medical).

The overpressure ranges are above 135 inH2O (336 mbar) and burst pressures are  above 415 inH2O (1034 mbar) for these ultra low pressure units allowing them to handle a wide range of application conditions.

Using a Total Error Band (TEB) approach to specify the sensor’s accuracy over the compensated temperature range, users do not have to calculate the total effect of individual errors that could occur in their applications. The TEB for the HSC Series varies between ±1 %FSS and ±3 %FSS (depending on the pressure range), while the TEB for the SSC Series varies between ±2 %FSS and ±5 %FSS (depending on the pressure range).

Honeywell claims an industry-leading accuracy of ±0.25 % FSS BFSL (Best Fit Straight Line) for the new sensors.

For more information about Honeywell TruStability Ultra-Low Pressure Sensors, click here.

Photoelectric Sensor Targets Harsh Environments

Banner Engineering Corp. repackaged its TM18 EZ-BEAM photoelectric sensor for use in heavy duty environments. With its nickel-plated, die-cast zinc metal housing and completely epoxy encapsulated electronics, the TM18 achieves an IP69K rating. This design provides the durability and resistance for harsh industrial sensing environments, such as those with high pressure washdowns.

For easy alignment to a variety of targets, the photoelectric sensor is available in opposed, polarized retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field (background suppression) modes.

The unit has a right angle shape, an 18-mm threaded barrel mount and integral all metal M12 quick disconnect. Its metal housing provides the sensor immunity to electro-magnetic noise and improved ability to withstand interference from fluorescent lamps.

For more information on the Banner Engineering TM18 Photoelectric Sensor, click here.

Sensor Signal Conditioner IC Addresses Resistive Bridge Circuits

If you have found the right pressure sensor for your application but it needs addition signal conditioning, the ZMDI ZSSC3008 may solve your problem. The first requirement is a pressure sensor with an intrinsically low temperature coefficient (TC).

If that’s the case, the rest of the IC’s features come into play.  These features include offset correction and gain programming to precisely calibrate the bridge output signal. In addition, the ZSSC3008 has two analog and one digital outputs and variety of diagnostics and protection features such as bridge connection checks. The analog and mixed-signal IC provides a solution for automotive, industrial and medical applications.

For more information about the ZMDI ZSSC3008 Sensor Signal Conditioner IC, click here.

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