Spindle Error Analyzer Addresses Micro Measurement

Lion Precision has been measuring machine-tool spindle thermal growth and error motions in multiple axes for over ten years. To address the increasingly stringent requirements for micro-machining in precision tools, the company adapted its technology to target smaller scale measurements.

The micromachining Spindle Error Analyzer (SEA) uses smaller versions of the noncontact probes, probe mounts, and masterball targets in the earlier design.  Using standard SEA software, the new version can perform ANSI and ISO standard tests of spindle performance. The new SEA system measures spindles at operational speeds up to 300,000 RPM with resolutions less than one nanometer.

For more information about Lion Precision’s micromachining Spindle Error Analyzer click here.

Vampires vs. Zombies Who will be the Deadliest?

For centuries there existed two iconic enemies on a ghoulish and archaic battlefield: the vampire and the zombie. And as sheer happenstance would have it, the two would oppose forces once again on none other than Spike TV’s Deadliest Warrior.  With battle merits in agility, endurance, and overall combative tactics, the two archenemies wait on Deadliest Warrior to crown the victor based on the data they have collected. But aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves here? Allow me to carry you into a tale that cunningly enough brings FUTEK into the mix of this haunting skirmish.

Behind the woodworks of Spike TV’s Deadliest Warrior lay an esteemed group of engineers and analytical experts who use their knowledge to conjure up combative scenarios between two likeminded enemies (i.e. vampires and zombies). Through experimental studies of weaponry, man-to-man combat, and comprehensive battle strategy, this team allots each competitor a numerical value for their expertise in the abovementioned. With these numerical values, the analytics team runs a series of simulations leading to the answer of: “Who will be the deadliest?” But never would FUTEK think that their industrial manufacturing company would find itself performing alongside Hollywood, let alone the possibility of vampires and zombies. But it happened, all on the silver screen.

The matchup begins with honored veterans in both vampire and zombie knowhow joining the Deadliest Warrior crew. After intense debate on the skill sets these two barbaric scavengers posses, it is settled that the predominant tactical values should be based on: the bite delivered by both zombie and vampire, the brute strength of man-to-man combat and the endurance to survive the attack. And thus, the testing began.

(Might I mention that outside “assistance” will be utilized to provide as close to real life results for fantasy scenarios such as this.)

To simulate the ruthless bite of a feverish zombie, Joey, a hefty Rottweiler, was coyly provoked to attack an armor arm oblivious to the fact that FUTEK’s load cell laid amidst his trainer’s arm protection. And so, with a count down of three, two, one, Joey assaulted his padded ally. As hundreds of pounds of force pressed down upon the load cell, FUTEK’s USB SensIT Software detected Joey’s maximum force exerted to be 255 lbs. That’s quite a bite. But how will it compare to that of Sir Dracula?

In the attempt to bring in a source seemingly comparable to that of this apex predator, it only seemed appropriate that another four-legged friend’s assistance be utilized. Yes, an alligator famously known as Ripper was coined with a striking jaw resemblance to that of a vampire. Unlike the tail-wagging Rottweiler, Ripper knew he was at the Deadliest Warrior facilities on official jaw dropping business. And thus, he didn’t hold back as he delivered 1,723 lbs. of force onto a 5,000 lbs. Load Button.

It seems, by comparison, that this duel was an easy feat for the fanged vampire.  But there lie other avenues for the zombie to perhaps excel in.

The combative strength of a zombie is fueled by the virus he carries. He is voided of any regard to danger, pain, or weakness, and simply possesses the need to savagely spread the virus to which he was exposed. However, though his physical prowess may be impeccable, is he fast enough to make an efficient kill? This very question was answered by an assembled team of strong men. With the use of their bare hands, they were timed as they ravenously dug through faux vampire flesh, bone, and inners in the hopes of reaching this vamp’s heart. And within two minutes they did. Yet, this retrieval was still no match to the vampire’s gruesome clawed hand thrashing the skull of the zombie and puncturing the brain in less than two seconds time.

Now I will leave some detailing out of this rendition, hoping that you will find yourself eager enough to manage your way into watching this episode in it’s entirety. But I will say this, FUTEK does not consider themselves a member of the screen actors’ guild. But I’m sure they would take a small applause for their performance alongside Joey, Ripper, and the “Deadliest.”

FUTEK
www.futek.com 

Applying MEMS Inertial Technology to Reduce Injuries

Analyzing athletes’ reaction to the extreme physical requirements of their sport leads to improved performance and avoids injuries. For competitive rowing, Roessingh Research & Development (RRD), a Netherlands research center, uses the Xsens MVN system developed by Xsens Technologies B.V. for its kinematics analysis.

The Xsens MVN system is a motion capture solution that consists of inertial sensors attached to the body by a lycra suit. Analog Devices provides the iMEMS(R) inertial sensing technology for the suit. In the suit, 17 motion trackers (MTx) containing more than 80 high-performance ADI iMEMS inertial sensors and 17 ADI Blackfin digital signal processors to analyze the rower’s motion.

For more information about Analog Devices iMEMS inertial sensing devices click here.

For more information about Xsens MVN system, click here.

Strain Gauge Amplifier Offers Improved Performance

Completely overhauling an application-proven part can provide a lot of new system advantages, especially if the original design was ten years old. That’s the story for FUTEK’s CSG110 Strain Gauge Signal Amplifier. The newest version is now CE approved to the highest criteria, making it compliant for all medical, industrial and consumer applications. Additional design improvements include reduced its noise output and improved the bandwidth.

The output noise has been reduced by 90%, which is ten times less than that of the previous design. The 1 KHz or 10 KHz amplifier has the option of being modified to support 25 KHz operation.

For more information on the FUTEK upgraded CSG110, strain gauge signal amplifier, click here.

Measure Pressures as Low as 0 to 2-In H2O

Measuring low pressures cost effectively is always a tricky proposition. The MS4515 Series of pressure sensors is a ceramic-based, PCB-mount design that uses CMOS signal conditioning circuitry to create a low cost, high performance sensor. Units are available in various calibration ranges between 0-2” H2O up to 0-30” H2O.

The analog version, MS4515, has a ratiometric voltage output while the MS4515DO provides a 14-bit digital output for pressure and a 11-bit output for temperature in an I2C or SPI protocol.

Available with single or dual side ports, top ports or manifold mount in a gauge or differential configuration, the sensor has 1/8-in barbed pressure ports to mate securely with 3/32-in ID tubing.

For more information about the MS4515 Series of analog output pressure sensors, click here.

For more information about the MS4515DO Series of digital output pressure sensors, click here.

Hi-Res Signal Conditioning IC Targets Piezoresistive MEMS Sensors

Anyone who follows Sensor Tips knows that I am always  interested in signal conditioning ICs for sensors. When this involves a company
that I have not known about, it gets even more interesting. This week’s pleasant surprise comes from Micro Analog Systems Oy from Finland. The MAS6502 is a 16-bit piezoresistive sensor signal interface IC primarily intended for MEMS-based pressure sensor modules. To achieve good noise performance, the IC’s ratiometric A/D converter uses a delta-sigma (ΔΣ) conversion technique.

The circuitry can be used to sense temperature as well as not only pressure using built-in sensor sampling switches and communicates via a standard 2-wire I2C serial bus interface.

For more information about the Micro Analog Systems Oy MAS6502, Piezoresistive Sensor Signal Interface IC, click here.

Inductive Rotational Measurement Sensors for Material Handling Apps

For material handling machinery applications including feeders, conveyors, turning tables and web handling, Pepperl+Fuchs PMI360DV Rotational Measurement Sensors provide highly flexible operation. The analog output sensors have user-settable, minimum range of 0 to 90 and a maximum range of zero to 360 degrees to satisfy the requirements of a variety of rotational or angular measurements. With either a voltage or current output, the repeatable accuracy is as low as 0.5 degrees and resolution as low as 0.2 degrees.

For more information about Pepperl+Fuchs PMI360DV Rotational Measurement Sensors, click here.

Innovative Sensing Interface Circuits for Harsh Environments

The latest interface circuit technology from Micro Oscillator, Inc. includes three GaAs sensor versions that accept differing sensing inputs. One addresses capacitive inputs for touch, proximity, & humidity. The second handles inductive inputs for proximity, & metal detection. The third addresses resistive inputs for pressure, temperature, humidity, and strain gage applications. A different technology implementation of the JFET Inductive
Proximity Sensor announced earlier this year, the GaAs units allows the circuit to operate in extreme radiation environments. The circuitry operates at voltages as low as 2 to 3 Volts.

For more information about Micro Oscillator, Inc. latest GaAs sensor interface circuits, click here.

Make Non-Contact Precision Displacement and Thickness Measurements

In a manufacturing environment, non-contact measurements are especially useful for moving processes, hot parts, machined parts and soft or sticky parts. Banner Engineering addresses these kinds of applications with the L-GAGE LH Series Non-Contact Laser Sensor. Developed to solve measurement and quality control inspections on materials such as wood, metal, rubber, ceramic and plastic parts, the self-contained laser displacement sensor features a 1024 pixel CMOS linear imager that can achieve up to a 1 micron resolution under nominal conditions.

The sensor outputs displacement or thickness measurements with a high resolution 4-20 mA or RS-485 serial communication links that can be
used in a network of up to 32 sensors.

For more information about the Banner Engineering LH Series sensors click here.

Increase Sensor Performance with 14-Bit Capacitive Sensor Conditioning IC

Designed for low-power operation, ZMDI’s ZSSC3123 complements the small size and lower power consumption capabilities of capacitive sensors. The chip delivers 14-bit resolution and 0.25 % accuracy over a wide range of sensor capacitances and temperatures. Operating power consumption is 60 µA with a sleep mode to lower to less than 1µA.

The IC has a digital technique to correct both first-order and third-order nonlinearity errors that are difficult to correct with a pure analog signal path. “Third-order correction is especially useful in humidity and pressure applications, but it can correct for sensor imperfections in almost any situation,” explains Steve Ramdin, product manager at ZMDI.

For more information about the ZMDI ZSSC3123 signal conditioning IC, click here.

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