Paper and Carbon Nanotubes Combined to Detect Explosive Devices

Targeting the detection of explosives, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a prototype sensor that uses carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the sensing element. The wireless component, a resonant lightweight antenna, is printed on paper or paper-like material using standard inkjet technology.  Researchers think the low-cost sensors could be deployed in large numbers to alert authorities to the presence of IEDs and other explosives.

The newest CNT sensor possesses significantly improved sensitivity to minute ammonia concentrations that should enable the first practical applications to detect trace amounts of hazardous gases in challenging operational environments using inkjet-printed devices.

For more information about GTRI’s prototype wireless sensor, click here.

MEMS Gyroscope Provides Tactical Grade Performance

Tactical grade gyroscopes typically use fiber optic technology (a fiber optic gyro or FOG) to produce a higher performance level than an industrial grade product. With its ADIS16136 tactical grade iSensor® digital MEMS gyroscope, Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) provides 3.5°/hr typical bias stability and ±450°/Sec angular precision. This tactical level performance comes in a matchbox-sized (35.6x44x13.8-mm) module weighing only 25 grams.

Consuming less than 1W, the gyroscope targets platform stabilization and control, navigation, robotics and medical instrumentation.

For more information about Analog Devices ADIS16136 digital MEMS gyroscope, click here.

Battery Sensor IC Boasts New Features

Vehicle electrification efforts such as start/stop systems put addition strain on the battery. To keep the battery in optimal condition, system designers need to measure and monitor the battery’s state of health (SOH), state of charge (SOC) or state of function (SOF). ZMD AG’s ZSSC1856 Intelligent Battery Sensor IC performs these functions and more.

The IC has an 18-bit Sigma/Delta analog to digital converter (ADC) with an on-chip voltage reference and two input channels. One channel measures the voltage drop at the external shunt resistor to provide IBAT. The second channel measures VBAT and the temperature. Packaged in a 5x5x0.85-mm QFN32 package, the AECQ100-qualified ZSSC1856 uses less than 100 µA in sleep mode and consumes 10 to 20 mA in normal operation.

For more information about ZMDI’s ZSSC1856 Intelligent Battery Sensor IC, click here.

Miniature Triaxial Accelerometer in 6.3-mm Cube

Measuring acceleration or vibration in small spaces poses problems for applications such as small component qualification, structural vibration and environmental stress screening. PCB Piezotronics, Inc., new miniature Integrated Circuit – Piezoelectric or ICP triaxial accelerometer addresses these space-constrained applications. With a 6.3 mm (0.25-in) cube form factor, the Model 356A03 delivers 10 mV/g sensitivity.

Other features of the piezoelectric sensor include a hermetic seal design with a low noise floor and high shock limit as well as a redesigned cable strain relief connection to provide improved shear and tensile strength. The CE certified 356A03 is compatible with any ICP signal conditioner or readout device that includes ICP power.

For more information about PCB Piezotronics Model 356A03 triaxial accelerometer, click here.

Silicon Temperature Sensor Provides ±0.5° Accuracy and 12-bit Resolution

Applications require high accuracy over a variety of temperatures, such as thermostats (-20 to +45°C), personal computers (+85°C) and industrial/automotive (+125°C), have a solution with Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor. The sensor’s ±0.5° accuracy and 12-bit resolution are among its system-oriented features. The 12-bit Resolution provides 0.0625°C for the least significant bit in a digital system.

Thermal shutdown and temperature monitoring/alert features allow the sensor to help adjust the real-time power utilization in applications from residential HVAC systems to industrial equipment.  The shutdown feature reduces power consumption in both line and battery-powered systems. In addition, the critical-temperature alert can increase the system’s life by preventing excessive
operating temperatures.

The sensor is available in MSOP and 2×3-mm DFN 8-pin packages.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor, click here.

Electric Field-Based Sensor Detects Movement

Applications in security, switching and gaming have a new option for detecting movements with Plessey Semiconductors newest Electric Potential Integrated Circuit (EPIC) sensors. The company’s initial product addressed ECG products for the health monitoring markets. In contrast, the PS25401 was engineered for higher volume applications and can be used in both proximity mode or to detect specific kinds of movement as a limited gesture recognition device.

The sensor does not require line of sight and can even detect movement through walls. This allows its use to replace, or operate in conjunction with a passive infra-red (PIR) sensor in applications such as security motion detectors.

For more information about Plessey Semiconductors PS25401 EPIC sensor, click here.

Report Forecasts Inertial Combo Sensor Growth

Based on the increasing penetration of more motion sensing into mobile devices and automotive safety system, Yole Developpement predicts healthy growth for the inertial sensor market for consumer and automotive applications. While microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology enables the design of these sensors, Yole says that most of the value is in ASIC, packaging, test & calibration, a situation common for many MEMS devices. Among other topics, the report discusses the motion sensor value chain, infrastructure and players for consumer and automotive business.

For more information about Yole Developpement’s report, “Inertial Combo Sensors for Consumer & Automotive,” click here.

Low-Power, High-Accuracy Instrumentation Amplifier with On-Chip Calibration

Surprisingly, with all of the system technology that Microchip Technology offers, it never had an instrumentation amplifier. With the introduction of the MCP6N11 instrumentation amplifier, that has changed.

The design uses Microchip’s mCal technology, an on-chip calibration circuit that enables low initial offset voltage and a means to control offset drift. This results in higher accuracy across time and temperature. The amplifier delivers a gain-bandwidth product of 500 kHz.

For low power applications, the MCP6N11 uses low-power CMOS process technology and has a hardware shutdown pin for even greater power savings. Operation at  1.8V allows two 1.5V batteries to be drained beyond typical use, and the amplifier’s rail-to-rail input and output operation allows full-range use, even in low-supply conditions.

The amplifier targets signal conditioning for sensors and instrumentation applications in the consumer, industrial and medical markets.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s MCP6N11 instrumentation amplifier, click here.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Sensors for Continuous Submerged Water Applications

Wastewater treatment processes that use aerobic bacteria to break down organic compounds in sewage and aquaculture operations require measuring dissolved oxygen (DO) to maintain effect ecosystems. For these and other applications that need to measure DO, Sensorex developed its DO6400 and DO6441 Process Dissolved Oxygen Sensors.

Both sensors use galvanic cell technology and a large volume electrolyte reservoir for long term continuous deployments and have a replaceable membrane. The membrane is available in either Teflon for durability or wide-span HDPE membrane for faster response.

The Model DO6441T Sensor offers a factory-calibrated 4-20 mA output for direct PLC interface. For applications with an external transmitter and a local display, the DO6400 Series is compatible with the Sensorex DO500 and DOMA 4-20 ma loop powered transmitters. The transmitter display can be programmed to read percent saturation, mg/mL or ppm DO.

For more information about Sensorex DO6400 and DO6441 Process Dissolved Oxygen Sensors, click here.

MEMS IMU Delivers 10-Degree-of-Freedom Capability

Today, there are several sources for six degrees of freedom (DoF) sensors. However, when 6DoF is not enough, the newest solution from Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) may be the answer. The ADIS16488 is a 10-DoF sensor that integrates a tri-axis gyroscope, tri-axis accelerometer, tri-axis
magnetometer and a pressure sensor into a single package. Based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, the four different sensors not only fit into a 66.04x 64.77×14-mm package, they provide high performance and stability.

With bias stability of less than 10 degrees/hr), other inertial measurement unit (IMU) parameters include:

• Triaxial, digital gyroscope with digital range
  scaling,  ±450°/sec dynamic range
• Triaxial, digital accelerometer, ±18 g
• Triaxial, delta-angle and delta velocity outputs
• Triaxial, digital magnetometer, ±2.5 gauss
• Digital pressure sensor, 300 mbar to 1100 mbar

For more information about Analog Devices ADIS16488 10-degree-of-freedom sensor, click here.

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