Reduce Cost, Save Space with Multichannel Eddy-Current Displacement Sensor

The ECL150 Eddy-Current Displacement Sensor from Lion Precision delivers up to eight channels of high-resolution, noncontact displacement sensing.  With a package measuring only 4.2×7.6×2.3 inches (108x193x57 mm), the small size is obvious. In addition to eliminating the need for interconnecting cables between channels, the company says it has reduced the power and cost, too.

With measurement ranges from 0.5 to 15 mm, the noncontact sensing system offers resolutions as low as 2.6 nanometers at 15 kHz bandwidth. Linearity is ±0.2% of range.

For more information Lion Precision’s ECL150 Eddy-Current Displacement Sensor, click here.

Solid-State Battery Delivers Power for Energy Harvesting Apps and More

At Design West, Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank gets an update on the EnerChip solid-state battery for energy harvesting applications from Steve Grady of Cymbet Corporation. The chip provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for real-time clock back up and microcontroller backup as well as energy harvesting applications.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about Cymbet’s EnerChip solid-state battery, click here.

Detect Small Parts with Inductive Tube Sensors

Detecting fast moving small metal parts is among the many challenges in automated assembly applications. Balluff’s newest inductive tube sensors can take this off the challenge list. The sensor’s pulse extension of 150 ms results in reliable detection of fast-moving parts. In addition, the units are easily installed by a simple attachment to infeed tubes of screws, rivets and other metal parts. The minimum object the sensor can detect is the size of M3x5 screw at a switching distance of 16 mm. Maximum object speed is 20 m/s.

For more information about Balluff inductive tube sensors, click here.

Sensor Technology from an Unlikely Source Assists USA Track & Field Olympic Training

A velocity measurement system that captures an athlete in motion and automatically calculates performance metrics for coaches to use in training long jumpers seems like an ideal addition to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. What’s unusual is the developer- the BMW Technology Office in Mountain View, California. BMW sponsors four national governing bodies and one of them, USA Track & Field, indicated the need for real-time data in its training.

The BMW developed system measures and provides real-time analysis of three key long jump parameters– horizontal approach velocity, vertical take-off velocity and take-off angle delivering coaches and athletes invaluable training scenarios.

Capturing and analyzing the athlete’s motion leverages technology similar to those being tested in BMW’s research vehicles to improve automotive active safety systems. The use of advanced stereo-vision technology and machine vision software algorithms now helps athletes as well protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Variable Capacitance Pressure Transducers Address Extreme Environment Industrial Apps

Available in pressure ranges from 1 to 10,000 psig, Setra Systems Model 209 variable capacitance pressure transducers offer users several choices. In addition to gauge, sealed gauge, or vacuum pressure options, output choices include:  4-20 mA, 0.5 to 5.5 Vdc, 1 to 6 Vdc or 0.5 to 4.5 Vdc output. The sensors have ±0.25% full-scale accuracy across all ranges. A variety of pressure and electrical connector are also available. 

The unit’s variable capacitor’s stainless steel capacitance sensing element and no use of seals or O-rings ensures media compatibility with a wide range of gases and liquids.

For more information about Setra Systems Model 209 variable capacitance pressure transducers, click here.

MEMS Pressure Sensor Used in Asthma Training Device

While many people suffer from asthma attacks and use inhalers as the solution, poor inhaler technique prevents patients from receiving their full therapeutic benefit. To correct this situation, Cambridge Consultants used its sensing and wireless technology capabilities to create an asthma inhaler training device. Called the T-Haler, the healthcare tool has doubled proper usage rates. It uses a low pressure microelectromechanical (MEMS) pressure sensor to sense flow.

Unlike Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI’s) that require a pressure drop of 4 kPa to draw an airflow rate of 60 L/min, the Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) technique used in the T-Haler produces a much lower value for the same airflow. “The MDI as a low resistance inhaler required a pressure drop of approximately 0.15 kPa to draw an airflow rate of 60L/min in our study,” says Cambridge Consultants’ Kate Farrell, Senior Design Engineer, Medical Technology.

For more information about Cambridge Consultants’ T-Haler, click here.

Active Pixel Infrared Thermometer Array Simplifies Thermal Imaging and Reduces Cost

Far infrared (FIR) imaging is becoming an important aspect of many market segments including:

• automotive – pedestrian detection, close range blind spot detection and occupancy classification
• smart buildings -thermal measurement and occupancy functions
• homes ­- smarter microwave and conventional ovens
• energy efficiency – to detect heat losses and illustrate the need for improvements
• industrial – smart process controls and thermal testing

To address these applications, Melexis has introduced the MLX90620 FIRray sensing device. The thermopile sensor array produces a map of heat values for the target area in real time. The 16 x 4 element covers a temperature range of -20°C to 300°C.

Limiting the imaging to 64 pixels in 2D helps the sensor to address high volume, low cost applications. Integration of an amplifier and ADC in every pixel allows the array to offer an adjustable frame rate from 0.5 Hz to 64 Hz. Operation in the 0°C to 50°Crange delivers accuracy levels of ±1.5°C.

For more information about Melexis MLX90620 FIRray sensing device, click here.

Sensors Market Growing Fast

In fact, according to Databeans, it is growing faster than the overall semiconductor industry. Touch and orientation sensors are cited as significant factors for sensor growth. Automotive, medical electronics and security applications are driving the growth of other types of sensors. In 2010, the overall sensors market reached close to $7 billion. Databeans Q4-2011 “Sensors and MEMs Market Tracker” sold with a quarterly, semi-annual or annual price addresses these and other issues.  The report includes: significant findings, regional forecasts, several market segments including industrial, consumer, communications and more.

For more info about Databeans Q4-2011 Sensors and MEMs Market Tracker, click here.

Sensor Measures Pressures up to 6,000 BAR (87,000 psi)

Kistler’s Type 6215 pressure sensor uses a quartz crystal sensing element packaged with a front-sealed diaphragm in a rugged, stainless steel housing. Design for internal ballistics, closed bomb testing, weapons discharge and cartridge chamber testing, and other extreme high-pressure measurement requirements, the Type 6125 sensor has measurement range from 0 to 6,000 bar (0 to 87,000 psi). In addition to high pressure, the units have a high-impedance output and sensitivity of -1.4 pC/bar (-0.1 pC/psi) with a natural frequency of >240 kHz. The sensors can withstand 25,000 g shock and have a 1µ rise time and <±1% FSO linearity across all pressure ranges.

For more information about Kistler Type 6215 pressure sensor, click here.

Photoelectric Sensor Design Avoids Separate Reflector/Receiver

Claiming the first photoelectric light barrier to operate without a separate reflector or receiver, Baumer’s SmartReflect light barriers have several features.  The devices create a closed light beam between the sensor and any background for reliable detection of target objects regardless of color, shape, transparency or surface texture.

Substitution of any machine part in the processing environment as a receiver allows the light barrier to eliminate costs associated with reflector installation, cleaning, adjustment and replacement. This makes the devices easy to install and adjust, insensitive to dirt or wash-down and very low-maintenance for object identification tasks.

The sensor designs are available as IP69K-rated hygienic or wash-down models, standard-sized 14.8 x 31 x 43-mm sensors with plastic housings and a miniature sensor with a housing that measures 8 x 16.2 x 10.8 mm.

For more information about Baumer’s SmartReflect photoelectric sensors, click here.

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