Reverse Engineering Process & Costing Analysis of the STMicroelectronics 3-Axis Accelerometer

Finding out how a particular sensor is constructed can provide some helpful information, especially for a competitor.  However, potential users may also want to know more about what is inside a sensor that they are considering – before they decide to purchase it. For STMicroelectronics LIS331DLH 3-Axis Accelerometer, Yole Developpement has just published a reverse engineering process & costing analysis report.

The report includes:  

    – Detailed photos & material analysis

    – Schematic assembly description

    – Manufacturing process flow & cost breakdown

    – In-depth economical analysis & selling price estimation

 Yole also has analysis for other MEMS products fom Bosch Sensortec accelerometer, InvenSense and Epson gyroscopes, Freescale TPMS, Knowles microphone, TI DLP, and more. For more info click here.

For more information about Yole Developpement analysis of the STMicro LIS331DLH 3-Axis Accelerometer, click here.

IMI Sensors Adds ATEX Approval to its Series 686B Smart Vibration Switch

With ATEX as well as CSA approval for use in hazardous environments, IMI Sensors Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch is positioned to address protection of cooling towers, fin fans, pumps, HVAC systems, and other critical machinery operated in hazardous areas.

Based on an embedded piezoelectric accelerometer, the switch monitors vibration velocity for more consistent results, and improved reliability over mechanical designs. The switch has a remote reset capability and USB programmable threshold and time delays to avoid false tripping. Since the Series 686B has only to wires, it can easily replace legacy switches.

For more information on IMI Sensors Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch, click here.

Accelerometer Operates in Continuous 260°C Environment

Designed for monitoring vibration in gas turbines, Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco Model 6222S accelerometer is a piezoelectric design with sensitivities of either 20, 50 or 100 pC/g. The sensor’s piezoelectric technology does not require an external power supply. The unit’s balance differential output allows its use with any industry differential charge amplifier. The sensor’s packaging is a standard ARINC three-point mounting configuration using three mounting bolts. The unit has an integral two-pin 7/16-27 UNS-2A threaded receptacle as standard with an available three-pin option. 

In addition to gas turbine measurements the accelerometers are also well suited for high temperature and high reliability vibration monitoring in helicopter Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) as well as ground and onboard aircraft engine monitoring.

For more information on Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco Model 6222S – 100A Accelerometer, click here.

Freescale Merges Accelerometer and 32-Bit Micro into One Package

A tiny 3 x 3 x 1 mm package provides the home for a 3-axis accelerometer and a 32-bit microcontroller (MCU).  Part of an approach that Freescale Semiconductor calls its Xtrinsic sensing solutions, the MMA9550L addresses both the sensing and computing needs of the rapidly proliferating touch sensing applications.  As if this wasn’t enough, the package also holds a power management capability as well as I2C and SPI connectivity.

Since the MCU is the company’s well-established ColdFire MCU, software can be easily developed for Xtrinsic products using CodeWarrior tools. Internal algorithms simplify implementing freefall detection, tilt and 3D orientation detection, tap and double tap detection, dead reckoning, shock, vibration and sudden motion detection. Specific capabilities for targeted consumer applications include 14-bit resolution, low-noise and low-power consumption.

For more information about Freescale Semiconductor’s MMA9550L Xtrinsic sensing solution, click here.

Kistler Single-Axis IEPE Accelerometer Weighs in at Just 3.5 Grams

Kistler’s recently announced Type 8640A accelerometer is an Integral Electronics Piezoelectric (IEPE) unit that has an IEEE TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) option. Besides weighing only 3.5 grams, the 0.394 x 0.394-inch sensor has an integral 10-32 connector and a 5-40 UNC-2B stud mount as part of its hermetically-sealed, welded titanium housing. The internal ceramic cantilever beam sensing element is thermally compensated with a temperature coefficient of sensitivity of 0.1302 %/°F.

Designed for the multi-channel modal and structural analysis of small or thin-walled structures and components, the accelerometers are offered in ranges of ±5 g, ±10 g and ±50 g, with sensitivities from 100 to 1000 mV/g.

 For more information about Kistler 8640A accelerometers click here.

Software Simplifies Motion Sensing

Motion sensing is one of the hottest sensing areas. Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based accelerometers and gyroscopes, systems designers are adding motion sensing to smart phones and other handheld products, as well as games, movies and even medical applications. To simplify the use of its MEMS sensors, Kionix has developed a software engine called Gesture Designer. This tool allows developers to easily create, evaluate and implement motion-based gestures based on the algorithms built into the company’s KXTF9 tri-axial accelerometer. With the algorithms, users can access12 tap-enabled, application-specified functions.

For more information about the Gesture Designer, you need to talk to Kionix. (607-257-1080). Kionix Website.

For more information about Kionix KXTF9 accelerometer, click here.

Meggitt Sensing Systems Ultra-small Triaxial Accelerometer

Measuring acceleration in a very small form factor can pose significant challenges. In addition to the right performance capability, the packaging and connectivity as well as the weight of the accelerometer must not interfere with the measurement. Designed for these types of measurements, Meggitt Sensing Systems’ Endevco model 35A ISOTRON triaxial accelerometer with its integral electronics offers a solution. Weighing 1.1 grams without its cable, the 35A avoids the undesirable effects of mass loading on small test structures.  The tri-axial accelerometer has a range of ±1000g with a typical voltage sensitivity of 5 mV/g. It comes with field repairable and factory replaceable fine gage wires (34 AWG) as output leads.

For more information about Meggitt Sensing Systems 35A triaxial accelerometer, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: A. T. Wall

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, I have several quick glimpses into some of the technology you could have observed. There were sensors for automotive, industrial, medical, consumer, commercial, aerospace/military applications and more. Exhibitors displayed numerous wireless solutions including energy harvesting technologies to extend sensors’ lifetime without replacing batteries, as well as components to design numerous types of sensors. The first discussion I had was with Donna Parker of A. T. Wall, a components supplier for automotive, medical and other applications. To see it, click the link below.

For more information about A. T. Wall products, click here.

Formula One Racing Experience Applied to World Class Racing Bike

In addition to all its sophisticated mechanical design for competitive racing, the Factor 001 has dozens of sensors to make over 21 measurements. The measurements indicate the environment, rider’s physical condition and performance. The sensing technologies include accelerometers, pressure, torque, humidity, temperature, position, speed, angular velocity and power sensors. Designed and manufactured by BERU f1systems (bf1systems), the racing bike uses technology insight gathered from the company’s experience in aircraft and Formula One automotive racing applications. As an indication of the performance capability of the sensors, the integrated crank position sensor is accurate to within one degree of rotational position.

For more information about bf1systems Factor 001 go to http://www.factor001.com/bike-design

Customize Your Sensor

Settling for an off the shelf sensor may not be the way to go for application that has special requirements. As a result, Sherborne Sensors recent expansion of custom manufacturing capabilities for its accelerometer, inclinometer and load cell product lines, as well as its ability to design and develop a custom sensor could be advantageous. This is especially true if the application requires special mechanical consideration such as a custom form factor, temperature rating or weatherproofing. However, custom electrical requirements such as a non-standard range, electronic output filters, special electrical connection, special power requirements or custom calibrations are also possible from Sherborne. The company focuses on industrial, military and aerospace applications.

For more information check out Sherborne Sensors website: http://www.sherbornesensors.com/