Sensor Signal Conditioner Integrates Lin Transceiver

Resistive bridge sensors are common in automotive systems and frequently they connect using the vehicle’s LIN bus. For those applications, ZMDI’s ZSSC3170 IC could be an ideal solution. The single chip combines a fast and precise sensor conditioning IC with a robust LIN transceiver.

Designed for powering directly from the vehicle’s 12V supply, the ZSSC3170 has maximum analog gain of 420, as well as extended offset compensation capabilities. The unit conforms to LIN specifications 1.3 / 2.0 / 2.1.  The circuitry is packaged in a SSOP-20 but is also available in die format

The IC targets air-conditioning, level measurement and seat adjustment applications in vehicles with an integrated LIN interface.

For more information about ZMDI’s ZSSC3170 sensor signal conditioner IC, click here.

Capacitive Signal Conditioner for MEMS Sensors in Harsh Industrial Environments

ZMDI’s ZSSC3122 is capacitive sensor signal conditioner with wide-dynamic-range and low power consumption. The chip delivers 14-bit resolution and 0.25% full-scale-output accuracy.  The signal conditioning circuit has an operating current as low as 60 µA over the entire voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V. A built-in sleep mode lowers current consumption to <1 µA for temperatures up to 85°C, making it ideal in low-power battery applications. The circuit targets MEMS sensing elements, such as pressure sensors for hydraulic control systems, humidity sensors and liquid level gauges. 

For more information on ZMDI’s ZSSC3122 capacitive sensor signal conditioner, click here.

Revolutionizing the Design of Sensor Systems

Acquire Motion Control and Position Sensing Data with Serial Synchronous Interface Module

Opto 22’s SNAP-SCM-SSI Serial Module provides a communications interface between digital encoders and its SNAP PAC System I/O processors or programmable automation controllers. The module’s two isolated serial synchronous inputs (SSI) simplify acquiring data from optical and mechanical encoders and other types of linear and rotary transducers.

Accommodating an SSI clock frequency of up to 2.5 MHz, the module functions at cable lengths up to 500 feet, and can be configured for clock frequency, data bits (i.e., encoder resolution), time interval between data samples, and more. The module accepts input from either binary or Gray code encoders to process and communicate position-related data for several industrial applications.

For more information on the Opto 22 SNAP-SCM-SSI module, click here.

Communicating Camera Data in the Vehicle

At Convergence 2010 in Detroit, National Semiconductor’s Dac Tran explains how serial-deserialization (SerDes) technology plays a critical role in delivering camera sensing data in vehicles.  The SerDes in the demo is National Semiconductor’s FPD-Link III that provides real-time bidirectional control.

For more information on National Semiconductor’s FPD-Link III, click here.

To view the video, click here.

IMI Sensors Universal Transmitter Provides 24/7 Industrial Vibration Monitoring

IMI Sensors  model 682A16 is a Universal Transmitter, a DIN rail mounted, relay module with optional detachable front panel LCD display and programmer (Model 070A80 sold separately) for industrial monitoring, control, and alarm requirements. The 682A16 provides loop power for 2-wire, 4-20 mA sensors and ICP excitation for analog 8 mV/g to 120 mV/g accelerometers. It also accepts a variety of sensor input signals including mA, Thermocouple, RTD, Linear Resistance, and Potentiometer.  The transmitter is designed to protect plant and process machinery including pumps, motors, fans and other critical rotating equipment.

For more information on IMI Sensors model 682A16 Universal Transmitter, click here.

Amplifier Targets Precision Thermocouple Measurements

One of the newest signal conditioning circuits addreses the needs of one of the oldest sensing technologies. Designed for K- and J-type thermocouples, Analog Devices’ AD8494, AD8495, AD8496 and AD8497 thermocouple amplifiers include cold junction compensation and a high gain accuracy precision amplifier. The integrated cold junction enables accurate measurements over a wide temperature range.

 For more information about Analog Devices AD8494, AD8495, AD8496 and AD8497 thermocouple amplifiers click here.

4-20 mA Transmitter Targets Accelerometer to Vibration Signal Conversion

Another recently introduced signal conditioning circuit for 4-20 mA output, specifically for vibration signals, comes from IMI Sensors – a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Operating from loop-power supplied by a PLC, DCS or SCADA system, the stainless steel housed 682A09 converts the 100 mV/g output from an accelerometer to a 4-20 mA vibration monitoring signal. The converted signal can monitor machine health for early failure detection to avoid costly downtime. The hermetically sealed design has a 2-pin MIL connector input and 3-pin MIL connector output to cope with harsh environments.

For more information about IMI Sensors 682A09 4-20 mA vibration transmitter click here.

Precision DAC Targets 4-20 mA Transmitter Apps

Signal conditioning circuitry can simplify the application of any sensor. Recently introduced products include a precision 16-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with on-board power management circuitry from Analog Devices. Designed for loop-powered, smart transmitter applications used in industrial equipment, the AD5421 uses 50% less power with a 55% smaller footprint compared to previous products.

 In addition to converting digital to 4-to-20 mA signal, the DAC includes a voltage regulator to power itself and other devices in the smart transmitter. This includes a programmable regulator for a 1.8-V to 12-V output, precision 1.25-V and 2.5-V references, and more. Specified over the extended industrial temperature range of –40°C to +105°C, the AD5421 can accept a standard SPI (serial peripheral interface) compatible interface and deliver a standard HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) output.

 For more information about Analog Devices AD5421 DAC click here.

High Accuracy Signal Conditioning IC for Resistive Bridge Sensors

Whenever a new sensor signal conditioning circuit is announced, it’s smart to determine if it can simplify your existing sensor’s design, or get more performance for the next generation and/or save money. We’ll it’s time to check out a new circuit – especially if you have only been using/considering an IC with 12- to 14- bit A-D accuracy. ZMD’s ZSSC3017 CMOS IC has 16-bit A-D accuracy as well as an 18-bit DSP for linearization and calibration functions. Intended for resistive sensor bridges, the high-accuracy amplification can improve the performance of altimeters/barometers, medical gas and infusion pumps, robotics and other end products.

For more information on the ZSSC3017 go to:

http://www.zmdi.com/products/sensor-signal-conditioner/zssc3017/

For the Frank Talk About Sensors video on the signal conditioning click the quick play below:

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