Sensor Tips is your source for the most up-to-date information about 3D image sensor technologies and other image sensors. We proudly provide a large selection of articles to keep you informed on the latest 3D image sensor news and information. Our articles are written for engineers, by engineers, so we know exactly the kind of information you are looking for. Below you will find our library of articles including news about 3D image sensors, photoelectric sensors and more. Read on to stay up-to-date!

Photoelectric Sensor Targets Harsh Environments

Banner Engineering Corp. repackaged its TM18 EZ-BEAM photoelectric sensor for use in heavy duty environments. With its nickel-plated, die-cast zinc metal housing and completely epoxy encapsulated electronics, the TM18 achieves an IP69K rating. This design provides the durability and resistance for harsh industrial sensing environments, such as those with high pressure washdowns.

For easy alignment to a variety of targets, the photoelectric sensor is available in opposed, polarized retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field (background suppression) modes.

The unit has a right angle shape, an 18-mm threaded barrel mount and integral all metal M12 quick disconnect. Its metal housing provides the sensor immunity to electro-magnetic noise and improved ability to withstand interference from fluorescent lamps.

For more information on the Banner Engineering TM18 Photoelectric Sensor, click here.

Cameras in Video Surveillance

ROHM Semiconductor’s Sensors Race Track

At Sensors Expo 2011, Steve Chutka, a field applications engineer at ROHM Semiconductor USA explains the sensors on its small demo truck to Sensor Tips’ Randy Frank.  The six sensors communicate to a sensor hub via ZigBee wireless protocol.

For more information about ROHM Semiconductor’s sensors and other products, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Vision Sensor Reads Linear and Data Matrix Codes

With its Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, Balluff now has an ID version designed to read a large range of linear bar codes and 2D Data Matrix codes, as well as optical character verification (OCV).

The vision sensor can read more than 10 types of linear bar codes, including PDF417 and 2D Data Matrix codes. The Data Matrix code reader reads both printed and direct part mark (DPM) based marks. Since alphanumeric characters like date codes or expiration codes can typically coexist with barcodes, the ID version also has an OCV tool to verify these values.

For more information about Balluff’s Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, click here.

Using LIDAR for Transmission Power Lines

Dave Brown of Terra Remote Sensing explains the use of LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) technology to Randy Frank at the IEEE 2011 Power Systems Conference & Expo (PSCE) held March 20-23, 2011, in Phoenix, AZ. LIDAR is being widely used by utility companies to map transmission lines for adverse conditions and vegetation.

For more information on Terra Remote Sensing’s LIDAR technology, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

The Use of Sensing Technology in Robotics Competition

Dean Kamen, president of DEKA Research and Development Corporation was the keynote speaker and winner of the Bellwether Award at Semico Research Corporation’s Semico Summit, May 1-3 in Scottsdale, AZ. The award is presented annually to a company head for notable contributions and achievements in the semiconductor industry.  Kamen won the award for his many innovative product contributions that include the Segway, iBOT wheel chair, AutoSyringe and DEKA Arm.

However, Kamen is also the founder of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization that creates mentor-based programs designed to inspire young people to pursue the development science, engineering and technology skills. Kamen spoke to Randy Frank about the sensors in the kits for in FIRST robotics competition.

To watch the video, click here.

Photoelectric and Inductive Sensors Designed for Hygienic and Washdown Apps

Hygienic applications may require more than one type of sensor. With its newest sensors, Baumer addresses measurements that require photoelectric and inductive sensing. To meet hygienic and washdown requirements, the sensors have smooth, groove-free V4A stainless steel housings. In addition, mounting accessories are EHEDG-certified, Ecolab-approved and the materials are FDA-compliant.

 Baumer developed its proTect+ concept for higher impermeability and guarantees a higher sensor performance and lifetime. In addition to traditional IP68 and IP69K impermeability tests, special endurance testing exposes the sensors to continuously changing temperature cycles to ensure higher reliability.

Get more information on Baumer’s Sensors for Hygienic Design: for inductive sensors, click here and for photoelectric sensors, click here.

Infrared Detector Arrays Boast Enhanced Measurement Stability

For those applications that need to sense PbS and PbSe, Cal Sensors’ LMA (Linear Multiplexed Array) family of lead salt infrared detectors can provide up to 25% increased measurement stability. Consisting of six compensation elements and 250 active elements, the 256-element array provides real-time measurement compensation for environmental changes. Measurement corrections are made based on a comparison of the six compensation elements and three active elements on each side of the array. In addition, the sensors have a much as 10% system noise reduction that provides increased measurement resolution and built-in shielding to isolate the array from measurement variables that could reduce accuracy.

Get more information about Cal Sensors LMA family: PbS and PbSe.

Integrated Vision System is Smart and Rugged

Adding a microprocessor to any sensor is one way to achieve smart sensing. That’s exactly what XIMEA has done for vision systems. By integrating an Intel x86 with a vision sensor, the company created a smart vision system. In addition to being smart, the CURRERA is also rugged. An IP67 class housing protects the sensor and electronics.

The smart camera has several connectivity and software interface options. For connectivity, there are Gigabit Ethernet, USB, VGA, RS232, fast and isolated Digital Inputs and Outputs. The software interfaces include GenICam / GenTL and highly optimized xiAPI SDK.

With all its levels of sophistication, the camera boasts simple deployment.  The vision system’s full functionality is delivered in single OS image file deployable within minutes. A start-up kit is available to simplify the process even further.  

For more information about CURRERA, including the system brochure, click here.

Diffuse Contrast Sensor Operates within 50 µs

Print mark detection in high-speed packaging and printing operations requires a rapid response sensor.  Baumer’s FKDK 14 diffuse contrast sensor uses a white LED to precisely detect print marks within a response time of 50 µs. With the white light source, the photoelectric sensor can reliably detect print marks of all colors, even with slight contrast to the background. A yellow LED visible through the sensor’s transparent housing base indicates the switching status.

The sensor’s 14.8 x 43 x 31-mm size allows easy integration into machines.

For more information about Baumer’s FKDK 14, click here.

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