Applying SENSOFOIL Technology

Jens Kautzor, sales director for Hoffmann + Krippner discusses two applications for the company’s SENSOFOIL membrane technology with Randy Frank at Sensors Expo 2011. SENSOFOIL membranes enable the design of ultra-flat and very accurate linear and rotary position sensors based on potentiometer technology.

 For more information about Hoffmann + Krippner’s SENSOFOIL membranes, click here.

 To watch the video, click here.

A Single-Chip Passive IR Temperature Sensor

3D Hall Sensor Targets Automotive Applications

Motion control systems in vehicles require sensing that Hall sensors frequently provide. In some instances, sensing all three directions can improve and simplify the systems design. For these applications, austriamicrosystems introduced the AS5410 linear position sensor based on a 3D Hall platform. The sensor measures absolute position in automotive & industrial applications and provides a linearized output with up to 0.5 % accuracy.

The 3D Hall sensor’s output remains stable even when the device is subject to external stray magnetic fields. The result of a differential measurement technique, the company claims this capability as a worldwide first.

Sampling now, production quantities of the sensor will be available in Q3. Pricing for the AS5410 3D Hall sensor starts at $ 3.75 for 1000-piece quantities.

For more information on austriamicrosystems AS5410 and the AS540x series, click here.

Measure Relative Humidity and Temperature Without Wires

Wireless is the must-have attribute for many of today’s consumer and industrial products. When you get two for one, so much the better. With Omega’s UWRH-2 wireless relative humidity transmitter users get both relative humidity and temperature measurements. The battery-powered unit transmits these readings as well as signal strength and battery status back to a host receiver up to 120 m (400’) away.

The unit’s temperature range is -17 to 49°C (2 to 120°F) with an accuracy of ±1°C (±1.8°F). The relative humidity range is 2 to 98% RH with accuracy from ±2.5 to ±3.5 % max depending on the temperature range

For more information about Omega’s UWRH-2 wireless relative humidity transmitter, click here.

KEYENCE Laser Displacement Sensor Provides Fast Sensing

KEYENCE LK-G5000 Laser Displacement Sensor uses a newly developed RS-CMOS sensor to provide a sampling rate of 392 kHz – eight times faster than previous models. With ±0.02% Full Scale Linearity and 0.01µm repeatability, the sensor also has several additional capabilities. ABLE (Active Balanced Laser Control Engine) II balances laser emission time, laser power and gain for optimum performance. The sensor has three selectable built-in algorithms:

1-Real Peak Detect (RPD) algorithm avoids pattern distortion of translucent object

2-Multi-Able Control optimizes the laser intensity for transparent targets

3-Center and Peak Composition (CPC) algorithm attains more stable high-definition measurements for high luster resins

 The LK-G5000 can also measure speed and acceleration while measuring displacement. 

 For more information about KEYENCE LK-G5000 Laser Displacement Sensor, click here.

RFID Sensing Accesses Door Lock

Touch sensing was demonstrated as an alternative to commonly used magnetic key sensing for authorizing access to a locked door in a previous Sensor Tips video. At the Hospitality Design Expo, at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, May 19-21, Jon Nevison demonstrates another option using RFID technology for authorizing access. The implication from these two alternative technologies replacing a well-established approach is rather obvious: designers need to consider new options when updating an older product to expand future sales.

 For the video demonstration from the Hospitality Design Expo, click the quick play button below.

Touch Sensing Technology Opens Doors

Touch sensing is finding many applications in the hospitality industry.  In this first of three videos from the Hospitality Design Expo, touch sensing provides access through a backlit and simulated push-button display for a high-tech door.

For the video demonstration from the Hospitality Design Expo, click the quick play button below.

Use Touch Sensing for a New Look and Feel

Companies that want to give their products a distinctive look and feel are turning to touch sensing as an alternative to traditional push buttons. The simple flat surface is also easier to maintain and keep clean. As a result, a variety of medical, industrial, automotive and hospitality industry applications are appearing.

One of the newest touch sensing products is Microchip Technology’s PIC16F707 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) that includes two 16-channel Capacitive Sensing Modules (CSMs). Part of the Microchip’s mTouch sensing, the product is the first in a series supporting projected capacitive touch (PCT) screen solutions that will span the company’s portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit PIC MCUs.   

Unlike other capacitive touch sensing approaches such as surface, mutual, or self-capacitance designs, projected capacitive touch technology uses an etched conductive layer in the glass. The layer is either a single layer forming a grid pattern or to separate perpendicular layers of conductive material with parallel lines or traces that form a grid pattern. PCT provides greater resolution allowing operation without direct contact. Coatings, screen protectors and even a glass layer can isolate the PTC depending on the application’s requirements.

The PIC16F707 has 32 capacitive touch channels and additional features such as 14 KB program memory 14-channel, 8-bit analog to digital converter and more to support the touch screen application.

To simplify the design process, the company offers a development kit called the DM160211 for $119.99. The kit includes a 3.5-in sensor mounted on a sensor board, a projected-capacitive board with the PIC16F707 MCU and fully functional firmware.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s PIC16F707, click here.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s DM160211 development kit, click here.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s mTouch sensing solutions, click here.