Silicon Temperature Sensor Provides ±0.5° Accuracy and 12-bit Resolution

Applications require high accuracy over a variety of temperatures, such as thermostats (-20 to +45°C), personal computers (+85°C) and industrial/automotive (+125°C), have a solution with Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor. The sensor’s ±0.5° accuracy and 12-bit resolution are among its system-oriented features. The 12-bit Resolution provides 0.0625°C for the least significant bit in a digital system.

Thermal shutdown and temperature monitoring/alert features allow the sensor to help adjust the real-time power utilization in applications from residential HVAC systems to industrial equipment.  The shutdown feature reduces power consumption in both line and battery-powered systems. In addition, the critical-temperature alert can increase the system’s life by preventing excessive
operating temperatures.

The sensor is available in MSOP and 2×3-mm DFN 8-pin packages.

For more information about Microchip Technology’s MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor, click here.

Measure Temperature and Air Velocity with Candlestick Sensor

After sizing a heatsink and fan, system designers may want some data to show the heatsink and fan are doing the job. For these and other characterization of thermal conditions in electronic systems, Advanced Thermal Solutions MS 1000-CS-WC could provide the answer and data they need. The candlestick-shaped sensor has a 0.5 mm in diameter stem and 9.5 mm base diameter to provide minimal intrusion into the system airflow. Heights of 9, 12 and 20 mm are available.

Calibrated for both low, natural convection and high velocity flows, the sensors address temperature measurements ranging from   -30 to +150°C ±1°C and velocity measurements from 0 to 50 m/s (10,000 ft/min) ±2%.

For more information about Advanced Thermal Solutions  MS 1000-CS-WC temperature and air velocity sensor click here.

Infrared Temperature Sensor Monitor

At Sensors Expo 2011, an expert from Dexter Research shows Sensor Tips’ Randy Frank the company’s infrared TSM temperature sensor module monitoring soil and leaf temperature. The TSM has better than 0.5°C repeatability in the 0-50°C range.

For more information about Dexter Research TSM, temperature sensor module, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Industry’s Smallest IR Sensor in Action

Daniel Mar, a Product Marketing Engineer for Sensing Products at Texas Instruments demonstrates the TMP006 infrared temperature sensor to Randy Frank at Sensors Expo 2011. Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and chip-scale plastic packaging, the sensor is the smallest (1.6 mm × 1.6 mm) non-contact temperature sensor available today.

For more information about Texas Instruments TMP006 infrared temperature sensor, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Sense Temperature, Use Less Power in Less Space

Performing a function that you have previously done and consuming considerably less power is a goal for many system designers today. If the solution is crammed into even less space – so much the better. For temperature sensing that is the one-two punch that Texas Instruments delivers with its TMP103 digital temperature sensor.

The TMP103 draws a maximum of 1 µA while in shutdown mode and 3 µA while in active mode to extend battery life. Its active state power consumption is approximately half the power of the next closest competitor in shutdown state.

The two-wire IC is packaged in a four-ball wafer chip-scale package (WCSP) that measures only 0.76 mm x 0.76 mm. Capable of reading temperatures to a resolution of 1°C, the sensor’s two-wire interface is compatible with both I2C and SMBus interfaces and can support up to eight daisy-chained sensors.

For more information on TI’s TMP103 digital temperature sensor, click here.

Sensors Provide Temperature Signals without an RTD Input Card

Integration that reduces system complexity is always a highly desirable goal. Turck’s TTM series are integrated miniature temperature transmitters.  The units have analog output that eliminates the need for specialized RTD PLC input cards. This saves both space and cost associated with these cards.  Stainless steel connections make the transmitters well-suited for food and beverage applications.

The series provide a 4-20 mA output using an integrated PT100 resistance temperature detector. The plug-and-play units come pre-scaled at 0 to 100°C, 0 to 150°C, -50 to 50°C, or -50 to 150°C.

Pick product from one of four pages to download pdf datasheet, click here.

MEMS-Based Gas Meter Flow Sensors

Experts predict that gas meters are poised to undergo the same change as electricity meters for smarter, remote meter reading. In response, STMicroelectronics and Omron have collaborated to provide a complete solution for electronic gas meter flow sensors. The design uses an Omron transducer and a companion analog front-end chip developed by ST. The resulting flow sensor incorporates a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micro-thermal sensor technology and is intrinsically compensated for both temperature and pressure variations. A built-in circuit compensates for the variation of multiple gas composition.

Mounted on a small PCB (Printed-Circuit-Board) measuring 7.2×8.6 cm, the gas-flow sensor provides high accuracy with very low power consumption. The unit also has built-in motor drivers for valve control and protection against temperature and vibration effects. The sensor board uses the STLM20 temperature sensor and the LIS332AR accelerometer as well as an ultra-low power STM8L152 microcontroller with 32 Kbytes of flash memory and an LCD display driver.

For more information on the electronic gas meter flow sensors, click here.

RF-Enabled Sensing Benefits from ProximaRF Kit

ProximaRF, a company that specializes in high frequency (13.56 MHz) RFID has developed an RFID–enabled sensor kit that provides users access to Melexis MLX90129 RFID sensor transponder IC.

Using the ProximaRF DVK90129 reader and evaluation kit, developers can immediately read and write code to the RFID IC using a plug and play USB high frequency reader without any additional design requirements. In addition to the USB desktop HF RF reader, the kit includes an XML-based API to simplify sensor interface, ready-to-use dashboard demo tools and the RFID-enabled sensor evaluation board with thermometer, light sensor and potentiometer.

For more information about ProximaRF DVK90129 RFID Sensor Kit, click here.

Sensors Expo 2010 Exhibitors: Tellurex Corporation and Dexter Research

If you missed Sensors Expo or did not get a chance to check out all the exhibits, here is another of the interesting booths that I visited. Chuck Cauchy from Tellurex and Wayne Baer from Dexter Research explain each company’s role in developing an energy harvesting powered wireless sensor. To see the video, click the arrow link below.

For more information about Tellurex for thermoelectric solutions, click here.

For more information about Dexter Research for wireless sensing solutions, click here.

New Sensors & Instruments Solutions Guide from Minco

Minneapolis, MN — Minco has a new, free guide that walks you through defining your temperature sensing application requirements and choosing the best sensor and instrument solution. This guide will also help you determine what sensing technology is best, show you how to compare sensor alternatives and help you obtain parts for testing and prototyping sensors. The Sensors & Instruments Solutions Guide can be ordered in print from Minco’s website or downloaded free.

If you have any responsibility regarding temperature sensing, transmitting or recording, you must have this Catalog in your library. This new publication has a number of improvements including:

• It highlights the 255 parts that are in stock and ready for fast delivery. It also shows thousands of other standard sensor designs and explains how to work with Minco engineers to build a custom sensing solution.

• It includes several brand new products such as a compact plug sensor, integrated sensor/transmitter assembly, conductivity level sensor, programmable “smart” transmitters and more.

• It offers a full line of sensor and transmitter assemblies with calibration accuracy options to meet virtually any temperature sensing application requirement.

• Streamlined, simplified ordering and quick access to part drawings.

• Choose from many Explosion-proof and Intrinsically-safe sensor designs for your applications in hazardous areas.

The 172-page guide explains various temp sensing solutions for process control, building automation, defense, aerospace, machinery and industrial and commercial equipment. The guide has complete technical data on sensor assemblies, probes, miniature sensors, sanitary sensors, stator RTDs, HVAC temperature and humidity sensors, flexible sensors, elements, instruments, transmitters and accessories. In addition to the Guide, a Non-Invasive Sensors Design Kit is also available.

Minco
www.minco.com

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