Sensing in Home Monitoring and Control

Joyce Warrington of Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions explains the sensing that can be incorporated in a home monitoring system at the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. The control and monitoring is made possible by Nexia Home Intelligence (formerly Schlage LiNK) based on Z-Wave technology.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about:

Nexia Home Intelligence, click here, and

Z-Wave, wireless remote control technology, click here.

Infrared Sensor IC Addresses Temperature Measurements in Demanding Environments

Designed to measure high object temperatures (maximum of 1030°C), Melexis MLX90616ESF-HCA thermopile sensors have a stabilization period of less than half a minute instead of times that can extend up to half an hour. In addition to a secondary thermopile sensor that detects temperature variations in the package and in the optical assembly, for integration in thermometer guns the integrated circuit sensors also comes with an 8 to 12 micron optical filter. Calculated object and ambient temperatures are available from RAM memory with a resolution of 0.02˚C

For more information about Melexis MLX90616ESF-HCA thermopile sensor, click here.

Sensors Monitor Solar Power Conversion

The conversion of solar energy to electrical power is anything but uniform under varying weather conditions. To monitor several key system parameters, RainWise, a professional grade meteorological equipment manufacturer designed the PVmet Solar Energy Efficiency Monitor specifically for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The unit can continuously measure key solar panel performance indicators such as ambient temperature, solar irradiance, plane-of-array irradiance, back-of-module temperature and wind speed and direction. This information allows accurate performance modeling, fault detection, and maintenance scheduling of solar equipment. The monitor is offered in three different models: entry (PVmet 100), intermediate (PVmet 200) and utility level (PVmet 300).

For more information on RainWise PVmet Solar Panel Monitors, click here.

A Single-Chip Passive IR Temperature Sensor

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.

Humidity and Temperature Sensor Qualified to Automotive AEC-Q100 Requirements

Many environments require special qualification testing to prove that the product can withstand more than usual application requirements. This can include Underwriters Laboratories (UL), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or in the case of automotive, the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC).

Sensirion’s SHT21 humidity and temperature sensor has passed rigorous AEC Q100 qualification testing. The capacitive type humidity sensor and an improved band gap temperature sensor are Implemented in a standard semiconductor fabrication process.  Sensirion’s CMOSens technology enables the sensor component to be combined with the analog and digital signal processing circuitry. As a result, the output of the SHT21 can be either digital I2C, analog pulse width modulated (PWM) or analog Sigma Delta Modulated (SDM) format.

An evaluation Kit EK-H4 is available for the SHT21.

 For more information on Sensirion’s SHT21 humidity and temperature sensor, 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.

Ease Temperature Concerns: We’ll Call You

Adding to its USB, and Wi-Fi editions, Temperature@lert Cellular Edition monitors the ambient temperature in a server room or other critical area and alerts the user via email, telephone and text message when the temperature rises or falls outside of an acceptable range. The pre-calibrated digital temperature sensor is accurate to within ±0.5°C with a range of -40°F to +200°F. Plugging the Temperature@lert Cellular Edition into a power outlet initiates transmission of temperature readings over the AT&T and T-Mobile cellular phone networks to the company’s 24/7 monitoring system and dashboard website.

For more information on Temperature@lert Cellular Edition go to: http://www.temperaturealert.com/Remote-Temperature/Temperature-Alert-Cellular-Sensor.aspx

New Bio-Fuel and Diesel Exhaust Gas Temperature Probe

As developers of off-highway equipment turn green and make greater use of biodiesel fuels, the need for biocompatible sensors increases. The EGT Diesel Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor is one that features an enclosed foul-proof probe tip for operation in bio-fuel and diesel engine applications. Manufactured in the U.S. from Inconel and 316SS, this type K thermocouple can withstand extreme conditions, making it suitable for use in R&D and testing as well as in agricultural, marine, automotive/racing applications and in truck engine management systems and LNP injection systems.  

The sensor is capable of surviving extreme vibration and heat up to 1200 degrees C. The foul-proof sensing tip is recommended for temperature measurements of sulfuric fuels such as diesel and bio-fuels. Measuring 0.187 in. in diameter (4.75 mm), the probe will fit most diesel engine exhaust systems from 0.750 in. (19 mm) to 4.0 in. (100 mm) in diameter with nominal installation modifications. A 90° bend to the probe accommodates tight-spaced mounting locations. An adjustable (316 Stainless Steel) 1/8 in. NPT compression fitting adapter is included. 

The probe cable, over-braided in stainless steel for heavy-duty abrasion resistance, extends 6 ft (2 m) in length.  Signal wires are Teflon insulated to ensure reliable and consistent high temperature measurement in the most extreme operating conditions.  

The Sensor Connection
www.thesensorconnection.com

High-performance Distance Measurement Sensor

Minneapolis, Minn. – SICK announces the launch of its new line of DT50 Distance Measurement Sensors. These cost-effective, high-performance sensors are ideal for automating production processes where budget and space were previously a constraint. 

The DT50 family of distance measurement sensors features a new High-Definition Distance Measurement (HDDM) platform that provides greater precision at longer sensing distances and an industry-leading operating temperature range and ambient light tolerance. 

The DT50 provides high-performance distance measurement capabilities that help decrease operating and manufacturing costs by reducing scrap and increasing throughput. These lightweight, compact sensors feature an intuitive display and keypad with an easy-to-use push button for simple teach-in and programming. While the DT50 is ideal for a variety of existing distance measurement applications, this new family of sensors can also be used in new applications, such as elevator car positioning; level detection in hoppers, bins, silos, and chutes; and pre-process and closed loop feedback in metal forming applications.

www.sickusa.com