With last year’s sensing/sensor events cancelled or held virtually after COVID -19 hit, it is interesting to monitor how they are being held this year. Some recent announcements provide an indication. The 35th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (IEEE MEMS 2022) will be held in-person in Tokyo, Japan, as well as virtually on […]
How can Wi-Fi sense without sensors?
With over 105 patents filed and pending and 45+ patents granted worldwide, Origin Wireless Inc.’s Hex Home security system uses patented Wireless AI™ technology to provide WiFi Sensing™. The Hex system consists of a home master command, remote devices and an app. Devices are located about 15 to 30 feet from each other. Installation requires […]
What is the difference between sensors for low UV, middle UV, and UV-C light?
Unlike visible light, which ranges between 380 nm and 780 nm, ultraviolet (UV) light wavelengths measure between 100 nm to 400 nm. UV is broken into subcategories known as UVA, UVB, or UVC. While UVC rays are the shortest and strongest, naturally occurring UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the atmospheric ozone layer, so they […]
What is the difference between an NTC and a PTC thermistor?
Both negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors’ values change as a result of temperature but impact their use differently. For NTC thermistors, as temperature increases, the resistance drops from high to low and allows current to pass through. In a circuit, they can limit in-rush current by self-heating when current is […]
How can thousands of wireless sensors be deployed without requiring battery maintenance?
Wireless applications that need continuous monitoring to save energy, detect unsafe or other avoidable conditions and need to avoid creating serious maintenance issues are prime candidates for energy harvesting. Steam trap monitoring provides an excellent example of this type of batteryless sensing. Roughly 20% of the steam leaving a typical facility’s central boiler plant in space […]
Can the AgeMeter help you?
Developed by Centers for Age Control, the AgeMeter takes user data and physiological biomarker tests to calculate functional age and provide other age-related feedback to users. Since it tests physiological biomarkers that decline with age, the AgeMeter can validate aging reversal as well as anti-aging therapies for healthcare practices, researchers, fitness programs and consumers. Intended […]
How do materials impact a sensor’s performance? Pt 2
The right materials are essential to achieve the desired sensor electrical performance, especially in many more demanding, high performance applications. Part 1 showed the performance impact of different sensor materials on infrared (IR) optical sensors. Radio frequency (RF) sensors also provide some interesting examples of a material’s impact on sensor performance. With expanding RF applications […]
How can force sensing be integrated for Industry 4.0 upgrades?
Upgrading facilities to industry 4.0 standards is one of the most significant trends in the manufacturing industry today. To do this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are pushing hard to renovate their facilities with connected, automated devices and machines to create greater efficiency and cost savings. Smarter devices can ease the transition. For example, force measurement […]
How do materials impact a sensor’s performance? Pt 1
For harsh environments, materials provide the difference between survival and failure by addressing thermal, chemical and mechanical operating requirements. However, the right materials are also essential to achieve the desired sensor electrical performance, especially in many more demanding, high performance applications. This starts with the sensing element and extends to the packaging. As one of […]
How do microphone sensors fit into a smart home?
A quick search for “sensors in the smart home” can easily identify dozens of sensors – primarily for sensing physical properties. The results could be one of many specific sensing technologies or specific products. For example, one search showed: Fire/CO detection Leak/moisture detection Window & door open and close Video doorbell Smart thermostat Motion sensors […]
