Switches often provide sensing information in go/no-go or on/off applications. For example, they are used in vehicles to indicate the gear lever position and sufficient fluid level for the brake fluid reservoir. For these and other applications that require a small, high-performance switch, a new Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)-based magnetic reed switch from Coto Technology Inc. […]
Use an Inductive Proximity Sensor as a Switch
As a new addition to its Proxtrol family, SoftNoze USA Inc’s ShortSTOP products convert a standard shielded-style inductive proximity sensor into a mechanical switch. While inductive sensors are designed for non-contact sensing, some applications require or benefit from physical contact. In a targeted application, the ShortSTOP adapter gets physically triggered and its internal target activates […]
Military Grade IMU with 6DOF
MEMSENSE military grade MX Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) targets dynamic control systems, such as unmanned aerial systems or short range missiles and rockets. The 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) unit supports sample rates up to 800 Hz through an RS422 serial protocol. The IMU’s 2.000 x 1.110 x 0.645 inch package includes triaxial accelerometers, gyroscopes […]
Solving Medical Sensing Application Problems
by Randy Frank, Contributing Editor In medical and healthcare applications, sensors cover a variety of aspects from routine to critical patient measurements and more. There are several different sensing techniques that specifically address well being and health monitoring. The increasing importance of sensors is noted by the 2012 market research report’s (World Sensors Market in […]
Wireless Sensing for Data Centers
The ever-increasing volume of internet data requires handling many megawatts of power in data centers and dealing with increasing server densities. Maintaining an environment that ensures uninterrupted long life for the servers and minimizes electricity costs dictates the use of complex cooling and environmental monitoring systems. For scalable monitoring, LORD MicroStrain’s wireless sensor network technology […]
Optical Encoder Fits in Small Spaces, Offers Several Features
If you have to make motion feedback measurements in a small space and can’t sacrifice resolution, a new encoder system from RSF Elektronik, a subsidiary of HEIDENHAIN Corporation may be the answer. The MS 14 encoder optical encoder’s small size allow it to be installed as a direct mechanical replacement to other encoder brands by […]
Rugged IR Sources for Gas Sensors
Infrared (IR) sources are used for gas detection in a variety of measurement techniques including non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy, (NDIR), photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy (PAS) and attenuated-total-reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (ATR). For its IR sources, Axetris uses micromachined, electrically-modulated, thermal infrared emitters to detect CO, CO2, VOC, NOx, NH3, SOx, SF6, hydrocarbons, humidity, anesthetic agents, refrigerants and breath […]
Kit Provides Sensors and Sensor Fusion Development Tools
Called a development ecosystem with sensor fusion technology, Texas Instruments’ Sensor Hub BoosterPack is a plug-in daughter card for its ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller (MCU). TivaWare software shipped with board enables measurement of pressure, humidity, ambient and infrared (IR) light along with temperature and motion (including acceleration, orientation and compass). Sensors on the board include: • […]
Solar Energy Harvesting Powers Intra-Ocular Pressure Sensor
An Intra-Ocular Pressure Monitor (IOPM) device that is less than 1.5 mm has been designed for implanting in the eye of a glaucoma patient. Developed by researchers at the University of Michigan, the design uses a capacitive pressure sensor developed at the university, an integrated 0.07mm2 solar cell, a Cymbet EnerChip solid-state battery and other circuitry […]
Pressure Sensors for Tough Applications
When it comes to tough applications, oil and gas drilling are among some of the toughest, especially for a pressure sensor that has to be in contact with these fluids. Hammer Union pressure transducers from Automation Products Group, Inc are designed specifically for these types of applications including mud logging, cementing, fracturing, acidizing and measurement […]