Detecting magnetic fields over distances up to 60 mm demonstrates the capability of recently released MFxM magnetic proximity switches from Baumer. With this sensing distance, the proximity switch can be used to detect a target located behind a wall of non-ferromagnetic metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. An important application is any place where […]
Using Technology to Avoid Tragedy
The Colorado movie massacre has several pundits, including psychiatrists, sociologists and others trying to determine what, if anything could have been done to prevent the tragedy. The technology community should offer its recommendations too. Sensing should play a significant role in the solution. Ironically, just over 100 years ago, another tragedy killed over 146 girls […]
Magnetic Field Cylinder Sensors Include Protection
Balluff’s recently announced Global BMF magnetic field cylinder sensors have both replacement and new design applications. Based on non-contact, solid-state sensor technology that is compatible with both reed and Hall Effect magnetic pole orientations, the sensors can replace standard magnetic switches. For new designs, their integrated short circuit, overload, and reverse-polarity protection provide design advantages. […]
MEMS Sensors Help Detect Equine Lameness
Thanks to a University of Missouri professor of equine surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine, a commercially available product can detect horse lameness. Inputs from MEMS accelerometers and a gyroscope are transmitted by a Bluetooth® wireless transceiver (within 150 yards) to a motion computing tablet PC. Accelerometers are mounted the horse’ head and pelvis and […]
Industrial Applications of Motion Sensing
At Sensors Expo 2012, David Gaber, product marketing manager for Sensor Products at Epson demonstrates the application of Epson’s S4E5A0A0 inertial motion unit (IMU) in oil pipelines and manufacturing automation. The IMU can detect leaks in an oil pipeline by detecting the pitch of a pipe section. In a robotic arm, the IMU shows its […]
Sensor Hub Controller Reduces Smart Phone Power Consumption
At Sensors Expo 2012, Alec Melnick Sr. Product Marketing Manager for ROHM Semiconductor explains Lapis Semiconductor’s sensor hub controller. Lapis Semiconductor is now a part of ROHM Semiconductor. The controller acts as a filter for the host processor for sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and ambient light sensors in a smart phone, offloading the computations […]
3D Hall Sensor Measures Clutch Position
Roland Einspieler, an application engineer for ams (austria microsystems), explains linear position measurement in an automotive clutch application using the company’s 3D Hall effect absolute position sensor at Sensors Expo 2012. The sensor was a Best of Sensors Expo winner in 2011. For more information about ams AS5410 3D Hall sensor, click here. To watch […]
Sensor Fusion of Twelve Inputs for Windows 8
At Sensors Expo 2012, Stephane Gervais-Ducouret, Director of Global Marketing for Freescale Semiconductor discusses sensor fusion software developed for Microsoft’s Windows 8. The software is demonstrated in a reference platform with 12 axes of sensor input information including 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer as well as pressure, temperature and ambient light sensors. For more information […]
Flexible Sensor Fusion Solution for Motion Sensing
At Sensors Expo 2012, Ed Brachocki, director of marketing for Kionix explains the company’s sensor fusion software to Sensors Tips senior editor Randy Frank. The software suite runs either as a hardware solution on a microcontroller or as a software solution on an apps processor with a variety of 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer inputs. […]
Industrial Balancing Act with MEMS Technology
Jonathan Lee, a systems hardware engineer for InvenSense demonstrates the industrial motion control capability provided by the company’s MPU-3300 3-axis gyroscope at Sensors Expo 2012 in Chicago. The angular rate sensor has a sensitivity up to 145.6 LSBs/dps. For more information about InvenSense MPU-3300 industrial gyroscope, click here. To watch the video, click here