Schurter took home the bronze medal in the recently completed 2022 Leap Awards for product innovation. The LEAP Awards celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Schurter won in the Sensors and Switches category covering equipment feedback devices such as mechanical switches and photoelectric, proximity, reel, and hall-effect sensors. Submissions […]
Capacitive
How can you sense ripening fruit?
A diet high in fruit (and vegetables) can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation and diabetes. But the fruit needs to be fresh for a sustainable, healthy diet. Several techniques are being used to detect ripening fruit. One company, smartGAS in Germany, has two different sensors to detect the ethylene (C2H4) that […]
How can you see through walls?
It depends on what you want to “see” and how much you want to pay. To locate a stud, the old school technique of tapping a tool on the wall for acoustic differences used hearing rather than sight and it was free. Initially, battery-operated stud finders used magnets to find screws and nails and provided […]
Switches: The complete guide
From DIP, rotary DIP, and slide switches to tactile, rocker, push button, and toggle switches, there is a nearly limitless range of mechanical switches differing in size, shape, interfaces, and features. Although a relatively basic component in electronic design, each switch type has its benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use cases. Because all switches serve a […]
What are the different types of fingerprint scanners?
Fingerprint scanners, which were once reserved for biometric logging systems and attendance systems, are now part of regular smartphones and much more. Fingerprints have been a trusted method of personal identity. Combined with face id or other biometric identification systems like retina scanning, fingerprints offer an impeccable way to recognize any person. With a blast […]
What sensors are in a modern washing machine? Pt 1
The number and different types of sensors in cars and smartphones are cited frequently and certainly are impressive. However, sensor usage in many other areas is increasing as well. Appliances, which are not replaced as frequently as vehicles and smartphones, could surprise many people with the different sensing functions and types of sensors used in […]
Illuminated keyswitch series integrates LED
C&K has developed an illuminated keyswitch series that offers smooth, positive tactile feedback with a clear tactile sound for superior ergonomics and ease of use. The D6 Series illuminated keyswitch features an integrated LED, reducing costs and simplifying the design of the illumination path. As a result, the D6 Series is used in a wide […]
IO-Link adds flexibility and control to capacitive smart sensor
Balluff designed its new block-style capacitive smart level sensor with IO-Link for applications with highly conductive fluids like acids and bases, using smart level 50 technology to compensate for foam and deposit build-up. And thanks to its IO-Link interface, it delivers expanded application and setting options. IO-Link’s automatic parameter setting allow the user to see […]
AutomationDirect adds capacitive pushbutton sensor switches and indicators
Captron SENSORswitches are capacitive pushbuttons which are activated without pressure, using a hand or other parts of the body. The buttons have a determinate sensing distance, which may be altered by varying the approach speed and/or damping factor. A quickly approaching finger will achieve a higher sensing distance than a slowly approaching finger. A hand, […]
AutomationDirect’s capacitive proximity sensors with potentiometer adjustment
AutomationDirect’s line of sensors now includes capacitive proximity sensors with potentiometer adjustment for sensitivity. Capacitive proximity sensors allow sensing of metal and non-metal objects through insulating materials such as wood or plastic and are often used to sense fill levels of liquids or powders. New lower priced 18mm and 30mm capacitive proximity sensors have a […]
