At 2018 Sensors Expo in San Jose, CA, Jacob Hicks, an Applications Development Manager from Omron Electronic Components, discusses including sensors in the Omron LD autonomous robot. The robot is linked to sensor technologies from Omron including cross-referenced Raspberry Pi based cameras to provide locations and status information, similar to what might be required in […]
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What’s new in thin-film batteries?
At Sensors Expo 2018 in San Jose, CA, Jeff Sather, the vice president of Customer Solutions at Cymbet Corporation, explained the various formats for the company’s EnerChip thin-film, solid-state batteries. The wafer fabricated batteries have 5 µAH and 50 µAH ratings. The 5 µAH CBC005-BDC is a rechargeable 1.75mm x 2.15mm x 200 microns thick […]
How big is the magnetic sensing market?
Angle, position and current sensing, as well as compasses and even some switches, rely on magnetic sensors. While Hall-effect technology has been a dominant enabler of these sensors, so-called xMR or magnetoresistive/magnetoresistance technologies are playing an increasing role. The x can stand for anisotropic (AMR), giant (GMR) or tunnel (TMR). With these new technologies playing […]
What is a spirometer?
A spirometer is used to make the most common of pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It is a respiratory flowmeter that determines how well the lungs are working by measuring the amount of inhaled air, amount of exhaled air and how quickly it is exhaled. Used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other […]
What is an oximeter?
Unlike an oxymoron (äksəˈmôrˌän: a combination of contradictory words), a (pulse) oximeter (äkˈsimidər) is a sensing technique to measure oxygen saturation in a person’s peripheral (capillary) blood (SpO2). Using pulses in the capillaries of the tested area, the noninvasive measurement helps to evaluate a variety of medical conditions that affect the function of the heart […]
Seismometer: What is it and what does it measure?
A seismometer is an instrument used to measure seismic (ground motion) activity caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, the use of explosives or other forces. The fundamental sensing principle for the seismometer is based on the differential motion between a free mass (which tends to remain at rest) and a supporting structure anchored in the ground […]
How big is the MEMS pressure sensor market?
According to Yole Développement’s “MEMS Pressure Sensor Comparison 2018 report,” the global microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensor market was about $1.6 billion US in 2017. It will grow by 3.8% per year to reach a value of $2B in 2023. While automotive and consumer applications are the largest markets, medical and industrial markets continue to […]
How do surgeons navigate inside a patient’s body? Part 2 of 2
Part 1 looked at various uses of X-ray technology as well as ultrasound imaging. Cameras are an essential part of many medical diagnostics as well. The lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine are examined using Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). In this procedure, the scope (a video camera with light) is inserted through […]
How do surgeons navigate inside a patient’s body? Part 1 of 2
Until the invention of X-ray technology, doctors had no way of determining what was happening inside a patient without the use of surgical tools. X-ray still is one of the first steps toward identifying many body ailments. However, determining if a blockage, restriction, stone, hemorrhage, cancer or other abnormality is present also involves many other […]
How do sensors make a smart crane safer?
Watching a crane operator elevate and transport a heavy load over a significant distance to a precise location with an articulated crane is always a fascinating and thought-provoking activity. With today’s concerns about job safety, how is safety handled in this process? Safety begins with the skill of the crane operator but today’s sensors and […]
