The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) on the Perseverance rover is characterizing the surface weather as well as the dust particle size and morphology. Understanding dust behavior is a key to predicting Martian weather. Dust influences Mars’ weather the way that water controls Earth’s weather. Two of MEDA’s weather-related goals are: determination of the destructive […]
Infrared
How do time-of-flight sensors work?
Using the time-of-flight (ToF) principle, a ToF sensor measures the distance between the sensor and an object. The sensor emits a signal that is reflected off an object and then detects the time for a round trip to occur. Typically, either light or sound waves can provide the transmitted signal. In either case, the distance […]
Ultra-low-power IC supports accurate measurement of ECG, temperature, differential capacitance and optical signals
Ensilica has announced the ENS62020, an ultra-low-power healthcare sensor interface IC for monitoring vital signs in wearable healthcare and medical devices. The chip, which will be initially available with evaluation boards, has been created to meet the needs of a diverse array of home-use and single-use medical sensors – from oximeters to smart plasters – […]
What sensors are in a smart cane? Pt 1
Blind or visually impaired individuals have to rely on other senses and typically have heightened capability – especially for hearing and touch. Using a white cane provides feedback in both of these areas. World Health Organization (WHO) data says that there are more than 253 million visually impaired people worldwide. Many of these individuals rely […]
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 […]
Infrared detectors boast high thermal sensitivity
Lynred announces enhanced capabilities across the whole range of its 12 µm infrared detectors, to enable optronics systems to more accurately identify objects in low-contrast scenes. These 12 µm pixel pitch infrared detectors, based on a microbolometer technology, come with enhanced thermal sensitivity, permitting use in limitless applications. Applications include integration into outdoor leisure equipment […]
What is the difference between active and passive IR sensors?
Passive infrared (PIR), or pyroelectric PIR sensors as they are also called, detect infrared (heat) radiation in the range of 0.7 µm to 50 µm. The radiated heat can come from humans, animals, machinery and more. Common applications include: alarm systems consumer electronics human body detection automatic switches including automatic lighting A PIR sensor is […]
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 can environmental monitoring be improved?
With its recently announced Exo Sense Pi, Sfera Labs s.r.l. provides its answer to this question. It is a multi-sensor module with the Raspberry Pi 4 as its computing core. Offering specialized sensors and interfaces, the system provides easy and versatile integration with wide communication protocols support. Sensors for the Exo Sense Pi include: temperature […]
Infrared sensor module meets special requirements of outdoor applications
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced a new extended temperature “E” option for its TSSP77038 infrared (IR) sensor module in the Heimdall package. Designed to meet the special requirements of outdoor applications, the Vishay Semiconductors TSSP77038ETR has been enhanced with a storage temperature range of -40 °C to +110 °C and an operating temperature range of -30 […]
