Gang Xu, senior applications engineer for STMicroelectronics demonstrates the capabilities of motion software and inertial measurement unit (IMU)-equipped gloves to Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank at Sensors Expo 2012 in Chicago. Each of the gloves has a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer. ST’s iNEMO sensor fusion software brings all the inputs […]
Magnetic sensor
Reduce Cost, Save Space with Multichannel Eddy-Current Displacement Sensor
The ECL150 Eddy-Current Displacement Sensor from Lion Precision delivers up to eight channels of high-resolution, noncontact displacement sensing. With a package measuring only 4.2×7.6×2.3 inches (108x193x57 mm), the small size is obvious. In addition to eliminating the need for interconnecting cables between channels, the company says it has reduced the power and cost, too. With […]
Detect Small Parts with Inductive Tube Sensors
Detecting fast moving small metal parts is among the many challenges in automated assembly applications. Balluff’s newest inductive tube sensors can take this off the challenge list. The sensor’s pulse extension of 150 ms results in reliable detection of fast-moving parts. In addition, the units are easily installed by a simple attachment to infeed tubes […]
Position Sensor Expands Hazardous Capability
With its recently acquired IECEx hazardous area approval rating, Balluff’s Micropulse TA12 explosion-proof linear position transducer is ready to tackle more hazardous applications. In addition to existing ATEX and North American approvals, the transducer can address even more situations where hazardous gases and/or dusts are present. Designed for continuous feedback on hydraulically and pneumatically actuated […]
Reed Switch Triggers Proximity Alarm
Built around the company’s proven technology, including the GR150 and GR200 magnetic reed switches, Standex Electronics has introduced a non-contact proximity alarm that combines audio and visual alerts. Reed sensing technology competes with Hall effect sensing and both technologies use external magnets but unlike solid state Hall effect sensors, reed switches are electromechanical devices. The […]
Evaluation Kit Available for 3D NanoCompass
Available at the end of February 2012, Baolab Microsystems evaluation kits of its recently announced 3D NanoCompass allow users to assess the company’s NanoEMS (nano- instead of micro- electromechanical system) technology. Fabricated within the standard metal structure of a high-volume CMOS wafer process, NanoEMS enables the integration of smaller MEMS structures with microcontrollers and ASICs […]
Position Sensors for Medical Applications
Medical OEM applications, such as surgical table positioning can benefit from position sensors designed for wear-free operation. ASM Sensors PRAS20/PRAS21 series are magnetic rotary sensors that offer wear-free capability. The non-contact position sensors use an external position magnet to provide an absolute output signal over a 0 to 360-degree measurement range. Key parameters for the […]
Nine-Axis Sensing Enables Games and Augmented Reality
At the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, Frank Melzer, CEO of Bosch Sensortec demonstrates 9-axis sensing using a combined accelerometer and eCompass magnetometer with the company’s newest 3×3-mm triaxial gyroscope, the BMG160. The 9-degree of freedom sensing combined with an imaging system and additional software enables augmented reality. In addition, Melzer […]
Nine-Axis MEMS Motion Sensing
At the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, David Borison of InvenSense demonstrates the capabilities of nine-axis motion sensing using the company’s newly introduced MPU-9150 nine-axis (gyro + accelerometer + compass) MEMS MotionTracking device. The multi-axis sensor incorporates MotionFusion and run-time firmware that simplifies motion sensing in end products. To further simply […]
MEMS IMU Delivers 10-Degree-of-Freedom Capability
Today, there are several sources for six degrees of freedom (DoF) sensors. However, when 6DoF is not enough, the newest solution from Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) may be the answer. The ADIS16488 is a 10-DoF sensor that integrates a tri-axis gyroscope, tri-axis accelerometer, tri-axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor into a single package. Based on […]