Part 1 provided background on the evolution of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the increased use of sensors and Part 2 elaborated on sensing in more advanced HVAC systems. In this third and final part, government and industry organization’s effort to change HVAC systems and the impact on sensing will be explored. In […]
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What sensors are used in today’s and tomorrow’s HVAC systems? Part 1
When Willis Carrier designed a system of fans, ducts and perforated pipes, which became the first modern electric air conditioner (AC) in 1902 (120 years ago), sensing was not part of the bill of materials. Devon Brock, Manager of Product Knowledge and Training, Sensors Group at TE Connectivity provides some insight into subsequent AC systems. […]
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 […]
How is biomarker sensing expanding?
Pathogens, infectious agents that cause disease, can include microscopic viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Both biomarkers and biosensors can detect and identify pathogenic agents. After using biomarkers to measure and detect pathogenic factors and assess biological conditions., drugs can be delivered to the target tissue so that other tissues are not damaged. Biomarkers are widely […]
ToF sensor maps 3D surfaces
STMicroelectronics has announced a new family of high-resolution Time-of-Flight sensors that bring advanced 3D depth imaging to smartphones and other devices. The 3D family debuts with the VD55H1. This sensor maps three-dimensional surfaces by measuring the distance to over half a million points. Objects can be detected up to five meters from the sensor, and even further […]
How can a MEMS microphone be used in harsh environments?
The answer depends on how harsh of an environment and how much protection is required. For a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone, one of the most-harsh environments is the human body, since sweat and dirt can cause failures in traditional MEMS microphone architectures. Regarding the protection, the International Electrochemical Commission’s (IEC’s) IEC 60529 rating system defines different […]
high-precision pressure transmitters feature extremely low-profile design
TDK Corporation presents the AVD series of new pressure transmitters, distinguishable by their extremely low-profile design and high precision. The transmitters with B58621V* ordering codes are available in three versions for different pressure measurement ranges including 0 to 16 mbar, 0 to 100 mbar, and 0 to 7 bar. The series offers high precision levels […]
What sensors are in a smart cane? Pt 2
Inspired by self-driving vehicles and robotics, the Augmented Cane developed by Stanford University researchers uses a LiDAR sensor to measure distance to nearby obstacles and then provide directions so blind or visually impaired users can navigate around those areas. Additional sensors in the research prototype include GPS, accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes to monitor the user’s […]
Tactile sensor targets robotic hand applications
Melexis has made a major innovation to improve robots’ ability to interact with fragile or diverse objects. The company has unveiled Tactaxis, a fully integrated tactile sensor that is compact, soft, and provides the 3D force vector acting on its surface. This improves robots’ hands and grippers, making delicate operations such as fruit picking possible. […]
How are multi-axis sensors improving product development?
With a multi–axis sensor design, a single load cell sensor can measure 3 axes of force and 3 torque moments simultaneously. These sensors consist of multiple bridges that precisely measure the applied force from one direction with minimal crosstalk from the other axes. Using a multi-axis sensor, forces can be measured simultaneously in three mutually […]
