Sesame Street’s Count von Count loves to count things. However, depending on what needs to be counted, there are a variety of different techniques. Is it people, objects, steps, or? Counting people Turnstiles are commonly seen at events, fairgrounds, stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, or anywhere pedestrian counting and/or pedestrian crowd control is required. The simplest […]
Vibration
Compact miniature force sensor features expanded interface capabilities
HBK has released the U93A, a compact and easy-to-mount miniature force sensor that offers both digital and analog interface options. The U93A is available as a traditional passive mV/V sensor or can be ordered with different hardwired amplifier modules. Models with 0-10V or 4-20mA analog outputs are available, as well as a digital version with […]
What sensors and measurements can prevent HAVS?
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) injuries can occur in industrial and other work situations. Also called Raynaud’s phenomenon, vibration-induced white finger, and traumatic vasospastic disease, HAVS has been well known and documented since 1918. It is a prevalent occupational hazard in the construction, forestry, manufacturing, and mining industries, where workers are at high risk of developing […]
What are the types and uses of vibration sensors?
There is a wide range of vibration sensor technologies, and each technology has unique performance characteristics that make it suited for a specific type of application, such as mobile devices, machine condition monitoring, or automotive safety testing. This FAQ reviews vibration and accelerometer sensor technologies, including charge mode versus voltage mode piezoelectric sensors, MEMS devices, […]
What are the subtleties of using accelerometers as vibration sensors?
Accelerometers are deceptively simple-looking devices but are complex electromechanical systems. But there are numerous mechanical, environmental, electronic, and application-related factors to consider when using accelerometers. This FAQ reviews several of the subtleties that need to be considered when using accelerometers as vibration sensors and closes with a look at the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-4:2010 standard for Transducer […]
How do sensors improve home appliances? Part 2
Part 1 of this blog discussed sensors in the laundry room in washing machines and dryers. In the kitchen, similar to the laundry room, basic functions can be designed in using established sensing techniques. In the typical home, the refrigerator is the second-largest consumer of electricity (13.7%), with the air conditioner being number one. So, […]
How do sensors improve home appliances? Part 1
Today’s home appliances are increasingly connected for remote monitoring and control and smarter due, in part, to numerous sensors. The sensors help even lower-end appliances implement their basic functions and, more importantly, enable smarter, top-end appliances. While sensors provide these capabilities for several home appliances, this two-part series will describe sensing functions for large appliances […]
How do sensors impact ATMs?
It’s well known that automobiles and smartphones have several sensors to improve today’s capabilities over those of previous generations. However, they are not the only products that impact consumers’ lives to do so. For example, automated teller machines (ATMs) have a surprising number and different types of sensors to perform a variety of functions. Even […]
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 has sensing changed in industrial automation? (Part 1)
The Industrial Revolution or what we might call Industry 1.0 started over 250 years ago. In 1771 Richard Arkwright, today known as Father of the Factory System, used water to power the first fully automated spinning mill. One hundred years later, the automotive assembly line initiated the Second Industrial Revolution or Industry 2.0 with significantly […]
