Portable tablets and smartphones contain several sensors that detect motion, including an accelerometer, RGB light, digital compass or magnetometer, proximity, gyroscope and barometer. Many of these sensors make multi-axis measurements. The data are used for a wide range of applications including gaming, navigation and virtual reality. For its recently launched Galaxy Note II, Samsung selected […]
Position
AutomationDirect adds to capacitive proximity sensor lineup
AutomationDirect’s line of capacitive proximity sensors now includes 12mm metal round bodied DC models with shielded and unshielded mounting options, PNP, normally-open outputs, potentiometer adjustment and M12 quick disconnect. Unshielded 18mm DC plastic bodied models with selectable normally-open/normally-closed outputs feature logic auto detection. Additional unshielded 30mm models feature AC and DC versions with plastic housings […]
MEMS Sensors, a Ball and Augmented Reality
At the MEMS Industry Group’s MEMS Executive Congress 2012 held Nov 7-9 in Scottsdale, AZ, six MEMS Technology Showcase finalists demonstrated end products using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors. The winning product, based on attendees’ votes, was Sphero from Orbotix. A ball with an integrated MEMS-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) and augmented reality provides several intriguing […]
Three-Axis Accelerometer in Disposable Body Monitor
At the MEMS Industry Group’s MEMS Executive Congress 2012 held Nov 7-9 in Scottsdale, AZ, I had the chance to talk to Ivo Stivoric, CTO & VP of New Products at BodyMedia about the MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors in his company’s newest product. To expose its wearable technology to a broader market, BodyMedia worked with […]
New Long Stroke Position Sensor for Harsh Environments uses LVDTs
Control Products Inc.’s long stroke linear position sensors are built for use in harsh environments including hydraulics, power plants, automation, oil and gas, deep sea applications, and more. To avoid problems that can occur with rod-type designs that use magnetostrictive sensors, the SL Series Sensors take advantage of Macro Sensors Series CD LVDTs. The SL […]
9-Axis IMU Boasts Market-Leading Performance
With the introduction and current sampling of the BMX055, Bosch Sensortec’s 9-axis (accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic) sensor is the first available with all components developed and manufactured in house. The inertial measurement unit’s (IMU’s) footprint of 3.0 x 4.5 mm2 makes it the smallest on the market, too. Using the company’s FusionLib sensor fusion software […]
MEMS IMU Boasts Advantages over Fiber Optic Gyro Products
Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, Sensonor’s STIM300 inertial measurement unit (IMU) offers 12 times less weight, 10 times less volume, and 5 times less power consumption when compared to existing solutions with similar performance. With this capability, the IMU can address applications that previously were addressed by […]
Shirt Integrates Sensors and More for Health Monitoring
With the market for wearable devices projected to reach more than 100 million units annually by 2016 according to ABI Research, many companies are pursuing new products to take advantage of consumer interest. Collaboration of three companies, Maxim Integrated, Clearbridge VitalSigns, and Orbital Research, has produced the Fit shirt for preventive medical care that could reduce […]
Sensor Provides 4 Nanometer Resolution for Manufacturing Measurements
With its redesigned contact-free IPRM 12 inductive sensor, Baumer now offers measurement resolution of 4 nm. In addition to high resolution, the IPRM 12 has a measuring speed of 1 mm/s. The contact-free sensor provides an alternative to complex measuring systems and will not leave scratches or pressure points on delicate finished products. Housed in […]
Wireless Sensing Applied to Rollercoaster Testing
Measuring the inertial force on a person when riding a roller coaster is an interesting challenge, especially when the coaster has a downhill drop of more than 45m and eight inversions. That is exactly what the Dragon Khan of PortAventura in Europe offers riders. To measure the inertial force on this and the Shambhala, a […]