Sensors as well as communication ICs and microcontrollers provide the enabling technologies for several new innovations in healthcare. A Kalorama Information Dec. 1, 2010 report estimates that the global market for medical mobile apps hit $84.M in 2010, increasing more than 2X its 2009 level of $41M. This is just the downloadable software portion of […]
Pressure
Pressure Indicating Sensor Film
Typical measurement systems average or provide a point measurement. So how can you quickly observe the pressure distribution across an entire surface in applications such as the interface pressure of gaskets, clamps, heat sealing elements, composite layups, LCD panels, and heat sinks? One answer is Fuji Prescale, a Mylar tactile pressure indicating sensor film. Simply […]
STMicroelectronics’ Three MEMS Sensors Provide 10 DoF
If a single MEMS sensor is good, a system that provides 10 degrees of freedom (DoF) should be an order of magnitude better. The three ST MEMS sensors include a geo-magnetic module, a gyroscope, and a pressure sensor. With these sensors, a consumer device can provide a complete indication of its linear acceleration, angular velocity, earth […]
The Use of Sensing Technology in Robotics Competition
Dean Kamen, president of DEKA Research and Development Corporation was the keynote speaker and winner of the Bellwether Award at Semico Research Corporation’s Semico Summit, May 1-3 in Scottsdale, AZ. The award is presented annually to a company head for notable contributions and achievements in the semiconductor industry. Kamen won the award for his many […]
Pressure Sensors Handle Liquid Media
Applications for silicon-based pressure sensors in low cost plastic packages are usually limited to air and dry gases without adding some form of additional media isolation. For Honeywell’s TruStability Pressure Sensors, an option now allows connecting one port of the sensor to condensing humidity or non-corrosive liquid media, such as de-ionized water. This simplifies the […]
Sensor System Ensures Heat Sink Efficiency
Heat sinks must efficiently conduct heat away from the electronic components that generate this heat. The new Tactilus® heat-sink analysis system helps you quickly and precisely test and correct the surface contact and pressure distribution between the heat sink and its source. Even a slight warping of the heat exchange structure or reduction in surface […]
Blood Pressure: There’s an App for That
It wasn’t difficult to find interesting products at 2011 CES that took advantage of sensor technology. For one, the Withings Blood Pressure monitor connects to an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. The monitor stores measurements in these devices and they transmit it to the Withings website for an easy access from an internet browser. Using […]
ABS Certified Pressure Sensors
Certification to industry standards always enhances the market opportunities for products and, in some cases, is essential for the product’s selection in certain applications. With American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) approvals for several models of pressure sensors, American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) can address a variety of marine and offshore applications. AST4000 sensors have applications […]
Sensing in the AR.Drone Quadricopter
Controlled by a cell phone (iPhone/iPod, Touch/iPad and others), Parrot’s AR.Drone quadricopter uses pressure sensors (for altitude) and camera sensors for its control. At the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas, Yoni Benatar, project manager for Parrot explains the sensors in the wirelessly-controlled aerial robot to Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank. The AR.Drone employs […]
Measure Industrial Differential Line Pressures up to 2,000 PSI
It’s amazing how much information a sensor’s package conveys regarding its application. American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) AST5400 screams industrial, high pressure. In fact, the wet / wet differential pressure sensor can measure line pressures up to 2,000 PSI. With microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology as the sensing mechanism, the package uses Krystal Bond Technology to […]