Single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors are emerging on the market and are being used in automotive, medical, and industrial applications requiring extremely high sensitivity, precise timing, and 3D imaging capabilities, often in low-light conditions. Design challenges include managing dead time, suppressing noise sources like afterpulsing and dark counts, mitigating optical crosstalk, and achieving high photon […]
FAQ
What are the key considerations for integrating lidar and radar data for robust perception: part 2
Practical techniques for improving sensor fusion accuracy In addition to the usual design techniques for improving sensor performance such as (1) calibration to correct errors including multi-point calibration for higher accuracy, and regular recalibration to correct for drift over time; (2) signal conditioning to correct for errors like offset and linearity, amplified signals for improved signal-to-noise […]
Key Considerations for integrating LiDAR and radar data for robust perception: part 1
For autonomous vehicle (AV) applications, both radar and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) are often used in addition to high-definition cameras and other sensors. The proper fusion of the output from these devices enables the detection of obstacles, identification of lane markings, and the accurate recognition of other vehicles and pedestrians. The radio waves (typically […]
Automotive sensor requirements for software-defined vehicles: latency, resolution, and zonal architecture
The automotive industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDV) and electrification is forcing a fundamental rethink of development processes, component specifications, and cross-industry collaboration. During a recent technical briefing, three engineers from TE Connectivity outlined how these changes are impacting everything from 30-year-old Stage-Gate processes to sensor latency requirements and the implementation of zonal architecture across […]
Ultrasonic sensing part 1: static presence
Ultrasonic energy is widely used to sense the presence of nearby objects and even determine their distance if needed, as well as to measure fluid flow rates in industrial and scientific applications. The advantages of ultrasound are that it is relatively easy to apply, is accurate, has very minimal safety or risk factors, carries no […]
High-current, low-impedance systems need advanced current sensing technology
The global demand for power supplies is expected to exceed USD 46.5 billion by 2031. This growth is fueled by the proliferation of EVs, renewable energy systems, and industrial automation, particularly for AC-DC power supplies. These applications require current sensors with high accuracy, low noise, and fast response times. As the demand for higher power […]
More sensors or AI?
With continually improving artificial intelligence (AI) technology, system designers will face the design tradeoff of adding more sensors to achieve specific design objectives or using AI instead. A good example is a smart elevator. Today’s elevators have several sensors in their design. One of the key features of smart elevators starts with traffic analysis and […]
What standards impact sensors?
Sensors require compliance with many industry standards and government regulations to be acceptable for different applications. One of the more stringent and well-known areas is automotive. However, industry groups in many market segments have sensor and system requirements that may be common or unique to specific applications. Industry-specific standards In automotive applications, government regulations, such […]
How is sensing improved in the newest security screening efforts?
While it may be costly, installing a security screening system can be a valuable investment for many institutions, especially in soft-target environments such as schools. Even if it never confronts or prevents an attack, like any insurance policy, the security system can provide numerous benefits to the insured. As part of the Support Anti-terrorism by […]
How does a portable appliance get even more useful?
Suppose an individual born in the U.S. lives the average life expectancy (78.4 years today). In that case, they can expect numerous iterations of technological innovations and improvements throughout their lifetime, especially for healthcare products and systems. Looking back, an item like the Holter monitor (developed in 1947 and released for commercial production in 1962) […]
