Designers who use inductive proximity sensors have a choice of high-performance signal-conditioning interface ICs, each offering different sets of features, functions, and capabilities. The first part of this article discussed some of the sensing opportunities and looked at an IC from Texas Instruments. This part looks at ICs from Renesas and Microchip Technology. Renesas IPS2550 […]
FAQ
ICs for interfacing inductive sensors, Part 1
Designers who use inductive proximity sensors have a choice of high-performance signal-conditioning interface ICs, each offering different sets of features, functions, and capabilities. In two predecessor features (see References), we looked at the inductive proximity sensor and its basic operation (see References) but did not look at the electronic interface circuit for this widely used […]
What are inductive proximity sensors, Part 2
The first part of this article introduced the inductive proximity sensor. This second and final part looks at some more specifics of this sensor. Q: Are there different architectures and implementations? A: Yes, there are three basic types: 1) the magnetic elements alone are in the sensor. This separates the electronics from the sensing coils […]
What are inductive proximity sensors? Part 1
Non-contact sensing of a nearby object’s linear or rotary position in an electrically and mechanically harsh environment is a common system requirement. There are several ways to meet this objective, including sensors based on the Hall effect, the magnetorestrictive effect, and magnetic coupling. One widely used approach is inductive proximity sensing, which is effective, accurate, […]
How to design an Arduino-based EMG monitor
Electromyography (EMG) is a medical procedure that evaluates the health conditions of muscles and nerve cells. These cells transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract or relax. EMG is used to read these signals and plot them as numbers or graphs. Typically, EMG is performed by doctors as one part of a diagnostic tool […]
The working principle, applications and limitations of ultrasonic sensors
The ultrasonic sensor (or transducer) works on the same principles as a radar system. An ultrasonic sensor can convert electrical energy into acoustic waves and vice versa. The acoustic wave signal is an ultrasonic wave traveling at a frequency above 18kHz. The famous HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor generates ultrasonic waves at 40kHz frequency. Typically, a […]
What are the different types of light sensors?
Light sensors or photosensors, which are designed to measure light intensity, are one of the most commonly used sensors in electronic applications. Light intensity is one of the seven base physical quantities. The measurement of light intensity is useful in many consumer, industrial, and security applications. What is a light sensor? A light sensor is […]
How to design an LDR light/dark sensor using Arduino
Light sensors are widely used in electronic applications. The most common one used is a photoresistor or light-dependent resistor. Despite a long response time, this sensor is inexpensive and useful in several applications. A photoresistor consists of a zigzag track of photo-sensitive semiconductors. It offers pure resistance although this is dependent on the ambient light. […]
4 to 20 mA current loops made easy
by Edward E. Herceg, VP and CTO, Alliance Sensors Group A 4-20 mA current loop is a very common method to convey the sensor data acquired for analog sensor data transmission. Sensors or transducers are usually designed to measure a range of values of the measured parameter, known as the measurand. The measureand value must […]
Creating cryogenic environments for electronics
This FAQ series has gone to extremes and looked at “electronics that operate in extreme heat” (up to 800°C) and “electronics that operate in extreme cold” at cryogenic temperatures. This third and final FAQ will consider the various methods available to create artificial cryogenic environments. The temperature where refrigerated temperatures end and cryogenic temperatures begin […]
