Among the many ways to sense temperature, combinations of advanced optical principles used with optical fibers offer very different approaches, with application advantages and implementation limitations. Temperature is the most widely sensed physical parameter; it’s that simple. What’s not simple is the many ways we have of measuring it through the use of sensors such […]
FAQ
Analyzing different proximity sensor technologies
Utilized as a no-touch method to provide either precise distance measurement to an object or simple “there/not there” logic, proximity sensors span a wide range of technologies, each offering their own set of operating principles, advantages, and drawbacks. Some of the most commonly found technologies in portable or small embedded systems include ultrasonic, photoelectric, laser […]
Undersea optical-fiber cables do double-duty as seismic sensors, Part 2: Application
A research team has devised and tested a scheme based on advanced optical-physics principles, which uses active submarine optical-fiber data cables also to sense ocean-floor earthquakes and ocean-surface swells. The previous part of this article established the context for “piggybacking” seismic-sensing capabilities onto an existing undersea fiber-optic cable. This part looks in more detail at […]
Undersea optical-fiber cables do double-duty as seismic sensors, Part 1: Context
A research team has devised and tested a scheme based on advanced optical-physics principles which uses active submarine optical-fiber data cables to also sense ocean-floor earthquakes and ocean-surface swells. Sensing of physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, force, and velocity often brings a “split personality” analysis. On one hand, getting a reading of the basic […]
ICs for interfacing inductive sensors, Part 2
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 […]
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 the two preceding features (see Related EEWorld Content), we looked at the inductive proximity sensor and its basic operation but did not look at the electronic interface circuit for this widely […]
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 […]
What is the difference between piezoelectric and piezoresistive pressure sensing?
Piezoelectric is the property of a material to generate a voltage when mechanical force is applied to it. In contrast, the piezoresistive effect is the property of a material’s resistivity to change when subjected to a mechanical force. In either case, the mechanical force or stress can be compression, tension or a bending force. Ceramic […]
