Charged-coupled devices (CCDs) and CMOS active pixel sensors (CMOS sensors) are the primary image sensor technologies. They rely on lenses and other optical components to deliver the image to be captured. This FAQ reviews the differences between CCDs and CMOS sensors, some key specifications of image sensors, the concept of quantum efficiency, and some related […]
FAQ
How many ways are there to measure temperature?
Temperature is the most commonly measured physical quantity. Thermometry, the measurement of temperature, involves a wide range of technologies. Its uses range from maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for people to industrial processes operating at over 3,000 °C and quantum computing operating at near absolute zero. This article reviews some of the more common […]
What are the six microphone polar patterns used for?
Microphone polar patterns, sometimes called pickup patterns, define microphone sensitivity in different directions. The different polar patterns are used for controlling sound pickup and isolating the sound source, or sources, of primary interest from surrounding sources. There are six common microphone polar patterns: cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, lobar, and bidirectional. Polar patterns are represented by […]
Select and integrate sensors into IoT devices
Get an understanding of how to select sensors and microcontrollers for your IoT product, with an emphasis on circuit design to optimize performance.
How can sensors improve 5G system performance?
Various sensor technologies are being employed to improve the performance of 5G, or mmWave, communications. Sensors can help mmWave systems optimize transmit power to optimize device power consumption and operating range. They can be used to monitor movements within a building environment. Motion sensors such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) can help identify causes of […]
How do sensors play into AI’s facial recognition capabilities? part 2
Beyond its ability to improve facial recognition for home security (discussed in Part 1), artificial intelligence (AI) is being applied in several other areas. TSA The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses two types of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to verify the identity of travelers. First-generation CAT units scan a traveler’s photo identification (ID) and confirm […]
How do sensors play into AI’s facial recognition capabilities? part 1
Among the growing number of applications for artificial intelligence (AI) is advanced imaging capabilities for reliable facial recognition. Reliability is required for effective analysis by law enforcement agencies, access to commercial or industrial complexes, travel, or even a homeowner. While AI enables complex analysis and performs it remarkably quickly, effective analysis requires the best capability […]
FAQ on railroad hot-box-temperature sensing: part 2
Modern electronics should be able to easily solve a temperature-sensing challenge, but the harsh real-world complexities make it a difficult proposition. Part 1 of this article looked at the basic issues of railway bearing failure and detecting these before they happen. This part looks into more details and sensing options. Q: What can the railroad […]
FAQ on railroad hot-box-temperature sensing: part 1
Modern electronics should be able to easily solve a temperature-sensing challenge, but the harsh real-world complexities make it a difficult proposition. Freight railroads are a very important part of the logistics infrastructure around the world for transporting raw materials as well as finished goods. They are a major constituent of intermodal transportation along with trucks, […]
How is sensing used in audio acquisition and broadcasting? Part 2
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. In addition to an industrial environment with heavy assembly/processing machinery or a construction site, the workplace can include a sports venue, a tarmac, or a wide-open space when the job includes machinery that […]
