Sensor Tips

Measuring Surface Contact and Pressure Distribution Between a Heat Sink and Its Source

Randy Frank — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:02:25 +0000

Sensor Products Inc.’s Tactilus heat-sink analysis system uses a flexible sensor and hub to display heat sink data on a PC for heat-generating chips such as a CPU. Since it is flexible and only 0.015-in. thick (0.38 mm), the sensor can be placed between the CPU and heat sink without affecting the assembly. Data can easily be gathered to precisely test and correct the surface contact and pressure distribution between the heat sink and its source.

With a total sensing area of 2 in. × 2 in., the sensor pad has 625 resistive sensing points arrayed on a 25 × 25 grid. The scan speed is up to 1,000 Hertz, and the operating pressure range is 0 to 100 psi (0 to 7 kg/cm2). Accuracy is ± 10%; repeatability is ± 2%; hysteresis is ± 5%; and non-linearity is ± 1.5%.

For more information about Sensor Products Tactilus heat-sink analysis system, click here.

Reverse Engineering Process & Costing Analysis of the STMicroelectronics 3-Axis Accelerometer

Randy Frank — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:10:47 +0000

Finding out how a particular sensor is constructed can provide some helpful information, especially for a competitor. However, potential users may also want to know more about what is inside a sensor that they are considering – before they decide to purchase it. For STMicroelectronics LIS331DLH 3-Axis Accelerometer, Yole Developpement has just published a reverse engineering process & costing analysis report.

The report includes:

– Detailed photos & material analysis

– Schematic assembly description

– Manufacturing process flow & cost breakdown

– In-depth economical analysis & selling price estimation

Yole also has analysis for other MEMS products fom Bosch Sensortec accelerometer, InvenSense and Epson gyroscopes, Freescale TPMS, Knowles microphone, TI DLP, and more. For more info click here.

For more information about Yole Developpement analysis of the STMicro LIS331DLH 3-Axis Accelerometer, click here.

Cypress Semiconductor’s FirstTouch Starter Kit includes Kionix Accelerometer

Randy Frank — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:46:45 +0000

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation selected the Kionix KXSC7 accelerometer for use in the new CY8CKIT-014 PSoC5 FirstTouch Starter Kit. The kit is based on the PSoC 5 programmable system-on-chip architecture that uses the 32-bit ARM® Cortex-M3 processor.

The KXSC7 series of Tri-axis, 2g-6, analog accelerometers have low-power consumption and several preset internal low-pass filters with an option for user-definable bandwidth if required for the application.

In addition to the Kionix accelerometer, the starter kit includes a Thermistor, Proximity Sensing, a CapSense® touch-sensing interface, I/O’s, projects and software to allow users to evaluate PSoC5.

For more information and to order Cypress Semiconductor CY8CKIT-014 PSoC5 FirstTouchTM Starter Kit ($49.00), click here.

For more information about Kionix KXSC7 accelerometer, click here.

Endevco Absolute Pressure Transducer Addresses High-Sensitivity Applications

Randy Frank — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:00:42 +0000

Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B is a high-sensitivity absolute pressure transducer in a compact 3.86-mm face diameter package. The active four-arm strain gage bridge in silicon design is offered in ranges of 200, 500 and 1000 psia with 300 mV full scale output and high resonant frequencies of 750 kHz (200 psia). In addition, 1000 kHz versions are available in 500 and 1000 psia.

The pressure sensors have a 10-32 UNF-2A mounting thread and integral cable. An optional metric M5X0.8 mounting thread is available on special order. Target applications include hydraulic and pneumatic pressure measurements, automotive airbag testing and transmission testing applications.

For more information on Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B 1000 series, click here.

The Object of Pepperl+Fuchs Newest Photoelectric Sensors is Clear

Randy Frank — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:08:29 +0000

That is clear object detection. GLV18 Series photoelectric sensors with Clear Object Detection use reflectors to detect transparent objects up to 2.5 m away, or opaque objects up to 5 m away.

Offered in an industry-standard M18 threaded cylindrical housing, the sensor is up to 50% shorter. In addition, the company claims the power consumption is 50% less than many competitive models.

The sensors can detect clear shrink-wrap webs or semi-transparent trays or cartons in material handling applications as well as the presence detection of clear clamshells, bottles, or pouch webstock in packaging applications.

For more information on Pepperl+Fuchs GLV18 Series photoelectric sensors with Clear Object Detection, click here.

IMI Sensors Adds ATEX Approval to its Series 686B Smart Vibration Switch

Randy Frank — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:10:04 +0000

With ATEX as well as CSA approval for use in hazardous environments, IMI Sensors Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch is positioned to address protection of cooling towers, fin fans, pumps, HVAC systems, and other critical machinery operated in hazardous areas.

Based on an embedded piezoelectric accelerometer, the switch monitors vibration velocity for more consistent results, and improved reliability over mechanical designs. The switch has a remote reset capability and USB programmable threshold and time delays to avoid false tripping. Since the Series 686B has only to wires, it can easily replace legacy switches.

For more information on IMI Sensors Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch, click here.

Sensirion SDP600 Differential Pressure Sensors Now Include Failsafe Versions

Randy Frank — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:22:09 +0000

Already used successfully in medical and HVAC applications, the newest Sensirion differential pressure sensor models, SDP620, SDP621, SDP630 and SDP631, allow verification of the measured values.

The failsafe sensors can be configured to provide special test patterns for error checking by an external microprocessor. With the right test pattern configurations, it is possible to measure differential pressure and mass flow values to Class C safety level, complying with Directives EN 12067-2:2004 and EN 13611:2007 for gas burners and gas burning appliances.

The mass flow temperature compensated SDP621 and SDP631 target mass flow measurements and the SDP620 and SDP630 sensors output the true differential pressure value. With failsafe certification, it is not necessary to use two redundant sensors to meet high safety requirements so total design cost can be reduced.

For more information about Sensirion SDP600 series differential pressure sensors, click here.

For more information about Sensirion failsafe differential pressure sensors, contact info@sensirion.com.

Measuring and Analyzing Engine Combustion Pressures

Randy Frank — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:02:08 +0000

One of the more complex, yet increasing important pressure measurements is combustion pressure. For carmakers to meet emissions and fuel economy regulations, measuring the subtle variations in combustion pressure is critical. David R. Rogers has written a book specifically addressing the topic called, Engine Combustion: Pressure Measurement and Analysis. Published by SAE, the text is a comprehensive handbook for technicians and engineers involved in engine testing and development. The book discusses features and functions of pressure measuring equipment, the best practices for successful measurements and how to recognize and diagnose problems

For more information and to order Engine Combustion: Pressure Measurement and Analysis, click here.

Balluff’s Linear Position Transducer Fits Into Small Spaces and Small Budgets

Randy Frank — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:44:04 +0000

Designed to fit into small spaces, Balluff’s Micropulse PF-series linear transducer has a profile of less than 1-inch high. The low profile design targets plastic injection and blow molding; woodworking and metalforming; material handling and more.

Using magnetostrictive sensing technology, the unit has a measurable range of 51 to 4572 mm (2 to 180 in) and a scalable, absolute, analog output (0 to 10V, 4 to 20 mA, 0.1 to 20 mA or -10 to 10V). The non-linearity for a stroke length of less than 500 mm is ±200 µm and for a stroke length greater than 500 mm, it is ±0.04% of full stroke. Based on the use of time-tested, field-proven technology, the company claims the units sell for an “economical price.”

For more information about Balluff’s Micropulse Perfect Fit linear position transducer, click here.

Sensirion Flow Meter Addresses Milliliter Applications

Randy Frank — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:39:02 +0000

For flow rates below 100 ml/min, Sensirion’s SLQ-HC60 flow meter provides a reliable and inexpensive solution for automated systems and other applications. Using its CMOSens Technology that integrates signal conditioning circuitry and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures in a CMOS microchip, Sensirion’s SLQ-HC60 flow meter provides a 0–10V analog output signal from a supply voltage of 24V. With typical repeatability of 1 to 2%, the typical response time is less than 50 ms. The flow channel of the sensor has an inside diameter of 1.8 mm that allows a connection to 1/8” or 3-mm plastic hoses via threaded couplings.

For more information about the Sensirion SLQ-HC60 flow meter, click here.