Sensor Tips

Need to Sense Lightning? An IC can do it!

Randy Frank — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:39:06 +0000

For protecting portable or in-building equipment or even human lives, designers that want to sense lightning now have a tool thanks to austriamicrosystems AS3935 Franklin Lightning Sensor. The low-power sensor uses a sensitive RF receiver to detect the electrical emissions from lightning activity. An algorithm in the AS3935 converts the RF signal into an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm that can be from 40 km down to 1 km. While being sensitive, the IC avoids false readings by rejecting disturbances from man-made signals such as motors and microwave ovens.

Housed in a 4 mm x 4 mm 16-pin MLPQ package, the lightning sensor has multiple low-power modes, including a listening mode current consumption of 60 µA.

For more information about austriamicrosystems AS3935 Franklin Lightning Sensor, click here.

Sensor Tips

Measuring Pressure on Contacting Surfaces

Randy Frank — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:57:47 +0000

At the 2012 SAE Congress in Detroit, Ben Kerr from Sensor Products Inc. explains how the company’s Tactile Pressure Indicating Sensor Film can be used in automotive applications. The FujiFilm Prescale provides a unique pressure indication in applications such the high pressures found in a manifold head gasket.

For more information about Sensor Products Inc. Tactile Pressure Indicating Sensor Film, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Sensor Tips

Webinar Addresses High Pressure Measurements

Randy Frank — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:42:35 +0000

On Wednesday, May 16 from 2:00-3:00 PM EDT, Design World’s Webinar Series will present “Choosing the Right Sensor for Measuring High Pressure.” The webinar will feature experts from American Sensor Technologies, GE Measurement & Control, InterMEMS and Optrand..

High pressure sensing applications require a variety of design considerations to address the technical challenges that pressure of 500 psi and more can impose on the sensor. One of the main differentiating choices that a supplier has to consider is the technology used to detect pressure variations. However, this is just the start.

By attending this special, free 1-hour webinar, you will gain a better understanding of the key factors necessary to make the best choice for your high pressure sensing application, including:

1.) The detailed packaging requirements for these potentially dangerous applications

2.) The design details that experts have taken into account to simplify applying high pressure sensors

3.) Key specifications that impact the successful application of high pressure sensors

To register to attend the webinar, click here.

Sensor Tips

Squeeze a 6-mm Height Proximity Sensor into Industrial Applications

Randy Frank — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:04 +0000

At only 6-mm thick, Baumer’s CFDK 25 capacitive proximity sensors are offered with five fixed sensing distances from 2 to 15 mm. The sensor fits in confined spaces such as low rise conveyors, automated handling equipment or industrial machinery for detecting wafers and PCBs on electronic production lines, for liquid level detection in laboratory processing, and for object detection in printing and packaging machines.

The housing of the sensor is made of plastic polyamide 12 to guarantee chemical resistance and extended life in a variety of industrial conditions.

For more information about Baumer’s CFDK 25 capacitive proximity sensors, click here.

Sensor Tips

Small Spherical Sensor Detects Motion

Randy Frank — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:41:44 +0000

Products that are only switched on and used when they are in motion can benefit from a simple sensor that detects slight movements and vibrations by means of a mobile micro sphere. The Sensolute MVS0409.02 omnidirectional Micro Vibration Sensor consists of a gold-plated ball that bridges two similarly plated contacts reducing the resistance between the two external connection pads from more than 30 MOhm to less than 100 Ohms. Packaged in a surface-mountable structure with dimensions of 2.85 x 2.45 x 1.7 mm, the fully passive sensor has an operating current of less than 0.2 µA and response threshold approximately 50 mg.

For more information about the Sensolute MVS0409.02 omnidirectional Micro Vibration Sensor, click here.

Sensor Tips

Digital Pressure Sensor Address Fluid Pressure Measurements

Randy Frank — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:58:06 +0000

Targeting a wide range of applications of gas, liquid, and oil, Autonics Fluid/Air Type PSAN Series pressure sensors have a diaphragm with enhanced environmental resistance. The units have programmable resolution of 1/1,000 or 1/2,000 and are available for vacuum, as well as positive and compound pressure applications in 1 to 100 kPa range with the positive pressure units having a 1,000 kPa version. The digitally displayed output includes: zero adjustment function, peak monitoring function and chattering prevention function. With a maximum 2.5ms high speed response, the sensors also have two independent outputs and a selectable Normal Open/Normal Close output.

For more information about Autonics PSAN Series pressure sensors, click here.

Sensor Tips

Area Sensors Address Measurements in Automatic Material Handling

Randy Frank — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:03:55 +0000

For automatic material handling applications that range in height or dimensional measurement from 15 to 250 cm, Automation Systems Interconnect, Inc. DS2 series of area sensors may provide the answer. The sensors have 5m operating distances for 6 mm resolution versions and 10m for 25 mm resolution versions.

Measurement configuration can be manually set with internal dip-switches or using a graphic interface from a remote PC on the serial port. After the program is loaded on the flash memory, the sensors can function in the stand-alone mode. This unit’s outputs include PNP, 0-10V and serial RS485.

For more information about Automation Systems Interconnect DS2 series area sensors, click here.

Sensor Tips

MTS showcased E-Series Linear Position Sensors at NPE 2012

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:54:41 +0000

MTS System (www.mts.com) has presented the Temposonics E-Series Sensors, which are ideal for applications requiring straightforward position feedback, at this year’s International Plastic Showcase in Florida.

Featuring analog or digital start/stop output interface, the E-Series sensors can be used in woodworking and metalworking, plastics processing, material packaging and handling as well as molding and factory automation. The sensors provide a high degree of reliability and durability of magnetostrictive sensors for customers not looking for high performance levels by offering non-contact, continuous feedback.

Matt Hankinson, Technical Marketing Manager at MTS Sensors, said that the E-Series sensors’ economical displacement satisfy the level of performance demanded by standard applications, compared to the premium features required by high performance applications. In addition, the sensors allow blow molding and injection molding machine manufacturers to meet the varied demands of a wide customer base.

The compact E-Series includes Model EP and EL position sensors that offer simultaneous multi-position readings and fitted in low-profile aluminum housing, making it ideally suited for use in harsh environments. Also included in the series are the Model ER rod-and-cylinder style position sensors that feature extendable and retractable dual rods, as well as the Model EH rod-style position sensor ideal for use in high-pressure washdown, valve control and hydraulic cylinders.

Specifically designed with IP69K-certified ingress protection, the sensors offer a measurement range of between 50 mm and 2540 mm, and 100 g shock and 10 g vibration resistance. The E-series sensors are also operational even in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 75°C.

Sensor Tips

Measurement Tape Position Sensor Accurately Handles up to 25 Meters

Randy Frank — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:39:38 +0000

Measuring lengths of up to 25 m accurately in small space can pose a problem in industrial applications. ASM Sensors cable-actuated POSITAPE tape extension position sensors address these challenges with the WB25 series. The unit’s angular sensing element consists of a magnetic encoder that translates the linear motion into an electrical signal.

To handle the limited space, the 10-mm wide, 0.08-mm thick stainless steel tape sensors use cable pulleys. Targeting applications in harsh environments, the tape’s smooth surface reduces the risk of icing and an integral tape dust wiper in the IP64-rated housing automatically cleans the tape as it is retracted. The linearity of the sensor is ±0.05% of full scale.

For more information about ASM Sensors WB25 series POSITAPE tape extension position sensors, click here.

Sensor Tips

Energy Harvesting Development Kits for Wireless Sensing

Randy Frank — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:56:50 +0000

At Design West, Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank gets an update on energy harvesting kits from Steve Grady of Cymbet Corporation. The kits are based on harvesting solar energy and storing the energy in Cymbet’s EnerChip solid-state battery that includes power management in the chip-size battery.

For more information about Cymbet’s Energy Processor Evaluation Kits, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Sensor Tips