Sensors

The electrical machines laboratory at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) has greatly increased in its effectiveness as a teaching resource since TorqSense non-contact torque sensors from Sensor Technology have been fitted to five machine sets. The new sensors replace an existing system of machine monitoring that had proved inaccurate.

Mulitest’s concept for MEMS test and calibration equipment continues for pressure sensors. Common applications include all types of pressure monitoring, e.g. altitude meters, tire pressure control, differential pressure sensors, and various medical and industrial devices.

Responding to the widespread use of surface mount technology for electronics manufacturing, PIHER North America is introducing a SMD version of its popular PT15 Potentiometer. The new device, the PS15 Rotary Position Sensor, features configurable capabilities for maximum design flexibility in a small 15mm package. The sensor offers a new surface mountable solution for detecting changes in angle and position and converting them into a highly reliable voltage output. It can be processed by standard automated placement equipment and reflow (or lead-free reflow) soldered. For applications where rotor angle is critical, locating pins are available.

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. introduced a high-sensitivity, high-speed CMOS image sensor targeted for the high-end machine vision market. The new 25-megapixel VITA 25K sensor offers the market's highest throughput for a device with a pipelined and triggered global shutter. The sensor has 32 10-bit digital Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) outputs that enable transfer of image data over a standard industry protocol at low power and low noise. Each channel runs at a 620 Mbps, which results in a high frame rate of 53 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution for undistorted images and fast readout. The VITA 25K is ideal for high-end machine vision applications, such as inspection machines; biometric inspection, such as next-generation palm print readers; and intelligent traffic systems.

Variohm EuroSensor has launched a completely new and updated website at www.variohm.com which aims to make finding the most suitable sensors and transducers easier and faster. With product sections including position, pressure, force, loadcells, temperature and vibration along with specialist areas such as motorsports, the new website links to sub sections for specific sensor types then to suppliers websites for detailed information and downloads - in just a few clicks.

ATC Semitec’s AT-11 series temperature sensor offers the best accuracy/cost/quality ratio available in the industry. Precise to ±0.3deg.K at 25deg.C and with a fast-response tip (only 6 x 5 x 15mm long), the AT-11 accurately controls the air or water temperature in your application up to 105deg.C.

Phidgets Inc. released the 1056 - PhidgetSpatial 3/3/3 which combines a Compass 3-Axis, a Gyroscope 3-Axis and an Accelerometer 3-Axis 5G.

Robust piezo actuators and sensitive electronics replace batteries.

In medical engineering it is often necessary to ensure there is an undisturbed flow with no air or gas pockets. This is achieved with the aid of ultrasonic technology in so-called bubble or air-bubble detectors (ABD).

A recent application of the Cores Electronic Tag4M sensor tag, available from Adept Scientific illustrates two new uses for this credit-card sized device which delivers its data directly to a targeted website through any commercially available access point or wireless router.