Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) activated prosthetics and other applications need sensors to provide feedback. Intensive work has been and continues to be done in this area. For example, researchers have reported their progress on an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based motor imagery BCI to control the movement of a prosthetic hand. The hand was instrumented with force and angle […]
IDS at Automate 2023, booth 6830
Whether sorting, inspecting, supplying, or documenting goods, many steps in the production process can be optimized with machine vision and artificial intelligence. However, many companies still lack the know-how and time to familiarize themselves with the field of AI and use the technology for their needs. The AI Vision System IDS NXT is designed to […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? Pt 4
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ongoing efforts to address the unintended contamination and purposeful contamination of the nation’s water supplies. Sensing technologies are an integral part of the strategy. In 2023, the EPA proposed new limits to drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals” or per fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Used widely […]
ProSense F18 Series 18mm round photoelectric sensors from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added ProSense F18 series 18mm round sensors to their extensive lineup of photoelectric sensors. The F18 series features sensing distances up to 25m, rugged PBT thermoplastic housings, and an IP67 protection rating. These general-purpose sensors are available in diffuse, diffuse with adjustable background suppression, polarized retroreflective, and through-beam sensing styles. The new ProSense […]
L DTs provide ultra-precise dimensional of molded automotive parts
NewTek spring-loaded LVDTs provide an ultra-precise dimensional measurement of high-volume molded automotive parts in plastic mold testing. Different interior, exterior, and mechanical automotive parts, such as bumpers, heating components, and door handles, are manufactured through an injection molding process. To ensure product consistency, quality, and adherence to federal and state standards, the molded parts are […]
IDS: Historical textiles in focus
New approaches to investigating damage due to environmental fluctuation on textile artifacts by image processing. Preventive conservation plays an important role in the preservation of art and cultural assets. In order to preserve their condition for as long as possible, it is essential to slow down aging processes and evaluate factors that alter materials. To […]
MEMS inertial-sensing module provides six synchronized channels
The STMicroelectronics ASM330LHB automotive-qualified MEMS inertial-sensing module provides accurate measurements for a wide variety of vehicle functions and, with the dedicated software provided, addresses functional-safety applications up to ASIL B[1]. The module contains a 3-axis digital accelerometer and 3-axis digital gyroscope, designed for a lifetime on the road, and provides a six-channel synchronized output. Its high-accuracy inertial […]
2D hall effect sensor is ASIL C-ready
TDK Corporation introduces the Micronas fast 2D Hall-effect position sensor family HAL 302x addressing the need for stray-field robust motor position sensing as well as ISO 26262 compliant developments in automotive and industrial applications. This new sensor family initially consists of two members, HAL 3020 and HAL 3021, and features differential and single-ended sine and […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? Pt 2
Part 1 of this three-part blog addressed air quality monitoring in cities and populated areas. Less densely populated areas such as a rain forest may require different approaches. In addition, water quality monitoring in outdoor locations as well as clean drinking water from processing stations provide additional sensing opportunities. Part 2 will address these areas. […]
How does an acoustic camera work and what’s it good for?
Acoustic cameras consist of microphone arrays used to locate and characterize sounds. There are a variety of microphone array structures to support specific analysis needs. Some acoustic cameras also have an embedded visual camera to supply an image over which the acoustic localization information can be presented. Acoustic camera application examples range from analyzing noise […]
Torque sensor provides analog and Ethernet outputs
New low-capacity models of Sensor Technology’s non-contact torque sensors offer accurate measurement down to 200mNm (0.2Nm), for applications such as precision and high-speed robots, medical devices, prostheses and implants, small drives, and micro motors. The new TorqSense SGR 510/520 torque sensors cover capacities from 0.2Nm to 1Nm, making the full range 0.2Nm to 13,000Nm. The […]
What are the types and uses of vibration sensors?
There’s a wide range of vibration sensor technologies, and each technology has unique performance characteristics that make it suited for a specific type of applications ranging from mobile devices to machine condition monitoring and automotive safety testing. This FAQ reviews vibration and accelerometer sensor technologies including charge mode versus voltage mode piezoelectric sensors, MEMS devices, […]
What are ten key parameters of audio system performance?
Ten key parameters of audio system performance include efficiency, frequency response, total harmonic distortion, intermodulation distortion, phase distortion, transient distortion, transient response, dynamic range, sound pressure level, and sound power level. This FAQ reviews how each of these parameters is specified and measured and closes with a look at how safe sound levels are specified […]
What are the subtleties of using accelerometers as vibration sensors?
Accelerometers are deceptively simple-looking devices but are complex electromechanical systems. But there are numerous mechanical, environmental, electronic, and application-related factors to consider when using accelerometers. This FAQ reviews several of the subtleties that need to be considered when using accelerometers as vibration sensors and closes with a look at the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-4:2010 standard for Transducer […]
Leuze sets new standard for compact positioning system
The AMS 100i from Leuze is one of the smallest laser positioning systems available on the market. This makes it the perfect solution for tight installation spaces. Whether on the stacker crane, automated guided vehicle, or lifting system: In automated intralogistics, the sensors used for positioning applications must be able to operate on a small…
When to use sound pressure and when to use sound intensity measurements
Sound pressure, sound intensity, and sound power are three different ways to quantify sound. This FAQ begins by defining each one, looks at various types of measurement techniques that can be used to quantify them, presents a range of international testing standards for measuring sound, looks at instruments used for measuring sound pressure and intensity, […]
IoT light sensors measure either ambient or UV light
L-com recently announced the expansion of its line of IoT light-detection environmental sensors. The sensors gauge either ambient or ultraviolet light. The new sensors assist in the use of IoT data collection to make process control more efficient and lower building and process costs. Applications for light-detection sensors include greenhouses, agriculture, solar farms, labs, factory floors, manufacturing, […]
Board-level current sensor features ADC and microcontroller
Following the market traction achieved by its SSA Smart Shunt current sensor series, specialist power and precision resistor manufacturer Riedon Inc. has just announced another major product innovation. The new SSD Smart Shunt series consists of highly-integrated digital system-in-package (SiP) devices that can be used in a wide variety of battery-related current sensing applications. Each features a […]
How can sensors protect vulnerable areas? Pt 1
Clean air and water are essential for life. Protecting these valuable, and in many cases, limited essential elements, starts with sensors to detect threats from intentional or unintentional contamination. Today, available sensing technologies target different locations/areas to ensure the safe ongoing supply of fresh air and water. Using a variety of different sensing techniques, the […]
Automotive-grade current sensors aids designers in maximizing autonomy range of EVs
One of the biggest issues in the EV sector is the need to develop vehicles that can travel the furthest possible distances between charges and so design engineers are continually searching for sensors that can offer the superior levels of efficiency and accuracy they require. The CAB 1500 is the latest member of LEM’s CAB […]
How can sensors help an electrolyzer provide green hydrogen?
Energy storage is an essential part of the pursuit for the increased use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar geothermal and hydroelectric power. Electrolyzers allow hydrogen-based storage and avoid the reliance on batteries and their raw materials such as lithium, graphite and cobalt that are frequently sourced from China. When renewable energy sources […]
AI-enhanced accelerometers equipped with latest standard I3C interface
STMicroelectronics has launched three new accelerometers with advanced processing engines built-in to extend sensor autonomy, enabling systems to respond more quickly to external events while lowering power consumption. The LIS2DUX12 and LIS2DUXS12 leverage ST’s third-generation MEMS technology, adding programmable capabilities including a machine-learning core (MLC), advanced finite state machine (FSM), and an enhanced pedometer. A third entry-level […]
How do sensors improve home appliances? Pt. 2
Part 1 of this blog discussed sensors in the laundry room in washing machines and dryers. In the kitchen, similar to the laundry room, basic functions can be designed in using established sensing techniques. In the typical home, the refrigerator is the second-largest consumer of electricity (13.7%), with the air conditioner being number one. So, […]
How do sensors improve home appliances? Pt. 1
Today’s home appliances are increasingly connected for remote monitoring and control and smarter due, in part, to numerous sensors. The sensors help even lower end appliances implement their basic functions and, more importantly, enable smarter, top end appliances. While sensors provide these capabilities for several home appliances, this two-part series will describe sensing functions for […]
Audio sensor detects voice through bones
STMicroelectronics’ LSM6DSV16BX is a unique highly integrated sensor that delivers tremendous space savings inside hearable devices including sports and general-purpose earbuds. It combines a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) for head tracking and activity detection with an audio accelerometer for detecting voice through bone conduction in a frequency range that exceeds 1KHz. In addition, the LSM6DSV16BX contains […]