Sensors

Grid-Eye set to impact many applications

7th December 2015
Mick Elliott
0

The Panasonic Automotive and Industrial Systems Grid-Eye is an 8 x 8 pixel infrared array sensor based on MEMs technology. It is an interesting product that looks set to have a considerable impact on a variety of applications including the burgeoning Intert of Things (IoT. Electronic Specifier posed some questions to the Panasonic team to find out more.

  1. How many versions are there of the Grid-Eye sensor?

There are four versions of the Grid-Eye sensor ( see graphic)

 

  1. How does the sensor fit into such a small package?

        It is based on MEMS technology which is highly technical and allows such small size sensors. Moreover Panasonic has made it possible to also fit a very small ASIC within this package thus making the complete package very small.

 

  1. Are there specific applications for different versions of the sensor?

Same applications for all versions. Only difference is the circuitry of the customers and what they prefer for that.

 

Targeted Applications:

  • Home Appliances
  • Area Monitoring
  • Ambient Assisted Living
  • Hot Spot Detection
  • Industry Safety & Control
  • Energy Saving
  • Consumer Comfort
  • Gesture Control
  • Safety and Security

 

  1. How will the sensors meet the demands of engineers developing IoT applications?

Characteristics:

  • GridEYE is an 8x8 (64) pixel infrared array sensor.
  • It uses an array of thermopile to measure actual temperature as well as temperature gradients within a 60º viewing area.
  • It comes with a built-in lens with 60° viewing angle.
  • It is a high precision compact SMD design using MEMS technology.

 

        Features:

  • Based on thermopile technology, GridEYE can detect the direction of moving people and objects – up, down, left, right and diagonally.
  • Its coordinated array of sensing elements can even detect multiple people or objects moving in different directions.
  • At close proximity, Grid-EYE is even capable of detecting hand movements for simple gesture control.

 

  1. In what ways will the evaluation kit help design engineers?
  • Fast evaluation
  • Fast Prototyping
  • Easy to develop own application

 

  1. Is the evaluation kit available from Panasonic distributors?

        Yes. See http://eu.industrial.panasonic.com/grideye-evalkit

 

  1. How easy is it to use the evaluation kit?

        It is plug and play. You just need to connect via USB to a laptop. Download software from http://eu.industrial.panasonic.com/grideye-evalkit and start using. More details on the same link in the user manual

 

  1. Does the evaluation kit come assembled and programmed? Will designers have to develop their own software for specific projects?

      Everything has been programmed. Ready to just plug in and start using. Just download software from weblink above as mentioned. If an engineer likes the basic functionality shown in the software we provide then he can use the codes and APIs we have provided on the same link for further     development of his own.

9. When wil the evaluation kit be available?

It is available now to be ordered  from all main distributors e.g, Farnell

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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