Sensors
Smart buoy for measuring water pollutants
All over the world, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters are threatened by high nutrient inputs. Nitrate or phosphates from waste-waters or fertilisers causes eutrophication. The consequence: Algae, in particular cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), grow uncontrollably and may release toxic substances.
Light to digital sensor delivers optical power meter functionality
The OPT3002 light-to-digital sensor from Texas Instruments (TI) is now being shipped by Mouser Electronics. Greatly improving system performance over standard photodiodes and photoresistors, the fully-integrated OPT3002 delivers the functionality of an optical power meter all within a single small device.
A new deal for the smartphone industry?
Yole Développement (Yole) expects a smartphone market volume CAGR of 6.4% between 2015 and 2021 and projects the market will attain a value of $420bn by 2017. In its latest MEMS & Sensors report titled Sensors for Cellphones & Tablets 2016, Yole proposes its vision of the past and future evolution of sensor technology in the highly competitive and valuable smartphone market.
Pressure switch detects lowest gas pressures & liquid levels
Pewatron has announced the 901XL pressure switch for the lowest pressure and liquid levels. Wherever marginal gas pressures or liquid levels have to be determined quickly and positively, purely mechanical, membrane-controlled pressure switches are an economical sensing and switching solution.
Sensor optimised for assembly processes for mass production
A manufacturer of innovative thermal sensors for the surveillance, thermography, firefighting, outdoor leisure and automotive markets, ULIS, has announced the availability of Micro80 Gen2, an advanced functionality thermal sensor.
Accelerometers offer 10kHz frequency response on all three axes
PCB Piezotronics has announced a new design of triaxial accelerometer which offers frequency response of 10kHz on all three axes (competitive products typically offer upper frequency response from 5 to 8kHz but often have different responses on one of the three axes). Model 356A45 accelerometers also feature 100mV/g sensitivity with measurement range of ±50gPK and are housed in a titanium package measuring just 10.2x10.2x10.2mm.
New circuit uses BiCMOS technology
ASIC specialist Creative Chips from Bingen, Germany has extended its portfolio of ASSPs with an existing ASIC product that has seen further development in the new transimpedance preamplifier CCG1401 for use in optical sensor applications. This circuit uses a proven BiCMOS technology and achieves excellent noise characteristics.
NDIR gas sensors detect refrigerants safely & precisely
Pewatron has announced the smartMODUL BASIC EVO series of NDIR gas sensors. Gas sensors based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) absorption offer decisive advantages compared with electrochemical and catalytic sensors. The sensor principle exploits the quality of gases and absorbs infrared radiation at a specific, characteristic wavelength.
Gauge pressure sensors offer very low noise output
PEWATRON has launched the A3 series of gauge pressure sensors from Fujikura. The AG3 and AP3 series are compatible in footprint and pin configuration with the highly successful F and X series, but with better total accuracy performance (less than ±1.5%) and a very low noise output. The analogue AG3 & AP3 series is a two-chip system consisting of a MEMS sensor chip and a signal-conditioning chip.
Customised zirconia O₂ sensor modules cover ppm up to 95%
Pewatron has announced customised zirconia oxygen sensor modules and accessories for measuring ranges from ppm up to 95%. Pewatron's customisation allows the customer to put together the best suited oxygen module for any particular application. The oxygen sensors cannot be changed in form, fit or function, but the 4 sensor types (FCX-ULL, UL, UC and UWC) cover almost the full range of oxygen concentration ranges and can also work as humidity sens...