Sensors
Grant invokes nanotechnology to improve safety
The University of Southampton has been awarded a multi-million pound grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation to bring together some of the world’s brightest early career researchers to find new ways of using nanotechnologies to improve safety at sea, on land and in the air. Dr Themis Prodromakis, from the Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnologies Group at Southampton, is leading the £3m programme, which will receive match funding...
Paralysis sufferers communicate with breath signals
A recent device, which is believed to be the worlds first of its kind, has been developed by academics from Loughborough University. The device transforms paralysis sufferers' breath into words, helping them to communicate. The tool analyses changes in the users breathing patterns and coverts the 'breath signals' into words. To do this the tool uses pattern recognition software and an ADC. A speech synthesiser then reads the words aloud.
Thermocouple IC integrates multiple devices on one chip
Microchip announces the MCP9600, the world’s first thermocouple-conditioning integrated circuit to combine precision instrumentation, a precision temperature sensor and a precision, high-resolution ADC, in addition to a maths engine pre-programmed with the firmware to support a broad range of standard thermocouple types: K, J, T, N, S, E, B and R.
Laser contrast sensor now features ranges up to 200mm
Banner Engineering has expanded the maximum sensing range available for the Q3X laser contrast sensor with fixed background suppression. The Q3X now features four standard sensing ranges: 50, 100, 150 and 200mm, with fixed background suppression technology, and a 300mm model which uses standard intensity detection. The key innovation of the sensor is the combination of low-contrast detection within a defined sensing range.
Thermal image sensor targets outdoor leisure market
One of the first thermal image sensors designed in accordance with JEDEC standards for SMT assembly has been released by ULIS. The Pico384 Gen2 is, therefore, compatible with standard industrial integration and handling processes for high volume production, such as robotic pick and place and oven reflow. As an SMD, the device enables thermal camera makers to further automate their assembly lines, lower the cost of integration and thereby boost pr...
The industry's fastest isolated current-sense amplifier
Silicon Labs has introduced an isolated current sense amplifier delivering robust isolation and the industry’s highest bandwidth and lowest signal delay. Silicon Labs’ Si8920 isolated amplifier provides a current shunt measurement solution for power control systems operating in harsh environments such as industrial motor drives, solar inverters, high-voltage power converters, UPS and EV/HEV systems.
Hall-effect elevated current sensor suits EVs & HEVs
Melexis has added a device to its MLX91208 series of programmable Hall-effect current sensors, with the introduction of an elevated current version. Optimised for the very high fields that characterise EV and HEV applications, the MLX91208CAV can cope with up to 1000A of primary current. This device complements the existing MLX91208 products which cover low field and high field functions.
Rotary position sensors feature small footprint
Curtiss-Wright has announced that its Industrial division has launched a family of non-contact, rotary position sensors from the brand of Penny & Giles. With a low-profile sensor body design and a small footprint, these fully-encapsulated, IP69K-rated sensors offer exceptional performance against water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature.
Morph your ideas on to your computer
The Sensel Morph, which is powered by patented Pressure Grid technology, offers a new generation of multi-touch interaction in the form of an input device that allows people to interact with computers and programmes in a whole new way. With its high dynamic range of force sensitivity, the Morph can detect not just fingers but any object, from a paintbrush to a drumstick.
Touch feel technology for real button feeling
A technology for real touch feeling and force feedback in display screens has been developed by Kyocera. The development of a real button sensation is expected to create a new type of user interface. It can be used in touch panel or touch pad products for a broad range of applications such as automotive and industrial equipment or in the field of information and communications.