Sensors
MEMS accelerometers withstand high-g shock events
Withstanding the extremely fast rise times typical of high-g shock events, non-ITAR controlled MEMS accelerometers have been unveiled by PCB Piezotronics. The 3501 (single-axis) and 3503 (tri-axis) high-amplitude DC response acceleration sensors are capable of measuring long duration transient motion.
Software collaboration allows always-on sensing
Synopsys and Hillcrest Labs have announced that Hillcrest's Freespace MotionEngine software is now optimised to run on Synopsys' DesignWare Sensor and Control IP Subsystem. Hillcrest's MotionEngine software transforms sensor data into high quality, contextual information that powers sensor-enabled features on a wide range of devices.
Hall effect sensors improve contactless switching accuracy
Diodes Incorporated has introduced a family of micro-power 8-bit Hall effect sensors for contactless switching in portable consumer, domestic and industrial applications. The AH8500, AH8501, AH8502 and AH8503 sensors operate over a supply range of 1.6-3.6V and a magnetic range of ±400G, minimising current consumption down to micro-power levels.
MCU & sensor technologies enable smart audio device
STMicroelectronics has announced that it has contributed to the development of the Prizm smart audio device, which automatically plays songs based on the number of people in the room, their music tastes and habits, and even the time of day and ambient noise levels. ST’s MCU and sensor technologies enable Prizm’s smart audio and touch interactions.
Sensors suit mobile & wearable applications
Tronics Microsystems has expanded its business model to high volumes markets with the licensing of its Magelan and M&NEMS technologies. The products manufactured on these platforms offer key differentiators, from inertial sensors enhancement to the combination of all measurement types on a single chip, paving the way for new fields of application, in particular for the mobile and wearable devices market.
Fingerprint technology uses ultrasonic for precision
Qualcomm is extending its mobile security leadership with the launch of Qualcomm Snapdragon Sense ID 3D Fingerprint Technology, the mobile industry’s first 3D fingerprinting system based on ultrasonic technology. Qualcomm’s offering is designed to provide enhanced authentication capabilities, usability and integration by utilising technology developed for government-grade biometric solutions.
Accelerometer ensures reliable operation from -55 to +163°C
A high temperature, miniature accelerometer, the Model 7132AHT, has been released by Measurement Specialties, which is now part of TE Connectivity. Offering exceptional linearity across dynamic ranges from ±50 to ±2,000g, the device's stable temperature response ensures reliable operation over an extended temperature range from -55 to +163°C.
TVS diode array enables five times ESD protection
Mouser Electronics is now stocking the SP1012 TVS Diode Array from Littelfuse. It is one of the first general‑purpose electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices of its kind to pack five ESD diodes inside a Flip Chip (FCiP) package, a 5x improvement over previous implementations. This miniature, five-channel bidirectional TVS array is densely designed and can help developers reduce printed circuit board (PCB) space and costs due to its sma...
RGBW sensor eliminates external sensor, lowers costs
Vishay Intertechnology has launched a new digital RGBW sensor featuring Filtron technology for accurate RGBW spectral sensitivity, while providing ambient light spectral sensitivity with responses close to that of the human eye. It is on sale at distributor Rutronik. The VEML6040 colour sensor incorporates photo-pin-diodes (RGBW) and a signal processing IC in a compact 2.0 x 1.25 x 1.0mm surface-mount, 4-pin OPLGA package, while offering an I2C b...
Barometric pressure sensor delivers ±5cm resolution
Designed for use in mobile and wearable gadgets and IoT devices, Infineon Technologies has announced an ultra-high ±5cm resolution, miniature MEMS pressure sensor. The DPS310 is a low-power digital barometric pressure sensor that enables the development of new and enhanced navigation, location, well-being, gesture recognition and weather monitoring applications.