Sensors

The tiny SHTC1 humidity and temperature sensor is specifically designed for mobile devices where size is a critical factor. Sensirion has rigorously followed the maxim smaller is better” and developed the world’s smallest sensor in its class, measuring a mere 2 x 2 x 0.8 mm.

System cost is a factor in deciding whether to use a sensor hub, points out Ian Chen, Executive Vice President of Sensor Platforms, a US startup which develops hardware agnostic sensor fusion software. Sensor Platforms’ FreeMotion library of software algorithms and middleware supports all major mobile microprocessors and all sensors used in smartphones and tablets.

The complex algorithms used by platforms such as the iNEMO Engine to combine the outputs of multiple sensors obviously require processing power; in the iNEMO Engine development boards this is done on a separate ST microcontroller. But why is this ‘sensor hub’ configuration becoming the norm rather than using central processing resources such as the application processor?

Sensor fusion is becoming a popular technique for increasing the accuracy and useability of data from MEMS sensors in smartphones and other consumer devices. In essence, the technique involves combining data from multiple sensors to produce a faster and more accurate representation of what is happening outside the system.

Wake up, shower, make coffee, water the lawn, activate the home alarm, drive to work; an average day for the average worker. What might not be so obvious is the number of sensors involved in all of those seemingly mundane activities. From the utilities powering and monitoring your electric and hot water usage, to automatic coffee machines, sprinkler and alarm systems, to the manufacturing and ongoing service of your automobile — sensors are alr...

The new PyroMini infrared pyrometer from Calex Electronics is packed full of exciting new features. Its miniature sensing head measures just 18 mm x 45 mm, making it ideal for mounting in tight spaces. A high ambient version is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 180°C without water or air-cooling, allowing significant energy and cost savings to be made.

Supporting global trends towards reducing package size in automotive sensor applications, Molex advances its customization and development capabilities to help automakers achieve greater competitive advantage

Today, device manufacturers, platform vendors and application developers are rushing to integrate motion software to enhance and differentiate their products. In turn, this trend is creating new opportunities for more advanced motion-based applications to be developed. Advanced motion processing software will take motion control in smartphones and tablets far beyond basic tilt sensing for landscape / portrait orientation detection and simple game...

Motion controlled applications are intrinsic to the smartphone user experience. As a result, the latest smartphones and tablets universally include an array of motion sensors, with a combination of accelerometers, magnetometers and, more recently, gyroscopes. This trend is set to continue.

Maxim Integrated Products announces the MAX78638, a turnkey solution for 3-phase motor energy measurement and diagnostics. Unlike previous bulky and expensive solutions that required moving the equipment from motor to motor, the highly integrated MAX78638 conveniently allows for constant and simultaneous monitoring of multiple pumps and motors.