Sensors

Despite developments in sensor technology, the integration of a sensor within a larger systems device often results in a simple digital on/off signal. Whilst many applications would find this adequate, there is so much more that is possible by integrating the operation and configuration of sensors into the machine control platform. Fieldbus technology provides a higher speed data interface for ...

Austrian mixed-signal chip firm, ams says automotive supplier Continental is using its AS5162, magnetic position sensor, in a new chassis height sensor. The chip operates with a two-pole magnet to detects angular displacements as fine as 0.09° over a full revolution. It is a non-contacting semiconductor sensor which is designed to be immune to stray magnetic fields and contaminants such as oil, grease or dirt. Take the Electronics ...

Intersil has announced a light-in digital-out colour photometric chip. Called ISL29125, and measures only 1.65×1.65mm, it is intended to be used alongside displays, monitoring ambient light so the perceived display colour and intensity can be maintained. “Specifically, in OLED display TV applications, it can be used to adjust the blue organic material ageing profile to maintain consistent contrast and brightness ...

Honeywell Sensing and Control has developed sensor technology for use in brushless DC (BLDC) motors which it says will remove the need for chopper stabilisation resulting. The benefit of this is an improved response time, accuracy and reduced electrical noise without the need for additional filtering. The technology is based on a quad Hall element and proprietary programming which according to the supplier increases sensitivity and stability ...

Power Electronic Measurements (PEM) has a current transducer designed specifically for measuring current in three phases. Called the RCTrms 3-ph, the DIN-rail or panel mountable transducer connects to three Rogowski coils to capture measurements from three current phases simultaneously. The current transducer operates from a 12V-24V supply, and generates a true-RMS output as an industry-standard 4-20mA or 0-5V signal. The ...

The rail traction and industrial market sectors are noted as extremely challenging environments in terms of electronic systems that are created to monitor the flow of electrical power within them. They demand the highest levels of reliability and performance, and both require that systems continue to operate in very aggressive environmental conditions. These sectors also need the highest levels of ...

University of Bristol researchers have unveiled a large semi-autonomous drone “which could be used to provide visual, thermal and radiation monitoring of radiation after a release of nuclear material”, said the University. Jointly funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Sellafield, it is intended to avoid some of the problems that occured at the Fukishima disaster where, ...

Designing for variable control to adjust the speed of the lift in forklifts, pallet jacks, scissor lifts and other types of robotic material handling equipment is a basic requirement. To operate in rugged or harsh environmental conditions it is crucial that these control devices be of high quality and reliability to ensure a long deployment life. Material handling equipment designs ...

Texas Instruments is proposing inductive sensor technology as a more accurate alternative to magnetic Hall effect sensors and it has introduced its first inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) that uses coils and springs as inductive sensors. The approach using two forms of position sensing – Eddy current and inductance changes to measure the position, motion, or composition of a metal or conductive target, as ...

American Aerospace Controls (AAC) of New York, which supplies AC & DC current, voltage, power and frequency transducers, has seen its DO-160E qualified AC current level detector specified for aftermarket use on the Boeing 747 by several major European carriers, for aircraft galley water heater upgrades. Within the Boeing 747 aircraft galley are two separate water heaters, each with their own unique power requirements, supplied ...