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High-precision dual Op Amp operates from -55 up to +225°C May 16, 2013
CISSOID's high-precision dual Op Amp OPAL remains operational at temperatures from -55°C up to +225°C and is specifically designed to meet the toughest environmental constraints of sensors in automotive, industrial and general high reliability applications.
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Omron appoints TME to strengthen presence in Eastern Europe
May 16, 2013
Omron Electronic Components bv has appointed leading Eastern Europe catalog supplier TME as franchised distributor for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
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LVDT/RVDT signal conditioner with analog and RS485 outputs
May 16, 2013
Macro Sensors's Eazy-Cal LVC 4000 signal conditioner features analogue (4-20mA or user selectable voltage) and RS-485 outputs, it is compatible with most LVDT and RVDT linear position sensors, including half bridge, and can communicates digitally with up to 16 devices simultaneously.
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‘Sentrollers’ taking over from ‘People’ as the majority population on the Internet, says GreenPeak Technologies
May 13, 2013
GreenPeak Technologies has released a white paper called “Sentrollers and the Internet of Things” where it defines Sentrollers as a new, all-encompassing term for sensors, actuators and controllers – the various devices that make up the new Internet of Things.
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Ultra-sensitive touch sensor is able to be operated through glass or steel sheet
May 13, 2013
Peratech has developed an ultra-sensitive sensor using the company’s award winning QTC technology. Quantum Tunnelling Composite material changes its resistance when pressure is applied to enable pressure sensors to respond to light touches even through steel or glass.
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Water- and dust-protected inertial measurement units support CAN and RS-422 interfaces
The M-G550-PC and the M-G550-PR inertial measurement units developed by Seiko Epson feature six degrees of freedom, including gyroscopic sensors on three axes and accelerometers on three directions, with a maximum sampling rate of 1,000 samples per second.
Hall-effect sensor ICs for automotive applications
Factory-programmable, linear 3.3 V devices provide low-noise temperature-stable analog output for high-bandwidth applications.
Servo motor controller supports fluctuation-free motor speed range from 0 to 150,000 rpm
The maxon motor ESCON 70/10 is a high power density 4-quadrant pulse width modulated (PWM) servo motor controller that supports the efficient control of permanent-magnet brushed DC motors (PMDC) and brushless DC motors (BLDC motors) using Hall sensors with a power rating to about 700W.
Free Android software eases ambient light and proximity sensors integration
Vishay Intertechnology has released free Android software designed to simplify the use of its VCNL4020 and VCNL3020 integrated proximity and ambient light sensors in any mobile device running Android 4.0.1 software or higher.
OPV solar modules project aims to optimize energy harvesting by autonomous sensors within buildings
Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology developer Solar Press is investigating the energy harvesting potential for flexible plastic based OPV modules to be used as a power source for remote, autonomous sensors within buildings.
Precision torque sensors cover measuring between 0 to 5Nm and 0 to 200Nm
The latest dual-range torque sensor in burster präzisionsmesstechnik's 8661 series of compact precision torque sensors is setting new standards for measuring static and rotating torques in laboratory testing, production and quality assurance.
TTI offers basic board mount pressure sensors from Honeywell
Honeywell’s durable and robust NBP series basic board mount pressure sensors are now available from TTI, Inc.
Lattice introduces low-cost image sensor extender reference design
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation has unveiled the SensorExtender reference design that remotely locates image sensors up to eight meters away from the image signal processor (ISP) and transmit and receive video signals at resolutions that range up to 720p60 and 1080p30.
Organic image sensors sensitive to X-rays, visible and near infrared spectrum ranges
NikkoIA SAS carries on its organic image sensors technology developments by extending its sensitivity to X-rays, and validates its compatibility with substrates based on CMOS technology.
Miniaturized OEM plug-in module for motor control
Maxon motor's miniaturized OEM plug-in module; the Escon Module 50/5, is a compact 4-quadrant PWM servo motor controller for permanent-magnet activated brushed and brushless DC with Hall sensors up to approximately 250 Watts.
Multi-sensor research project for orthopaedics and navigation sectors
A collaborative research programme co-ordinated by Bosch, the 9D Sense research project has the goal of developing a compact, cost-efficient, and autonomous multi-sensor system that will offer precise determination of position and orientation; the programme includes 11 project partners from four countries
Farnell element14 becomes authorised distributor of Panasonic Semiconductor
Digital mass flow sensors with very high accuracy in both flow directions
First Sensor presents the new cost-effective Sensortechnics WBI mass flow sensors with ranges of 200 sccm (standard cubic centimeter per minute) and 1 slpm (standard liters per minute).
Samsung leads the adoption of pressure sensors in Smartphones, for floor-accurate indoor geolocation
With the introduction of the Galaxy S4, Samsung Electronics continues to lead the market in the adoption of pressure sensors in smartphones, paving the way for massive growth in the market for these devices in the coming years.
High-performance piezoelectric material optimizes voltage charge coefficients
Morgan Technical Ceramics has extended the company’s material portfolio with the launch of a new piezoelectric material.
STMicroelectronics makes MEMS technology available for prototyping through CMP
STMicroelectronics and CMP (Circuits Multi Projets) are to make ST’s THELMA MEMS manufacturing process available for prototyping to universities, research labs and design companies through the silicon brokerage services provided by CMP.
Sensors in clothes to monitor vital signs for illness and warn on exposure to dangerous chemicals
Peratech is working with the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London to develop wearable electronics that use Peratech’s award-winning QTC sensors.
Digi-Key expands distribution agreement with Honeywell Sensing and Control to ovr global sales
Digi-Key to distribute MEMSIC’s sensors globally
Global electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation has signed a global distribution agreement with MEMSIC, a company that designs and manufactures integrated micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) using a standard integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing process.
Plessey Semiconductors signs up Supreme Components to expand distribution network in Asia
Motion sensor hub integrates, optimizes and operates multiple motion sensors on mobile devices
Marin SA has introduced the Sentral sensor fusion hub, a new way to integrate complex motion sensors on mobile devices.
InvenSense inks Pan-European value-added distribution agreement with Avnet Memec
Precision interpolation circuit for 16-bits with automatic correction
The high-resolution signal processor iC-TW8 from iC-Haus is used to evaluate sine/cosine sensors, minimizing angular errors and jitters with automatic functions. It is also used for initial, push-button calibration and to permanently adapt signal path parameters during operation.
Precision interpolation circuit for 16-bits with automatic correction
The high-resolution signal processor iC-TW8 released by iC-Haus is used to evaluate sine/cosine sensors, minimizing angular errors and jitters with automatic functions. It is also utilized for initial, push-button calibration and to permanently adapt signal path parameters during operation.
Capacitive fluid-level sensors with advanced software and customised interface
Molex has released customised capacitive fluid-level sensors as a low-cost measuring solution with disposable sensors and reusable electronic circuitry for measuring fluid or granular material in non-metallic containers.
MEMS technology helps to track bird migration and behavior
STMicroelectronics and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science have unveiled that an innovative bird-tracking system developed by the university is using advanced MEMS sensing technology from ST.
Data logger allows greater sensor selection with more combinations
Developed by the Swiss technology company MSR Electronics GmbH, the MSR145 mini data logger allows users to select up to five sensors of the same measurand.
IR thermal sensor array offers new capabilities to building diagnostics equipment used for energy efficiency management
ULIS is making the company's Micro80P, which is its first 80x80 small pixel pitch high-sensitivity thermal sensor array, available for sampling.
Analog Devices expands online technical support community for design engineers
Analog Devices, Inc’s EngineerZone online technical support community is now supportsingADI’s full line of signal processing offerings.
USB thermocouple power sensors plug directly into PCs
Agilent Technologies' U8480 Series of USB thermocouple power sensors are based on the same front-end design as the Agilent 8480 and N8480 Series power sensors, with improved specifications, including a measurement speed of 400 readings per second, 10 times faster than the legacy series.
Ultra low power ANT+ transceiver enables head-up display for runners to show live training data
The Screeneye X from German navigation and sports specialist o-synce projects live training data such as heart rate, speed, and distance from any ANT+ device directly into the user's field of vision via a cap visor-embedded plastic screen.
Universal sensor interface for flow, gas, and pressure sensors
The new iC-HO device is a universal sensor interface for the assembly of flow, gas, and pressure sensors.
MEMS ideal for wireless sensor nodes and smartphones
Bosch said it has integrated into a 32-bit microcontroller a three-axis accelerometer with its first nine-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) that includes a gyroscope and magnetometer. The accelerometer also runs sensor fusion algorithms on the microcontroller.
Ultra low-power family of comparators enhances portable technology for healthcare, safety and security
STMicroelectronics has used its advanced design and manufacturing capabilities to create a new generation of accurate low-power components enabling improved energy efficiency and faster operation of equipment such as gas sensors, medical devices, safety systems and industrial controls.
Photoelectric sensors survive high pressure washdowns
The QM26 and QMH26 photoelectric sensors from Banner Engineering are designed specifically for food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
ST to restructure into two divisions
ST Microelectronics is to restructure its operations into two separate division covering sensors, including power and automotive, and embedded silicon that also includes consumer devices.
Non-contact power steering torque sensor delivers fuel savings
TT electronics’ new non-contact power steering torque sensor helping to make electronic power steering systems more compact, reliable and efficient by using less current and being smaller and lighter than existing solutions.
New ultrasonic transducers and transceivers support high volume applications
Rapid Electronics has introduced a new range of ProWave open and enclosed ultrasonic transducers and transceivers which are all available in stock for both niche and high volume requirements.
New generation of magnetic position sensors focus on safety-critical automotive applications
ams AG has introduced a new family of magnetic rotary position sensors with advanced safety features for automotive applications requiring ISO26262 compliance.
MEMS barometric capacitive pressure sensor delivers 10cm of altitude resolution
An affiliated company of Theon Sensors, European Sensors Systems (ESS) has released a MEMS-based capacitive barometric pressure sensor enabling portable devices to navigate with an altitude resolution of 10cm.
Highly integrated rotary sensors feature advanced diagnostic to enable ISO26262 compliance
ams AG has introduced a new family of magnetic rotary position sensors with advanced safety features for automotive applications requiring ISO26262 compliance.
Capacitive sensor signal conditioning IC can interface up to 4 capacitances
The ESS112 unveiled by European Sensors Systems is a full custom mixed-signal capacitive sensor signal conditioning IC aimed at all kinds of capacitive sensors.
Xsens partners with STMicroelectronics to demonstrate wearable wireless 3D body motion tracking
Xsens, the leading innovator in 3D motion tracking technology and products, is partnering STMicroelectronics to demonstrate the world’s first wearable wireless 3D body motion tracking system based on consumer-grade MEMS combo sensors at Electronica 2012 in Munich, Germany.
UL/ULC listed and ATEX approved linear position sensors
The HLR 750 Series of UL/ULC listed and ATEX-approved LVDT linear positions sensors from Macro Sensors are designed for use in the high temperature and highly volatile environments of gas turbines.
Fully configurable analog front-end technology enables smarter sensors
Renesas Electronics has introduced Smart Analog, a technology innovation that aims to have a radical effect on the way engineers implement sensors in embedded designs.
CMOS image sensors expected to grow at an 11 percent CAGR in revenue from 2012 to 2017
In its “Status of the CMOS Image Sensors Industry” report, Yole Développement expects the CMOS image sensors market to grow at an 11% CAGR in revenue in the 2012 – 2017 period, growing from $6.6B in 2012 to $11B in 2017.
TT electronics opens new production centre in Romania
TT electronics has opened the company’s latest European production centre in Timisoara, Romania which will manufacture a range of advanced power modules, microelectronic devices and sensors for industrial and transportation applications.
USB 3.0 CMOSIS-sensor based cameras
Lumenera has paired CMOSIS sensors with a USB 3.0 interface to deliver six distinct colour, monochrome and NIR enhanced cameras based on the CMOSIS CMV4000 (Lt425) and CMV2000 (Lt225) megapixel sensors.
Digital servo inclinometers deliver total error band of less than 0.08 degrees over the -20 to +70°C range
The DSIC Series of digital servo inclinometers re-launched by Sherborne Sensors is a range of single and dual axis gravity referenced digital output servo inclinometers with total error band of less than 0.08 degrees over a temperature range of -20°C to +70°C.
Discovery kit with on-board 9-axis MEMS sensors supports STM32 F3 microcontrollers
STMicroelectronics has released an innovative easy-access development platform for projects based on its new high-performance STM32 F3 microcontrollers, which are now starting to enter volume production.
Digi-Key signs global distribution deal with Kionix
Mouser Electronics stocks NBP Series Honeywell Pressure Sensors
Mouser Electronics is now stocking the NBP Series Board Mount Pressure sensors from Honeywell Sensing and Control. These uncompensated, unamplified sensors measure absolute and gage pressures in medical and industrial applications.
Digi-Key agrees global distribution deal with API Technologies
Digi-Key Corporation signs a global distribution agreement with the RF Solutions Division of API Technologies Corp. API is a provider of electronic systems, subsystems, RF, and secure systems for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.
Lattice semiconductor releases serial image sensor bridge support for Sony IMX136/104
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation has released a serial sub-LVDS bridge design to support the Sony IMX136 and IMX104 image sensors. The serial sub-LVDS format is expected to become Sony’s primary image sensor interface for embedded/industrial users.
Bluetooth and Zigbee on collision course
According to ABI Research, Bluetooth Smart and ZigBee are on a collision course in markets such as wireless sensors and the connected home.
Quartet of highly integrated optical sensors measure RGB, ambient light, proximity motion, infrared, and temperature
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced four, new digital optical sensors that advance analog integration with sensor fusion.
ULIS invests EUR 20 million in new infrared sensor facility
ULIS, a manufacturer of high quality infrared (IR) imaging sensors for thermography, security and surveillance, automotive and military applications, is investing EUR 20 million in a new state-of-the-art facility to meet increasing market demands for IR technology.
New magnetostrictive position sensors enable precise positioning of large hydraulic cylinders in harsh environments
ASM is extending the company’s range of magnetostrictive position sensors POSICHRON with the addition of the PCST27 series. The robust probe sensors allow for precise positioning of hydraulic cylinders or the measurement of fluid levels.
VTT leads international project to seek solutions to autonomic service networks consisting of machines
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is coordinating a European ICT project, which plans to focus on services offered through Machine-To-Machine networks consisting of a variety of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, sensors, actuators and machines.
Gleichmann Electronics becomes European representative of NEC's optical transceivers and magneto-resistive sensors
NEC's Fiber Optic Device Division (FODD) has named Gleichmann Electronics its representative for Europe, effective immediately for optical transceivers and MR (Magneto-Resistive) sensors.
Mass flow sensor family offers linear outputs with expanded flow sensing ranges
Posifa Microsystems, Inc., has unveiled a new line of Low-flow Mass Air Flow Sensors. The PMF2000 family eliminates the field failures associated with pressure shock, humidity and contamination that have for years plagued other manufacturers.
New high g accelerometers measure up to 500 g for shock detection
API Technologies Corp. has introduced the company’s new high g digital accelerometer from its Sensors line of inertial measurement products. Measuring up to 500 g, this accelerometer is ideal for shock detection and sports equipment safety testing.
16-Mpixel camera sensor targets digital video recorders and high-end smartphones
The OV16820 and OV16825 CameraChip sensors from OmniVision Technologies support 16-megapixel burst photography and can capture 4K2K video, or Quad Full High Definition (QFHD), at 60 frames per second (FPS).
Camera sensor targets high-end smartphones
Optical sensor offers greater sensitivity to dangerous chemicals
Industrial pressure sensors pre-configured for industrial monitoring applications
Honeywell's IP Series of industrial pressure sensors includes two new models pre-configured with the most popular features and options for typical industrial monitoring applications.
New development platform enables energy harvesting designs to be evaluated
Future Energy Solutions, a division of technical broadline distributor Future Electronics, has introduced a development system which enables design engineers to assess the feasibility of using harvested energy to power devices such as wireless sensors.
NPD DisplaySearch reports 66% growth of touch sensors manufacturing capacity, oversupply looming
ULIS debuts 17-micron thermal infrared sensor featuring I2C
ULIS, a French manufacturer of high-quality infrared (IR) imaging sensors for thermography, security and surveillance, automotive and military applications, has launched the Pico384E, a new 17-micron pixel size thermal sensor with I2C.
Movea unveils Chemistry of Motion solution to enable rapid prototyping of motion-enabled products
Movea has revealed the company's Chemistry of Motion solution that enables the company to rapidly prototype new motion features for customers in the mobile, Interactive TV, sports, and health markets.
Low-power, high-accuracy temperature sensor for solid state disk drives
Integrated Device Technology, Inc. has introduced a new family of precision temperature sensors targeted at ultra-low-power solid state drive applications.
MEMS' new battleground: Hardware-agnostic sensor fusion?
As more and more MEMS sensors are showing up in mobile devices, the focus of MEMS design has begun shifting from discrete MEMS components to MEMS sensor data integration.
Hall-IC offers precise omnipolar/unipolar detection
360 degree hall-effect rotary position sensor boasts 12 million cycles
Honeywell's RTY Series hall-effect rotary position sensors provide non-contact operation and low torque actuation which reduces worn-out mechanisms and provides a minimum 12M cycle product life. The sensor’s IP67-sealed package has an integral connector. The integrated reverse polarity protection provides protection against installation errors.
32-bit microcontrollers Include I2S interface for audio playback applications
Microchip Technology Inc., has announced at the Embedded World Conference in Germany a new series of low pin count 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs) that provide 61 DMIPS of performance in packages as small as 5 mm x 5 mm, for space-constrained and cost-sensitive designs.
Mass flow sensors set new performance standards
Posifa Microsystems, Inc., has unveiled a new line of improved Mass Air Flow Sensors. The PMFc3000 family, which is a pin compatible upgrade to the Honeywell AWM3000 series, incorporates the latest MEMS and microelectronics innovations. By replacing the common 'membrane-cavity' structure with a proprietary 'solid-state' thermal isolation process, Posifa’s sensors bring new levels of reliability to applications to eliminate field failures associated with pressure shock and contamination.
European collaboration aims to fast-track organic and large-area electronics developments
Europe's leading organic and large-area electronics (OLAE) organizations have joined forces in the Framework 7 project COLAE, which aims to speed up the commercialization and adoption of organic and large area electronics by promoting collaboration between industry clusters throughout Europe. COLAE will utilize the resources and know-how of the project partners to provide tools and services for the existing organic electronics industry, as well as supporting the entry of new players.
Thermal diffusivity sensors are the future
Thermal diffusivity based sensors are the future, according to professor Kofi Makinwa of Delft University of Technology, speaking at the International Solid States Circuits Conference on Monday (February 20).
Microsemi joins new SOI-HITS research project to reduce CO emissions and achieve energy savings
Research project looks into the exhaust pipe
The reduction of CO2 emissions is the long-term goal of the research project SOI-HITS (Silicon on Insulator - High Temperature Systems). The project's contribution to this goal is developing CMOS-compatible high-temperature sensors for use in automotive combustion systems as well as in domestic or industrial boilers.
UK researchers develop sensors to improve protection of concrete coastal structures
Plug-and-play sensor prototype kit speeds time to market for gas analysis
Cal Sensors has launched of a sensor prototype kit designed as a plug-and-play tool that will dramatically accelerate prototyping, validation and product development for new gas measurement instruments. Supporting PbS and PbSe detector technologies, the prototype kit allows engineers to focus on the challenges of the system’s design by quickly validating detector viability.
Baolab buries MEMS into CMOS production line
Baolab Microsystems SL (Barcelona, Spain) a startup pioneering the creation of microelectromechancial systems (MEMS) within the metal interconnect layers of CMOS wafers, has announced that will offer evaluation kits for its tri-axis compass by the end of February 2012.
Self-diagnosing sensor detects primary failure modes in RF cables
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology and PPC Corp., have developed a “Smart Connector” sensor to automatically detect equipment damage and pinpoint its exact location using self-diagnostics.
Flexible substrates harness carbon nanotube ink for smart devices
Switching to a new formulation of cabon nanotube ink can enable the fabrication of smart devices that are flexible, fast, cheap and extremely durable, according to new results at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
austriamicrosystems supplies ambient light and proximity sensors to Samsung Galaxy smartphones
API Technologies releases new 4-20-mA output Hall Effect precision sensors
API Technologies Corp. has introduced a new output option for the company’s Spectrum Sensors line of H009 Hall Effect Position Sensors. The new 4-20 mA output option joins the existing H009 series with Analog, PWR, and Serial output options.
STMicroelectronics claims world’s Smallest 3-axis digital gyroscope
STMicroelectronics has expanded its motion-sensing portfolio with the addition of the market’s smallest three-axis digital-output gyroscope. ST’s L3G3200D enables advanced motion sensing in ever-shrinking form factors of next-generation mobile phones, tablets and other smart consumer devices, by reducing the package size by almost half over current-generation sensors.
Instant 3-D nanodots grow on silicon to create innovative nanosensors
STMicroelectronics shrinks acceleration sensor footprint by 50 percent
STMicroelectronics has introduced ultra-low-power, high-performance three-axis accelerometers in 2x2 mm packages. Reducing the size by a factor of 2 over current-generation devices, ST’s newest acceleration-sensor family is suitable for motion-sensing features in power- and space-constrained consumer applications, such as mobile phones, tablets and gaming controls.
Magnetic sensor use to rise in automotive motors
Revenue derived from the use of magnetic sensors in automotive motors will expand by nearly 40 percent in 2012 reaching $160.3 million, according to market research firm IHS iSuppli.
TAOS claims industry's first digital color sensors with on-chip IR filtering and proximity sensing
Mouser teams up with Azoteq for exclusive global agreement
Freescale unveils advanced airbag sensors for improved vehicle safety
Traffic monitoring system uses Bluetooth sensors over ZigBee
The platform is capable of sensing the flow of Bluetooth devices in a given street, roadway or passageway while differentiating hands-free car kits from pedestrian phones. Sensor data is then transferred by a multi-hop ZigBee radio, via an internet gateway, to a server. The traffic measurements can then be analysed to address congestion of either vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
Fully calibrated linear position gaging bundle
Macro Sensors announced a complete “out-of-the-box” solution for linear position gaging with its Eazy-gage bundle. Combining spring-loaded, AC-operated LVDT position sensors with an Eazy-cal mini-module LVDT signal conditioner, the Eazy-gage bundle takes the guess work out of gaging applications by providing a fully calibrated and complete linear position gaging system ready for immediate operation.
Researchers use glass to imprint lab-on-chip sensors
A glass stamp approach similar to nanoimprint lithography and using glass instead of polymer may help researchers clear a large hurdle in scaling up lab-on-a-chip manufacturing.
Murata to buy MEMS firm for $260 million
Japanese passives to power supplies giant Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., has announced it has agreed to buy VTI Technologies Oy (Vantaa, Finland) for about 20 billion yen (about 190 million euro or $260 million) in cash.
Ziptronix bonds with Sony on image sensors
Ziptronix, Inc. recently licensed its
ZiBond technology to Sony Corp. providing its oxide bonding technology
for backside illumination imaging sensors.The Morrisvile, N.C.,
company has an extensive worldwide patent portfolio covering the
fundamental concepts behind economical low-temperature oxide bonding and
oxide bonding with interconnect.
Plessey Semiconductors begins sampling of EPIC sensor samples
Commercial samples of Plessey Semiconductors' Electric Potential Integrated Circuit (EPIC) sensors are now available. The first products are optimized for use as an ECG sensor and claim to provide a resolution as good as or better than conventional electrodes.
Fully integrated low noise 24-bit ADCs deliver maximum accuracy
Intersil Corporation has introduced the ISL26132 and ISL26134, 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs containing an ultra-low noise programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with gains of 1x, 2x, 64x and 128x. Designed for weigh scales, precision sensors and industrial process control systems, the new ADCs provide direct connection to sensors without the need for additional circuitry.
EM Microelectronic's new CoolRF chip qualifies for Bluetooth V4.0
EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, has announced at the Bluetooth Technology Conference 2011 in Munich, Germany, the Bluetooth V4.0 qualification of its EM9301, the latest member of the company’s CoolRF circuits family.
Premo unveils new Hall Effect sensor series
Premo has introduced a new series of Hall Effect sensors which have been designed for a double supply voltage of ±12 to ±18 Vdc.
Sub-1 GHz 6LoWPAN solutions deliver mesh wireless Internet connectivity to metering networks
Medical MEMS tackles knee replacement
Currently, more than 30 percent of knee replacement surgeries suffer from misalignment problems caused by the "fog of surgery"–where the precise orientation of internal bones is difficult to determine. By adding a complement of Analog Devices' high-precision MEMS sensors to track the alignment and motion of a patient's knee just moments before the surgery, OrthAllign Inc., (Aliso Viejo,CA) aims to up alignment success rate to 100 percent.
MEMS chips entering mass consumer markets
As MEMS enters the mainstream, the high-volume markets will favor mergers and acquisitions over the next five years, as the larger player fill in the gaps of their integrated solution for OEMs, who must fuse the outputs of multiple MEMS sensors for a wider variety of applications than just tablets and phones.
Customizable HW/SW solution for enhanced motion
STMicroelectronics introduced its iNEMO Engine Sensor Fusion Suite, a new family of advanced filtering and predictive software that uses sophisticated algorithms to integrate outputs from multiple MEMS sensors. Real-time on-board motion-sensor data fusion is set to dramatically improve the user experience, increasing accuracy, resolution, stability and response time in advanced motion-based applications in consumer, computer, industrial and medical fields.
4–36 V buck/boost DC/DC converter supports intelligent sensor systems
From one chip and a variable input voltage of 4 V to 36 V iC-Haus GmbH's iC-DC generates two stabilized output voltages that can be adjusted between 1.5 V and 5.5 V for the compact voltage supply of industrial sensors and small subsystems.
Dialog Semiconductor reveals world's first DECT ULE wireless sensor network devices
Dialog Semiconductor plc has introduced what the company claims is the world’s first family of IC based devices interoperable with the DECT ULE (ultra low energy) wireless standard. SmartPulse has been created for home automation, healthcare, security and energy monitoring consumer applications.
Automotive, smartphone applications drive silicon magnetic sensor revenue
ULIS joins forces with CEA/Leti to develop infrared sensors for applications enhancing energy efficiency
Farnell launches sensing technology microsite
Farnell has launched a new microsite dedicated to sensors and sensing applications. In addition to giving fast and easy access to over 4,000 products, the sensing microsite also provides extensive design resources including application notes, white papers and product training videos to help keep engineers involved in this rapidly evolving sector up-to-date with the latest technologies and methodologies.
New Bosch lambda sensors are smaller, more accurate
With the emission limits in exhaust legislation becoming ever stricter, exhaust sensors are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, automakers are becoming increasingly demanding with respect to sensors' installation space, measurement accuracy, and robustness. For this reason, Bosch is now launching the LSF Xfour, the successor generation of the tried and true LSF4.2 switching-type lambda sensor. The new sensor is smaller and more robust, and its measurement accuracy has been improved. In addition, it responds faster following a cold start.
5-V zero drift rail-to-rail precision op amp offers low power consumption with half the noise
Intersil Corporation has extended its family of precision op amps, introducing a new 5 V, ultra-low noise, chopper-stabilized zero drift rail-to-rail amplifier featuring half the noise of competitive amps that consume similar power.
High speed InGaAs linear image sensors
The high speed G10768-1024D InGaAs linear image sensors and the C10854 multichannel detector head from Hamamatsu Photonics have been designed to meet increasing industrial requirements for the detection of foreign bodies on-line in the near infrared range (wavelength range from 800 nm to 1700 nm).
MEMS expands into 3D earth magnetic field sensors
Multitest has added a new application to its MEMS test and calibration product line. With the new application, 3D earth magnetic field sensors can be used for innovative mobile applications and state-of-the-art navigation applications without the use of a GPS.
New generation of position sensors improves performance of automotive applications
NXP Semiconductors N. V. has release a new generation of automotive position sensors. The KMA210 incorporates NXP’s latest magnetoresistive sensor chip and a signal conditioning ASIC developed in NXP’s advanced Silicon on Insulator (SOI) ABCD9 process technology. The device is the first of a new magnetic sensor family in a full system-in-package solution that requires no external components. KMA210 is specially designed to improve the overall performance and increase robustness in automotive applications.
Ferroelectrics fabbed on plastic
Ferroelectric memories, energy harvesting arrays, sensors and actuators could soon be fabricated on plastic substrates, according to researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, who recently demonstrated a new low-temperature process using an atomic-force microscope (AFM).
PREMO GROUP agrees new French distribution deal
uncompensated/unamplified board mount pressure sensors
Honeywell launched the TruStability NCS Series of uncompensated/unamplified board mount pressure sensors, offering customers the flexibility of self-calibration, combined with stability, accuracy and repeatability. The sensors deliver a ratiometric analog output for reading pressure over the specified full scale pressure span and temperature range. Because they are uncompensated and unamplified, they offer infinite resolution on the pressure signal.
1.12 micrometre pixel CMOS image sensor with back-side illumination
Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched a 1.12 micrometre pixel CMOS image sensor, combining the industry's smallest level pixel size with the enhanced sensitivity and improved imaging performance of back-side illumination technology (BSI). BSI sensors deploy lenses on the rear of the sensor - on the silicon substrate – rather than the front, where wiring limits light absorption.
Rugged, precision analog accelerometers offer quick shipment benefits
Spectrum Sensors & Controls has introduced a line of quick-ship analog accelerometers available in customer-specified configurations and fully calibrated. New XL403A accelerometers enable test engineers to quickly get a rugged, precision accelerometer configured to deliver proper measurements in a project. Single, dual and triaxial versions are available in any full-scale range from ±1 g to ±15 g, with bandwidths up to 800 Hz.
Hall Effect sensors is equipped with input reference pin
Premo has introduced a new series of Hall Effect sensors designed for a single supply voltage of +5V. The DSR5 family is a close loop technology component in a small package for THT mounting. Primary winding is already integrated to enable measurement of DC, AC and pulse currents on printed circuit boards.
OEM pressure sensors from 500 mbar to 100 bar with custom options
Sensortechnics' new KMA series measures gage pressures of corrosive and aggressive gases and liquids in ranges from 500 mbar to 100 bar. These pressure sensors use internal digital signal conditioning to deliver calibrated and temperature compensated 0.5 to 4.5 V output signals. The KMA sensors are based on very accurate and long-term stable ceramic pressure cells with excellent media compatibility.
Gartner: Chip market to grow 5.1% in 2011
The global semiconductor market will be $315 billion in 2011, an increase of 5.1 percent on 2010, according to market research firm Gartner Inc. This is down from Gartner's previous forecast, given in the first quarter, for 6.2 percent growth this year.
austriamicrosystems acquires TAOS to strengthen light sensor portfolio
Sensors drivers and APIs fully integrated in the AVR Studio 5 IDE
The Sensors Xplained software framework announced by Atmel is aimed at accelerating the development of sensor-based devices and applications by providing driver and calibration support for a variety of the most popular sensor types used in consumer, industrial and medical applications.
MOSFET pair reduces DC motor losses
For use in low voltage single- and three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motor control applications, the DMC4040SSD complementary dual MOSFET from Diodes Incorporated features matched N-channel and P-channel Rds(on) performances to ensure DC losses in motor loads are balanced and minimized.
Surface mount PIR sensor measures 4.7x4.7x2.4 mm
Murata launched the IRS-B series of dual and quad type surface mount pyro-electric infrared sensors. It is the smallest PIR sensors in the world, but also the only surface mount devices available, claims the manufacturer with three models, IRS-B210ST01, IRS-B340ST02 and IRS-B345ST03 measuring only 4.7x4.7x2.4mm.
Plessey Semiconductors unveils first IC design using Electric Potential sensor technology
SFT releases industry's first commercial hierarchical 3D extractor for post-layout verification
Transparent, conductive touchscreen material offers capacitive touch sensor benefits
Touch sensor specialist Zytronic is launching a new range of its ZYBRID sensors employing deposited tracks of transparent Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) as the sensing medium to complement the present product sensor range which utilizes copper strand electrodes. The sensors claim to deliver benefits compared with other currently available ITO-based mutual capacitive type pro-cap offerings, particularly for smaller, ruggedized touch devices.
CMOS image sensor market set for steady growth
GSA to work with MEMS Industry Group
The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) industry body has announced that is has agreed to form an "organizational alliance" with the MEMS Industry Group trade association.
Light curtains for error-free shelf control
With its Light Curtains Pick to Light, sensor producer Wenglor extends its portfolio of photoelectronic sensors, following the "Pick to Light" principle whereby the light curtains monitor the correct parts picking processes in shelves and storage locations during mounting and commissioning and thus effectively prevent errors.
Signal conditioner for LVDT position sensors eases calibration
The Eazy-Cal from Macro Sensors is what the company claims to be the most user-friendly LVDT signal conditioner. Employing a virtually effortless fingertip calibration routine, the Eazy-Cal MMX series saves time and money by eliminating the repetitive null and span potentiometer adjustments associated with conventional analog based signal conditioners.
Multi-purpose signal conditioners designed for many sensor types
The multi-purpose signal conditioners Models 482C27 and 483C28 from PCB Piezotronics are designed for use with a large variety of sensor types including differential MEMS, single-ended MEMS, bridge, and ICP sensors.
EnOcean Alliance declare its energy harvesting sensors are fully interoperable with TCP/IP
Apple becomes second largest buyer of consumer/cell phone MEMS sensors in 2010
Apple Inc., in 2010 rose one rank to become the world's second largest buyer of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors for consumer electronics products and cell phones, as it snapped up parts for products including the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch, new IHS iSuppli research indicates.
Evaluation kit for Sensirion's digital differential pressure sensors
The EK-P3 evaluation kit from Sensirion offers a straightforward and cost-effective option for testing the company's SDP600 series of digital differential pressure sensors. The set consists of a USB stick that is connected to the SDP610 sensor by an adapter cable.
Miniaturised 9-axis IMU supports new generation of rehabilitation applications
RM Ingénierie, a subsidiary of the CEGEDIM Group, is using Movea’s miniaturized MotionPod , Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to enable a new generation of groundbreaking joint assessment and rehabilitation applications.
HP outfits data center with 10,000 sensors
Hewlett-Packard has officially opened a new data center Wednesday March 30 that will both help run its internal business and act as a lab to research techniques to reduce consumption of energy in data centers. To that end, the building has been outfitted with nearly 10,000 networked sensors.
austriamicrosystems releases 0.18-µm High-Voltage CMOS process for volume production
3D radiation sensors target CERN upgrade
New generation of high performance MEMS gyros prepare to tackle harsh environments
In this news analysis article EE Times Europe Analog's editor, Paul Buckley, discusses the development of the new iMEMS gyroscopes launched by Analog Devices Inc., with Wayne Meyer, ADI's Marketing & Applications Manager MEMS and Sensor Technologies Division.
Spending on wireless-enabled sensors grew more than 80% in 2010, says ABI
Wireless sensors are bringing greater control and energy
efficiency to the Building Automation Systems (BAS) market with adoption
growing during the second half of 2010. Concerns over energy efficiency have
long driven interest in new technologies to better manage energy use, and are
driving interest and investment in wireless-enabled building environment
controls.
ON Semiconductor acquires CMOS image sensor business unit from Cypress
Inertial sensor market to grow 20.3% annually to reach USD2.56B in 2015
The inertial sensor market for consumer electronics is growing very quickly due to the fast adoption of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers in mobile phones, tablets, game stations and laptops….Indeed, according to Laurent Robin, analyst for the MEMS & Sensors market at Yole Développement, 20.3% annual growth is expected from $847M in 2009 to reach $2.56B in 2015.
Touch screen vision sensors with Ethernet connectivity
Banner Engineering introduced the iVu Plus, adding Ethernet connectivity and more advanced inspection capabilities to the iVu's intuitive platform. Ethernet connectivity enables iVu Plus sensors to share inspection data directly with PLCs, PCs or other factory devices, making communications and control even easier on the plant floor. The iVu Plus is also capable of storing up to 30 inspections, accommodating rapid product changeover, while a new sort sensor function facilitates sorting of as many as 10 patterns in a single inspection.
Hydrogels used in diffraction-based environmental sensors
Researchers at the Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue
University, are developing a new type of biological and chemical sensor that
has few moving parts, is low-cost and yet highly sensitive, sturdy and
long-lasting. The "diffraction-based" sensors are made of thin
stripes of a gelatinous material called a hydrogel, which expands and contracts
depending on the acidity of its environment.
Magnetic cylinder sensors determine exact pistons in pneumatic cylinders
Baumer launches a new generation of magnetic cylinder sensors for detecting the exact position of pistons in pneumatic cylinders. The new cylinder sensors available for T und C slots have been enhanced in performance and reliability.
UMC adds MEMS sensors to foundry model
Foundry chipmaker United Microelectronics Corp. has started producing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor products for customers and has volume production scheduled for later this year. The achievement follows three years of MEMS technology development. UMC said.
USB-capable wideband power sensors can measure up to 40GHz
Rohde & Schwarz is expanding its portfolio of USB-capable power sensors with the new R&S NRP Z85 and R&S NRP Z86, claimed to be the world's first wideband sensors to measure power from 50 MHz to 40 GHz without requiring a base unit. Instead of a base unit, the sensors are connected to a PC via a USB interface. This cost-efficient solution displays envelope power over a dynamic range of 47dBm to +20dBm, which is unprecedented in the industry according to the manufacturer.
Volkswagen selects Infineon sensor chip to support electric power steering systems
ADI extends online education series with webcast to sharpen fundamental design skills
Researchers seek silicon nanowire sensors
Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics (IME) will collaborate with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to explore new ways to design and make nanowire sensors. Their goal is to create commercial sensors that could eventually be used in point-of-care test systems to detect proteins that signal cancer.
Automotive MEMS sales rebound, says iSuppli
austriamicrosystems expands CMOS, high-voltage, high-voltage flash and RF multi project wafer services for foundry customers
2.3- and 5.3-megapixel image sensors focus on machine vision, security and traffic monitoring applications
Nordic 2.4-GHz transceivers enable consumer brain control headset to open door to wireless mind gaming
Pioneering wireless mind-control specialist, Emotiv, is employing Nordic Semiconductor's 2.4 GHz proprietary transceivers in the off-the-shelf EPOC Neuroheadset platform that Emotiv is now actively targeting at the mainstream consumer gaming industry.
Touch controller supports dual-touch functionality on projected capacitive touchscreens over 50 inches
Zytronic launched the ZXY100/128 controller, capable of supporting
touchscreens greater than 50 inches (127cm) across. Developed for the company's
proprietary range of touch sensors, the ZXY100 touch controller board is
supported by the same WHQL certified driver as the smaller controllers in the
range, and offers features such as dual-touch output for linkage to
“multi-touch” or gesture recognition software, Windows 7 plug and play,
in-field firmware upgradeability and reduced PCB footprint.
16-bit IO-Link microcontrollers for industrial sensors with 56 percent smaller package size
Renesas Electronics has introduced four 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) products that support slave device operation in the IO-Link communication standard for miniature sensors and actuators used in industrial systems.
Omron collaborates with STMicroelectronics to develop smarter gas metering solutions
Gaming takes the lion's share in the MEMS gyroscope market says Yole Développement
As the use of motion sensors in various consumer electronic
devices is expanding quickly, the industry competitive landscape is
significantly changing. In particular concerning MEMS gyroscopes. The battle to
introduce the 3-axis gyroscopes on smartphones has just started, but the major
market for MEMS gyroscopes is still gaming. In a $418M consumer gyroscope
market in 2010, gaming represents a market segment of $162M according to
Yole Développement.
400-mA synchronous step-up DC/DC converter targets energy harvesting applications
A high performance, synchronous boost converter that incorporates maximum power point control (MPPC) and starts up with inputs as low as 250 mV has been unveiled by Linear Technology. The LTC3105 operates over a wide input range of 0.2 V to 5 V, making it ideal for harvesting energy from high impedance alternative power sources, including photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and fuel cells.
Wireless inertial 6 DoF measurement system offers maximum flexibility for motion detection
Gleichmann Electronics is offering SensorDynamics' W6DoFIMU (Wireless 6 Degree of Freedom Inertial Measurement Unit) module which claims to be a complete solution for wireless acquisition and analysis of motion data within the smallest space.
Silicon Laboratories acquires ChipSensors
Universal transmitter for 24/7 industrial vibration monitoring
Building on its broad portfolio of DIN rail products, IMI
Sensors released the model 682A16 universal transmitter for 24/7 vibration
monitoring. Designed to protect plant and process machinery (including pumps,
motors, fans and other critical rotating equipment) by providing crucial
information that avoids costly downtime and increases productivity and
profitability, the unit is suitable for vibration monitoring applications with IMI's
4-20 mA sensors or IMI's ICP accelerometers, and can be used with existing PLC,
DCS, and SCADA systems leading to alarm, control, or shutdown.
Humidity sensor filter cap for use in harsh environments
Sensirion has launched a filter cap for its latest
generation of humidity sensors. The
SF2 filter cap is made of PBT, has an integrated filter
membrane, and protects Sensirion's
SHT2x humidity and temperature sensor from water, dust, dirt
and various contaminants.
The filter cap features a filtration efficiency of 99.99% of all
particles greater than 0.1µm and is designed to keep response time low.
Researchers focus on how single conductive polymer molecule transport energy
austriamicrosystems signs global distribution agreement with Digi-Key
2M-pixel SOC sensors support high-volume feature phone markets
The OV2643 and OV2659 CMOS image sensors introduced by OmniVision Technologies are designed to address the increasing demand for 2-megapixel resolution cameras in the mid- to low-end feature phone segment, bringing high-definition (HD) video and excellent low-light sensitivity to this high-volume market. The chips offer advanced image signal processing and deliver 720p native HD video at 30 frames per second.
HP MEMS platform promises ultrasensitive sensors, on the cheap
Hewlett-Packard has developed a sensor platform that taps its experience as the largest supplier of the tiny mechanical structures in inkjet printheads. HP claims its MEMS process technology enables sensors a thousand times more sensitive than the models in use today, which were designed to trigger airbags during the violent motion of an automobile accident.
MEMS automotive sensors to rebound in 2010
Closed-loop Hall Effect sensors offer high performance and linearity benefits
PREMO is enhancing its current sensors product range with the addition of new HCT-1000-SH series, a high current Closed Loop Hall Effect Sensor.
Sensors integrate ColdFire processor, MEMS accelerometer
Precise MEMS inertial sensors offer performance gains for industrial designs
To help industrial equipment manufacturers more easily implement stabilization, navigation, and control features within their industrial system designs Analog Devices, Inc., is adding two highly integrated and precise MEMS inertial sensors to its product line of iSensor motion sensor products.
Precise temperature sensors offer alternatives to thermistors and resistance temperature detectors
Analog Devices, Inc., has introduced two fully calibrated, 16-bit-resolution, high-linearity digital temperature sensors that claim to achieve the industry’s highest level of precision over a wide operating temperature range.
Security manager device features hierarchical secure nonimprinting memory and tamper detection
Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a security manager with 1024 bytes of nonimprinting memory to securely store sensitive data.
SiTime captures 85 percent of fast-growing MEMS-based timing market
Silicon Laboratories acquires Silicon Clocks to focus on CMEMS technology
Speed controller module for brushless DC motors
The maxon motor DEC module 50/5 controller is a digital amplifier with speed controller for controlling electronically commutated (brushless) DC motors with Hall sensors up to 250 watts. The plug-in module can be seamlessly integrated into complex applications with minimum effort, allowing customers to focus all their attention on developing their own equipment.
Current converters offer multifunctional capabilities
PEWATRON (Zurich, Switzerland) has introduced its HJ-A series multifunctional current converters that offer a digital interface and take up little space on a mounting rail.
Digi-Key signs global distribution deal with Sanyo Semiconductor
Quantum film threatens to replace CMOS image chips
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