Modern electronics should be able to easily solve a temperature-sensing challenge, but the harsh real-world complexities make it a difficult proposition. Freight railroads are a very important part of the logistics infrastructure around the world for transporting raw materials as well as finished goods. They are a major constituent of intermodal transportation along with trucks, […]
Sensors
Waterproof pressure sensor provides digital memory and connunications
STMicroelectronics has introduced the market’s first MEMS water/liquid-proof absolute pressure sensor with a declared 10-year longevity program for the industrial market. ST’s new ILPS28QSW sensor comes in a sealed, cylindrical, surface-mountable package. It features a ceramic substrate that provides high resistance to liquid permeability and a robust potting gel, proven in automotive applications, to protect the […]
Improved photoelectric sensors boost performance and capabilities
IDEC Corporation introduces the SA2E general-purpose photoelectric (PE) sensor family, in five major models, each of which improves or replaces proven SA1E products. A new ASIC, common to the entire offering, provides a significantly improved price/performance ratio, while delivering better response times and more capable detection. SA2E PE sensors are offered in five major variations: […]
When to use sound pressure and when to use sound intensity measurements
Sound pressure, sound intensity, and sound power are three different ways to quantify sound. This FAQ begins by defining each one, looks at various types of measurement techniques that can be used to quantify them, presents a range of international testing standards for measuring sound, looks at instruments used for measuring sound pressure and intensity, […]
Tiny, medical sensors feature large measurement range, accuracy, resistance to environmental effects
NewTek medical sensors withstand the effects of autoclave cycles used to sterilize medical equipment prior to surgical procedures or other medical uses. According to the Centers for Disease Control, steam sterilization, as accomplished in an autoclave, is the most widely used and dependable method of sanitizing critical medical equipment as a part of infection control. […]
How do sensors impact ATMs?
It’s well known that automobiles and smartphones have several sensors to improve today’s capabilities over those of previous generations. However, they are not the only products that impact consumers’ lives to do so. For example, automated teller machines (ATMs) have a surprising number and different types of sensors to perform a variety of functions. Even […]
Compact electromagnets meet holding force and duty cycle requirements
Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) has released their E-05-125 Series of Tubular Low-Profile Electromagnets. This compact series of electromagnets measuring just 1.25-in. in diameter x 0.50-in. features 18 different windings to select from based on the duty cycle and holding force requirements of the application. Low cost, the E-05-125 Electromagnets are immediately available off-the-shelf in sample […]
How does skin color impact biosensors?
To determine blood oxygen (arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)) and pulse rate, many biosensors use the reflectance of red and infrared (and sometimes green) light. Based on photoplethysmography (PPG), an optical technique that measures blood volume variations, dual-wavelength PPG pulse oximeters noninvasively measure/calculate the arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). An oximeter transmits radiation at a known […]
CES roundup: Products for engineers
From capacitors to test equipment, engineers can find components that consumers don’t even know are inside their gadgets.
Piezo driver provides integrated sensing on single chip
Boréas Technologies has introduced the BOS1921, a tiny piezo driver that delivers autonomous operation and sensing for piezo haptic trackpads in a single chip—freeing PC OEMs from the dedicated electronics that other piezo drivers require for force sensing. This advancement reduces bill of materials (BOM) costs by up to 2x, keeps piezo haptic trackpads thin, improves responsiveness, […]