The Sense energy monitor from Sense Labs, Inc. indicates where the energy is being consumed in a home. With this information users can: Track energy use over time Identify sources of energy waste Monitor critical loads in the home Set device-level notifications Wattage is tracked through two current sensors clamped around the mains that feed […]
Can a PUF solve sensor/network vulnerabilities?
The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors are inextricably linked. According to a recent article in Forbes, “by 2025, it is expected that there will be more than 30 billion IoT connections…and…trillions of sensors connecting and interacting on these devices.” The downside to all this connectivity is that it leaves sensors and their connected networks vulnerable to attacks. While […]
What is the difference between active and passive IR sensors?
Passive infrared (PIR), or pyroelectric PIR sensors as they are also called, detect infrared (heat) radiation in the range of 0.7 µm to 50 µm. The radiated heat can come from humans, animals, machinery and more. Common applications include: alarm systems consumer electronics human body detection automatic switches including automatic lighting A PIR sensor is […]
Are sensing events getting back to normal?
With last year’s sensing/sensor events cancelled or held virtually after COVID -19 hit, it is interesting to monitor how they are being held this year. Some recent announcements provide an indication. The 35th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (IEEE MEMS 2022) will be held in-person in Tokyo, Japan, as well as virtually on […]
What is the difference between sensors for low UV, middle UV, and UV-C light?
Unlike visible light, which ranges between 380 nm and 780 nm, ultraviolet (UV) light wavelengths measure between 100 nm to 400 nm. UV is broken into subcategories known as UVA, UVB, or UVC. While UVC rays are the shortest and strongest, naturally occurring UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the atmospheric ozone layer, so they […]
What is the difference between an NTC and a PTC thermistor?
Both negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors’ values change as a result of temperature but impact their use differently. For NTC thermistors, as temperature increases, the resistance drops from high to low and allows current to pass through. In a circuit, they can limit in-rush current by self-heating when current is […]
How can thousands of wireless sensors be deployed without requiring battery maintenance?
Wireless applications that need continuous monitoring to save energy, detect unsafe or other avoidable conditions and need to avoid creating serious maintenance issues are prime candidates for energy harvesting. Steam trap monitoring provides an excellent example of this type of batteryless sensing. Roughly 20% of the steam leaving a typical facility’s central boiler plant in space […]
Can the AgeMeter help you?
Developed by Centers for Age Control, the AgeMeter takes user data and physiological biomarker tests to calculate functional age and provide other age-related feedback to users. Since it tests physiological biomarkers that decline with age, the AgeMeter can validate aging reversal as well as anti-aging therapies for healthcare practices, researchers, fitness programs and consumers. Intended […]
How do materials impact a sensor’s performance? Pt 2
The right materials are essential to achieve the desired sensor electrical performance, especially in many more demanding, high performance applications. Part 1 showed the performance impact of different sensor materials on infrared (IR) optical sensors. Radio frequency (RF) sensors also provide some interesting examples of a material’s impact on sensor performance. With expanding RF applications […]
How can force sensing be integrated for Industry 4.0 upgrades?
Upgrading facilities to industry 4.0 standards is one of the most significant trends in the manufacturing industry today. To do this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are pushing hard to renovate their facilities with connected, automated devices and machines to create greater efficiency and cost savings. Smarter devices can ease the transition. For example, force measurement […]
