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 […]
MEMS & Sensors
MEMs microphones feature high SNR, wide dynamic range
TDK Corporation introduces three new MEMS microphones as part of the SmartSound family of products for mobile, IoT, and other consumer devices. Each of these high-performance microphones pushes the boundaries of microphone acoustic performance, providing advanced feature sets with very low power in small package footprints. The SmartSound family of MEMS microphones from TDK are […]
How do microphone sensors fit into a smart home?
A quick search for “sensors in the smart home” can easily identify dozens of sensors – primarily for sensing physical properties. The results could be one of many specific sensing technologies or specific products. For example, one search showed: Fire/CO detection Leak/moisture detection Window & door open and close Video doorbell Smart thermostat Motion sensors […]
Differential switch routes high-frequency signals
The MM5600 DPDT switch from Menlo Micro routes signals to 20 GHz, 40 Gb/sec. 5G is one of the technologies driving the need for higher-speed digital and RF signals. Those signals, which often run over differential pairs through a PCB, typically need switching. MEMS switches offer fast switching speeds with low power and low signal…
Low-power TCXO improves IoT battery life
The SiT5008 from SiTime goes to 60 MHz, draws 3.5 mA, and features a standby mode.
ASIL-rate IMU optimized for autonomous vehicle apps
TDK Corporation announces the availability of the InvenSense IAM-20685, the latest release in the SmartAutomotive product family. The IAM-20686 is a new ASIL-B monolithic 6-axis MEMS IMU developed in compliance with ISO 26262. Taking advantage of TDK’s proprietary MEMS fabrication platform and technology, the IAM-20685 features a highly integrated single-chip 6-axis MEMS gyroscope and accelerometer […]
Next-gen MEMS microphone sports 73 dB SNR, high acoustic overload point
Infineon is launching a next-generation analog MEMS microphone that renders even better results – the XENSIV MEMS microphone IM73A135. In microphones, designers often have to accept trade-offs: high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a small package, high acoustic overload point, low power consumption, MEMS versus electret condenser microphones (ECM). For this reason, applications that require the highest […]
HD image sensor boasts excellent low-light pixel performance
OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the OS02G10 security image sensor, which provides the best value for mainstream, high-volume security cameras requiring 1080p resolution and excellent low-light pixel performance. The OS02G10 offers best-in-class low-light captures via a 2.8-micron pixel built on the OmniPixel3-HS architecture, which features high quantum efficiency and an optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Compared with OmniVision’s prior-generation […]
Three-axis MEMS accelerometer optimized for industrial vibration sensing
STMicroelectronics, is powering the next generation of Industry 4.0 applications with a new vibration-sensing solution optimized to enable smart maintenance of factory equipment. ST’s IIS3DWB vibration sensor and supporting STEVAL-STWINKT1 multi-sensor evaluation kit accelerate development of condition-monitoring systems that boost productivity by inferring equipment maintenance needs. Analyzing the sensed vibration data locally or in the cloud helps owners create […]
The difference between CCD and CMOS image sensing
Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology have been in fierce yet friendly competition. Fierce because valuable market share is contested, friendly because the rival digital camera technologies have much in common. It is ironic that the more-costly CCD sensor is used in the most advanced astrophotography instruments and also in low-end point-and-shoot cameras, […]
