The number and different types of sensors in cars and smartphones are cited frequently and certainly are impressive. However, sensor usage in many other areas is increasing as well. Appliances, which are not replaced as frequently as vehicles and smartphones, could surprise many people with the different sensing functions and types of sensors used in […]
Sensor Tips
High S/N photodiodes come in 0.2 sq-mm to 1 sq-cm sizes
ActLight announced the expansion of its IP portfolio with the launch of the innovative Stand-Alone Dynamic Photodiode. In addition to the superior signal-to-noise performance, the Stand-Alone Dynamic Photodiode benefits from a unique and patented device structure requiring a very simple, low-cost manufacturing process. Moreover, it offers flexibility in terms of device size, making the Stand-Alone Dynamic […]
How to design an LDR light/dark sensor using Arduino
Light sensors are widely used in electronic applications. The most common one used is a photoresistor or light-dependent resistor. Despite a long response time, this sensor is inexpensive and useful in several applications. A photoresistor consists of a zigzag track of photo-sensitive semiconductors. It offers pure resistance although this is dependent on the ambient light. […]
What sensors allow robots to work collaboratively and safely with humans?
If advanced factories strictly concentrate on the machinery without taking human beings into account, will the robots have to consume the products they build? When Henry Ford installed the first moving assembly line to mass produce an entire automobile (Dec. 1, 1913), he more than doubled the wages of assembly line workers to stabilize his […]
4 to 20 mA current loops made easy
A 4-20 mA current loop is a very common method to convey the sensor data acquired for analog sensor data transmission. Sensors or transducers are usually designed to measure a range of values of the measured parameter, known as the measurand. The measureand value must be converted to current within the measuring device so that […]
Ultra-miniature reed switch is hermetically sealed in 7-mm-long glass envelope
Littelfuse, Inc. introduced the MITI-7 Series Ultra-Miniature Reed Switch, a Form A (single-pole, single-throw normally open or SPST-NO) switch that’s hermetically sealed in a 7-mm-long glass envelope. The MITI-7 Series offers sensitivity options ranging from 6 AT to 20 AT, far wider than existing magnetic switches of comparable size, which were limited to a range […]
Imaging software release supports USB3 vision cameras
Teledyne Imaging, a Teledyne Technologies company, is has announced its latest release of the SaperaTM LT software development kit (SDK). Sapera LT 8.60 offers a USB3 device manager to select supported USB3 cameras and protocols. Teledyne Imaging area scan customers can benefit from a unified SDK support across a wide range of camera interfaces from […]
Heilind Electronics now stocking non-contact, temparture-measurement-based thermal sensors
Heilind Electronics has expanded its sensor offering with the Omron D6T MEMS thermal sensor. The sensor is designed for non-contact temperature measurement and human detection. Designed for target areas between -40º and 200º C, the miniature D6T thermal sensor uses Omron’s proprietary MEMS sensing technology to precisely measure the surface temperature of an entire area […]
Tiny light/RG color and flicker detection sensor measures ambient light down to 1 flux
AMS releases the TCS3410, a combined ambient light/RGB color and flicker detection sensor with a tiny 2 mm x 1 mm footprint, further expanding customer options for use in their bezel-less and ultra-narrow bezel smartphones. At just 0.5 mm high, the TCS3410 can easily fit in a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera or in […]
Compact LiDAR sensor integrates into autonomous mobile robots
SICK has expanded its 2D LiDAR sensor offerings for localization and anti-collision applications with the compact TiM2xx product family. This is in response to the new requirements on functionality, size, and price. Globally, the eCommerce sector continues to experience strong growth. This has also led to an increase in demand for automation solutions to support […]
