Piezoelectric is the property of a material to generate a voltage when mechanical force is applied to it. In contrast, the piezoresistive effect is the property of a material’s resistivity to change when subjected to a mechanical force. In either case, the mechanical force or stress can be compression, tension or a bending force. Ceramic […]
Sensor Tips
TDK introduces revolutionary MEMS-based CO2 gas sensor platform
TDK Corporation announces the InvenSense TCE-11101, a miniaturized ultra-low-power MEMS gas sensor platform for direct and accurate detection of CO2 in-home, automotive, IoT, healthcare, and other applications. The TCE-11101 introduces new technology that expands TDK’s sensor leadership into new applications and solutions, as part of the new SmartEnviroTM family. Its small size and low power […]
The working principle, applications and limitations of ultrasonic sensors
The ultrasonic sensor (or transducer) works on the same principles as a radar system. An ultrasonic sensor can convert electrical energy into acoustic waves and vice versa. The acoustic wave signal is an ultrasonic wave traveling at a frequency above 18kHz. The famous HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor generates ultrasonic waves at 40kHz frequency. Typically, a […]
Temperature sensor accuracy improved with custom packaging for platinum thin film elements
Temperature sensors are one of the most widely applied measurement technologies. As technology advances and industrial processes become more complex, devices continue to require a higher level of accuracy in temperature sensing across multiple industries. TE Connectivity (TE) has been able to provide critical temperature sensing solutions for a variety of applications. In an effort […]
Does the Eye of Horus represent a smart sensor or smart sensing?
There are five human senses. However, the Eye of Horus used by Egyptians for thousands of years to provide protection, health and rejuvenation, depicts six senses: the usual smell, sight, taste, hearing and touch — as well as thought. Since thought is a process, could it indicate the addition of “smart” or a sensor processing […]
What are the results of the 2019 MEMS Industry Commercialization Report Card survey? Pt 2
Roger Grace Associates MEMS Industry Commercialization Report Card (Report Card) Study for 2019 showed its overall grade remaining at B-, which has been so since 2014. This consistency demonstrates the maturity of the MEMS industry. The standard deviation from 1998 to 2019 was 0.55. Conducted annually since its inception in 1998 by Roger Grace of […]
What will CES 2021 be like?
The CES 2021 Virtual Press Briefing on Dec. 15 provided details of how CES 2021, the first all-digital event, will be held to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With CES ability to attract leading technology companies from around the world that plan new product introductions for the event and the number of sensors and […]
Proximity sensing with specially conditioned ferromagnetic wire embedded in fine copper coil
Wiegand sensors – tiny devices that use variations in an external magnetic field to generate electrical signals and energy – have unique properties that make them a useful option for proximity sensing systems. Wiegand sensors are built around small sections of Wiegand wire, a specially prepared ferromagnetic alloy that has a unique physical property. When […]
What sensors are in a modern washing machine? Pt 2
In today’s washing machines, especially high-end units, several sensors provide real-time monitoring and feedback to shorten or improve certain functions. In addition to the latest touch screen inputs discussed in Pt 1 of this blog, other sensors include: Temperature Rotor position sensor Water level Dirt sensor Photoelectric sensor Pressure sensor Vibration sensor To select the […]
What are the different types of light sensors?
Light sensors or photosensors, which are designed to measure light intensity, are one of the most commonly used sensors in electronic applications. Light intensity is one of the seven base physical quantities. The measurement of light intensity is useful in many consumer, industrial, and security applications. What is a light sensor? A light sensor is […]