Unlike robots whose roots trace back to 1962 or even sooner, collaborative robots or cobots trace their roots to 1996 – over 34 years later. While the robot is an autonomous machine that functions without human control, a cobot employs artificial intelligent (AI) to perform tasks in collaboration with human workers. Major sensor technologies used […]
TE Connectivity
What sensors are used in today’s and tomorrow’s HVAC systems? Part 3
Part 1 provided background on the evolution of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the increased use of sensors and Part 2 elaborated on sensing in more advanced HVAC systems. In this third and final part, government and industry organization’s effort to change HVAC systems and the impact on sensing will be explored. In […]
What sensors are used in today’s and tomorrow’s HVAC systems? Part 2
Part 1 provided background on the evolution of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the increased use of sensors in these systems. Today, sensors are used both to monitor the indoor environment as well as to monitor and control the equipment that is used to cool or heat, humidify or dehumidify as well as […]
What sensors are used in today’s and tomorrow’s HVAC systems? Part 1
When Willis Carrier designed a system of fans, ducts and perforated pipes, which became the first modern electric air conditioner (AC) in 1902 (120 years ago), sensing was not part of the bill of materials. Devon Brock, Manager of Product Knowledge and Training, Sensors Group at TE Connectivity provides some insight into subsequent AC systems. […]
NanoRF optical modules offer more speed and functionality in small form factor
TE Connectivity (TE) is introducing its NanoRF optical hybrid modules for the defense industries VPX-based embedded computing systems that require increased bandwidth and radio frequency (RF) signaling. The new hybrid modules feature high-density RF and optical connections within common connector module applications like radar, electronic warfare (EW) missile guidance and tactical communications, along with any […]
How has sensing in industrial automation changed? (Part 3)
In Industry 4.0, another sensor-specific aspect that customers are asking for is packaging that can survive in different harsh factory environments. “When you’re putting them on an oil platform or in a factory or on a motor or in a steel mill or in a paper mill, in those really harsh environments, they need to […]
How has sensing in industrial automation changed? (Part 2)
Sensing has changed a lot since the early days of industrial automation. “Back 250 years ago, your sensors were actually people. They were your manufacturing engineers that would walk around and listen to the machines and hear what’s going on,” says John Tuley, from IoT Business Development -Sensor Solutions at TE Connectivity. In Industry 4.0, […]
How has sensing changed in industrial automation? (Part 1)
The Industrial Revolution or what we might call Industry 1.0 started over 250 years ago. In 1771 Richard Arkwright, today known as Father of the Factory System, used water to power the first fully automated spinning mill. One hundred years later, the automotive assembly line initiated the Second Industrial Revolution or Industry 2.0 with significantly […]
How is LVDT technology used for sensing?
Linear variable-differential transformer (LVDT) technology’s capability to accurately measurement linear movement is used to provide a position to electrical output for pressure, acceleration and force measurements. For example, in a pressure sensor, the sensing element is a diaphragm that moves a rod or cylindrical core inside the coils of a differential transformer to change the […]
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 […]
