10 Top Sensors Products of 2011

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Top Sensors Products of 2011

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Technology Assistance BCNA 2010 S. L., a start-up, small-medium enterprise, has announced the global market introduction of the new Series of Universal Sensors and Transducers Interface (USTI) integrated circuit. Based on four novel patented measuring methods, the USTI IC has 29 measuring modes of all existing frequency-time parameters of electrical signal and suitable for any physical and chemical, electrical or non-electrical sensors and transducers with frequency, period, duty-cycle, pulse width modulated, phase shift and pulse number outputs. Key features are: broad input frequency range from 0.05 Hz to 9 MHz (144 MHz with predivider); programmable relative error from ±1 % to ±0.0005 % in all specified frequency range; non-redundant conversion time, scalable resolution, two identical channels and three popular sensors interfaces: RS232, SPI and I2C. In addition, the IC can be used for direct interfacing of capacitive, resistive and resistive bridge sensing elements ...

iC-Haus GmbH. The configurable 48-bit up/down counter iC-MD is designed for the easy connection of fast incremental encoders, enabling count frequencies of up to 40 MHz. The integrated direction discriminator detects the direction of movement and moves the counter up or down with each edge at the A and B inputs. iC-MD has three input channels that can be used as differential RS422 or LVDS receivers for ABZ signals. Alternatively, three AB signal pairs with TTL levels can be processed at the six inputs. The 48-bit up/down counter can be configured as a 16, 24, 32, or 48-bit counter with differential RS422/LVDS input signals. With incremental AB encoders with TTL signal levels, up to three measuring instruments with a counter depth of 16 bits apiece can be evaluated. If only two measuring devices are connected up, either both AB encoders can be evaluated with 24 bits each or one with 16 bits and the other with 32 bits ...

Microchip Technology, Inc. RE46C180 is world's first ionization smoke-detector IC with programmable calibration and programmable feature selection, and the first with horn synchronization and auto alarm locate. It has expanded options for implementing hush operation, and more options for interconnect operation-including with carbon-monoxide detectors. Features enable designers to develop and manufacture a broad range of residential and commercial smoke detectors using a single IC and PCB. Smoke-detector designers are looking to eliminate the costs of manual calibration and feature selection, while enabling the use of a single IC and PCB for all models, via electronic programming. The RE46C180 provides programmable calibration, which reduces component counts and makes it easier to set up smoke detectors during manufacturing. Additionally, its programmable features allow one IC to be used for multiple smoke-detector models, including models with different battery types, horn patterns and other features ...

VTI Technologies’ proprietary 3D MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) technology enables extremely accurate gyroscopes to be designed and manufactured. According to a study carried out by the Department of Computer Systems at Tampere University of Technology, Finland, VTI’s MEMS gyros are so accurate that they can detect and measure the Earth’s rate of rotation. The high level of accuracy can be achieved with the VTI SCC1300 combined sensor. “The core of the gyroscope is the sensor element based on VTI’s 3D MEMS technology that, together with a state-of-the-art ASIC, results in a very stable, low noise and accurate gyro. The SCC1300 combines this gyro with a high accuracy 3-axis accelerometer in the same package and offers interesting opportunities in various applications ...

Bourns, Inc. has announced a new combined torque and angle sensor designed for Electric Power Assisted Steering Applications (EPAS) and other automotive systems. The new combined sensor provides torque and steering angle measurement in a single package, replacing two discrete sensors for significant space and cost savings. Based on Bourns’ Hall Effect (HE) non-clockspring torque sensor technology, the combined sensor uses driver input to measure the steering torque while simultaneously converting the rotation speed and direction of the steering wheel. The torque portion of the sensor is designed specifically for EPAS, and the steering angle signal can be used in a variety of automotive systems including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Advanced Front Lighting Systems (AFLS), Navigation, and Assisted Parking Systems ...

ASM Sensors, Inc. has introduced a new dual axis inclinometer PTAM5, based on MEMS-technology. This inclinometer is fitted with an extremely robust housing that has been designed for outdoor use in harsh environments. The measurement range for the single axis version is +/- 180° while the dual axis version is capable of ± 60°.  Inclinometers that are used in outdoor applications such off-highway equipment, windmills and off-shore locations must be designed to handle severe weather conditions, temperature fluctuations and tough contamination. The new tilt sensor, PTAM5, comes with a robust stainless steel housing to protect it for these adverse factors. The resolution is 0.05° with a linearity of ± 0.5°. This inclinometer is available with the standard 4-20 mA and 10 V analog outputs as well as CANOpen and CAN SAE J1939 ...

Micronor, Inc. The Model MR330 series position sensor is an innovative all-optical design immune to any electro-magnetic interference such as lightening, radiation, magnetic fields and other harsh environmental conditions. The fiber optic aspect of the sensor also makes it perfectly suited for long distance position sensing over hundreds of meters without being affected by ground loop problems. The new absolute FOPS uses a novel optical technique embedded in a passive sensor and active controller connected by a duplex fiber optic link. The controller transmits a burst of light to the code disk in the sensor which accurately modulates the spectral components of the light based on angular position. The position information is imprinted in the optical spectrum of the light and guided back to the controller for a precise position readout. The sensor requires no electrical power and houses no electronic components whatsoever. This innovative product measures absolute angular position from 0° to 360° with 13-bit (8192 count) resolution at speeds exceeding 2500 rpm. System firmware also tracks turns up to 12-bits (4096 revolutions).The MR330's accuracy and EMI immunity make it an ideal sensor for applications that require precise motion control and position measurement in challenging environments ...

Dytran Instruments, Inc. has introduced the 3274A series of miniature, low profile, IEPE piezoelectric accelerometers designed to mount in spaces typically inaccessible to other types of accelerometers. Available in three different models with sensitivities of 5 mV/g, 10 mV/g and 25 mV/g, the 3274A series feature a shear sensing element packaged in a lightweight, teardrop titanium housing. The Dytran 3274A family of accelerometers utilizes IEEE 1451.4 Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS). This function allows the user to query individual sensors within a large array of sensors during a field test, as to model number, serial number, sensitivity and other attributes using a TEDS compatible signal conditioner/data acquisition system ...

Fluid Components International LLC. The debut of the breakthrough ST100 Series Thermal Mass Flow Meter from Fluid Components International (FCI), sets a new industry benchmark in process and plant gas flow measurement instrumentation.  The leading-edge ST100 combines superior flow sensing performance with the industry’s most feature-rich and function-rich electronics to deliver unsurpassed adaptability and value to meet plant gas flow measurement applications for today and tomorrow. FCI developed the advanced ST100 Series Flow Meters in response to countless hours of discussions with a wide range of instrument, process and plant engineers who wanted both more comprehensive measurement information as well as the flexibility to adapt to plant and process control technology they might deploy in the future. Whether the need is for conventional 4-20 mA analog, frequency/pulse, alarm relays or advanced digital bus communications the new ST100 is the solution ...