On-line Magazine 'Sensors & Transducers' (S&T e-Digest)

    (ISSN 1726- 5479)

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May 10, 2005, Depew, NY -The Vibration Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc., introduces two new miniature, light weight, Single Axis, Ceramic Shear ICPВ® accelerometers. PCB Model 352A71, has a sensitivity of 10 mV/g and a measurement range of В±500 g peak, while Model 352A73, has a sensitivity of 5 mV/g and corresponding measurement range of В±1,000 g peak. These sensors are hermetically sealed in titanium housings and are adhesive mounted. They feature an integral light gauge, twisted pair cable extending 1 ft. from the sensor that allows the sensor to be mounted in tight areas and maintain maximum flexibility. The twisted pair is spliced into a slightly heavier gauge coaxial cable, for a full running length of 10 ft.

They are ideally suited for measurements of small electronic components, circuit boards, brackets, mini structures, and general vibration work. Their small size, light weight and unique cable arrangement make these sensors ideal for use anywhere mass loading must be minimized. These sensors feature built-in microelectronic signal conditioning circuitry that offers a low-noise, low impedance output signal while permitting long distance signal transmission and simplicity of operation. These durable designs operate in -65 to +250 В°F temperatures, and survive accidental shock inputs to В±10,000 g.

Mark Amatuzzo,

PCB, Vibration Division

3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043-2495

Tel: (888) 684-0013 ext. 2706, fax: (716) 685-3886

E-mail: mamatuzzo@pcb.com

Pressure transducers form a critical function in today’s closed -loop systems, providing data for safety, control and alarm functions encountered in typical industrial applications such as heating boilers, HVAC/R, gas correctors, compressors, test stands, fire suppression equipment and power generation. These sensors measure a wide range of benign and corrosive media, with temperatures ranging from –70 to +300^o F.

System integrators and panel builders traditionally relied on sensors mounted to bulkhead fittings in order to form of pressure connection for pressure measurements. This meant that in a typical panel, the sensor was mounted inside to a panel-mounted bulkhead fitting and sealed by means of Teflon tape or face O-ring and requires an additional connection between the bulkhead fitting and the hose. The seals between the sensor, bulkhead fitting, and the hose are critical and, if not formed correctly, can lead to leaks and eventual failure of the system, particularly in systems that handle water, steam, corrosive gases and liquids.

Using panel-mount pressure sensors, such as American Sensor Technologies (AST) Model AST4200, can overcome this problem as these sensors were designed to provide a hermetic seal against the media without the use of adapters. The unique one-piece bulkhead design of the AST4200 mounts through the panel to keep hazardous media out of the control box. Secondly, the solid one-piece 17-4PH or 316L high strength stainless steel design is free of welds, internal O-rings or fluid-filled cavities, making it ideal for applications that require high proof and burst pressures. The sensor requires a minimal mounting configuration that utilizes a standard panel punch.

The AST4200 pressure sensors provide gauge, sealed gauge or compound gauge pressure measurement in ranges up to 10,000 PSI. Sensors are calibrated and temperature compensated to ensure stability over specified ranges. Units offer accuracy of < +0.5% BFSL at 25^oC (77^o F) and long-term stability of +0.25% full-scale output per annum. Exhibiting excellent resistance to high vibration, shock and temperature extremes, and high levels of EMI/RFI filtrations, units are able to perform in a variety of demanding environments.

Karmjit S. Sidhu,

Tel: 973-398-9900

E-mail: kssidhu@astsensors.com

http://www.astsensors.com

The iC-MA is a general-purpose magnetic angle encoder in a space-saving DFN10 package (4x4x1 mm). Its circuit comprises a number of Hall sensors for analog sine/cosine generation, as well as an integrated signal processor with an analog-to-digital converter and output interfaces. Using three configuration pins, you can choose from 26 operational modes for evaluating the postion angle of the rotary magnet mounted above the chip. Magnetic fields of at least 20 mT are suffi­cient for ensuring accuracy; an appropriate gain or error signal can be used for monitoring the spacing and for centering the magnet.

Working distances of several millimeters between the magnet and the package are achieved, depending on the material and size of the magnet. Apart from purely ana­log sine and cosine signals for determining the angle with external interpolators, the iC-MA also offers output signals processed from these with a resolution of 6, 7 or 8 bits so that one revolution can be recorded in up to 256 angle steps.

In analog form, the angle values are available as periodic sawtooth and delta voltage with arbitrarily selectable amplitudes. As digital signals, A/B quadrature encoder outputs are available with an index pulse Z as well as also up/down counter pulses for activating displays, for instance. Additional power reduction modes enable the operating current to be cut in half. Rotary frequencies of up to 60,000 rpm can be processed.

A number of iC-MA devices can be connected in cascade formation, thus enabling rotation angles on various axes to be scanned by activating the devices one after the other and output the angle signals on a 4-wire bus. This makes it easier to hook up to a microcontroller or interpolator for further processing. Deacti­vated modules with high-impedance bus connections are in standby mode with a very low level of standby current being drawn.

Dr. David Lin,

iC-Haus GmbH,

Am Kuemmerling 18, 55294 Bodenheim

Tel.: 06135/9292-300

Fax: 06135/9292-192

E-mail: sales@ichaus.com

Depew, NY, USA - The Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. offers a series of small capacity, strain-gage reaction torque sensors for torque measurements in applications such as lubricant studies, torsion testing, bearing friction, small motor dynamometers, stepping switch torque, and starter testing. Series 2308, 2309, and 2508 reaction torque sensors feature high torsional stiffness, flange mounting, and 2 mV/V output sensitivity, and are available in capacities from 5 to 1000 in-lb FS (0.56 to 115 N-m FS).

Units are supplied with a shunt calibration resistor. Calibration is traceable to NIST and is performed in PCB's laboratory, which is ISO 17025 accredited by A2LA for most services.

Peter Munschauer,

Force/Torque Division,

3425 Walden Avenue

Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA

Tel: (888) 684-0004 ext. 2405, fax: (716) 684-8877

E-mail: pmunschauer@pcb.com

EE85 has been designed for accurate measurement of CO₂ levels in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications and it does perfectly match and complete the E+E product range. It is available for measuring ranges 0 … 2000ppm and 0 … 5000ppm. Its compact design allows easiest installation in ventilation channels. CO₂ detection is based on the accurate, non-dispersive infrared technology (NDIR). Aging effects are compensated by a patented auto-calibration procedure, which is the basis for the outstanding long-term stability of the EE85 series.

Due to a small differential pressure created by a special construction of the sampling head a small stream of air from the duct is led to the CO₂ sensing cell and back into the duct. The air diffuses into the CO₂ sensing cell through a diaphragm. The closed loop air stream and the diaphragm protect the CO₂ sensing cell from pollution and by this avoid pollution related errors.

A high CO₂ level in the air has a strong negative impact on humans performance and health. Because of this, CO₂ level is one of the most important parameters to assign air quality. In order to assure acceptable air quality in living spaces, beside temperature and relative humidity, it is extremely important to measure and control CO₂ level. Demand controlled ventilation based on CO₂ minimizes fresh air to re-circulated air ratio which has a relevant impact on energy saving.

Ing. Werner Hentscholek,

Langwiesen 7

A-4209 Engerwitzdorf, Austria

Tel.: +43-7235-605-0

Fax: +43-7235-605-8

E-mai: info@epluse.at

Depew, NY - High-frequency pressure sensors from the Pressure Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. are designed for a broad range of explosion, blast, and shock wave testing. Applications include free-field and underwater blast testing, shock wave and time-of-arrival measurements, shock tube research, closed bomb testing, and squib lot acceptance testing.

General purpose ICPВ® and charge output blast sensors feature extremely fast response, with resonant frequencies to 500k Hz. ICPВ® microsensors provide rapid rise times of <= 0.5 microseconds for projectile detection and time of arrival measurements. Free-field blast pressure ICPВ® pencil probes measure blast effects on structures, vehicles, and humans, and feature integral microelectronics for long cable driving. Underwater blast pressure probes measure shock wave pressures associated with underwater explosion testing, and are available in ICPВ® and charge output versions.

Dan Cummiskey,

3425 Walden Avenue

Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA

Tel.: (888) 684-0011 ext. 2613, fax: (716) 686-9129

E-mail: dcummiskey@pcb.com

Pennsauken, NJ, May 5, 2005. Macro Sensors, a manufacturer of LVDT-based linear and rotary sensors, gaging probes, support electronics and related instrumentation, is now a Siemens Westinghouse-approved vendor for LVDT position sensors used on Westinghouse steam turbines. The LVDTs are implemented for position measurement on governor valves, throttle valves, reheat/stop valves, interceptor valves, and many other control valves.

Macro Sensors offers a variety of its Linear Variable Differential Transducers (LVDTs) linear position sensors in configurations from 2 to 20 inches long and with different outputs to satisfy the requirements of both current and legacy turbine installations.

Macro Sensors manufactures exact replacement LVDTs that are form, fit, function equivalents with the same electrical and mechanical specifications as Westinghouse stock units. The Company also provides a full array of non-standard and custom-designed units for OEMS and system integrators. All popular units are available from stock, with attractive pricing for electric power utilities and turbine control systems integrators.

Ed Herceg,

Macro Sensors,

U.S. Route 130 North, Bldg. 22, Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1541

Tel.: 856-662-8000, fax: 856-317-1005

e-mail: eeh@macrosensors.com

Gaithersburg, MD  – Wilcoxon Research announces the addition of ten side exit models to its’ extensive line of 4-20 mA Loop Powered Sensors.  The lower clearance of our side exit models allows these sensors to be installed where a taller unit and its cables will not fit.

Wilcoxon's Loop Powered Sensor (LPS™) Series monitors rotating equipment in real time by providing 4-20 mA output proportional to the vibration level of the machinery. This diagnostic information enables the plant manager to schedule preventive maintenance and planned downtime, saving time and money in costly and unexpected repairs.

All of Wilcoxon’s PC420 LPS™ Series sensors are reliable and easy to install. Side exit models come in a wide variety of options to meet the needs of every plant manager: standard 4-20 mA output; output of both 4-20 mA and dynamic data; dual output vibration and temperature; and dual output of temperature and vibration, with dynamic data. All side exit units are also available with an integral cable, including a model with intrinsically safe certification.

Courtney Schlapo,

Marketing Communications Specialist,

Tel.: 301-216-3039

E-mail: CSchlapo@Wilcoxon.com

Http://www.Wilcoxon.com

Depew, NY - New Series 485M DC Powered Signal Conditioners from the Electronics Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. provide constant current excitation for ICPВ® sensors from 18-30 VDC battery or lab power supply. Unit includes a variety of options for connecting directly to readout devices and data acquisition systems. A variety of power connections allow for flexibility in connecting directly into various power supplies.

Compact, lightweight signal conditioners feature low noise operation and x1 gain circuitry. Custom 1 to 3 channel configurations are available.

Bill Andrews,

Electronics Division,

3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA

Tel.: (888) 684-0015 ext. 2606, fax: (716) 684-0987

E-mail: bandrews@pcb.com

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (May 10, 2005) – Precon announces their new line of PTC Heater Assemblies. Constructed from ceramic-based PTC thermistors molded in epoxy, these devices are suitable for OEM applications requiring self-regulated heating in the range of 30 to 120 degrees C.

Designed for OEM applications in commercial and industrial instruments, medical systems, electronic equipment, and aerospace, these devices are designed and manufactured for consistency and long-term reliability.  A wide variety of PTC thermistors are available to meet the system’s heating requirements. Various wiring and cable configurations are also available.

Jerry Moran,

Sales & Marketing Manager

2999 Brother Blvd.

Memphis, TN  38133

Tel.: (901) 388-9137,  fax: (901) 388-3051

E-mail: sales@preconusa.com

Minneapolis, MN. The new Det-Tronics DMC Series gas and flame controller introduced by Detector Electronics provides continuous indication and alarm control of up to 36 programmable channels of toxic and/or combustible gas detection with full stand-alone functionality in a single weatherproof and corrosion resistant wall-mounted enclosure.

An integrated PLC offers custom logic programming and communication options including Modbus and Ethernet protocols, with password-protected front panel field configuration of sensor types, ranges and alarm output level using the onboard keypad and display.

Easy to install and commission, the system delivers exceptional cost-effective protection for a wide range of industrial applications and is available with an internal 24V dc power supply. It accepts 4-20mA inputs from a wide variety of detector types and measurement ranges and can also monitor contact input devices such as optical flame detectors or smoke detectors.

Four versions accommodate 4, 12, 24 or 36 channels, each with selectable high and low level alarm setpoint levels that are automatically matched to the selected detector type and range. An optional flame detector channel designator is selectable.

As well as faceplate display, all alarm or fault events are time and date-stamped and stored in non-volatile memory to aid trouble-shooting. Standard common alarm logic is provided for fault conditions and horn and strobe outputs as well as high and low levels. A stacked input/output module design supports up to four I/O modules in a single unit.

Cliff Anderson,

Detector Electronics,

6901 West 110th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438

Tel.: 952 941-5665, fax 952 829-8750

E-mail: detronics@detronics.com