Sensors

A single IC can measure pH, nitrate, phosphate and potassium levels in water, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems, which has developed a way to monolithically combine multiple ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (isfets) “Due to their resistance to breakage, isfets are already widely used in pH measurement technology, especially in food production,” according to the organisation. “Fraunhofer IPMS has ...

Standex Electronics has created a series of mini magnetic field sensing reed switches, optimised to control up to 10W, 200V or 500mA. Called MK33, they are bare glass surface-mount reed switches with a footprint only 2.2mm wide and only 2.3mm high. Construction is with a short length of 1mm diameter wire welded transversely across the ends for pre-solder-flow stability. “Mechanically, ...

Marktech had revealed the latest in its line of sensors which combine many LEDs of different wavelengths with a photodiode. MTMD142345PDT38 has five LEDs at 1.04, 1.2, 1.3, 1.46 and 1.55μm, plus an InGaAs photodiode sensitive across 600 – 1,750nm, all individually addressable and hermetically sealed into a TO-5 metal can. This short-wave infra-red (SWIR) combinations is “ideal for infrared ...

Melexis has created a magnetic sensor with functional safety for steer-by-wire systems. “For innovations like steer-by-wire systems, position sensors are a critical component that must exhibit exceptional reliability, functional safety and accuracy,” it said. “The requirements for sensors in electric vehicles are heightened, necessitating excellent EMC robustness and stray field immunity. Simultaneously, solutions must be easy to integrate.” MLX90427 as ...

Baumer has created a capacitance-based level detector for water-based liquids. “Capacitive sensing technology offers advantages, especially on applications involving aggressive liquids, food or sensitive pharmaceutical fluids used in closed containers, or where direct contact with foreign particles must be avoided,” claimed the company. “However, in some applications microfilms or residues will adhere to the inside of the walls of tanks ...

Kaman Precision Products has range of mm-scale displacement sensors that work at temperatures up to 538°C and pressures up to 5,000psi. In use, they mount into a hole in one flat surface, and measure the distance to a nearby conductive flat surface parallel to the first. There are three basic types: KD-1925 1.27mm range 0.76μm resolution 5000psi max KD-1950 3.81mm ...

The latest figures from European Components Distribution (DMASS) show a decline in Q1 of 23.3% with semiconductor revenue dropping by 26.5%. DMASS Europe’s chairman, Hermann Reiter, was keen to stress there is no cause for alarm, saying that this market consolidation was long overdue. “Everyone should have prepared to weather a few quarters of weak bookings and billings,” he said, ...

Texas Instruments has turned to 45nm RF CMOS process to squeeze a 60GHz radar, including antenna, into an 11 x 6.7mm package only 0.8mm tall. IWRL6432AOP is an FMCW radar that works over 57 to 63.9GHz and at distances up to 25m. It includes: an RF and analogue front-end, an Arm Cortex-M3 processor to configure, control and calibrate the front-end, ...

HBK is introduced a flange-mount sensor for tensile and compressive forces. Called U93A, and a more accurate update on the U93 sensors, there are two basic versions: 35mm diameter for 1 to 10kN, and 54mm diameter for 20 to 50kN. “Its small dimensions and dynamic properties make it an alternative to piezoelectric force sensors,” according to the company. “The mechanical ...

Sensor Technology has torque sensor accurate to ±0.1% of full-scale, that has its sensing head and electronics in separate housings. “This has two advantages,” according to the company. “The sensing head can fit into confined spaces, and the electronics can be located in a position where they are protected from physical damage, dust, dirt, moisture and electromagnetic forces.” Dubbed SGR530 ...