Sensors Magazine articles from May 2002

Sensors Magazine archives from May 2002

Behold the power of community. (Editorial).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
May 1, 2002... If you've been wishing for a faster response to the vexing sensor-related conundrums you submit to Sensors' Wish List department, your ship has just docked at www.sensorsmag.com. Since its inception in 1987, Wish List (see the last page of the...

Market trends. (Business Sense).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... "Automation for Discrete Industries Worldwide Outlook, Market Analysis, and Forecast Through 2006," a new study by ARC (Dedham, MA), points out that the worldwide market for automation products and services for discrete industries will grow at...

Agreements, acquisitions, etc. (Business Sense).
May 1, 2002... GE Power Systems (Atlanta, GA) has acquired Bently Nevada Carp. (Minden, NV), known for machinery monitoring and diagnostics. Bently Nevada's products encompass plant asset management systems including vibration monitoring, machinery...

Novel gas sensor exploits a property of porous silicon. (Research & Developments).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... A research team of physicists and engineers at Georgia Tech is investigating a new type of interdigitated gas sensor based on porous silicon and an electroless metallization process. The sensors could eventually be mass produced for a few...

Spherical magnets make for tamperproof security. (Research & Developments).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Magnasphere Corp. has developed a security switch that is really hard--if not impossible--to fool. Check it out. A magnetic sphere is enclosed in a durable nonferrous metal housing. Completing the electrical circuit is a seal containing the...

RH, temp, electronics--one chip has it all. (Research & Developments).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... A nifty little capacitive RH sensor integrates humidity and temperature sensing capabilities, along with all the necessary electronics, on a single chip by means of a technique called CMOSens technology. The capacitor is formed of micromachined...

Tire pressure gauge monitors mine explosions. (Research & Developments).(Brief Article)(Technical)
May 1, 2002... Lightning has been identified as the likely trigger of methane and/or coal dust explosions in underground mines, even in worked-out, sealed areas. Although these detonations have not injured anyone, they have caused enough damage to seals and...

Microcantilevers speed DNA sequencing. (Research & Developments).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... We first brought Thomas Thundat's research into microcantilevers to your attention in January 1997, and we are happy to convey a report from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review that his work has continued. He and colleague Karolyn Hansen,...

Sensors expo & conference. (Research & Developments).
May 1, 2002... Some very cool technologies will be exhibited at the Sensors Expo & Conference R&D Pavilion and Theater, May 21-23, in San Jose, CA: * Environmental monitoring and data acquisition with "smart dust" (Accenture) * Super Mouse (Alpha...

Zip! You just missed him. (App Snaps).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Ola Nordell, president of Ola Nordell Motor Sports of Simsbury, CT, wants to build and drive the world's fastest small-block Chevy. Why? To win drag races. His 1400 lb. vehicle, with chrome alloy frame, magnesium and carbon fiber body, and...

Blue LED nails flipped chips. (App Snaps).(photoelectronic sensor from RVSI/NER)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... In automated PCB assembly operations, the pick-and-place device populating the board sometimes gets its chips flipped. That is to say, the copper side that should be down against the board for proper electrical connection is up and the silver...

Accelerometers tame a wild compressor.(from Wilcoxon Research Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The first time a gas compressor at a California paper mill failed it wound up in the company parking lot for six months, waiting for replacement parts to be ordered and installed. The problem was a bolt in the slider bracket that secured the...

Web picks.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Several years ago NOVA put out a four-part special about disasters, what engineers have learned from them, and what they've done to make accidents survivable. This is the companion Web site to the series and, considering the fact that I just...

Imitating life: An introduction to computer simulation and modeling. (Simulation Software).(Column)
May 1, 2002... Computers have long been used to create numerical and logical models or simulations of real-world systems. Indeed, a large part of the motivation for developing the first computers in the 1930s and 1940s was to be able to perform calculations...

A universal translator? (Open systems).(OPC Data eXchange specification for Ethernet networks)
May 1, 2002... The OPC Data eXchange specification offers a peer-to-peer gateway that provides interoperability and allows data exchange among devices connected to Ethernet networks using different fieldbus protocols. What do you think? Could this make life...

A micromachined water vapor sensor for home appliances. (Sensor Technology and Design).
May 1, 2002... Consumers want household appliances with improved energy efficiency, safety, and performance, but they don't want to compromise convenience and satisfaction. RH sensing helps manufacturers meet this challenge. Today's household appliances...

Protect laser diodes from overheating during characterization tests: laser diode temperature must be tightly controlled during characterization tests. How you do that depends on the laser's physical configuration. (Putting Sensors to Work).
May 1, 2002... Laser diodes such as those used in fiber-optic communications systems and data storage devices require extensive testing during development and production. The high value of the end product and intense pricing pressure mandate the use of only...

Variable capacitance accelerometers: design and applications; micromachined silicon variable-capacitance accelerometers are designed for easy manufacture and demanding applications. (Sensor Technology and Design).(Technical)
May 1, 2002... All variable capacitance accelerometers have certain basic design elements in common. They incorporate a seismic mass whose motion in response to shock or vibration lags behind that of the accelerometer housing. The capacitor consists of two...

Adaptive sensor biasing: a new technique; if thermal error is interfering with your sensor system's signals, try this dynamic biasing technique. (Putting Sensors to Work).(Technical)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The main objective of an electronic circuit intended for use with a sensor is to provide the control unit (e.g., microprocessor, microcomputer) with a clean signal that is directly proportional to the physical property being measured. However,...

A new dimension in encoder technology. (Sensor Technology and Design).(Technical)
May 1, 2002... A new generation of encoders combines a single custom-designed opto-ASIC with a modular mechanical concept. The result is a nearly infinite variety of incremental and absolute encoders available off the shelf Wherever exact information...

A new ammonia detector based on thin film polymer technology: this gas sensor detects changes in capacitance caused by absorbed ammonia that alters the sensor's relative permittivity. (Sensor Technology and Design).(Brief Article)(Technical)
May 1, 2002... Ammonia, a common refrigerant, is environmentally friendly in that it does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer or to global warming. It is nonetheless a toxic chemical that requires reliable detection to ensure the safety of...

Big deals. (Business Sense).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Ardesta LLC (Ann Arbor, MI) has made a $3 million investment in MesoSystems Technology (Kennewick and Seattle, WA, and Albuquerque, NM). With its partners, MesoSystems offers a complete biodefense system solution to identify harmful airborne...

Wish list.(customers looking for measurement devices)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * Going, going... Wish List is moving to on all-online format beginning now! At www.sensorsmag.com/wishlist/, you'll get answers to your vexing queries-without waiting. Next month, look for the expanded Web Picks department in this...

Conference benefits.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... By attending the conference you will: * Increase your company's competitiveness by improving its products and services * Make the best use of time away from your desk by acquiring information for yourself and your colleagues *...

Wireless sensor transceiver. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Advanced Embedded Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Advanced Embedded Systems, Inc. (AES), Marana, AZ, offers the RT12-4204 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz FHSS transceiver that provides a wireless connection between any 4-20 mA, 0-5 VDC, or 0-10 VDC sensor and a data logger, controller, or SCADA device....

Thermal sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Airpax Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Housed in a TO-220 package, VeriSense 3500 thermal sensors from Airpax Corp., Frederick, MD, provide a voltage output and measure temperatures from 0[degrees]C-100[degrees]C. Typical accuracies are [+ or -]1/4[degrees]C at 25[degrees]C and [+...

24-Bit ADC. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Texas Instruments Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Texas Instruments, Inc., Tucson, AZ, introduces the Burr-Brown ADS1216 that combines a 24-bit [DELTA][SIGMA] ADC with an 8-channel multiplexer, PGA, input buffer, burnout current sources, dual independent current DACs, onchip voltage reference,...

Interchangeable NTC thermistor. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Cornerstone Sensors Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Cornerstone Sensors, Inc., Vista, CA, has expanded its interchangeable temperature tolerance for its NTC thermistor line. Typically, interchangeable NTC thermistor temperature ranges are defined over 70[degrees]C ranges. The -CE tolerance...

Multibus absolute encoder. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The ProCoder optical rotary encoder from Baumer Electric, Southington, CT, has a programmable interchangeable bus cover, allowing it to support most major bus systems including SSI, CANopen, DeviceNet, and Profibus. Features include 58 mm dia....

Absolute hollow shaft encoder. (Exhibitor Showcase).(BEI Technologies Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... BEI Technologies Inc., Industrial Encoder Div., Goleta, CA, introduces the HS35 rugged, well-sealed, 12-bit absolute encoder built around its HS35 incremental encoder design. With many of the same features, the absolute encoder is rated IP65,...

Silicone Rubber technology. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Apple Rubber Products, Lancaster, NY, has added liquid silicone rubber (LSR) technology to its capabilities, allowing it to deliver high-quality silicone parts and seals quickly and with competitive pricing. Silicone seals produced using LSR...

AC current sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(CR Magnetics Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The CR9521 Series from CR Magnetics, Inc., Fenton, MO, monitors AC current flow from as low as 0-5 A and produces a calibrated 0-5 VDC output. Each unit is fully isolated and permanently calibrated. An electrical current carrying wire is routed...

Sensor sales and consulting. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... D & D Engineering, Northridge, CA, acts as manufacturer representatives and distributors, and also provides design recommendations, identifying all components needed for a complete measurement or control system. Services include specific...

Wireless sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Crossbow Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Crossbow Technology, Inc., San Jose, CA, in collaboration with researchers at the University of California at Berkeley's Computer Science Dept., introduces the MICA family of sensors and tools that enable rapid development of wireless MEMS...

Filtration systems. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Donaldson Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Donaldson Co., Inc., Bloomington, MN, applies filtration technology to develop products that protect sensors and microelectronic circuitry in challenging environments. Adsorbent and filtration systems keep sensors operating efficiently in the...

Cavity spray coating technology. (Exhibitor Showcase).(EV Group)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... OmniSpray from EV Group, Austria and Cranston, RI, uses a proprietary atomizing nozzle to uniformly coat vias, sidewalls, and other structures to a consistent height. A syringe dispensing system reduces photoresist and polymer solution...

Industrial pressure transmitter. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Druck Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The PTX 7200 Series from Druck, Inc., New Fairfield, CT, uses a piezoresistive silicon sensing element packaged in an all-welded SS housing that is NACE MR-01-75 compatible. All ranges 1-10,000 psi are available in gauge or absolute pressure...

EM design, simulation software. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Integrated Engineering Software, Winnipeg, Canada, supplies electromagnetic design and simulation software that allows engineers to model complex EM designs on the computer before building a prototype. Products include Magneto, Amperes,...

Decentralized DA modules. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Data converted in CANSAS modules from Hi-Techniques, Inc., Madison, WI, can be transmitted noise-free along a CANbus network up to 1 km in accordance with CANbus specifications. Various CANSAS models are offered for all common analog sensor,...

Pressure sensor production. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Senstronics Ltd.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Senstronics Ltd., Newton Aycliffe, UK, offers a high-volume production process for thin film electronic strain gauge pressure sensors and transducers. Pressure sensor elements with thermal stability up to 125[degrees]C can now be manufactured...

Pressure transducer with female connector. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Kavlico, a Solectron Co., Moorpark, CA, offers the rugged P155 ceramic capacitive pressure transducer with a 3/8-24 UNF-2B female-thread pressure conneetor. Features include long-term stability, high repeatability and hysteresis, temperature...

Sensor charge meter. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Kistler Instrument Corp., Amherst, NY, introduces the Model 5015A signal processor for charge output pressure, force, and accelerometer type sensors. The device combines the features of a traditional charge amplifier with a digital measurement...

[CO.sub.2] analyzer. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The LI-820 single-path, dual-wavelength NDIR [CO.sub.2] gas analyzer from LI-COR Biosciences, Lincoln, NE, offers user-defined high and low alarms, 2 selectable DAC outputs, and XML control language for OEM integration. Optical paths are...

Fiber-Optic measurement system. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The FiberPro USB from Luna Innovations, Inc., Blacksburg, VA, lets you measure temperature, pressure, and strain in environments where electrical-based sensors cannot typically operate. The small, lightweight, and robust system supports...

Low noise, dual-axis accelerometer. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The MXA2500U from MEMSIC, Inc., Andover, MA, measures dynamic and static acceleration with a F.S. range of [plus or minus]1 and sensitivity of 500 mV/g at 25[degrees]C. The design is based on heat convection and requires no solid proof mass....

Laser sensor. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The F3C-AL from Omron Electronics, LLC, Schaumburg, IL, detects a 1 mm target from a distance of 700 mm. Low black/white error eliminates the need to reset parameters or change sensors when changing colors, materials, or inclination. Features...

Test and measurement software. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, offers the Test & Measurement Suite, a set of MATLAB tools and add-on products for interfacing with industry-standard DA devices and analyzing acquired data. Supported interfaces include GPIB, VXI, and serial...

Wireless data link. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Pacific Crest Corp., Santa Clara, CA, introduces the Environmental Data Link (EDL) wireless modem featuring a built-in UHF transceiver and multiprotocol modem. The unit provides data rates up to 19,200 bps, packet and transparent modes of...

Computer-controlled sensor. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The DCS Smarteye photoelectric sensor from Tri-Tronics Co., Inc., Tampa, FL, can be configured, adjusted, and monitored from a PC, PLC, or any embedded controller via RS-232. Configurations can be assigned specific product names and stored for...

High-bit-rate recorders. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The CSR20f and CSR40f rack-mountable ground-based systems from Thales Heim Data Systems, Inc., Shelby Township, MI, offer 20 Mbps and 160 Mbps data rates, respectively. For telemetry, satellite down link, and multichannel analog and bus...

Reflective color sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS), Inc., Plano, TX, introduces 3 reflective color sensors, each with a color LED die and light-to-voltage converter with a corresponding color filter. Housed in a surface-mount package, each sensor...

Capacitive load cells. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... MCL amplified load cells from RDP Electrosense, Pottstown, PA, are resistant to side loading and extraneous forces. For use in tension or compression, units have F.S. ranges from [+ or -]50 N to [+ or -]50 kN, and come in 2 models with the...

Hybrid ICs. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Hybrid ICs (HICs) from Wonik Telcom Co., Ltd., Kumi City, Korea, incorporate packaging and interconnection technology, combining 2 or more semiconductor devices on a common substrate. The company uses a thick film process; the HICs feature...

Handheld dew-point meter. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The DM70 from Vaisala, Inc., Wobum, MA, has a graphical user interface, data logging capability, and analog output. The handheld unit can operate in pressurized processes up to 300 psig, providing an accuracy of [+ or -]2[degrees]C for...

Compensated pressure sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Advanced Custom Sensors, Inc. (ACSI), Irvine, CA, offers the piezoresistive Model 7280 Series for PCB mounting. Pressure sensing ranges are from 0-5 psi through 0-100 psi with temperature compensation from 0[degrees]C-60[degrees]C. Sensitivity...

Low-pressure sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Miniature Low Pressure Series sensors from All Sensors Corp., San Jose, CA, are available in 5 pressure ranges from 0-2 in.[H.sub.2]O to 0-30 in.[H.sub.2]O F.S. and housed in PCB-mountable packages with 2 pressure ports. The calibrated and...

Gear-tooth speed sensor. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The ATS665 from Allegro Microsystems, Inc., Worcester, MA, is a true zero-speed, high-accuracy, gear-tooth speed sensor. Its differential Hall effect element configuration eliminates variation in the back-biased field. Offered in a subassembly...

IR heaters. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Ceramaseal, New Lebanon, NY, introduces Internal Infrared Heaters designed for internal heating of vacuum systems. The high-vacuum compatible lamps have quartz bulbs to provide directional heating, quick-release sockets, and a nickel reflector...

DA system. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The isoLynx SLX100 from Dataforth Corp., Tucson, AZ, is an intelligent, modular, fully isolated distributed DA system consisting of a 12-channel base system including an I/O controller module and 8-or 16-channel expansion backplanes. The...

Pressure transmitter. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Ashcroft DXLdp low-pressure transmitter from Dresser Instrument, Stratford, CT, has a SpoolCal process valve actuator to let you validate and calibrate transmitters in critical airflow systems without disturbing process tubes or wiring....

Piezoelectric accelerometers. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... PiezoPAK Series accelerometers from Endevco Corp., Sari Juan Capistrano, CA, have 15 or 100 mV/g sensitivity in X-, Y-, or Z-axis orientations arid arc suited for integrated vibrations measurements of machines, structures, arid vehicles....

Integrated measurement system. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The compact Spider8 from HBM, Inc., Marlborough, MA, connects to a PC or laptop via the serial, parallel, or USB port; plug-in modules let you measure strain, force, torque, weight, displacement, pressure, and other parameters using inductive,...

Isotropic magnetic powder. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Magnequench, Inc., Anderson, IN, introduces a spherical isotropic neodymium-iron-boron powder called MQP-S-9-8, suited for applications such as computer peripherals, portable cordless power tools, sensors, and actuators. A flexible calendered...

pH optrodes. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Ocean Optics, Inc., Dunedin, FL, has expanded its fluorescence-based optical sensor series with optrodes to analyze pH-in aqueous solutions. Models conic in various sizes and are suited for in-vivo procedures and measuring small-volume samples....

Data logger. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The 3WData SWI 300 from Lascar Electronics, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, can be configured via a PC-based user interface to log data from a variety of thermocouple and/or voltage inputs. Stored data can be sent via e-mail to a customer-determined Web...

Pressure transducer. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Series 6100 from Mensor Corp., San Marcos, TX, communicates with any MS-DOS-compatible computer over the RS-232 or RS-485 serial port. Features include temperature compensation over a 15[degrees]C-45[degrees]C range, adjustable zero and...

Head-worn display. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Nomad Personal Display System from Microvision, Inc., Bothell, WA, presents images and information in head-sip mode with SVGA resolution. The system lets users merge selected electronic images into their natural field of vision to have...

Bridge signal conditioner. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... For transducers requiring a Wheatatone bridge, the 4-channel 27104A from Precision Filters, Inc., Ithaca, NY, provides constant voltage excitation as well as conditioning for 1-, 2-, and 4-arm resistive bridges. A member of the 27000 signal...

Industrial pressure sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The 121A20/30 Series from PCB Piezotronies, Inc., Pressure Div., Depew, NY, are industrial dynamic ICP sensors that detect very small pressure fluctuations in the presence of high static background pressures. Features include 100-5000 psi F.S....

OEM pressure sensors. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The SM 5800 Series from Silicon Microstructures, Inc., Fremont, CA, combines a silicon micromachined pressure sensor and signal conditioning in a DIP package that can be mounted to a standard PCB. An electronically programmable ASIC provides...

Position sensor circuit. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The HMC6501 from Honeywell SSECk, Plymouth, MN is an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensor with integrated signal conditioning circuitry to convert the angular direction of a magnetic field to a 0-5 V output. An onboard EEPROM for...

Safety hinge switch. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Warner Electric, South Beloit, IL, has integrated a safety switch into a load-bearing hinge for industrial applications. The unit has a safety contact mounted internally and operating angles of 0[degrees]-180[degrees] for the hinge and switch...

Thermistor transmitter. (Exhibitor Showcase).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The 4-20 mA loop-powered 4800 DX-1 from YSI Temperature, Dayton, OH, has [+or-]0.1[degrees]C F.S. accuracy. The transmitter is available in 2 temperature ranges: -10[degrees]C to 50[degrees] for biomedical applications and compatibility with...

Encoder interface ICs. (Sensors Express).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... LS7183 and LS7184 CMOS silicon gate quadrature clock converters from LSI Computer Systems, Inc., Melville, NY, convert A, B quadrature pulses from incemental encoders to counter control signals. The LS7183 produces directional clock (up-clocks,...