Product Update:
Sensors and transducers
Labels sense
ambient temperatures
Each SL series self-adhesive sensor label has a chemical dot at its center that changes color from silver to black when the object to which it is attached is exposed to a specific temperature. The labels can thus be used for environmental monitoring during shipment, storage, processing, or operation.
Marked in Celsius as well as Fahrenheit, the 3/8-in. yellow labels are available in temperature values covering the range from 100° to 350°F in 10°F increments, plus 105° and 115°F. (From $0.75 ea/100�available now.)
Telatemp, Fullerton, CA
Tech Sales 800-321-5160
Fax 714-870-8136
http://www.telatemp.com
EEM FILE 5500
Light sensor responds
with eye's sensitivity
The LX1973A visible-light sensor has a spectral response close to that of the human eye, rejecting both near-ultraviolet and near-infrared emissions without a filter. The PIN-diode-array device is optimized for low light levels with an integrated dark-current cancellation circuit.
Using an external 8-bit ad converter, the unit can detect light from 0.001 lux to 500 lux. The device is Pb- and Cd-free and come in a 3-mm2 modified 8-pin MSOP surface-mount package with three active pins. ($2.20 ea/10,000�available now.)
Microsemi, Irvine, CA
Support 800-713-4113
Fax 949-756-0308
http://www.microsemi.com
EEM FILE 3700
FO device senses
acoustic pressure
The FOP-MA fiber-optic sensor responds to pressure at frequencies to 30 kHz and senses levels as low as 0.0075 psi, or optionally to 0.003 psi. Insensitive to EMI and RFI, the device suits security, military, and biomedical applications.
The sensor has a 1.25-mm-o.d. tip and 155-µm-o.d. fiber cable. It employs Fabry-Perot interferometry to detect pressure changes, tolerates bending of the cable, and has an operating range of –20° to 150°C. ($200 ea/small qty�2 weeks ARO.)
Fiso Technologies
Quebec, Quebec, Canada
Francois Pelletier 418-688-8065
Fax 418-688-8067
http://www.fiso.com
EEM FILE 3700
LVDTs fit
tight spaces
CD 375 series linear variable differential transformers have 3/8-in. diameters and low-mass cores that suit them for contactless position-sensing applications where space is restricted and dynamic response is needed. Units can be vented for operation in pressurized fluids and constructed of materials resistant to mild nuclear radiation.
Available in full-scale ranges from ±0.025 to ±2.0 in., the LVDTs have a 0.012-in. core-to-bore radial clearance, repeatability error less than 0.01% FSO, and maximum linearity error of ±0.25% FRO. Units meet IP-61 and operate from –55° to 105°C. (From $116 to $250 ea/small qty�available now.)
Macro Sensors
Pennsauken, NJ
Eileen Otto 856-662-8000
Fax 856-661-8000
http://www.macrosensors.com
EEM FILE 5500
IR sensor devices have
small SMT packages
OP2XX infrared LED and OP5XX photodiode series are housed in miniature 0805, 1206, and PLCC packages, suiting automated assembly of home appliances and portable, automotive, and industrial equipment.
The series' wide-beam, narrow-beam, or high-power GaAlAs LEDs and npn silicon phototransistors are compatible with 260°C Pb-free soldering processes and operate in the range from –25° to 85°C. (From $0.21 ea/1,000�samples available now; prod qty, stock to 8 weeks ARO.)
Optek Technology
Carrollton, TX
Sales 972-323-2253
Fax 972-323-2396
http://www.optekinc.com
EEM FILE 3700
Attitude, heading sensor
is less than 2.5-in.2
The MTi attitude and heading reference systems measures just 2.3 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. but can provide drift-free, gyro-enhanced readings with 0.5 degree accuracy. The inertial measurement unit, which computes attitude and heading on a low-power DSP, consumes 360 mW from a 4.5 to 15 V supply.
The 50-gram, 3D-gyro device provides acceleration, rate of turn, and magnetic-field data from solid-state inertial and magnetic field sensors. Digital outputs can be RS-232/422/485 or USB-compatible with an external converter and optional 0 to 3.3-V analog output are offered for roll, pitch, and heading. (From 1,750 euros; developer's kit, 1,990 euros�available now.)
Xsens Technologies
Enschede, The Netherlands
Casper Peeters 011-31-53-483-6444
Fax 011-31-53-483-6445
http://www.xsens.com
EEM FILE 5500
Proximity sensors
work in wood, steel
The GMR proximity sensor line employs giant magnetoresistive (GMR) technology to let them sense position-detection magnets through such materials as wood, plastic, stainless steel, glass, aluminum, and other nonferrous metals.
The units have switching frequencies of 5 kHz, sensing ranges up to 70 mm, and are magnetic-polarity independent. They are available with a variety of tubular housings, connectors, and environmental ratings. (Sensors, from $65 to $80; magnets, from $7 to $15�available now.)
ifm efector
Exton, PA
Information 800-441-8246
Fax 610-524-2010
http://www.ifmefector.com
EEM FILE 5500
Pressure sensors are
small, inexpensive
With a 0.875-in. diameter, the AST4100 pressure sensor meets the need of space-limited designs and can withstand corrosive environments. Priced under $100 in quantity, the UL/cUL 508-approved stainless-steel device has a long-term stability of ±0.25% FSO per annum.
The sensor has a thick, one-piece diaphragm that serves as a hermetic seal, eliminating the need for O rings, welds and fill fluids. It is available in pressure ranges from 0 to 25 and 0 to 10,000 psi, as well as compound ranges, with output formats of 10 mV/V, 0.5 to 4.5 V ratiometric, 1 to 5 V, 1 to 6 V, 0.25 to 5 V, or 4 to 20 mA. (From $100�2 to 3 weeks ARO.)
American Sensor Technologies
Landing, NJ
Karmit S. Sidhu 973-398-9900
Fax 973-398-9900
http://www.astsensors.com
EEM FILE 5500
Fluid sensors
take 1/4-in. tubes
Able to accept clear tubing with o.d.'s of 0.125, 0.187, and 0.250 in., OPB350 series fluid sensors use an LED-phototransistor pair to detect the difference in refractive properties between full and empty tubes.
The larger-diameter T-series model has wire leads and two mounting holes, one on either side, to accommodate screws or other fasteners for securing the device to a pc board. The smaller-opening N-series device has through-hole leads. Operating range is –40° to 85°C. (N series, $3.94 ea/1,000; T series, $5.15 ea/1,000�6 to 8 weeks ARO.)
Optek Technology
Carrollton, TX
Sales 972-323-2253
Fax 972-323-2396
http://www.optekinc.com
EEM FILE 5500
Low-cost temp sensors
are highly accurate
With prices of less than $1.25 in low quantities, the TSic IC temperature sensor series are available with accuracies ranging from ±0.5° to ±0.05°C. They cover ranges of –50° to 150°C and –10° to 60°C depending on accuracy, with the highest accuracy device covering a 10°C span between –10° to 60°C.
The devices are available in an SOP-8 package or an e-line, which is similar to a to -92 package, but smaller; bare chips are also available. The sensors have on-chip calibration, output serial digital data, consume just 45 µA from a 3.0 to 5.5-V supply and have very low (0.07°C) self-heating. (From $1.15 ea/1,000�stock to 4 weeks ARO.)
Innovative Sensor Technology
Las Vegas, NV
Jack Thompson 702-894-9891
Fax 702-894-9993
http://www.ist-ag.com
EEM FILE 5500
Photoelectric sensor
is tiny, easy to set up
The Q12 photoelectric sensor typically measures 12.4 x 22 x 8.0 mm and it various models can sense objects from 15 mm to 2 m. A visible red (640 nm) sensing beam makes for easy target positioning.
Devices are available in opposed, polarized or unpolarized retroreflective, and fixed models. The units operate from 10 to 30 Vdc and have npn or pnp outputs and green and amber LED status indicators. (From $70�available now.)
Banner Engineering
Minneapolis, MN
Sales 888-373-6767
Fax 763-544-3213
http://www.bannerengineering.com
EEM FILE 5500
Ultrasonic sensor is
compact, inexpensive
Priced under $100, the World-Beam QS18U ultrasonic sensor measures 15 (W) x 33.5 (D) mm and from 35 to 45 mm long, depending on the connection type chosen. The unit has a pushbutton “teach” mode for fast set-up.
Having a 50 to 500-mm sensing range and 15-ms response time, the devices is offered with either 2- or 9-m unterminated cable, or 4-pin Euro- or Pico-style quick-disconnect connector (either integral or with 150-mm threaded pigtail). The unit operates from 12 to 30 Vdc and has a 100-mA npn or pnp output and green and amber LED status indicators. ($99�available now.)
Banner Engineering
Minneapolis, MN
Sales 888-373-6767
Fax 763-544-3213
http://www.bannerengineering.com
EEM FILE 5500
USB temp/RH logger
fits in shirt pocket
The EL-USB-2 temperature and relative humidity datalogger measures 26.4 (D) x 103 (L) mm. It can store over 32,000 readings and calculate dew points.
Ranges are 0 to 100%RH and –35° to 80°C, and typical accuracies are ±3.5%RH and ±1°C. The device's USB port is used to set up RH/°C alarm thresholds and download data. The device comes in a waterproof case with Windows software. ($79.95�available now.)
Lascar Electronics
Erie, PA
Sales 814-835-0621
Fax 814-838-8141
http://www.lascarelectronics.com
EEM FILE 2900
Smallest high-speed absolute encoder
fits space-constrained apps
Offered as the industry's smallest such device, the AEAS-7500 high-speed absolute encoder module is only 16 mm thick. Comprising an LED, sensor read head, and code wheel, the device can reduce the parts count from 120 (necessary for some standard absolute encoders) to as few as three in space-constrained motion-control applications such as servo motors, robotics, and machine tools.
Providing up to 65,536 absolute positions in a single revolution, the part offers 16-MHz serial synchronous data output for servo motors up to 12,000 rpm, and eliminates MSB/LSB hunting. Gray-code correction to ±1 LSB decreases code-wheel misalignment errors.
Featuring a plastic detector assembly, the device can be installed with a variety of adhesives on different types of case materials. ($35 ea/6,000�available now.)
Agilent Technologies
Palo Alto, CA
Technical Response Center 800-235-0312
http://www.agilent.com/view/motioncontrol
EEM FILE 3500
Analog rotary encoder IC
outperforms potentiometer solutions
Offering both analog and 10-bit digital position information, the AS5043 absolute analog magnetic rotary encoder IC provides motion-sensing functionality that outperforms other analog solutions such as high-end potentiometers. The part's contactless design improves reliability, while adjustable angular and voltage ranges provide higher degrees of programmability over standard solutions in industrial or automotive applications where a digital solution is not a feasible alternative.
Depending on the angular range settings, analog output step size can vary from 0.35° to 0.09° per step. The part operates at either 3.3 or 5 V over temperatures from –40° to 125°C.
Available in a lead-free SSOP-16 package, the part offers a daisy-chain mode that enables the connection of several devices over a two-wire bus. ($4.50 ea/1,000�available now.)
austriamicrosystems
Raleigh, NC
Wilfried Bair 919-719-7212
Fax 509-696-2713
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com
EEM FILE 5500
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