MEMS Rotational Rate Sensor
The GG1178 angular rate sensor from Honeywell SSEC, Minneapolis, MN, combines a MEMS sensing element and a CMOS ASIC in a ceramic package and is designed for low-cost inertial measurement units for advanced GPS-assisted navigation systems. The sensing element uses differential capacitance and device symmetry to reduce errors from acceleration and off-axis rotations. The ASIC detects and transmits changes in differential capacitance into an analog or digital output proportional to angular rate. Sensitivity and output bandwidth are factory programmable. (800-323-8295, www.pressuresensing.com)
 |
Compact Inclinometers
LSR Series inclinometers from Jewell Instruments, LLC, Manchester, NH, are suited for use in heavy construction, grading, ship and barge leveling, deviation surveys, and weapons platform leveling. The compact, cylindrical devices can be stacked to provide multi-axis measurement. Input ranges are ±1°, ±3°, ±14.5°, ±30°, and ±90° with bandwidth from 1.0–40.0 Hz and resolution and threshold of 1 μradian. Output is ±5.0 VDC. (800-638-3771, [email protected], www.jewellinstruments.com)
 |
Micro Web Server Module
The PRODIGIO WSC31-CB from Computer Aided Solutions (CAS), Chesterland, OH, is a 3 × 4 × 1 in. box that can deliver HTML pages, collect data, and take actions based on information gathered from a Web page; transfer files via FTP; and send email based on timed or external events. Its hardware interfaces include a 10/100 Base-T RJ-45 connection, USB interface, 2 RS-232 ports, 2 analog inputs, 16 programmable digital I/O, and 2 opto-isolated digital inputs. The PRODIGIO also has a Compact Flash slot. (440-729-2570, [email protected], www.dataloggersales.com)
 |
USB DA Modules
Data Translation, Inc., Marlboro, MA, offers the DT9813-10V and DT9814-10V DA modules as part of its ECONseries for USB 2.0. The modules offer 16 and 24 analog inputs, respectively, with 12-bit resolution, 50 Ksps throughput rate, bipolar input range of ±10 V, and high input impedance. The DT9813-10V also has 8 digital I/O (4 inputs, 4 outputs). Both have a 32-bit counter-timer and ship with the GO! application which provides mini instruments for your PC. (508-481-3700, www.datatranslation.com)
 |
Servo Inclinometers
Series ES261 servo inclinometers from DS Europe S.r.L, Milan, Italy, are single-axis devices with 0° to ±5.75°, 14.5°, 30°, 45°, 90° measuring ranges; a 0 to ±5 V output signal; and bandwidth to 55 Hz. The pendulum sensing element has a pivot at one end and moves inside an optical barrier. It features high resolution, high repeatability, and the ability to withstand high shocks. (0039-02-8910142, [email protected], www.dseurope.com)
 |
Reliable Mesh Networking
SmartMesh-XR wireless mesh networking systems from Dust Networks, Hayward, CA, deliver at least 99.9% end-to-end data reliability in real-world industrial and commercial building environments. Nodes consume as little as 25 μA of current to meet stringent industrial monitoring and building automation requirements. Additional new features include expansion of up to 250 nodes/manager, ability to upgrade or reconfigure all nodes remotely, and a network health dashboard. Nodes are built on standard IEEE 802.15.4 radio chipsets. (866-289-3878, www.dustnetworks.com)
Triaxial Accelerometers
Series 354B triaxial ICP ceramic shear accelerometers from Vibration Div., PCB Piezotronics, Inc., Depew, NY, measure vibration in 3 orthogonal directions. The Model 354B20 has 2.5 mV/g sensitivity with a 2000 g measurement range, the Model 354B21 has 10 mV/g sensitivity with a 500 g measurement range, and the Model 354B22 has a 100 mV/g sensitivity with a 50 g range. (888-684-0013, [email protected], www.pcb.com)
 |
Seismic IC
The CS5373A from Cirrus Logic, Inc., Austin, TX, integrates the company's CS4373A seismic test DAC and its CS5371 ΔΣ modulator, allowing designers to implement smaller and lighter seismic acquisition systems. The on-chip modulator offers 127 dB at 215 Hz bandwidth (2 ms sample rate) and –118 dB THD while the on-chip seismic test DAC offers selectable attenuation, multiplexed outputs, and programmable test modes. Test DAC THD is typically –118 dB and –100 dB for the buffered output. (800-888-5016, www.cirrus.com)
3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer
Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, MA, introduces its ADXL330 3-axis accelerometer that integrates the sensor structure with signal conditioning on the same die and is housed in a 4 × 4 × 1.45 mm plastic surface-mount package. The sensor has a ±2 g range and can measure the static acceleration of gravity for tilt-sensing as well as measure dynamic acceleration caused by motion, shock, or vibration. Power consumption is typically <200 μA at 2.0 V. (781-937-1428, www.analog.com)
 |
Vision Sensor Software
Intellect release 1.2 for DVT vision sensors from Cognex Corp., Natick, MA, offers an improved user interface to make inspection, counting, precision measurement, and object location easier. The user interface incorporates the Windows look and feel. Intellect 1.2 increases object sorting efficiency by allowing a single tool to identify and count multiple shapes or colors. It also features faster image updates, a new OCV tool, custom drivers for robotic applications, and a preconfigured tool for label position and gross defect inspection. (877-264-6391, www.cognex.com)
 |
Control, Networking Platform
The Pyxos embedded control networking platform from Echelon Corp., San Jose, CA, is designed to be built into sensors and actuators embedded inside a machine, where it extracts information from the devices and relays control commands between devices. Pyxos FT chips use twisted-pair wiring to send high-speed network data and power to sensors, actuators, and devices. A Pyxos FT network is self-organizing and consists of up to 32 embedded Pyxos Points and a Pyxos Pilot that interfaces with the outside world. (888-324-3566, [email protected], www.echelon.com)
Miniature Accelerometer
The Model 1101 from VIP Sensors, San Juan Capistrano, CA, is a 1.2 g miniature piezoelectric accelerometer that has a 50 kHz resonance frequency, exhibits a frequency response range to 15 kHz, and requires no external power. The sensor's piezoelectric crystal exhibits stable output sensitivity over its operating temperature range. Each sensor is supplied with a 10 ft. integral low-noise cable terminated with a 10-32 connector. (949-429-3558, [email protected], www.vipsensors.com)
 |
Controller for HALT, HASS
Tidal Engineering Corp., Randolph, NJ, offers the Synergy controller with a HALT and HASS testing configuration. The controller offers programming of temperature, humidity, altitude, and vibration vs. time as well as 6 event outputs. Communications include built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, RS-232/485, GPIB, and Web-based remote control. It uses Windows CE .NET 4.2 as its embedded OS and can be used where controlled environments are required for testing, screening, and calibrating critical systems and components. (973-328-1173, www.tidaleng.com)
Small 18-bit ADC
The AD7690 18-bit SAR ADC from Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, MA, has a 400 Ksps data rate and is supplied in 3 × 5 mm MSOP and 3 × 3 mm LFCSP packages. The device targets applications where board space is at a premium but speed and accuracy cannot be sacrificed. The ADC features a 102 dB SNR, 20 mW power dissipation, ±1 LSB DNL, ±1 LSB typical INL, on-chip track-and-hold, and operation from a single 5 V power supply. (800-262-5643, www.analog.com)
 |
Capacitive Level Sensors
Automation Systems Interconnect (ASI), Inc., Carlisle, PA, introduces the SC and SCD Series of capacitive level sensors for control of liquid and solid substances in silos for cereals, foodstuffs, seeds, biscuit plants, and other food industry applications. The probe bodies use an aluminum casting with 2 cable clamps on the outputs, enabling operating temperature ranges from –20°C to 100°C. The body of the SCD30P is macrolon plastic and can be used with an SCM protection housing. (877-650-5160, [email protected], www.asi-ez.com)
 |
Extreme Distance Option
AeroComm Inc., Lenexa, KS, offers a Long Range Mode for its family of 900 MHz spread-spectrum transceivers that increases the receiver sensitivity of the transceiver by as much as 10 dB. Long range mode will be standard on 900 MHz AC4490 and AC4790 OEM modules and ConnexLink wireless devices; it will be disabled as a default setting, making the new transceivers backward-compatible with existing AeroComm installations. (913-492-2320, [email protected], www.aerocomm.com)