Analog Input Module
The USB-1408FS from Measurement Computing Corp., Middleboro, MA, provides 8 single-ended or 4 differential analog inputs, 14-bit resolution in differential mode (13-bit single-ended), and 8 software-selectable input ranges. Sample rates are up to 48 Ksps.The module also includes 2 channels of 12-bit analog output, a 32-bit counter, and 16 bits of digital I/O, and is compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. (508-946-5100, [email protected], www.mccdaq.com)
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22-bit ΔΣ ADC
The MCP3550 from Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler,AZ, is a 22-bit ΔΣ ADC available in an 8-pin MSOP package. Features include 120 μA typ. current draw, noise rejection >120 dB in either the 50 or 60 Hz line frequencies, ±2 ppm typ. INL, 0.6 mW max. power consumption at 5 V, and output noise as low as 2.5 μVrms. Sample rate is 12.5 sps (MCP3550-50, 50 Hz rejection) and 15 sps (MCP3550-60, 60 Hz rejection). (www.microchip.com)
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Sonar Range Finder
The MaxSonar-EZ1 from Maxbotix,Tucson,AZ, is a sonar range finder capable of detecting objects from 6 in. to 254 in. with 1 in. resolution. Objects from 0–6 in. will read as 6 in.The device features continuously variable gain for beam control and side-lobe suppression, reading rate of up to 20 Hz, triggered and free-run operation, and 42 kHz sensor operation.The range finder provides simultaneous pulse width, analog voltage, and serial digital outputs. ([email protected], www.maxbotix.com)
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MEMS Accelerometers
Freescale Semiconductor,Austin,TX, offers the MMA6270Q (XY axis), MMA6280Q (XZ axis), and MMA7261Q (XYZ axes) accelerometers with selectable sensitivities.The devices consume 500 μA (3 μA in sleep mode) and offer 2.2–3.6 V operation, 1 ms power-up response time, and integrated signal conditioning, amplification, and temperature compensation with low-pass filter.The MMA6270Q and MMA6280Q offer customer-selectable ranges of 1.5, 2, 4, or 6 g while the MMA7261Q offers selectable 2.5, 3.3, 6.7, or 10 g sensing ranges. (www.freescale.com)
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USB DA Module
USB-DAQ-Box MF16080 Series portable USB DA modules from Hacker-DatenTechnik, Bad Breisig, Germany, offer 16 analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, and 10 digital I/O in a small and durable aluminum enclosure. Input voltage ranges are from 4–24 V max. and differential input mode is software-selectable. Resolution is 12-bit for both analog inputs and outputs. Max. sample rate is 30 kHz (1 channel) and up to 100 kHz (all 16 channels). (+49 2633-200360, [email protected], www.hacker-technology.com)
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Portable Diagnostic Unit
The HMG 3000 from HYDAC USA, Bethlehem, PA, is a handheld portable unit for measuring jobs in hydraulic and pneumatic systems during commissioning, service, maintenance, troubleshooting, or in test labs. The device can record up to 10 sensor signals at the same time and features 2 digital inputs; analog input ranges of 4–20 mA, 0–20 mA, 0–10 V, 0–50 V, ±10 V; 64 MB of memory; a graphic display; a USB interface; and a serial interface. (877-404-9322, www.hydacusa.com)
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ZigBee-Based Modem Module
Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH, European Technology Center, Leuneburg, Germany, offers the PAN4570 low-power transceiver designed to embed ZigBee-based wireless mesh networking capabilities into products.The device uses Ember's EM250 802.15.4/ZigBee chip that combines a programmable microprocessor, RF radio, ZigBee protocol stack, and memory. The 20 × 26.5 × 3 mm modem module has –98 dB sensitivity with 1% packet error rate, EmberZNet 2.0 network stack, Ember's API, and 3 different power modes. (+49 (0)4131-899-104, fax +49 (0)4131-899-262, www.panasonic-eutc.com; www.ember.com)
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Wireless Sensor Software
Tendril Inc., Boulder, CO, offers its Tendril Service Broker v1.0 on the EmberZNet 2.0 ZigBeecompliant network stack, allowing you to manage wireless sensor and control networks.The software allows you to integrate different types of low-power sensors with enterprise or product computing systems.The EmberZNet network stack is a scalable, self-organizing, self-healing wireless networking platform based on the ZigBee standard. (303-951-3105, [email protected], www.tendrilinc.com)
GPS Module
The LEA-4T from u-blox AG,Thalwil, Switzerland, is a high-performance, low-power, precision timing GPS receiver capable of a compensated timepulse accuracy of 15 ns. In Time Mode, the GPS receiver assumes a stationary position, enabling GPS timing with only 1 visible satellite and eliminating timing errors from positioning errors.The 2-channel time mark and counter unit provide a globally synchronized time stamping and measuring functionality for applications such as seismic sensors or other applications requiring wide-area synchronization. (+41 44-722-74-44, [email protected], www.u-blox.com)
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Water Quality Analyzer
The WaterPOINT 870 from Seniscore,Ann Arbor, MI, uses a lab-on-chip system to measure 14 water quality parameters on a single test sample in 4 min. The device tests for free and total chlorine, monochloramine, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, carbon dioxide, total alkalinity, calcium and calcium hardness, ammonia, ORP, temperature, and Langelier saturation index. The device uses a semi-disposable siliconbased chip that lasts for 30 profiles. Data retrieval is via Bluetooth or RS-232 serial port. (877-528-6333, [email protected], www.sensicore.com)
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Light-to-Digital Converters
TSL2562 and TSL2563 light-to-digital converters from Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS) Inc., Plano,TX, combine a visible light-blocking photodiode with a broadband photodiode on a single CMOS IC, allowing the device to measure ambient light levels from 0.1–40,000 lux.The TSL2562 converts the photodiode currents to an SMBus digital output representing the irradiance measured on each channel while the TSL2563 converts it to an I2C output. (972-673-0759, www.taosinc.com)
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Radiation Detectors
RAE Systems Inc., San Jose, CA, offers the NeutronRAE II personal, combined gamma and neutron radiation detector that is certified as intrinsically safe.The device, designed for first responders, detects radiation at extremely low levels and features fast response time, multiple alarm modes, and the ability to set the alarm modes for search mode (based on local background radiation levels) or safety mode (high or low alarm levels based on absolute dose rates). (877-723-2878, [email protected], www.raesystems.com)
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Candlestick Sensor
The MS 1000-CS-WC candlestick-design sensor from Advanced Thermal Solutions Inc., Norwood, MA, measures both temperature and air velocity for characterizing thermal conditions in electronic systems. Sensors are calibrated for low- (natural convection) and high-velocity flows and are capable of measuring temperature from –30°C to 150°C ±1°C and velocity from 0–51 m/s ±2%.The sensor base is 9.5 mm dia. and heights are 9, 12, or 20 mm. (781-769-2800, [email protected], www.qats.com)
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Slim Accelerometer
STMicroelectronics, Geneva, Switzerland, offers the LIS3LV02DL thinprofile 3-axis digital-output accelerometer with an SPI/I2C digital interface. The MEMS-based sensor can measure both tilt and acceleration along all 3 axes and has both ±2.0 g and ±6.0 g F.S. ranges which can be changed by software command even during operation. Other features include self-test, direction detection, shock resistance up to 10,000 g, free-fall and wake-up flags, and high immunity to vibration. (+41-22-929-29-29, www.st.com)