Programmable MEMS Gyroscope
The ADIS16250 from Analog Devices Inc., Norwood, MA, is a MEMS gyroscope that lets you scale the sensitivity from ±80°/s to ±320°/s and has programmable features accessible via SPI. Gyroscope output is precalibrated. Programmable features include sample rate, filter response, self test, rate alarms, and power management modes. The device also includes auxiliary ADC and DAC ports and general-purpose I/O. Applications include industrial instrumentation, platform stabilization, and navigation. (800-262-5643, www.analog.com)
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Control, DA Software
National Instruments, Austin, TX, offers LabVIEW 8.20, the 20th anniversary edition of its graphical design platform for control, test, and embedded systems development. New features include enhanced distributed system management, advanced analysis and control algorithms, new targets for HMIs, new machine monitoring functions, the ability to integrate models developed in The MathWorks' Simulink environment, and streamlined prototyping and development of control systems in industrial computers, FPGAs, or custom designs. ([email protected], www.ni.com)
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Solid-State Compass
A 3-axis device, the EZ-COMPASS-3A from Advanced Orientation Systems (AOS) Inc., Linden, NJ, is a magnetometer compass with tilt and temperature compensation and suited for use in marine and land navigation, vehicle and structure positioning, construction, and antenna and satellite tracking. The 1.5 3 2.0 3 0.5 in. module weighs ~11 g and generates heading, pitch, roll, magnetic field, and temperature over RS-232 or RS-422 ports. The compass measures tilt angles up to ±90 arc degrees. (908-474-9595, www.aositilt.com)
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Reflective Color Sensor
The OPB780 reflective color sensing assembly from TT electronics OPTEK Technology, Carrollton, TX, provides high-resolution digital measurement of the red, green, and blue components of light reflected from the surface being sensed. The assembly's white LED illuminates the surface of the object or liquid being sensed and the reflected light is received by an 8 3 8 photodiode array of 4 selectable groups of red, green, blue, and clear-filtered photodiodes. A light-to-frequency converter then lets the assembly communicate directly with a microcontroller. (972-323-2200, [email protected], www.optekinc.com)
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Vibrating Liquid Level Switches
K-TEK, Prairieville, LA, offers the Resonator RS80 and RS85 vibrating liquid level switches based on a robust, tuning fork design. The RS80 features a 316 SS probe while the RS85 offers a choice of 316 SS, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy B, Monel, and Incoloy 600 probe materials. You can also choose from a variety of sensor finishes for immunity to coating or buildup. Resonator switches handle process temperatures from –40°C to 177°C and pressures from 0–2000 psig. (225-673-6100, [email protected], www.ktekcorp.com)
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Vision Application Development Software
Cognex Corp., Natick, MA, offers new features for its VisionPro machine vision systems to accelerate the development of PC-based machine vision applications. The QuickBuild environment defines image acquisition, vision tools, and accept/reject criteria. Communications Explorer sends inspection results to I/O lines and communication devices, such as PLCs or reject mechanisms. The Application Wizard automatically generates a runtime application with an operator interface. (877-264-6391, www.cognex.com)
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Digital Temperature Sensor
The DS75LV from Dallas Semiconductor, Dallas, TX, operates from a 1.7–3.7 V supply voltage range and provides user-selectable 9-/10-/11-/12-bit digital temperature readings over its –25°C to 100°C range. The device is factory calibrated to ±2.0°C accuracy max. over its voltage supply range and ±3.0°C max. accuracy over its –55°C to 125°C operating temperature range. Low-power shutdown mode reduces current draw to <2 μA. Communication is through a standard I2 C serial interface. (800-998-8800, www.maxim-ic.com)
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Wireless Sensor Mote
The SmartMesh-XT M1030 from Dust Networks, Hayward, CA, is a 900 MHz wireless mote with a communication range of up to 200 m and current draw as low as 40 μA in a typical network deployment. The device uses time-synchronized mesh protocol (TSMP) for reliability and low power consumption. When integrated into a product, the mote acts as a network interface card by taking a data packet and making sure it successfully traverses the network. The radio has 2.5 mW RF output power and –89 dBm receiver sensitivity. (866-289-3878, [email protected] , www.dustnetworks.com)
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MEMS Gyroscope
The MLX90609-N2 from Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems, Concord, NH, is an SOI MEMS gyroscope designed to enhance the accuracy of GPS instruments in situations where satellite reception is lost. The device is available in F.S. ranges of ±75°/s, ±150°/s, or ±300°/s with resolution better than 0.1°/s and programmable calibration parameters for temperature compensation of the bias and gain. Outputs are 0–5 V analog and SPI digital signals. An EEPROM lets you program data code, serial number, and calibration parameters. (603-223-2362, www.melexis.com)
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Pressure Sensors
Apogee Technology Inc., Norwood, MA, offers the Sensilica family of MEMS-based piezoresistive pressure sensors. Housed in a TO-5 enclosure, sensors are available in 15, 45, 60, 100, 200, 300, 500, 750, and 1000 psia ranges, with high overpressure capability, <0.01% F.S. repeatability, and F.S. output (at 5 VDC excitation) from 65–125 mV, 100 mV typ. The 0.8 3 0.8 mm sensing element is a single-piece all-silicon design rather than the larger glass/silicon 2-piece design currently available. (781-551-9450, [email protected] , www.apogeemems.com)
RTD Signal Conditioner
The MAX6603 from Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA, is a small analog conditioner for interfacing RTDs to microcontrollers, amplifying platinum RTD signals for A/D conversion, and providing ±5 kV ESD protection. Targeted for next-generation automotive engine control systems that use exhaust temperature monitoring for EURO-IV emissions compliance, the device offers ±6°C max. accuracy from 400°C–600°C and operates from a 3.0–5.5 V supply over the –40°C to 125°C automotive temperature range. (800-998-8800, www.maxim-ic.com)
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Wireless Thermocouple Transmitter
The OM-CP-RFTC4000A from Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, CT, is a battery-powered thermocouple-based temperature transmitter that can wirelessly transmit readings back to a host computer for data analysis. The device has internal and remote channels; internal channel temperature range is –30°C to 70°C while the remote channel accepts Types J, K, T, E, R, S, B, or N thermocouples. The device has memory for 4095 readings/channel. (888-826-6342, [email protected] , www.omega.com)
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DeviceNet-Enabled Tachometer
The SpeedTalker DN (UI) from Electro-Sensors Inc., Minnetonka, MN, is a network-powered DeviceNet tachometer designed to convert pulse frequencies from a range of sensors into rpm units. The device provides measured shaft rpm from up to 2 input channels along with the status of up to 8 independent under/over speed threshold alarms over a DeviceNet network. The tachometer can measure both speed and direction when using a bidirectional sensor. (800-328-6170, [email protected] , www.electro-sensors.com)
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Linear Position Sensor IC
The iC-ML from iC-Haus GmbH, Bodenheim, Germany, is an integrated magnetic linear position sensor/encoder in a TSSOP20 package. The circuit contains 4 Hall sensors to generate analog sine/cosine signals at a pole pitch of 2.56 mm as well as integrated signal conditioning with an ADC and output interfaces. Three configuration inputs allow 26 modes of operation for position evaluation of the magnetic tape placed above the chip. The iC-ML also uses the signals to generate output signals with 6-, 7-, or 8-bit resolution. (+49-6135-9292-300, [email protected] , www.ichaus.com)
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PoE Interface Module
NMPD Series of compact power extraction modules from C&D Technologies Inc., Power Electronics Div., Mansfield, MA, are powered device (PD) modules for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. The PD interfaces feature onboard DC/DC conversion and provide a full IEEE 802.3af-compliant data and power interface to an Ethernet line, including short-circuit protection. Operating with a max. output power rating of 10 W, modules extract power from a CAT5 twisted-pair Ethernet cable when sourced by IEEE 802.3af-compliant power-sourcing equipment. (508-339-3000, [email protected] , www.cd4power.com)
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