Applied Physics Systems was named the winner of the most innovative product in the Industrial IoT category of the Best of Sensors Awards 2020 for its ACCEL Model 40 Nanoacc accelerometer. Entries were judged and winners selected on the basis of value to the marketplace, uniqueness of the design, and the impact (i.e., the “bigness” of the problems solved or issues addressed).
Applied Physics Systems is a leading manufacturer of sensors and systems used in oil field, industrial, and scientific applications. The company’s primary products—which it designs and develops internally—are directional sensors, magnetometers, and downhole drilling sensors and electronics.
Along with its standard products, Applied Physics conducts contract research for other organizations. In addition to designing and building modified versions of existing instruments, the Applied Physics team will create completely new instruments to solve their clients’ needs for magnetic field measurement, orientation sensors, steering tools, and clip-on milliammeters.
Applied Physics is a leader in the manufacture of magnetic field measuring equipment, including Fluxgate Magnetometers, DC SQUID Magnetometers, and Clip-on Milliammeters. The company also manufactures highly accurate accelerometers and a broad line of Angular Orientation measuring sensors, including Steering Sensors for Directional Drilling applications and miniaturized sensors for general-purpose use. Furthermore, Applied Physics is also a world leader in the design and production of Rock Magnetometer systems and accessories.
The company’s accelerometer product line uses torque balance technology incorporating an amorphous quartz hinge supporting a proof mass. Three accelerometers are offered—the MiniAcc, the MicroAcc, and the NanoAcc—the primary difference between these devices being their size.
Originally designed for use in Applied Physic’s own directional and navigation products, these accelerometers are now available to OEMs for incorporation into third party system designs that require a drop-in replacement for an existing accelerometer or incorporation into a new system design or product.
The Mini, Micro, and Nano series accelerometer sensors provide high accuracy over an extended temperature range coupled with low noise levels and high shock tolerances. Both analog and calibrated digital outputs are available. These are the only quartz hinge sensors that output temperature calibrated digital data directly from the sensor itself. This means that no interaction, calculation, or look-up tables are required on the host system, thereby freeing up valuable system overhead. This allows for easier service and maintenance of the system and decreases repair time if a sensor must be replaced.
The Applied Physics’ line of accelerometers is especially suited to applications requiring high accuracy over temperature and that also require the longest interval possible between required calibration. Some popular applications are Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), Measurement While Drilling Systems (MWD), Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), Commercial and military aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft (drones), Underwater Autonomous Vehicles (UAV), Train and Rail Measurement Systems, Robotic System Control, and Structural Monitoring Systems.
“Given the insatiable drive for smaller form factors, the highly integrated NanoAcc accelerometer stands out for its diminutive size—a mere 0.580 inches in diameter x 0.520 inches in height. With good thermal stability and an ability to provide accurate measurements in harsh environments, this sensor should be of interest in high growth markets like industrial drones and satellites,” said Judge Karen Field, Content Director for FierceElectronics.
For full list of finalists in the Best of Sensors 2020 Awards:
https://www.fierceelectronics.com/sensors/best-sensors-awards-2020-finalists-announced