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Mechanical Buttons to capacitive sensing—A step-by-step guide—Part III
- 05.12.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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In Part 3 of this 4-part series, we’ll explore how to overcome the challenges faced in migrating from mechanical buttons to capacitive sensing buttons, what a mechanical button replacement (MBR) device is, and the problems and value add associated with MBR devices. Read More...
Is M2M Dead?
- 05.06.2013 ·
- type: Blog ·
- 4 Comment(s) ·
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At the Telecom Council Mobile Forum M2M Workshop last week, Allen Proithis, Executive Vice President, InterDigital Solutions, presented a keynote address. The Topic: M2M is DEAD—Long Live IoT! Read More...
MR Series replaces magnetostrictive cylinder position sensors
- 05.13.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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The MR Series of linear position sensors is designed to be a drop-in form, fit and function replacement for magnetostrictive sensors, while featuring a more robust construction and lower cost of ownership. Read More...
Using adaptive filtering to enhance capacitive sensing of buttons/sliders
- 05.04.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Capacitive touch interfaces have become increasingly popular for button and slider interfaces used for input control. The performance of a slider or button under changing environmental conditions is important for final implementation and can vary based on the use case. Read More...
S1600 1394b at 1.6 Gb/s bandwidth spurs imaging and Instrumentation app growth
- 05.06.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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The introduction of S1600 1394b enables higher resolution industrial cameras or cameras for industrial imaging with significantly higher frame rates, driving higher speeds. The advantages are critical to improving industrial efficiency and capability—but that’s not all it’s enabling. Read More...
Ultra-sensitive sensors respond through steel or glass
- 05.13.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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An ultra-sensitive sensor design by Peratech uses the company’s Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC) technology so that when mounted behind a 0.1mm stainless steel or 0.5mm glass sheet, it still detects the pressure of a finger. Read More...
'Black Silicon' gives CMOS image sensor true nightglow capabilities
- 04.30.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Image sensor developer SiOnyx has demonstrated its XQE family of CMOS image sensors for the first time with sensitivity enhancements as high as 10x for infrared sensing. Read More...
AIS open frame monitors feature LCD touch screen interface
- 04.29.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Targeting industrial OEMs, equipment, machinery and kiosk manufacturers, as well as automation control and process systems, American Industrial Systems (AIS) unveiled open frame LCD monitors to help simplify all aspects of machine-to-machine interface applications. Read More...
InstaSPIN-MOTION optimizes sensorless motor control
- 04.22.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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The InstaSPIN-MOTION motor control solution from Texas Instruments is a comprehensive torque-, speed- and motion-control software solution for robust system performance and high efficiency for motor applications. Read More...
Rugged, half-pitch TDP DIP switch for industrial control
- 04.22.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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The single pole single throw (SPST) TDP is a side-actuated DIP switch from C&K Components that combines miniaturization and high-reliability for logic switching within industrial controls and computers Read More...
Bender senses shocks
- 05.14.2013 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 2 Comment(s) ·
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With the aid of a simple mounting system and some soldered-on weights, a piezoelectric “bender” can detect mechanical shocks. Read More...
Photo meter assesses ambient light
- 10.15.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 4 Comment(s) ·
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When most PN-junction diodes are reverse biased, they will produce a small photovoltaic output as the light level is increased. Read More...
Circuit synchronizes sensors and cameras
- 10.21.2010 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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Trigger circuits provide measurements and images at the right time. Read More...
Linearize optical distance sensors with a voltage-to-frequency converter
- 04.19.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
- 4 Comment(s) ·
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Create the mathematical inverse of an analog voltage by converting it to frequency and measuring the period. Read More...
Fabricate a high-resolution sensor-to-USB interface
- 11.17.2011 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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A precision analog acquisition system fits in your pocket. Read More...
Current monitor uses Hall sensor
- 01.05.2012 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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Use a Hall-effect sensor to measure dc current in the range of 0 to 40A. Read More...
A better approach to designing an RTD interface with a spreadsheet
- 09.18.2008 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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An improved Design Idea directly calculates component values for an RTD circuit using an Excel spreadsheet. Read More...
GMR sensors manage batteries
- 09.02.1999 ·
- type: Design Idea ·
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The past few decades have seen remarkable progress in magnetic-sensor technology. Early and current sensors exploit the Hall effect; more recent devices use an effect called giant magnetoresistance (GMR). GMR sensors use semiconductor processing of materials such as indium-antimony. The GMR sensor in Figure 1 comprises four GMR resistors in a Wheatstone-bridge configuration. Read More...
MR Series replaces magnetostrictive cylinder position sensors
- 05.13.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
The MR Series of linear position sensors is designed to be a drop-in form, fit and function replacement for magnetostrictive sensors, while featuring a more robust construction and lower cost of ownership. Read More...
Ultra-sensitive sensors respond through steel or glass
- 05.13.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
An ultra-sensitive sensor design by Peratech uses the company’s Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC) technology so that when mounted behind a 0.1mm stainless steel or 0.5mm glass sheet, it still detects the pressure of a finger. Read More...
Factory-programmable linear Hall-effect sensor ICs for high-bandwidth applications
- 05.09.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
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Two new factory one-time programmable automotive-grade linear Hall-effect sensor ICs eliminate the need for customers to optimise or program the devices for their finished sensor assemblies. Read More...
COTO claims RedRock is industry’s smallest MEMS magnetic reed switch
- 05.07.2013 ·
- type: Product Review ·
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Coto Technology Inc., announced at the Design West Conference the availability of its RedRock™ RS1-A-2515 MEMS-based magnetic reed switch. Based on its unique high aspect ratio, MEMS design and manufacturing processes, the switch provides all of the advantages of conventional magnetic reed switch technology, including zero power operation and high-power hot switching. Read More...
'Black Silicon' gives CMOS image sensor true nightglow capabilities
- 04.30.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Image sensor developer SiOnyx has demonstrated its XQE family of CMOS image sensors for the first time with sensitivity enhancements as high as 10x for infrared sensing. Read More...
AIS open frame monitors feature LCD touch screen interface
- 04.29.2013 ·
- type: Product Brief ·
- Save & Follow
Targeting industrial OEMs, equipment, machinery and kiosk manufacturers, as well as automation control and process systems, American Industrial Systems (AIS) unveiled open frame LCD monitors to help simplify all aspects of machine-to-machine interface applications. Read More...
Thermometer measures temperature without contact
- 02.25.2013 ·
- type: Teardown ·
- 1 Comment(s) ·
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The Melexis infrared thermometer makes it safe to measure the surface temperatures of hot, hazardous, or hard-to-reach objects without having to physically touch them. Read More...
Christmas toys: Paper Jamz guitar relies on printed electrodes and connectors
- 12.15.2010 ·
- type: Teardown ·
- Save & Follow
Pry inside a toy electronic guitar that provides a surprisingly good approximation of an electric guitar. Read More...
Mechanical Buttons to capacitive sensing—A step-by-step guide—Part III
- 05.12.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
In Part 3 of this 4-part series, we’ll explore how to overcome the challenges faced in migrating from mechanical buttons to capacitive sensing buttons, what a mechanical button replacement (MBR) device is, and the problems and value add associated with MBR devices. Read More...
Using adaptive filtering to enhance capacitive sensing of buttons/sliders
- 05.04.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
Capacitive touch interfaces have become increasingly popular for button and slider interfaces used for input control. The performance of a slider or button under changing environmental conditions is important for final implementation and can vary based on the use case. Read More...
Mechanical Buttons to capacitive sensing—A step-by-step guide—Part II
- 04.21.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
Here’s the second segment of a four-part series on replacing all those old mechanical buttons with a capacitive sensing upgrade. The series covers common difficulties and how to achieve a seamless transition. Read More...
Aggressively combat noise in capacitive touch applications
- 04.08.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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Noisy chargers and thinner displays are triggering a necessary evolution of noise immunity capabilities within touchscreen controllers. This article shows that, to combat more aggressive levels of noise, controllers today use a combination of features to increase SNR and avoid noise when possible. Read More...
Safety guidelines for electronic controls explained
- 04.05.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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A closer look at the test and diagnostic methods included in IEC 60730 Class B in order to ensure safe operation of embedded control hardware and software for home appliances. Read More...
Mechanical buttons to capacitive sensing—A step-by-step guide--Part I
- 03.25.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- Save & Follow
Here’s a four-part series on replacing all those old mechanical buttons with a capacitive sensing upgrade. The series will cover common difficulties and how to achieve a seamless transition. Read More...
What makes industrial sensors go awry?
- 02.25.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 1 Comment(s) ·
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This article looks at the sensors that measure such process parameters as pressure, temperature, toxic gas, and pH—and what makes them go awry. Given that each has its characteristics and associated challenges, the article provides an overview of the solutions required in order to develop accurate measurement. Read More...
Fail-safe Power Supervision in Mission-Critical Systems
- 03.11.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 3 Comment(s) ·
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There are significant power supervision design challenges for engineers to solve. This article will discuss the traditional solutions and how they are falling short of next generation requirements. It will explore how designers of mission-critical systems can more efficiently deal with increasing processing power, energy efficiency, reliability, and design efficiency. Read More...
Brushless DC Motors--Part II: Control Principles
- 02.24.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 2 Comment(s) ·
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Having understood the construction and basic operating principle of BLDC motor in the first part of this article, it becomes important to understand the motor control options available for the reliable operation and protection of motors Read More...
Three things they should have taught in Engineering 101, Part 3: Learn an intuitive approach
- 03.21.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 7 Comment(s) ·
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Part three of an excerpt from the book "Electrical Engineering 101, Third Edition" discusses how to develop the skill of intuitive signal analysis. Read More...
Safety testing limits risk of shock, fire, and injury, Part 2
- 03.21.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
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A look at mechanical safety tests as well routine, production, safety testing Read More...
Three things they should have taught in Engineering 101, Part 2: How to visualize electrical components
- 02.19.2013 ·
- type: How To Article ·
- 13 Comment(s) ·
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Part two of an excerpt from the book "Electrical Engineering 101, Third Edition" covers some basic comparisons that use everyday items - i.e., physical equivalents of basic electronic components - to create an intuitive understanding of a circuit. Read More...
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Bender senses shocks
With the aid of a simple mounting system and some soldered-on weights, a piezoelectric “bender” can detect mechanical shocks. Read more...
- 01.23.2013 ·
- 1 Comment(s)

































