Sensor Zone
Breaking the Bandwidth Bottleneck
May 18, 2009 1:19 pm | Product Releases | CommentsIn carrier networks, the fiber plant uses Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology to combine more than 80 channels to transport the Internet traffic. Today, these DWDM channels are dominated by 10Gb/s line rate and channels are separated by a 50GHz spacing. With limited fiber, these 10G channels are the constraints at the critical fiber route now.
Wireless ICs in Automotive Security Applications
May 18, 2009 1:01 pm | by Gilles Cerede, Melexis Technologies, www.melexis.com | Articles | CommentsLet's start with a tough question: What is the difference between TPMS system and PKE system? Nothing! A TPMS system is placed inside the wheel and composed of a sensing device that measures temperature and pressure. When appropriate, for example before starting the engine, the car requests a measurement through a wireless link. If a pressure default occurs in one of the wheels, the car warns the driver through a signal on the dashboard. In PKE applications, the user carries a key fob device which contains an encoded identifier (ID). When the driver enters their car, the car requests the key fob ID through the wireless link. If the ID matches the ID stored by the car,
Sensor Zone May 2009
April 30, 2009 5:45 am | by Steve Tomko and Helge Hornis, Ph.D, Pepperl+Fuchs | Articles | CommentsAutomated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are at the heart of any fully automated warehousing system. As in all automated solutions, users demand nearly perfect, (i.e., 100%) availability and exceptionally fast operation at the lowest possible price point. While the raw speed of an ASRS along each axis of motion is limited by the selected drives’ components, modern sensor technology
Sensor Zone: April 2009
March 24, 2009 1:25 pm | by Chris Warner, Executive Editor | Articles | CommentsFor the last half-century, sensors based on the Hall effect have provided a low-cost, solid-state option for sensing any object that incorporates a magnetic field. Hall effect sensors are based on the discovery by Dr. Edwin H. Hall in 1879. He found that a thin conductive material, placed in a magnetic field, formed a difference in potential (voltage) at the opposite edges that was
Sensor Zone: March 2009
February 19, 2009 10:37 am | by Tony Beswick, Russ Petrucci and Phil Slater, Morgan Technical Ceramics | Articles | CommentsPiezoelectric ceramic components composed of Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT) have enabled many recent technological innovations in the automobile industry. PZT components can be found throughout many state-of-the-art vehicles, enhancing safety, performance, energy-efficiency and comfort. For example, you will find PZT sensors under the hood detecting engine knocking, PZT transducers in the gas tank measuring the fuel level, PZT actuators operating valves
Sensor Zone: January 2009
December 23, 2008 11:59 am | by Valerie Rothermel-Nelson, Honeywell Sensing & Control | Articles | CommentsWhen considering a relative humidity sensor for one’s application, the selection process involves a series of choices to meet application requirements and key parameters while, at the same time, insuring that the product selected delivers the lowest total cost solution. Despite the diversity in humidity sensor applications and specifications, the desire
