Sensors/​Data Acquisition

Forecast 2022 for Sensors/MEMS

This article is a marked departure from my annual reporting on the past year’s performance of the health of the MEMS industry vis-à-vis my MEMS Industry Commercialization Report Card. ^[1] ...

Bimodal “Electronic Skin”

Through the use of magnetic fields, scientists have developed an electronic sensor that can simultaneously process both touchless and tactile stimuli. Prior attempts have so far failed to combine these functions...

Lidar Technology — MEMS Chip Gives Record Resolution

High-resolution solid-state lidar using an array of MEMS switches will reduce its cost to match that of inexpensive, chip-based cameras and radar systems — removing a major barrier...

EV vs. ICE: How Does Wire Harness Design Differ?

The wire harness is changing as vehicles become “computers on wheels.” A reader asks how electrification impacts the wiring harness.

Light Helps Autonomous Vehicles Better Scan for Nearby Fast-Moving Objects

Mechanical control and modulation of light on a silicon chip could enhance LiDAR.

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

2021 Supplier Guide: Sensors

See leading manufacturers in a variety of sensor topic areas, including radar and encoders.

Sensing Hazardous Gases Can Save Lives

Pellistor/Catalytic Bead (CB) sensors can respond to flammable gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, butane, propane, and carbon monoxide.

Machine Condition Monitoring Keeps a Factory Running

Learn how to outfit your equipment with sensors.

Here's an Idea: Hearing Aids

This episode of our Tech Briefs podcast series Here’s an Idea™ explores a variety of new-and-improved hearing aids, from $5 “do-it-yourself” devices to advanced systems that monitor brain waves.

New Products: June 2021 Motion Design

Encoders, quick disconnects, automation systems, and more.

Next-Generation MEMS IMUs — High Performance, Scalable

Editor Ed Brown explores what’s ahead for MEMS automobile navigation systems.

New Products: June 2021 Sensor Technology

High-precision medical sensors, battery-cell mappers, signal conditioners, and more.

Smart Sensors Are Improving Medical Care

Over the last 75 years, sensors have played an increasingly significant part in the advancement of medicine.

Next-Generation MEMS Multi-Gas Sensing

The MPS Flammable Gas Sensor can detect and identify the concentrations of 12 of the most common combustible gases,

What’s New in MEMS Sensors for Wearables

MEMS sensors have been around for a long time, but requests from the market for new applications are driving upgrades in the technology.

Air-Powered Robot Needs No Electronics

The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.

A Better Way to Measure Acceleration

Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.

Accelerometer and Gyroscope Designs Based on Carbon Nanotube Tape

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed designs for two micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) motion and position sensors: a single-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope....

New Products: October 2020 Motion Design

Accelerometers, actuators, hexapods, and more.

Medical Robotic Hand? Rubbery Semiconductor Makes It Possible

Researchers at the University of Houston report that they have designed and produced a smart electronic skin and a medical robotic hand capable of assessing vital diagnostic...

Facility Focus: NASA John C. Stennis Space Center

Stennis now is testing RS-25 rocket engines for the Space Launch System (SLS) that will carry humans back to the Moon.

New Products: September 2020 Sensor Technology

Safety-critical MEMS, absolute pressure sensors, thermal imaging cameras, and more.

Seeables and Hearables for Fitness Feedback

Learn abut Bosch Sensortec's “Light Drive” system.

Selecting Pressure Sensors for Autoclaves

Find the right pressure sensors for your sterilization applications.

New Products: June 2020 Sensor Technology

Small Accurate Temperature Sensor

Würth Elektronik (Waldenburg, Germany) is introducing a 2.0 × 2.0 × 0.5 mm temperature sensor. Its accuracy in the measuring range of -40 to 125°C is...

MEMS — Smart Sensors for the IoT

Tim Brosnihan, Executive Director of SEMI’s MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG), talks about the current state of the MEMS industry and trends for the future,

Small, Precise, Affordable Gyroscope Navigates Without GPS

An inexpensive gyroscope could help drones and autonomous cars stay on track without a GPS signal.