On-line Magazine
'Sensors & Transducers' (S&T
e-Digest)
(ISSN 1726- 5479)
No. 3, March 2003
Table of Contents
EDITORIAL
The Number of IFSA Members has Exceeded Three Hundreds
March 3, 2002, Toronto, ON – International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA) announces that number of IFSA members has exceed three hundreds. IFSA was created in 1999 as professional association with the aim to encourage the research and development in the area of smart sensors with frequency, time interval, duty-cycle and digital output, including multifunction, multifrequency transducers, the usage of new physical effects and principles. Having a successful record of joint research actions and of consulting services in the smart sensors field, the members of IFSA have considered the evolution of smart sensors technologies, MEMS and advanced signal processing methods and have come to realize the potentials for a wide scope of joint effort in the modern industry.
IFSA publishes the regular monthly IFSA Newsletter (ISSN 1726-6017) and Sensors & Transducers e-Digest (ISSN 1726-5479) that contributes to the adoption of new technologies, sensing principles, methods of measurements and design practice in the World.
IFSA President - Prof. Nikolay V. Kirianaki, has noted: ‘Our members represent 55 countries today. 70 % of our members are from the industry, 30 % - from universities and academia. It is big corporations like ABB, Analog Device, Bell Technologies, Bosch, IMEC, Keller, Mazda, Melexis, Motorola, Sandia Labs and Yokogawa, government and military organizations as NASA (USA) and US Navy, different SMEs and individual members. IFSA members have free access to a wide variety of sensors related information: reports on different strategic and current IFSA activities, invitations to sensors related events, papers and articles’. Members present their related products, services, technologies and expertise to the worldwide public in order to be found by potential customers and/or cooperation partners. They have also a discount for all Sensors Web Portal services.
‘The main objective of IFSA in 2003 is consolidating the participation of all major smart sensors manufacturers, R&D centres and Universities, is to progressively establish partnership in this promised high-technological area’ – added Prof. Kirianaki.
Please click <here> to download the press release in PDF format.

Editor-in-Chief,
Dr. Sergey Y. Yurish
RESEARCH
| Universal Induction Magnetic Field Sensor/Transducer of High Sensitivity | ||
|
Single (fig. 1) and triaxial (vector) wide-band induction sensors/transducers have been designed for measuring magnetic field strength which are highly-sensitive. High quality design and circuit adopting ability to varying conditions is guaranteed. Their average magnetic field sensitivity is 1pico -1femtoT/Hz in the frequency range 1Hz -1MHz, their overall dimensions 210x210x210 mm, weight 0.85 kg and takeoff power 0.2 W. They can withstand environmental exposures to: temperature from -50 to 70 Celsius and mechanical shocks up to 50g. For more information please click <here> to download the press release in PDF format.
|
||
|
Dr., Rostyslav Sklyar, Space Sensing Instruments, Verchratskogo st. 15/1, 79010, Lviv, Ukraine Tel/Fax: +380 (322) 762432 / 769613 E-mail: r_sklyar@hotmail.com |
||
| Figure 1. | Figure 2. | |
|
Time-to-Digital Converters Based on the AMS110 ASIC
A set of time-to-digital converter (TDC) modules in different standards (VME, NIM, PCI) based on a proprietary ASIC (AMS110) has been built. These modules, which have four channels and a common input, are particularly suitable for the readout of multi-wire proportional wire chambers (linear and area detectors) and time of flight experiments on synchrotron radiation and neutron sources. (CORDIS focus, Issue No.40, Feb.2003, p.30)
Christian Herve, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) B.P. 220 F-38043 Grenoble Tel: +33-476-882047 Fax: +33-476-882020 E-mail: herve@esrf.fr |
Scalers and Data Acquisition Modules
A modular data acquisition system, including software, using individual scalers for parallel readout of individual detector elements, has been built and tested. The system can be used with e.g. multi-wire detectors and silicon pad or microstrip detectors. (CORDIS focus, Issue No.40, Feb.2003, p.31)
Christian Boulin, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhoffstr. 1 D-69127 Heielberg Tel: +49-6221-387350 Fax: +49-6221-387242 E-mail: boulin@embl-heidelberg.de |
PRODUCT NEWS
|
Industrial Grade Dynamic Pressure Sensors |
|
|
The series is available with either a 2-pin military connector or an integral, molded, submersible cable assembly. The hermetically sealed stainless steel construction protects against contamination and permits use in harsh industrial applications. The devices offer the unique ability to detect very small pressure fluctuations in the presence of high static background pressures. Typical applications include detection of dynamic pulsations, surges, water hammer, cavitations, and spikes in liquid delivery systems, paper slurry systems, pumps, and compressors.
|
|
|
Andrea Mohn Marketing Assistant PCB Piezotronics, Inc. 3425 Walden Avenue Depew, NY 14043-2495 E-Mail: amohn@pcb.com |
|
| Family of 4 to 20 mA Vibration Monitoring Equipment | |
|
When the vibration of bearings, gears, and running speed is monitored, excessive wear and potential failure can be identified, and catastrophic failure or unscheduled downtime may be prevented. Overall vibration levels represented by 4 to 20 mA signals are monitored by IMI devices, with threshold points providing the judgment for alarm, control, or shutdown. These signals may be interfaced with existing PLC, DCS, alarm, control, and SCADA equipment.
Signal conditioners convert dynamic ICP® sensor signals into 4 to 20 mA analog signals representing RMS or peak values; loop-powered 4 to 20 mA sensors are available with peak velocity, RMS velocity, or RMS acceleration output signals. Indicator and alarm modules feature adjustable time delays to eliminate false alarm trips due to momentary vibration upsets.
|
|
|
Eric G. Yax Sales Manager IMI Sensors Division 3425 Walden Avenue Depew, NY 14043-2495 E-Mail: eyax@pcb.com |
|
| Measure 32 Accelerometers Using ONE Cable with DSIT Technology | |
|
Measure up to 64 channels per chassis with remote DSITs performing 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion near ICP® accelerometers and transmitting their signals back digitally via low cost ribbon cable. Link chasses with synchronous sampling to build high channel count systems at low cost per channel without sacrificing performance. System features include 110 dB dynamic range, TEDS compatibility, Ethernet communication and fan-less operation.
|
|
|
John Rehard Division Manager, Larson Davis, Inc. 1681 West 820 North Provo, UT 84601 E-Mail: jrchard@larsondavis.com |
|
Smart Sensors Networks Need Smart Net Tools
The smart sensor networks systems are designed to provide an attractive alternative to typical measurement systems using large numbers of sensors. One of more significant benefits of these systems is a reduction in the number of interconnecting cables. Other benefits include a standard transducer-to-network interface to accommodate any type of sensor or actuator, a communication protocol that provides for high speed synchronized data collection and flexibility.
Very often, data acquisition devices that collect data from smart sensors in sensors network contain an Ethernet interface. The rising popularity of Ethernet and Internet is reflected by rising effort of manufacturers to include Ethernet TCP/IP interface into smart sensors. Today, Ethernet is most promising networking technology for use in automation. In order to monitoring such kind of sensor network by proper way it is necessary to use special network tools. Fortunately, a lot of them are the same like is used in Local Area Network (LAN). Let me consider some of Fluke Networks NetTools for ensuring reliable data communications.
|
4300 Digital Cable Analyzer - high-Performance, cat 6 twisted-pair and fiber cabling testing plus comprehensive data management. The DSP-4300, the newest member of Fluke Networks family of digital cable analyzers, is the most comprehensive test solution. The new DSP-4300 offers more testing flexibility with expanded on-board memory. Save valuable time and download the cable IDs for the job in the office. The DSP-4300 includes superior digital test technology, delivering consistent, repeatable accuracy. Equipped with on-board memory, a removable memory card, and a PC card reader, the DSP-4300 enables instant data hand-off so the tester stays on the job. Test report generation is quick and easy using the free CableManager software. Depending on your needs, choose from several reporting formats — from basic text summaries to professional color graphical reports. |
|
NetTool Tester - A powerful, easy-to-use test tool that every frontline network technician will use everyday. Conclusively identifies a jack as Ethernet, phone, token ring or inactive; Helps quickly verify and troubleshoot connectivity; Resolves complex network configuration issues such as IP address, default gateway; Checks link pulse for speed, polarity, duplex, level information and receive pair; Simultaneously monitors network health (frames sent, utilization, broadcasts, errors, collisions) for full-duplex connections; Shows protocol mismatches between the PC and the network, and identifies unwanted protocols that waste valuable bandwidth. |
|
620 LAN CableMeter - Features: Tests all LAN cable types: UTP, STP, FTP, coax; Reduce time and cost — test each connection “As You Go,” without the need for a remote unit termination or a connector at the other end of the cable; Verifies end-to-end connectivity per selected wiring standard; Detects wiring problems: open, short, miswires (transposed, reversed, split pair); Locates wiring/connection errors (distance to the open or short) and measures cable length; Verifies cable routing and cabling labels (with “cable identifier”). |
For more details about Fluke Networks NetTools please click <here>.
Environmentally-Friendly Melt Pressure Transducers
The Series 2000 range of Melt Pressure Transducers is now available from Magna Projects & Instruments. The patented innovative design allows accurate pressure readings to be made in laboratory rheometers, pilot plant, and processes such as plastics, food and pharmaceutical extrusion and mixing, without the need for the traditional transmission-liquid filling of mercury or sodium-potassium, which can lead to product contamination if these transducers break. As well as being suitable for general use, the Series 2000 is an attractive choice for sensitive applications such as pharmaceuticals, film, medical product production, biological materials testing, food manufacture and for energetic materials. They may be operated via an intrinsically safe barrier for hazardous-area use. The wetted parts are of stainless steel, with a Di-Hard ® corrosion and abrasion-resistant tip on the standard transducers. For more demanding applications, coatings of Titanium Nitride and Hastelloy are available. Additionally, an integral Type J or Type K thermocouple can be fitted.
For more details please click <here> to download the press release in PDF format.
Barbara Carter
Magna Projects & Instruments Limited,
Willow House, Braemar Close, Mountsorrel UK-LE12
Tel: +44-(0)116-210-6577
Fax: +44-(0)116-230-3606
E-mail: sales@magna-projects.com
BOOK REVIEW
LabVIEW for Data Acquisition (book and CD-ROM edition)
by Bruce Mihura
An introduction to the LabVIEW graphical programming language for monitoring and controlling physical phenomena with a computer via electrical signals. These electrical signals are usually attached to scientific or industrial equipment by means of transducers that convert physical values like pressure, temperature, position, and flow rate. Mihura, who worked as a LabVIEW developer for National Instruments, addresses simulation techniques, debugging, real-time issues, and networked and distributed systems. The CD-ROM contains an evaluation version of LabVIEW 6i for Windows. Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR.
For more information about LabVIEW books, CD and Magazine please click <here>.
|
ISBN: 0130811556 Title: LabVIEW for Data Acquisition (book and CD-ROM edition) Author: Bruce Mihura Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR Binding: Paperback, 316 pages Price: $US 68.00 |
![]() |
|
|
1999 - 2004 Copyright ©, International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA). All Rights Reserved.
Home - News - Archives - Tools - Standardization - Patents - Marketplace - Projects - Wish List - Subscribe - Search - e-Shop - Membership
Members Area -Sensors Portal -Training Courses - S&T Digest - For advertisers - Bookstore - Forums and Poll