Sensors and Systems Journal, No. 11, November 2008 (Contents and Abstracts)

Skalon A. I. Physical background and the ways to optimize the characteristics of compensatory-type electromechanical sensors. Pt. 1

The paper discusses the problems of sensor quality estimation using fundamental physical quantities: energy and information. This enables justified estimation of the characteristics of instruments, based on various physical principles and the optimization of their characteristics subject to sensitivity, accuracy, and information criteria.

Belozubov E. M., Vasiliev V. A., Izmailov D. A. Thermal shock effect on the output signal of thin-film tensoresistive pressure sensors

The paper examines the effect of thermal shock on the distribution of temperature fields over membrane surface and on the output signal of a measuring bridge circuit. The influence of the design factors of thin-film pressure gage’s sensing element on its thermal shock resistance is investigated. Recommendations are made on rational sensor design allowing to reduce thermal shock effect.

Gilavdary I. Z. The dynamics of an electromechanical transducer with compensative feedback and electronic damping

Amplitude-frequency responses of electromechanical measuring transducer are investigated. The transducer contains the elastically suspended weight and compensative feedback circuit for electronic damping. Noise/signal estimators are derived for static, quasi-static, and resonant measurement conditions as well as for sensing element damping mode close to static. Antiresonance mode had been detected where the noise / signal ratio was close to its minimum value.

Gadzikovsky V. I., Kalmykov A. A. Tank level sensor based on a linear range-only radar

The design of a high-precision noise-immune tank level sensor for aggressive liquids based on nonlinear phase radametry technique is outlined.

Zhukov B. V. Dielectric SHF meter for express analysis of motor gasoline octane

Functional principle and application of a dielectric SHF meter for motor gasoline octane are discussed. Electronica–P70/P85 express analyzers are presented.

Zatserklyanny O. V. Intelligent pressure sensors with control elements

Basic development trends of intelligent pressure sensors are described, their role in modern distributed intelligent control systems is examined. An example of the design of intelligent pressure sensor with control elements is included.

Dmitriev V. F., Zverev V. M., Korneev S. A., et al. Level indicator for corrosive electroconductive media

Operation principle, design and key performance data of a new high-reliability level indicator for corrosive electroconductive media are presented. The device is widely applied in nuclear power and other industries.

Lazebniy V. New programmable digital shock sensor

Design features and operation principle of the new ADIS16204 impact sensor are discussed. ADIS16204 is a complete solution including all measurement data processing functionalities.

Andreev M. Ya., Okhrimenko S. N., Roubanov I. L. The development of a hydroacoustic station with flexible extended trailing antenna for subsurface monitoring

The development of active-passive hydroacoustic stations for surface ships is discussed.

Antonets I. V. Automatic piece loads addressing devices for continuous transport

The paper analyzes the existing devices for automatic addressing of piece loads at mechanical engineering works operated in harsh environments (high ambient temperature and pollution). The results prove the expediency of utilizing decentralized electromagnetic devices based on a magnetometric sensor comprising 2 flux-gate meter with impulse excitation circuit and providing non-contact interaction with magnetic information carrier. Design concepts of such devices are discussed.

Finkelstein L. Expanding Technology, Deepening Knowledge and a Shrinking World: Reflections on Learned Societies in Measurement and Instrumentation

The paper marks the 50th anniversary of the activity of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO). It uses this landmark to examine the development of measurement and instrumentation science and technology in the last five decades. It notes a technology that has grown in capability, extended its range of applications and spread globally. It examines the change in economic and political conditions and a globalised world. It critically reviews the role of learned societies. It advocates effort to promote learned society activities. It views international co-operation in such activities as the only way forward. It advocates active engagement in the work of IMEKO.