In this issue of the Electrical & Electronic Newsletter from Machine Design there are articles on Piezoelectric force sensors, the advantages of wireless even for short distances, and cell phone sensors that detect radioactivity.

The highlighted products are miniature prox sensors, laser distance sensors, and linear-displacement sensors.

Be sure to check out the industry update to take the Machine Design salary survey and a linear motion components survey. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

— Julie Kalista

Piezoelectric Force Sensors
Some materials generate an electric charge when placed under mechanical stress. For example, a 2-kN force properly applied to a cubic-centimetersized quartz crystal produces over 12.5 kV. Voltage created by an applied stress is called piezoelectricity. Unlike strain gages that can measure static forces, piezoelectric force sensors are mostly used for dynamic- force measurements such as oscillation, impact, or highspeed compression or tension. Any force applied to the piezoelectric sensing element produces a separation of charges within the atomic structure of the material, generating an electrostatic output voltage. The polarity of the voltage generated depends on the atomic structure of the material and the direction in which the force is applied.
Full Article

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Going the (Short) Distance With Wireless
Wireless sensors and networks can make sense even over short distances. The operator of a major water park had to monitor the water level in its tank for a performing whale, a critical factor in keeping the beast healthy. Unfortunately, the cable from the level sensor ran for about 10 ft beneath a heavily traveled public walk that was regularly drenched by the splashing whale. When the cable failed, which was frequently, it had to be dug up and replaced, inconveniencing the public and adding to operational expenses. Eventually, a manager got the bright idea to use wireless modules to send data about 20 ft, and walkway excavations stopped.
Full Article

Cell phones defend against terrorism
Radiological dirty bombs pose a considerable threat, especially in metropolitan areas with dense populations. Researchers at Purdue University hope to minimize the threat with a network of cell phones equipped with sensors that can detect and track radiation. Cell phones already have global positioning locators, so a phone network could serve as a tracking system. "The network of sensors will be small, portable, and cheap, eventually will be built into laptops, personal digital assistants, and cell phones," says Ephraim Fischbach, physics professor at Purdue. Tiny solid-state radiation sensors are already commercially available. "Cell phones would just require additional circuitry which wouldn't add much bulk," according to Fischbach.
Full Article

Miniature prox sensors
The M8 miniature picoprox sensors feature the company's Uprox+ technology that provides compact housings with sensing distances greater than ferrite-core sensors, especially when sensing nonferrous metals. The sensors sit in 316 stainless steel and have weld-field immunity for use in harsh- duty environments. An integrated predamping protection function reduces the sensor's metal-free mounting area, which lets traditionally flush-mounted sensors be recessed by half a turn for more mechanical protection. Nonflush-mounted sensors can be embedded in metal up to the outer edge of the thread on barrel-style sensors and on all four sides of rectangular-style sensors. The sensors are available with extended 2-mm sensing ranges for flush-mount versions or 6-mm ranges for nonflush applications. All sensors are three-wire dc, 10 to 30 Vdc, with pnp normally open or closed, or npn normally open versions.
More Information:
Turck Inc.

Laser Distance Sensor
The GV Series digital CMOS laser sensor uses a Datum algorithm to detect targets that conventional sensors cannot. The optical-triangulation sensor detects shiny targets with multiple reflections, light-absorbing materials, such as black rubber; and target presence or absence based on surface qualities or target height and provides a GO/NG output. The Series has four IP67-rated sensor-head models with detection ranges of 45, 130, 450, and 1,000 mm. The Datum algorithm uses an innovative calibration technique where the received light waveform pattern from a target or background is used to set upper and lower received light limits. Three detection modes are selectable: Edge hold detects sudden changes in workpiece height; surface detection detects the nearest surface, and a clamp function that ignores targets too close to the sensor head. A sensor's panel has a dynamic multisegment-bar LED display. The number of individual LED bars that display red or green confirm the instantaneous detection status.
More Information:
Keyence Corp. of America

Linear-Displacement Sensor
The GT sensor, a redundant version of the company’s G-Series Temposonic sensors, measures critical variables by means of two or three independent , functionally, and identical measurement systems in a single pressureresistant housing. Each measurement system contains a basic sensor element and evaluation electronics with separate output signal and supply voltage. The elements sit in a stainless-steel pipe for direct stroke measurement in hydraulic cylinders. A pressure rod installs into an industrystandard cylinder end-cap and pistonrod assembly. A position-magnet marker, secured to the piston head, travels along the sensor rod without making contact. This system provides accurate and reliable rod-position feedback. GT sensors provide 0.02% linearity, 0.01% repeatability, and 25 to 1,500-mm stroke length. Additional features include a 70-mm hex electronics housing, 10-mm measuring rod, and standard mounting.
More Information:
MTS Systems Corp, Sensors Div.

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Editorial questions:   Julie Kalista 216-931-9458
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