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The MAX31855 performs cold-junction compensation and digitizes the signal from a K-, J-, N-, T-, S-, R-, or E-type thermocouple. The data is output in a signed 14-bit, SPI-compatible, read-only format. This converter resolves temperatures to 0.25°C, allows readings as high as +1800°C and as low as -270°C, and exhibits thermocouple accuracy of ±2°C for temperatures ranging from -200°C to +700°C for K-type thermocouples. For full range accuracies and other thermocouple types, see the Thermal Characteristics specifications in the full data sheet.
MAX31855 – Cold-Junction Compensated Thermocouple-to-Digital Converter - [Link]
Ultra-Accurate Temperature Sensor Offers ±0.5°C (max) Accuracy Over a Wide -40°C to +105°C Range
The MAX31725 temperature sensor accurately measures temperature and provides an overtemperature alarm/interrupt/shutdown output. This device converts the temperature measurements to digital form using a high-resolution, sigma-delta, analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Accuracy is ±0.5°C from -40°C to +105°C. Communication is through an I²C-compatible 2-wire serial interface.
The I²C serial interface accepts standard write byte, read byte, send byte, and receive byte commands to read the temperature data and configure the behavior of the open-drain overtemperature shutdown output.
MAX31725 – ±0.5°C Local Temperature Sensor - [Link]
MIT researchers have designed a new type of pencil lead in which graphite is replaced with a compressed powder of carbon nanotubes. The lead, which can be used with a regular mechanical pencil, can inscribe sensors on any paper surface. Carbon nanotubes offer a powerful new way to detect harmful gases in the environment. However, the methods typically used to build carbon nanotube sensors are hazardous and not suited for large-scale production. A new fabrication method as simple as drawing a line on a sheet of paper may overcome that obstacle.
The sensor detects minute amounts of ammonia gas, an industrial hazard but it could be adapted to detect nearly any type of gas. To create sensors using their pencil, the researchers draw a line of carbon nanotubes on a sheet of paper imprinted with small electrodes made of gold. They then apply an electrical current and measure the current as it flows through the carbon nanotube strip, which acts as a resistor. If the current is altered, it means gas has bound to the carbon nanotubes. [via]
Draw Sensors with Carbon Nanotubes - [Link]
The world’s smallest humidity and temperature sensor was introduced at Electronica 2012 by Sensirion, setting new standards for size and power consumption.
The SHTC1 sensor is designed for mobile deices, measuring 2 x 2 x 0.8 mm. Based on the company’s CMOSens Technology, the sensor and signal processing electronics are combined on a single silicon chip.
The devices measure relative humidity over a range of 0 to 100 %RH with a typical accuracy of ±3 %RH. The temperature measuring range is -30 to +100 °C with a typical accuracy of ±0.3 °C. Fully calibrated, the sensor has a digital I²C interface, and is suitable for reflow soldering. This makes it compatible with standard industrial mass production processes for electronic modules. Contact company for pricing and availability.
World’s smallest humidity and temperature sensor - [Link]
Saelig Co. Inc. announces the availability of the PS25203 EPIC Sensor (Electric Potential Integrated Circuit) for a wide range of contactless ECG and movement sensing in automotive applications, including driver fatigue monitoring and seat occupancy. The EPIC sensor is a completely new, award winning, patent-protected sensor that can rapidly measure electric potential sources such as electrophysiological signals or spatial electric fields.
The EPIC Sensor revolutionizes the way movement sensing, medical ECG/EEG/EOG, proximity non-touch switching, or even gesture recognition signals are taken in vehicles. It can be used as a dry contact ECG sensor without the need for potentially dangerous low impedance circuits across the heart. By detecting changes in the electric field, the EPIC sensor can also drive a relay to act as a simple non-touch electric switch. The EPIC sensor can be employed in a proximity mode or to detect specific kinds of movement as a gesture recognition device.
PS25203 EPIC Sensor – For Low-cost Automotive Detection Systems - [Link]
Daniel @ panstamp.com writes:
We know many of you were wondering when we’ll release a power meter compatible with panStamp. And here we are, sooner as expected, with a first prototype. We at panStamp are passionate about simplicity so you may guess that either electronics or firmware application have been designed to be as compact and efficient as possible.
panStamp Power meter board - [Link]
Raj from Embedded Lab talks about constructing a reflective IR sensor with necessary instrumentation circuit to illustrate the principle of photoplethysmography as a noninvasive technique for measuring heart rate. This project uses the TCRT1000 reflective optical sensor to sense the blood variation in the finger tissue and outputs a digital pulse which is synchronous with the heart beat. The output pulse can be fed to either an ADC channel or a digital input pin of a microcontroller for further processing and retrieving the heart rate in beats per minute (BPM).
DIY Photoplethysmographic sensor for measuring heart rate - [Link]
This project shows you how an accelerometer works, how it can be used to detect tilt and also how we can display that tilt -value- visually on a large array of LEDs on my DE0-Nano FPGA breakout board. chris @ pyroelectro.com writes:
After building a 40 pin breakout board for my DE0-Nano I wanted to test it out with something fun but not overly complex. The DE0-Nano has an on-board accelerometer which can sense changes in acceleration and tilt, so I figured why not try to do something cool with it.
This article will show you how an accelerometer works, how it can be used to detect tilt and also how we can display that tilt ‘value’ visually on a large array of LEDs on my DE0-Nano breakout board. This way whenever we need to see if something is level, we can use this simple but fun tool to know, although don’t count on multiple decimal precision here!
DE0-Nano FPGA Tilt Sensing - [Link]
FTDI released the FT311D USB host IC for easy communication with Android devices. It features 7 GPIOs, one I2C peripheral, one UART, one SPI, and 4 PWM peripherals.
The device acts as a USB host to an Android device, while the Android’s app directly controls the peripherals on the IC. The device is configurable trough 3 CFG pins. [via]
FT311D USB host IC provides easy communication with Android devices - [Link]
The MAX44006/MAX44008 integrate six sensors in two products: red, green, blue (RGB) sensors; an ambient light (clear) sensor; a temperature sensor; and an ambient infrared sensor with an I²C interface. These highly integrated optical sensors include a temperature sensor to improve reliability and performance.
The devices compute the light information with six parallel data converters allowing simultaneous light measurement in a very short time. The devices consume only 15µA (MAX44006) and 16µA (MAX44008) separately in RGBC + TEMP + IR mode, and also have the ability to operate from 1.8V/3.3V/5.5V supply voltage rails.
RGB Color, Infrared, and Temperature Sensors - [Link]
