Rosemont, IL. Sensors Expo saw a variety of products and technologies presented as it took place June 5-6. Among the highlights were Coto Technology Inc. RedRock RS-A-2515 microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based magnetic reed switch and MEMSIC Inc.'s MMC246xMT two-axis magnetic sensor. Also on display were a new cellular gateway device for M2M communications, new humidity and temperature sensors, and a new sensor evaluation kit, while a community-college-affiliated center highlighted its MEMS commercialization capabilities.
The Coto RedRock RS-A-2515 is based on the company's high-aspect-ratio MEMS design and manufacturing processes, the switch provides the advantages of conventional magnetic reed switch technology, including zero power operation and high-power hot switching. Coto has married these features to the inherent benefits of MEMS-based design and manufacture, including item-to-item uniformity, robustness, and small size by using wafer level packaging (WLP). The resulting solution meets the requirements of applications in the medical, military, and industrial markets. The switch has a footprint of less than 2.1 mm2 (1.01 x 2.08 mm) and is 0.94 mm high. Click here for more.
The MEMSIC MMC246xMT is a 2-axis magnetic sensor with on-chip signal processing and integrated I2C bus. It can connect directly to a microprocessor, eliminating the need for A/D converters or timing resources. It can measure magnetic fields within the full scale range of ±6 G, with 0.25-mG/LSB resolution and 0.8-mG rms noise, enabling heading accuracies of better than 1° in electronic compass applications. It comes in a low-profile LGA package. For more visit www.memsic.com.
Omega Engineering highlighted a variety of new products, including the TH-21 Series thermistor probes, which are constructed with a glass encapsulated thermistor element to enhance stability and accuracy. With a maximum continuous temperature rating of -80 to 200°C (-112 to 392°F), and intermittent operation to 250°C (482°F), these thermistor sensors can be used in applications previously out of reach of epoxy-coated thermistor sensors. Click here for more. The company also highlighted the PR25CU RTD sensor, which incorporates a copper tip to provide an improved heat transfer path between the sensing element and the process being monitored, allowing for reduced response times and better temperature tracking.
Representatives of the Richard Desich SMART Center were on hand to highlight the center's MEMS commercialization services. In two years of operation, the center, located at Lorain County Community College in Ohio, has handled more than 35 projects. A new facility opened in April.
In addition, Monnit Corp. (www.monnit.com) highlighted its new MonnitLink Cellular Gateway Model CGW2 machine-to-machine (M2M)-oriented device for use with wireless sensors. The device features dual-band (800- and 1,900-MHz) CDMA operation. MEMS Vision (www.mems-vision.com) highlighted its MVH3000D Series digital relative-humidity- and temperature-sensing chips. And LeddarTech (www.leddartech.com) highlighted its Leddar (light-emitting diode detection and ranging) sensor-evaluation kit.
Finally, Fraunhofer IPMS representatives were on hand to highlight its transponder systems, which can work with sensor systems to gather information on objects or their environmental conditions. Such combinations of systems can be used to monitor goods, for example, particularly in the commercial and logistics sector. Miniaturized, autonomous measuring systems can be realized, as can complex implantable diagnostic systems in medical technology. Click here for more.