Abstract
New A1304 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe
The new A1304 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a linear Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit (IC) specifically designed for applications that require medium accuracy in a very small package. The new device is designed for applications in consumer and industrial markets, and supports an industrial temperature range of −40 °C to 85 °C.
The A1304 is a factory-trimmed one-time programmable 3.3 V linear sensor that eliminates the need for customers to program the device to compensate for temperature effects on sensor performance. It has a typical programmable sensitivity level of 4 mV/G ± 6%.
The device’s high bandwidth and high-speed chopping scheme minimise quiescent voltage output drift across the operating temperature range, yielding a low-noise analogue output and ultimately enabling higher accuracy.
The A1304 complements Allegro’s existing linear Hall-effect sensors by providing a more cost-effective solution for non-automotive markets, with sensitivity and quiescent voltage output temperature coefficient being trimmed at the factory for improved accuracy relative to other low-cost linear ICs from Allegro (A1301/02).
The A1304 is fabricated in a monolithic BiCMOS process, and integrates a Hall element, offset and sensitivity trim circuitry to correct for the variation in the Hall element, a small-signal high-gain amplifier and a proprietary dynamic offset cancellation technique. The temperature-stable ratiometric Hall-effect sensor provides a voltage output that is proportional to the applied magnetic field, and features a quiescent voltage output of 50% of the supply voltage.
The A1304 is ideal for use in cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where two travel endpoints can be measured and a transfer function calibration performed by a microcontroller. Through this calibration routine, an application can tolerate higher sensitivity variation from the linear IC and can therefore use a medium-accuracy sensor IC like the A1304.
Specific target applications include linear proximity sensing in toys and gaming devices, smart electricity meters with tamper detection, power tools, white good appliances, actuators and non-contact potentiometers.
The A1304ELHLX-T sensor IC is available in a 3-pin miniature surface mount SOT-23W style package that supports small form-factor sensor assembly requirements (left-hand (LH) suffix). The package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matt tin leadframe plating.
Mary Regan, Allegro
+33 (0) 4 505 12359
Ha-VIS mCon 3000 Ethernet switches from HARTING
The new managed Ha-VIS mCon 3000 Ethernet switches from HARTING enable the construction of complex and efficient network structures, and are optimised for use in harsh industrial environments. The high demands on reliability and safety in industrial settings mean that managed Ethernet switches need to become more efficient, and the new HARTING switches address this challenge by offering high availability, network security, monitoring capabilities and high reliability.
Thanks to the integration of the PROFINET input/output (I/O) device stack, the switches can be deployed and incorporated seamlessly into existing and newly planned PROFINET applications.
In addition to Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), the new switches also incorporate the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) to create redundant topologies. Reduced cycle times and faster processes necessitate the synchronisation of participants in plants. The Precision Time Protocol (PTP Version 2, IEEE 1588) provides the highest possibly accuracy, and is also supported by the new mCon 3000 switches.
Kevin Canham, HARTING Limited
+44 (0) 1604 827500
Magnetrol® introduces POLARIS™ electromagnetic flow meters
Magnetrol introduces the POLARIS electromagnetic flow meter, which is capable of measuring liquids with a conductivity as low as 5 µS/cm in closed pipes. It is an accurate and repeatable flow meter that is suitable for a variety of water-based and sludge flow applications. The POLARIS transmitter is backlit and rotatable with the capability of measuring forward and reverse flow rates, as well as total volume. HART® protocol allows the use of PACTware™ for configuration and diagnostics. The sensor can be flanged or wafer style and is available with an assortment of standard liners and electrode materials.
The POLARIS transmitter is the first liquid flow meter offered by Magnetrol, expanding the already diverse level and flow measurement portfolio that has been established over the last 80 years. For more information, visit http://water.magnetrol.com.
Katrien Geerinckx, Magnetrol International N.V.
+32 (0)52 45 11 11
QTP Environmental expansion offers IP test equipment
QTP Environmental Ltd, a UK-based supplier of environmental test equipment, has announced a new range of products to complement their range of climatic test chambers. The new range of ingress protection (IP) test equipment from German manufacturer iTS GmbH is available now and provides equipment for the full scope of IP testing from dust through to water.
IP testing has been in use for many decades and is often carried out with do-it-yourself (DIY) test rigs; however, with the drive towards repeatability and high-quality control, there is a need for standardised equipment that can be used by multiple test facilities to ensure the same test is carried out everywhere in accordance with international standards such as ANSI/IEC 60529.
The iTS range includes fully enclosed chambers for dust and water testing (not in the same chamber) as well as systems designed for large test items that are usually installed outside a chamber environment. Commenting on the new products, Stephen Mathews, QTP’s Managing Director, said, The iTS range is a natural addition to our product range. Many of our existing customers as well as UK companies that use iTS equipment overseas carry out both climatic and ingress protection testing so we can offer a more complete solution to meet their test program needs.
iTS Gmbh have an enviable client list for their IP test equipment, including TÜV SUD in Germany, Siemens AG, Fujitsu Siemens, Continental Automotive Switzerland AG and Bureau Veritas to name just a few.
Stephen Mathews, QTP Environmental Ltd on:
+44 (0) 1223 269400
DJB Instruments launch world’s smallest IEPE accelerometer
DJB Instruments (UK) Ltd announces the launch of the world’s smallest and lightest integral electronics piezo-electric (IEPE) stainless steel accelerometer. At just 5.7 mm long, 3.5 mm wide and just 2.3 mm high, the A/128/V weighs in at a miniscule 0.19 g making it virtually invisible to the item under test in terms of mass loading.
Utilising a mechanically pre-loaded shear plate sensing element due to its limited size, the A/128/V is relatively free from strain-induced error and is available with a range of voltage output sensitivities, including 1, 5 and 10 mV/g. Each accelerometer is supplied with a 0.5 or 1.0 m integral softline cable with a microdot 10/32 UNF connector and a removal tool to ensure minimum damage due to shock impact when removing the adhesive mounted accelerometer.
Based on the A/28 charge output accelerometer that has for many years led the field in ultra-miniature accelerometer design and performance, the A/128/V has already proven itself in a number of customer applications where delicate equipment required measurement. With an important added benefit of being repairable if the integral cable should be damaged, this ensures maximum return on investment.
Commenting on the launch, DJB’s Managing Director, Neill Ovenden said, As you would expect from an innovative British engineering manufacturer we are always looking to introduce products that push the extremes of possibility, the new A/128/V follows our ground breaking high temperature IEPE accelerometer range released in 2013, which incidentally is also available on the A/128/V.
Available to order now, the A/128/V and A/128/V/HT (high temperature version) are both on the DJB website http://www.djbinstruments.com with full datasheets ready for download.
Neill Ovenden, DJB Instruments (UK) Ltd
+44 (0)1638 712 288
Elfab two-way rupture disc delivers significant cost savings
Pressure management specialist Elfab has developed a two-way rupture disc to prevent vessel damage under vacuum or from overpressure. Customers who previously relied on separate rupture discs for positive and negative pressure relief can now use this disc alone to fulfil the same protective function via a single installation point. This allows customers to safeguard their application while significantly reducing costs.
Available in non-fragmenting composite or graphite designs, and compatible with liquid, gas and vapour, the two-way disc is suitable for most customer applications. Both disc designs feature Elfab’s unique non-invasive, ATEX-approved detection system, Flo-Tel™, making them the only bidirectional discs on the market to benefit from reusable burst detection. Instant burst indication is critical to many process applications, while the detection system’s reusable nature enables customers to make further cost savings.
The composite design is supplied in stainless steel as standard but a wide range of other materials can also be provided. The graphite disc is non-torque sensitive and needs no holder, instead fitting directly between flanges. Both can be installed between a variety of flange arrangements, depending on specific application requirements.
Deborah Bevan, Elfab
+44 (0)191 293 1234
Kistlers new Type 8152C Piezotron
The new Type 8152C Piezotron® sensor is ideal for monitoring acoustic emissions (AEs) above 50 kHz on the surface of metal machines, structures and systems for preventative maintenance of rotating machines and monitoring cutting tools and press tools to detect signs of incipient failure and leakage monitoring of tanks, pipes and valves. The rugged welded housing, wide operating temperature range from −54 °C to 165 °C and IP65 rating make the new sensor suitable for use in the most challenging industrial environments. ATEX Zone 0 and Zone 2 intrinsically safe versions are available for use in hazardous areas. Two frequency ranges, 50–400 kHz and 100–900 kHz, are offered in all versions. An integrated impedance converter provides a low-impedance voltage output signal and a custom-designed coupler supplies power to the sensor and provides signal processing.
The AE sensor is simply mounted with an M6 or ¼ inch screw or a magnetic clamp onto the surface of the structure. The sensing element is acoustically isolated from the housing by design and is well protected against external noise and is ground isolated to prevent ground loops. Kistler AE sensors feature a very high sensitivity for surface (Rayleigh) and longitudinal waves over a broad frequency range and are designed to withstand high-energy waves.
These new sensors provide a simple to install and highly reliable method of monitoring bearing based machinery, pressure vessels or flow turbulence with high-frequency acoustic signatures. AE measuring can be used where vibration sensors are unsuitable due to the high-energy nature of the emitted elastic waves. It also allows the reliable detection of fatigue and failure signals even in a high-vibration environment. The measuring chain may be used for non-destructive testing or permanent online observation of continuous processes for condition monitoring and preventive maintenance applications. The high operating temperature of 165 °C and ATEX certifications option allows use in hazardous environments, such as processing industry applications where explosive gas or flammable dust is present.
Kistler Instruments Limited
01256 741550
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