201305.pdf 43279KB May 08 2013 11:07:04 PM

The LA-25 series LVDTs aredesigned for harsh environments.The robust position sensor has a 1-in.OD aluminum housing with a wall thatthe company claims is five times asthick as competitive products. It is terproductroundupAlps doubles dynamicrange of geomagneticsensor↘Housed in a 1.6×1.6×0.7-mm LGApackage, the HSCDTD008Ageomagnetic sensor is 60% smaller thanearlier HSCD series models, and deliverstwo times the dynamic range. Thedevice is capable of measuring magneticfield strengths of ±2.4 mT on each of itsthree axes and provides an output resolutionof 0.15 μT/LSB. Geomagnetic sensorsin the HSCD series are intended foruse in compact electronic equipment.The size reduction and wider range arethe result of applyinga thin-filmprocess and magneticsimulationtechnology. Lownoise and highresolution areachieved in the ASIC, which employsan Alps-developed algorithm that allowscalibration with a natural user action.The sample price for the HSCDTD008Ais 1000 yen, or about $10.Alps Electric, www.alps.comUSB power sensorcovers dc to 110 GHz↘The NRP-Z58 power sensorboasts a frequency range from dcto 110 GHz and a measurement speedof 300 readings/sec in buffered mode. Italso provides a power measurementrange of −35 to 20 dBm. For relativemeasurements, such as amplificationand reflection, the NRP-Z58 achieveslinearity of 0.007 dB (0.16%) up to 67GHz and 0.010 dB (0.23%) between 67and 110 GHz. The device connectsdirectly to a PC via a USB port in orderto analyze measurement results, and canbe used in combination with the NRP2base unit or withnearly any signalgenerator,signal and spectrum analyzer, or networkanalyzer from Rohde & Schwarz.The 1-mm coaxial plug screws securelyonto the jack of the measuring instrumentto provide high measurementreproducibility.Rohde & Schwarz,www.rohde-schwarz.comLow-noise MEMSmicrophone fromAnalog Devices targetshearing aids↘The ADMP801 MEMS electretcondenser microphone measures7.3 mm 3 , produces a low EIN (equivalentinput noise) of 27 dBa SPL (sound pressurelevel), and consumes just 17 μAwith a 1V supply. The device is an analog-output,bottom-ported omnidirectionalMEMS microphone designedspecifically for hearing aids. Housed in asurface-mount LGA package that is3.35×2.50×0.98 mm, the microphone isreflow-solderable with no sensitivity degradation.The ADMP801 is $10.78(1000). An evaluation board, the EVAL-ADMP801Z-FLEX, sells for $95 each.Analog Devices, www.analog.comBourns Inc expandsnon-contacting rotaryposition sensor line↘The AMS22U and AMM20Bnon-contacting rotary positionsensors use magnetic Hall effect technologyin such applications as patientplatform position feedback, pneumaticcontrol valve position feedback, actuatormotor position feedback, life/shuttlesuspension, and tilt control feedback.The AMS22U is a single-turn sensorthat offers a rotational life of up to 100million cycles. It features a 1/8-in. shaftsupported by dual ball bearings and afactory-programmable electrical anglefrom 10 to 360 degrees. The AMM20Bis a multi-turn model that features arotational life of up to 50 million cycles,depending on theproduct and application.It has aslim-profile package,12-bit resolution,and a factory-programmableelectrical angle from 1080to 3600 degrees. The sensors are availablenow in sample and productionquantities. The AMS22U is priced at$35 each (1000), and the AMM20B ispriced at $24 each (1000).Bourns Inc, www.bourns.comST launches single-chipmagnetometer↘The LIS3MDL is a high-performance,standalone three-axismagnetometer that delivers flexibilityfor sensor-fusion designs. Housed in a2×2×1-mm package, the sensor is usedin mobile phones, tablets, and personalnavigation devices and is suited toindoor navigation as it can calculatedead reckoning without satellite signals.The magnetometer can be combinedwith other discrete sensors, suchas the three-axis MEMS accelerometeror the three-axis MEMS gyroscope, tobuild sensors with as many as ninedegrees of freedom. Mass production isscheduled for Q2 2013, and unit pricingis 60 cents (1000).STMicroelectronics, www.st.comAlliance Sensors introducesindustrial LVDTs↘60 EDN | MAY 2013 [ www.edn.com]