The descriptions of the new products listed in this section are based on information supplied to us by the manufacturers. Physics Today can assume no responsibility for their accuracy. To facilitate inquiries about a particular product, a Reader Service Card is attached inside the back cover of the magazine.
Embedded wireless sensor
MicroStrain has introduced the EmbedSense, a tiny wireless sensor and data-acquisition system that is small enough to be embedded in implants, on spinning machinery, and within composite materials. Because the sensor can tolerate extreme g levels and high temperatures, sensor measurements can be made in applications in which previously no data could be obtained. EmbedSense uses an inductive link to receive power from an external coil and to return digital output information; the tags can read data from multiple types of sensors, including thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure sensors, and load cells. The EmbedSense operating frequencies of 125 kHz and 1 MHz are popular for radio frequency identification; RFID transponder coils are available in a wide variety of form factors. MicroStrain Inc, 310 Hurricane Lane, Suite 4, Williston, Vermont 05495, http://www.microstrain.com
Circle number 181 on Reader Service Card
Digital compass module
The HMC6352 Digital Compass Solution from Honeywell combines two-axis magnetoresistive sensors with all the analog and digital processing circuitry for an electronic compass function. The integrated compass sensor circuit is composed of two MR sensors with orthogonal orientation for sensing the horizontal components of Earth’s magnetic field (0–630 mG), together with two amplifiers, a set/reset drive circuit, and a microprocessor. If magnetic errors arise from strong nearby magnetic sources, the errors can be reduced or eliminated by performing a calibration routine. The HMC6352 has three operational modes—standby, query, and continuous—plus the ability to enter or exit the nonoperational (sleep) mode: The HMC6353, a three-axis version of the compass, is also available. Honeywell SSEC, 12001 Highway 55, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441, http://www.magnet-icsensors.com
Circle number 182 on Reader Service Card
Digital gage head
Measurement Specialties has announced the Schaevitz Sensors model GC-485 DigiSense gage head, available in five bipolar measurement ranges with strokes of ±1.27 mm to ±25.4 mm and a linearity of 0.05%. Direct digital output eliminates the need for A/D conversion, which reportedly reduces cost and errors. The sensor signal is scaled into calibrated engineering units (both English and metric) by the internal microprocessor using factory-computed conversion tables. The GC-485 gage head stores minimum, maximum, and total indicated reading functions in memory. A zero function enables the user to set the unit in either unipolar or bipolar modes. The gage head operates with a single-ended 8.5–30 V DC input and a two-wire, addressable RS-485 output; up to 32 sensors can be incorporated on one two-wire network. Measurement Specialties Inc, 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton, Virginia 23666, http://www.msiusa.com
Circle number 183 on Reader Service Card
Signal conditioner for fiber-optic sensors
FISO Technologies’ new enhanced version of the model UMI signal conditioner now incorporates a USB 1.1 port. The instrument is capable of measuring the absolute cavity length of the company’s Fabry–Perot fiber-optic transducers; it thus enables the multipoint measurement of temperature, pressure, strain, displacement, force, load, or refractive index. The UMI is available in four- or eight-channel models and can scan through all the channels in use with a switching time of 0.15 s, or sample one specific channel at a rate of 20 Hz. The improved signal conditioner offers a 0.015% full-scale resolution (without averaging) and 0.025% precision. The new USB port allows the control of up to 127 units and operates at a communications speed of up to 12 megabytes per second. FISO Technologies Inc, 500, St-Jean-Baptiste Avenue, Office 195, Quebec, G2E 5R9, Canada, http://www.fiso.com
Circle number 184 on Reader Service Card
Linear image sensors
Hamamatsu has introduced the G9208 and G9211 series of indium gallium arsenide linear image sensors, which feature wide dynamic range, low noise, and the low dark current necessary for near IR spectrometer applications. The G9208 image sensors have a spectral response range of 900–2550 nm and incorporate 256 pixels and two-stage thermoelectric-cooled devices. The G9211 series covers the 900–1700 nm spectral range, is available with 256 or 512 pixels, and includes a single-stage TE cooler. Signals from each pixel are read out in a charge integration mode to take advantage of the high InGaAs sensitivity, and provide stable operation in the near IR. The image sensors operate over a 40-dB dynamic range and feature signal processing circuits on their CMOS chips that allow a selection of feedback capacitance. Hamamatsu Corp, 360 Foothill Road, P.O. Box 6910, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807, http://www.usa.hamamatsu.com
Circle number 185 on Reader Service Card
Absolute position transducers
The TLM absolute position transducers from Novotechnik use the noncontact magnetostrictive measuring process for absolute measurement of travel and length. Incorporating a passive position marker that can move as a free-floating element, the TLM series offers an unlimited mechanical life with no velocity limit for the position marker. The company’s Novostrictive technology provides a useful stroke length of up to 4.5 m with a resolution of better than 2 µm regardless of the stroke length, and a low temperature coefficient of less than 20 ppm/K. The TLM series permits very fast measurements offering a data output update with a cycle time of 62.5 µs, corresponding to 16 kHz. The company’s DyMos communications interface can transmit both position and traverse velocity values. Novotechnik US Inc, 155 Northboro Road, Southborough, Massachusetts 01772, http://www.novotechnik.com
Circle number 186 on Reader Service Card
Pressure transducer
Setra Systems has released the model 530 pressure transducer, which uses sputtered thin-film strain gauge technology to provide high pressure measurements up to 10 000 psi. The new design is meant for pressure applications in natural gas and refrigeration equipment and in the marine, hydraulic, process, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries. The new transducer is virtually insensitive to high shock and vibration and offers a repeatable output with less than 0.05% drift per year, 0.15% full-scale accuracy, and a compensated temperature range of −20 to 80°C. The model 530 features eight gauge pressure ranges from 750 to 10 000 psi (seven ranges from 60 to 700 bar) and is available with a wide selection of voltage outputs or 4–20 ma current output. Setra Systems Inc, 159 Swanson Road, Boxborough, Massachusetts 01719, http://www.setra.com
Circle number 187 on Reader Service Card
Closed-loop translation stage
Polytec PI has introduced the M-663 PILine closed-loop linear translation stage driven by an ultrasonic piezoceramic motor. The stage provides a 20-mm travel range, a 0.1 µm resolution, and an acceleration to 20 g; it is also vacuum compatible. In comparison with magnetic linear motor drives, the M-663 has negligible EMI and features an auto-locking design that eliminates servo dither and heat generation in the steady state. The direct-motion metrology M-663 stages incorporate integrated optical linear encoders for closed-loop operation with standard servo-motor controllers. Other M-663 models are available with a 0.1-µm resolution linear encoder that can reach closed-loop velocities up to 250 mm/s or a 1-µm resolution linear encoder that can produce velocities up to 300 mm/s. Polytec PI Inc, 16 Albert Street, Auburn, Massachusetts 01501, http://www.polytecpi.com
Circle number 188 on Reader Service Card
Software for piezo-motor control
National Instruments has released the Piezo Tuning Wizard, software that enables users to tune and control piezo-based motors. The new tool gives developers the power to eliminate unwanted velocity spikes and to reduce oscillations. When the Piezo Tuning Wizard is combined with the static friction compensator of the company’s NI-Motion 5.2 driver software, it makes possible high-precision piezo-motor applications with steady target positioning and quick reaction time. Without compensation, static friction develops between two stationary surfaces, slowing responsiveness and leading to potentially unstable systems. National Instruments, 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78759-3504, http://www.ni.com
Circle number 189 on Reader Service Card
Magnetic latching relay
Magfusion has announced the MagLatch RF switch, a micro-magnetic latching relay designed to replace an electromechanical switch. The initial offering within the MagLatch product line is a single-pole, double-throw device that operates from DC to 6 GHz and offers 40-dB or higher isolation and less than 0.5-dB insertion loss. Because it is based on MEMS technology—involving a surface micro-machining approach—the switch offers miniature size, low power operation, and integration capabilities. The MagLatch is bistable—that is, it does not require power to hold the states; has an operating voltage of less than 5 V and a switching energy of less than 50 mJ; has demonstrated a lifetime of billions of cycles; and can be fabricated on a variety of substrates such as silicon, gallium arsenide, glass, metal, and ceramic. Magfusion Inc, 341 East Alamo Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85225, http://www.magfusion.com
Circle number 190 on Reader Service Card
On the web
The Modal Shop’s Web site offers general information and technical data about its line of structural-dynamics and acoustic sensing systems. Also included are full descriptions of the company’s structural test products, sensors, and calibration systems, including detailed lists of specifications and application papers. The Modal Shop Inc, 1010 Russell Street, Covington, Kentucky 41011, http://www.modalshop.com
Circle number 191 on Reader Service Card
Endevco recently published the Handbook of Dynamic Force, Pressure, and Acceleration Measurement , based on a series of articles by Patrick Walter in the Measurement and Control Journal. The handbook is now available for download in a pdf format on the company Web site. Endevco Corp, 30700 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675, http://www.endevco.com
Circle number 192 on Reader Service Card
New literature
Technical Manufacturing Corp offers its 120-page 2003-2004 General Catalog featuring precision vibration isolation systems. TMC’s product line includes optical tops, breadboards, laboratory tables and platforms, floor and subfloor platforms and stands, isolators, and accessories. Technical Manufacturing Corp, 15 Centennial Drive, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960, http://www.techmfg.com
Circle number 193 on Reader Service Card