Smaller, Smarter, Faster-The sensor industry over the years has evolved from bulk and mechanical to smaller and smarter sensing devices. Integrating microelectronics into sensors will let them do things seldom done before, such as communicating with machinery on the factory floor
The rebirth of Analog Electronics-The predictions from several years ago that the analog market was on its way out have certainly not materialized. In fact, the market is as strong as ever, as analog has kept pace with digital technology. Several developments are fueling the analog sensor market, but two stand out as critical: the initiative to create and promote an open standard for intelligent and easy-to-use analog sensors that users can easily integrate into their measurement systems; and the reborn star, silicon-based analog electronics.
Wireless Sensors? Make Mine MEMS-New wireless network and microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) sensor technologies are enabling designers to place sensors, actuators, and controllers in numbers and locations that were previously unaffordable or unreachable. The automotive market is expected to account for the bulk of wireless MEMS sensor applications in the near term, but other prospective markets include chemical and biological sensing, machine condition monitoring, process control/ discrete manufacturing control, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, logistics, and agriculture.
Q&A with Joe Dolinsky, Banner Engineering- Joe Dolinsky is technical marketing manager for Banner Engineering Corp. Here, he talks about the challenges of competing with overseas companies in the sensor market -both in the United States and abroad.
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