Servoflo has posted a new paper written by Dr. Norbert Rauch, a well-respected sensor engineer in Germany. His paper, titled "The 24-bit Revolution in Pressure Sensor Technology", discusses how altitude can be accurately measured with the impressive resolution provided in the MS5607 silicon-based pressure sensor, which uses the latest 24-bit ADC technology.
Most traditional altimeter sensors have resolution of several meters, making them not very precise. These traditional sensors have a digital signal conditioning unit and operate on a 14-bit ADC. However, a 14-bit ADC does not automatically mean that the signal can be resolved with 14 bits. Depending on the signal span, offset, and the signal evaluation electronics, possibly 10-12 bits are available for signal conditioning. Until now, achieving a better level of resolution was only achievable with a complex pressure sensing system which is costly and difficult to achieve.
The paper discusses how the MS5607 eliminates these problems with the use of an ASIC and MEMS technology. By taking into consideration that resolution must not be confused with precision, calibration accuracy and offset drift due to temperature changes must also be considered when assessing solutions. Physical size and power consumption are also factors for designers.
The paper will educate readers on how to better understand the importance of the 24-bit designs and implications for applications.
The following is a new product announcement:
The new ZSSC3123 is a low power capacitive sensor signal conditioning IC that supports a broad range of sensor types and gives engineers a cost-effective component option for sensor designs.
With 14-bit resolution and 0.25% accuracy, the ZSSC3123 has first-pass calibration and low power consumption at 60uA with sleep mode lowering current consumption to <1uA. Target applications include low power battery driven sensor applications, sensors for humidity, weight scales, load and compression sensing, as well as tension control.
Capacitive sensors are often favored for their small size and lower power consumption. The ZSSC3123, complements these features and provides designers an optimal solution. The device is particularly suited for MEMS-based sensor elements, such as pressure sensors for hydraulic control systems, humidity sensors, and liquid level gauges. The ZSSC3123 connects to microcontrollers but can also be utilized in stand-alone designs for transducer and switch applications.
The ZSSC3123 can be configured to interface with capacitive sensors from 0.5 to 260 pF, with sensitivity as low as 125 atto-Farads per digital bit. The part can be used in both single and differential input sensor configurations. The device offers full 14-bit resolution for compensation of sensor offset, sensitivity and temperature.
Accuracy at the standard supply voltage of 2.3 to 5.5V is 0.25% over the -20C to +85C range and 0.5% from -40C to +125C. I2C and SPI interfaces as well as PDM or alarm outputs are provided.
Pricing will be available shortly.
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Recently an article was published in Design News about digital humidity sensors offered by Servoflo.
Typical problems of traditional integrated sensor solutions include poor accuracy, unstable behavior around the measuring range limits and unsatisfactory chemical resistance against contaminants. Additional limitations are lack of dew formation resistance, inadequate long-term stability and failure during load spikes.
This article provides technical details about how these problems are solved with new digital humidity sensor technology. In depth details about design features and manufacturing techniques are discussed. Topics include ASIC functionality and design, construction, and what this means for the functionality of the humidity sensor.
Anyone who is considering designing in a digital humidity element should take a quick look at this topic. Please feel free to post a comment or question.
Read the complete article here.
We have updated our medical applications area with the latest pressure sensor products. The goal of this section is to provide you with a quick and easy way to find sensors by application. Pressure sensors are becoming increasingly important in medical equipment. The latest technologies available give designers flexibility in how sensors are used. Lower tolerance sensors combined with sensor signal conditioning lets medical equipment designers choose more cost effective solutions while tailoring a sensor to their specific needs.
View your specific medical application here:
Blood pressure measurement
Breath detection
Inflatable mattresses
Infusion pumps
Deep vein thrombosis
Oxygen concentrators/conservers
Within each of these product areas are specific pressure sensors appropriate for that application. If you do not see a product that fits your needs, please feel free to contact us about your specific application requirements. We have access to additional pressure sensors and transducers that are not on our web site. Our extensive knowledge in the medical market gives you expert access to what are the most important sensor features needed.
If you have a story to share about your experience with pressure sensors in the medical market - problems, solutions, things to watch out for, please feel free to post them here.