Optical PV Cell Testing System Provides Non-Destructive Analysis
February 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Machine Vision/Inspection, Meters & Testers, Sensing, Test Equipment
CRAIC Technologies released the 20/20(TM) UV-visible-NIR microspectrophotometer. 20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer is designed to non-destructively analyze many types of microscopic samples from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared. Analysis of samples can be done by absorbance, reflectance, luminescence and fluorescence with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The system can also be configured to image microscopic samples in the UV and NIR regions in addition to color imaging.
Applications are numerous and include forensic analysis of trace evidence, vitrinite reflectance of coal and spectral analysis of minerals, measurement of protein crystals, contamination analysis and thin film measurement of semiconductors, hard disks and flat panel displays.
The 20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer integrates an advanced spectrophotometer with a sophisticated UV-visible-NIR range microscope and powerful, easy-to-use software. This flexible instrument is designed to acquire data from microscopic samples by absorbance, reflectance or even luminescence spectroscopy. By including high-resolution digital imaging, the user is also able to use the instrument as a ultraviolet or infrared microscope. Touch screen controls, sophisticated software, calibrated variable apertures and other innovations all point to a new level of sophistication for microanalysis.
Inrared Meter Can Be Pulsed At 180Hz With 50% Modulation Depth
Cal Sensors announces the launch of PIREPlus, a high-output, high-pulse rate emitter that can be pulsed as a source of blackbody radiation for near-to-far infrared applications at 180Hz with 50% modulation depth. With a pulsing speed 18 times faster than alternative technologies, the PIREPlus maximizes signal to noise performance, expanding the measurement dynamic range and resolution for trace gases with very low parts per million. The solid state emitter offers high output (4×10-2 watts/cm2 at 1 inch from filament) and includes integrated drive electronics.
The PIREPlus is suited for a variety of applications, including industrial and medical gas analysis, environmental monitoring, process control instrumentation, spectroscopy and plastics sorting. The pulsable emitter offers enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, is compatible with a wide range of detector technologies, and comes in an industry-standard T0-5 header package.
The radiating element in PIREPlus is an ultra-thin specially designed metallic foil configured to ensure radiation from both sides of the heated foil is efficiently directed out of the package along the optic axis. The foil material has an emissivity of 0.88 and closely emulates a blackbody source in spectral distribution. PIREPlus emitters are designed to operate at a rated maximum foil temperature of 1000° Kelvin and are offered with a standard integrated reflector to provide near collimated and uniform radiation output. A variety of elliptical reflectors with varying focal lengths are also available for coupling into optical fibers and other applications.
The PIREPlus comes with integrated drive electronics in an industry standard 14 pin-dip IC package. The user-friendly drive electronics are voltage variable and allow users to select from a wide range of frequencies between 1Hz and 500Hz according to their specific application needs. A special feature of the drive electronics is the ability to provide peak pulse temperatures independent of the pulse frequency. This ensures the highest output for any application.
Compatible with a wide range of IR detector technologies, the PIREPlus emitter can be paired with Cal Sensor´s new MIRA4 four-color lead selenide (PbSe) sensor that provides industry-leading sensitivity of 1.5E10 Jones in the detection of up to four distinct gases in the 1.0 to 5.5 µm infrared region. The PIREPlus emitter and MIRA4 detector can be purchased together as an integrated module for quick integration and efficient design and performance.
The PIREPlus represents the latest generation of PIRE pulsable emitters that Cal Sensors officially launched at booth 2600 of the SPIE-sponsored Photonics West exhibit held January 26-28 in San Francisco, California. Cal Sensors exhibited a full line of innovative IR detector and emitter technologies at the event.
Laser Beam Analyzer Runs on Microsoft® Vista or Windows 7
January 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Calibration, Meters & Testers, Sensing
At PhotonicsWest 2010 Ophir Spiricon announced BeamGage Professional, its newest addition to the company’s laser beam analysis systems.
BeamGage Professional builds on the features included in BeamGage Standard: Beam-Maker beam simulator, automatic camera control for ease of use, and comprehensive set of beam analysis algorithms. The Professional version adds such new capabilities as partitioning of the camera output for separate analysis of multiple laser beams from sources such as fiber, a .NET interface for full remote control when integrating beam analysis into an automated application, and camera sharing.
Analysis of individual Beams
BeamGage Professional now supports partitioning of the camera output. This enables analysis of individual beams when multiple beams impinge on the camera simultaneously. This is particularly useful when analyzing multiple fibers in a single bundle. Individual partitions can be viewed in the 2D display window one at a time or all at once. The 3D display shows all at once.
.NETAutomation Interface
Applications can now be automated by interfacing through BeamGage Professional’s .NET controls for embedded or remote operation. Users can control the software using Active X or National Instruments’ LabVIEWcontrols. Features that can be automated include launch and termination of the application, camera settings, data capture, and image capture. Examples are provided in LabVIEW, Excel, Visual Studio.Net C#, and Visual Studio.NET VB.
Accurate Measurements
BeamGage Professional is based on UltraCal™, Ophir-Spiricon’s patented baseline correction algorithm that helped establish the ISO 11146-3 standard for beam measurement accuracy. Beam-Gage provides high accuracy results, guaranteeing the data baseline (zero reference point) is accurate to 1/10th of a digital count on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
BeamGage allows you to configure as many measurements as needed; it includes over 55 separate measurement choices, including many based on ISO standards, such as Centroid X and Y, Ellipticity, Eccentricity, Peak Fluence, and more.
Enhanced Interface
Running on Microsoft® Vista orWindows 7, BeamGage Professional operates in 32-bit mode for faster processing. Enhanced 3D graphics improve data rendering. The software supports a selection of cameras with FireWire (1394) and USB interfaces that cover wavelengths from 190 to 3000nm.
Transparent Reciever Provides Pin-Point Alignment
December 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Machine Vision/Inspection, Meters & Testers, Sensing, Test Equipment
Pinpoint Laser Systems® is introducing the “Transparent” Receiver to the Microgage 2D family. This receiver allows a laser beam to pass clearly through it while making a precise position measurement for aligning machinery and equipment was introduced last fall has since been improved. The receiver is compact and will fit into small places for bore alignment, checking extruder barrels, shaft bearings and much more. Both receivers and the host Laser Microgage 2D are versatile and can be adapted to many industrial measuring and alignment tasks.
The method of operation is simple – a narrow laser beam provides a measuring reference line and these receivers determine the position of a machine or sub-assembly relative to this laser reference beam. These new receivers will operate over distances of 100 feet or more and deliver a measuring precision of 0.0005 inch; ideal for demanding industrial alignment applications. The Laser Microgage system and these newest receiver additions are well suited for lathe and spindle alignment, checking machine tool runout, roll and web alignment, precision bore alignment and much more. The Microgage 2D is easy to use with instructions that show up on the display guiding the operator through their alignment project. Several simple accessories allow for alignment of straightness, runout, parallelism, squareness, roll & web alignment, shaft & bore alignment, flatness measuring and much more.
The 2 Axis Laser Microgage operates on batteries for added convenience and all components are machined of solid aluminum with a hard anodized coating for wear resistance. A sealed push button keypad and large LCD display make the Microgage 2D easy and convenient to use in demanding industrial environments. A serial and USB interface connect to a laptop or PC and link to popular spreadsheets for plotting and analyzing data for maintenance records, customer compliance and other uses. This Microgage system includes a compact carrying case to store the components and is easily carried right out onto the manufacturing floor.
Bi-Directional Turbine Flow Meter System
Flow Technology, Inc. released the FT-BD turbine flow meter system. An accurate solution for measuring bi-directional flow in a wide range of liquid applications, this advanced system can also compensate for viscosity changes due to variations in ambient fluid operating temperature, which affect the accuracy of flow measurement data.
In various industrial and test & measurement processes, bi-directional flow presents difficult challenges for flow metering equipment. For example, utility pumping and circulating plants pump dielectric fluid into underground electrical cables in order to dissipate heat generated by high-voltage power lines. This application involves monitoring upstream and downstream flow rates. It also requires a precise method of viscosity compensation as the dielectric temperature changes.
Employing Flow Technology’s FT Series turbine flowmeter paired with the LinearLink(TM) Temperature Compensated Interface (TCI), the FT-BD system provides bi-directional flow measurements in a host of hydraulic, pneumatic and pumping applications. The FT Series meter is an ideal choice when high accuracy, compact size and fast response are critical. The LinearLink TCI is a sophisticated electronics platform for flow meter linearization, viscosity correction and density compensation.
With the FT-BD system, an FT Series turbine flow meter with a bi-directional Universal Viscosity Curve (UVC) calibration employs dual RF/RTD pickoffs for determining flow direction and sensing temperature. The LinearLink TCI’s innovative, temperature-compensated linearization technique reduces viscosity effects on K-factors by calculating fluid viscosity through real-time temperature measurements and proper calibration methods.
As an alternative, the FT-BD system can be employed with Flow Technology’s SL9100 Series Flow Computer. This powerful unit can be configured to display volumetric or mass units of measure with UVC and Strouhal-Roshko temperature compensation for variations in viscosity and density due to temperature. The SL9100 can output a 4-20 mA flow measurement signal to the user’s data acquisition system and display digital read-outs via a panel-mount display.
Wireless Temperature Kit Can Read Six Sensors
December 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers, Sensing
SenGenuity, the sensors division of Vectron International, today announced that its TempTrackr(TM) Wireless Temperature Measurement System Kit is now capable of reading six independent passive, wireless temperature sensors. Each sensor operates in a unique frequency band, which prevents cross-talk with other sensors and provides them unique identification within the system architecture.
Based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology, the sensors require no batteries or external power supply. They are powered by electromagnetic bursts generated by a wireless transceiver, which serves to power the sensors and listen to response signals generated by them. A change in the frequency of the response signal is indicative of a change in the temperature being measured.
The TempTrackr(TM) Wireless Temperature Measurement System is highly scalable and can accommodate up to 12 wireless temperature sensors with appropriate setup and configuration. The system provides a passive, wireless and electrically noninvasive temperature monitoring solution for switchgear, overhead transmission lines and other electrical transmission and distribution equipment used in smart grid applications, rotating equipment and wireless food probes. In contrast to traditional methods, such as infrared thermography, the TempTrackr(TM) System provides a highly cost effective continuous temperature monitoring capability that requires little to no long term maintenance. Further, by making use of passive sensors, the system also provides a logistical and environmental advantage over battery powered sensors by doing away with the need for constant battery replacement. The TempTrackr(TM) Wireless Temperature Measurement System Kit is an ideal technology evaluation tool, which allows the
user to get familiar with the TempTrackr(TM) System and its underlying SAW-based temperature sensing technology.
In addition to switchgear temperature monitoring, SAW based wireless temperature measurement technology can be applied to other applications including temperature measurement of rotating equipment and wireless food temperature probes.
The passive, electrically non-invasive and wireless aspects of the TempTrackr(TM) Wireless Temperature Measurement System make it highly suitable for applications where access to sensors is restricted. Once installed, the system needs very little maintenance and provides near plug-and-play functionality. The TempTrackr(TM) System Kit has been designed with the first time user in mind. SenGenuity says they want their customers to spend most of their time thinking about how the system can be adapted to meet their specific requirements and not get mired in system complexity.
PCB Steering Wheel Enables Data Measurements
December 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Automotive and Aerospace, Data Acquisition, Featured, Sensing
PCB Automotive Sensors, a division of PCB Piezotronics, introduces their new Instrumented Steering Wheel System, Model 5610-10A, for vehicles that enables true-to-life data measurements. The telemetry-based steering wheel with supplied adaptors can be installed in the same position as the OEM steering wheel to provide similar ergonomic feel and driving dynamics. The unit is equipped with integrated sensors to measure angle, angular rate, and torque. The vehicle’s active Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is fully supported and not compromised. PCB® Model 5610-10A units provide advanced integrated function keys, which include autozero for both steering angle and steering torque, shunt calibration, and function lock. The four integral switches located on the steering wheel within thumbs reach allow the unit user-programmable controlling options. Equipped with an integrated inductive power supply, Model 5610-10A Instrumented Steering Wheel Systems provide continuous running wireless operation.
The accompanying compact signal conditioning unit is designed for use where space is at a premium. Measured signals are retrieved directly from the signal conditioner via electrically isolated connectors. An optional CAN interface, for integration with data acquisition systems, or a USB interface used with computers, are available for further data recording and analysis.
“Toxichip” May Replace Animal Testing
December 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers, Sensing
An International research team including scientists from the Tyndall National Institute have developed a highly sensitive toxicity testing system. They believe it could provide a replacement for animal testing in toxicity screening.
The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe, launched the Toxichip yesterday in Cork to mark the beginning of Nanoweek, a week-long celebration of nanotechnology research to help raise public awareness of the importance of this technology to Ireland’s economy.
Dr Eric Moore at the unveiling of Toxichip, a nanobiotechnology solution which has the potential to replace animal testing and was developed by a research team including scientists from the Tyndall National Institute in Cork.
The Toxichip is a sensing system developed at Tyndall in collaboration with European academic and industrial partnersfunded under the EU’s Framework Programme 6.
It is sensitive enough to measure the effects of toxic substances on human or animal cells in culture. It provides this information in real time which means the system can be used to gauge the direct effect of chemical pollutants, experimental drugs and toxic substances in food and beverages.
Tyndall researchers led by Dr Eric Moore developed the biosensors for the system, which he believes has the potential to replace animal testing.
EU directives have placed new strictures on the use of animals for toxicity testing, both under the Reach chemical directive and the Cosmetics Directive. They force companies to reduce the use of animals for toxicity testing.
The Toxichip demonstrated how research under way at Tyndall and at other centres around the State could contribute to the “smart economy”.
The creation of “a strong research, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem” was central to an economy based on knowledge, the Minister said.
Laser Meter has Millimeter Accuracy
November 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers, Sensing
WayCon’s new Laser Distance Meter LLD can measure distances with millimeter accuracy, define positions, measure fill levels and register motion processes. The LLD Series is a opto-electronic distance meter designed for industrial applications. Measurements up to 150 m and can be performed precisely, fast and in a non-contact fashion using the comparative phase shift method. Equipped with interface options such as Profibus DP, SSI, RS232 or RS422 as well as selectable switching and analog outputs, the sensors can easily be integrated into any industrial infrastructure including fieldbus-driven process controllers.
The compact and robust design shape combines with low power consumption, and the possibility to set specific de-vice parameters warrants flexibility in use. Optional heating enables indoor and outdoor operation at low temperatures.
The benefits are phase comparison by distances up to 150 m, distances can be reliably determined in a noncontact procedure that requires no reflector, easily perceivable measuring beam is provided for pinpoint alignment of the sensor.
New Thermal Converters Announced
Precision Measurements has just introduced the EL-1000 series of thermal converters manufactured with the company’s most advanced high-accuracy vacuum thermocouple. The design substantially reduces the AC/DC transfer errors. The series EL-1000 thermal converters are designed for measuring AC current and voltages up to 1mhz.
Due to increased demand for high-accuracy AC voltage and current measurements at high frequencies, the EL-1000 series uses single junction vacuum thermocouples. These thermocouples utilize Evanohm heater wire and a cold bead which eliminates the Peltier and Seebeck effects, thereby resulting in a highly accurate AC/DC transfer device.
The versatility of the new design allows the use of platinum leads which, through Precision Measurements testing, have proven to lower even further the AC/DC transfer errors and extend the use of thermal converters above the 100 MHz threshold.
A technical paper presented at the 2003 CPEN conference discussed the new design in detail and notes several advantages such as lower noise susceptibility (copies available upon request).
Precision Measurements considers the new converter design a major contribution to the measurements world because of its high frequency current and voltage calibration that provides accuracies which have previously unachievable with traditional converters.
