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Instrumentation • Electronics


4 Robin Butler examines the series of sensors available in the marketplace and explores the applications in which they can be deployed.


4 Robin Butler étudie la série de capteurs disponible sur le marché et explore les applications pour lesquelles il est possible de les déployer.


4 Robin Butler untersucht die Sensor-Serie, die auf dem Markt verfügbar ist, und erforscht die Anwendungen, in denen sie zum Einsatz kommen können.


Setting the scene for new developments in sensors


S


ensors are an integral component of any measurement and automation application to ensure accuracy, reliability, efficiency and communications capability. This has


fuelled research and development into the sensors industry and the continued innovation in sensors technology has ensured a thriving market and a growing demand for custom solutions. According to analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, the


sensors market in Europe is estimated to reach $19 billion by 2016, creating opportunities for technological advancements and ultimately new applications for sensors. Ultra-reliability and long-life precision sensors


such as inclinometers, accelerometers and load cells enjoy an unrivalled status within the sensors industry and are critical for use in industries spanning aerospace, military and defence, transport, construction and civil engineering, to name but a few.


Inclinometers


Inclinometers can measure horizontal and vertical angular inclination to very high levels of precision and output the data in the form of analogue or digital signals. Inclinometer technology has broadened the scope of sensor applications in recent years and there is a wide array of standard products available. Customised products can offer the customer


many advantages including performance specifications to meet exacting requirements and enabling the direct fitment into applications. This results in better performance with both time and expense saved in the installation process. Below are listed some typical inclinometer


applications.


l Military Fire Control Systems - require robust sensors which can deliver precision measurements following exposure to severe levels of mechanical shock from the firing process.


l Rail Track Monitoring – to survey rail tracks to determine deterioration and the need for safety critical maintenance.


l Satellite Communications – used on ship, vehicle and land based antenna applications to track communication satellites.


l Civil Engineering – to monitor movement over time of bridges, buildings and other large structures.


l Continuous Casting Monitor – to ensure guide tracking is within dimensional tolerances to ensure continuous and quality production.


Accelerometers


Accelerometers measure linear acceleration and deceleration of dynamic systems. These can be used in the development phase of projects to ensure design calculations correlate with actual measurements in the application and also in the safe


Fig. 1. The sensors market in Europe is estimated to reach $19 billion by 2016, according to Frost & Sullivan.


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