sensors

Modern cars feature over 70 sensors that monitor various aspects of the vehicle, with 15 to 30 solely dedicated to tracking engine functions. As the automotive industry moves toward automation, the role of sensors will only increase. For example, Level 2+ autonomous vehicles require environmental awareness akin to that of a human driver, using a…

The idea of a smart home first took hold in 1975 when Pico Electronics introduced the X10 protocol and devices designed to control electronic appliances using power lines. However, computers were not yet advanced enough for automation or remote control. As technology evolved, so did automation. Microcontrollers played a critical role, but the early systems…

Smartwatches are popular wearable devices that are divided into two broad categories: phone companions and fitness trackers. The phone companion acts as an extension or mini clone of the wearer’s smartphone, staying connected via Bluetooth. Common features include email notifications, calling, messaging, social media integration, calendar management, music control, mobile payments, and voice assistant functionality. While certain…

Color detection is the process of identifying and distinguishing colors within an image, video, scene, or object. Many embedded and robotic applications require this feature, as it’s useful for sorting, selection, test strip reading, path determination, and more.  Two standard sensors used for color detection include TCS230 or TCS3200. TCS3200 recognizes various colors based on…

In this project, we’ll design an automatic, energy-efficient streetlight system using Arduino. A streetlight will automatically turn on when the outside ambient light falls below a certain threshold, as evening turns to night. They turn off when sufficient light returns in the morning to conserve energy. So, these streetlights only power on when needed.   The…

The motor controller is one of the most important components of an electric bicycle or e-bike. It’s an electronic device that manages the operation of an electric motor. It also connects to all other major parts of an e-bike, including the battery, brakes, sensors, throttle, and motor. The motor controller acts like the brain of…

A network of sensors is embedded throughout vehicles, serving as a critical type of “nervous system” that detects and measures different automotive parameters. This network is essential for a vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency. Several types of sensors are responsible for different roles, such as monitoring the temperature of engine components, the speed of the…

An electric bike, or e-bike, is a popular, eco-friendly option for daily commutes. These bicycles are equipped with an electric motor to assist users in pedaling. E-bikes have next-to-no running costs, requiring little maintenance. They also let riders avoid gasoline costs, vehicle traffic congestion, and parking fees.  Most users buy assembled models, but it’s also possible…

Temperature sensors are commonly used in embedded applications to monitor ambient temperature and prevent overheating. As a thermal management of the device, these sensors can issue a warning or trigger a cooling mechanism.  However, the use of these sensors varies, depending on the application. For example, temperature sensors are used in: Industrial equipment for process…

Most house plants require temperature, humidity, and moisture monitoring for optimal care. Temperatures exceeding the optimal range can cause stress, wilting, stunted growth, and even death, while cold temperatures can slow plant development, leading to weak growth and susceptibility to frost damage. Excessive humidity encourages fungal diseases and prevents proper transpiration, while drier air typically…

In this mini do-it-yourself (DIY) electronic project, we’ll design a multi-use level indicator that can measure multiple physical parameters like temperature, water, voltage, humidity, distance, and more. It consists of a bar-graph LED display that presents the measurements. Four main types of sensors are used to measure the different physical parameters, including the following LM35…

Medical equipment for health monitoring is typically costly, but there is an option. Whether you simply want to be aware of your heart rate or are caring for someone with health conditions that must be monitored, there’s an option that you can build yourself. In this project, we’ll design a portable health monitor that can…

In this article, we will be detecting a forest fire using an IoT sensor network and making a portable device with battery operation. Getting information about a fire hazard in a forest in time can prevent the forest fire from spreading. The sensor network can give the particular location of the fire as we already…

STMicroelectronics’ TSB182 dual-operational amplifier is featured for high-accuracy signal conditioning with sensors, including maximum 20µV input offset voltage, 100nV/° C drift over temperature, and 4V-36V operating range for medium-voltage applications. In addition to its high accuracy, stability, and wide supply-voltage range, the TSB182 is specified from -40° to 125° C. With a maximum offset voltage of…

In this article, we’ll configure a parking sensor using LoRa (long-range) devices. LoRa is a wireless communication technique derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology. For this project, Arduino Nano is connected to an ultrasonic sensor, detecting parking occupancy based on distance measurements. When a vehicle enters or leaves a parking space, the ultrasonic sensor…

Vishay Intertechnology has introduced three new miniaturized infrared (IR) sensor modules for remote-control systems. Featuring modulated carrier output for code learning applications, the Vishay Semiconductors dual-lens TSMP95000 and single-lens TSMP96000 and TSMP98000 combine a wide supply voltage range from 2.0 to 5.5 V with a low typical power consumption of 0.35 mA at 3.3 V. Featuring a new in-house…

In this project, we’ll design a unique door lock that can be operated without a keycard, input password, or biometric ID. A smartphone is the key to locking and unlocking the door via Bluetooth.  This door uses a solenoid lock, which relies on a latch for electrical locking and unlocking. It also has LEDs to…

Infineon Technologies has introduced two new XENSIV barometric air pressure (BAP) sensors: the KP464 and KP466 for automotive applications. While the KP464 is primarily designed for engine control management, the KP466 BAP sensor is intended for seat comfort functions. KP464 enables fuel efficiency, reducing power consumption The KP464 BAP sensor measures atmospheric pressure, which depends…

As part of the global effort for decarbonization, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a critical part of the solution. To help address this requirement, Infineon Technologies provides the XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor for greener buildings. Today, Infineon announces its XENSIV PAS CO2 has passed the performance requirements defined by the internationally recognized green…

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has debuted three new MCU groups targeting motor-control applications. Additionally, Renesas is introducing more than 35 new products, including devices from both the RX and RA families. The new MCUs add to the industry’s top motor-control portfolio, including multiple MCU and MPU families, analog and power…