Analog Devices has released a new low cost accelerometer, the ADXL311, that will sell for $2.50 each in quantities of 10,000. The new accelerometer is made using MEMs technology.
Read more on the Analog Devices web site.
Data Physics releases new multi-channel analyzer
Data Physics have released a new spectrum analyzer called the ABACUS. The system is scalable from 8 to 1024 channels, using 24 bit analog-to-digital converters.
Read more on the Data Physics web site.
PCB has new battery powered signal conditioner
PCB electronics have released a new battery powered signal conditioner for their ICP powered transducers.
Read more on the PCB web site.
Head Acoustics have an open day
Head Acoustics, the makers of a binuaral acoustic measurement system, are having an open day on 10th April 2003, where you can see demonstrations of all their equipment and their audio driving simulator.
Read more on the Head Acoustics USA web site.
Sound level meter in an iPAQ PDA
Ivie Technologies from Lehi Utah USA have released a sound level meter that uses an HP iPAQ as the processor. The IE-33 is supplied with a Type 2 (Type 1 is optional) microphone and the software can calculate: narrowband FFT, 1/1 1/3 1/6 octave bands, NC curves, chart recorder. The unit also has an in built signal generator.
Read more on the Ivie web site.
NTTC looking for partnerships in smart structures
The National Technology Transfer Center is interested in collaborating with companies and universities to develop smart structures – structures with embedded piezoelectric actuators and sensors to minimize vibration or change shape to improve the aerodynamic performance.
Read more on the NTTC web site.
Ear-piece accelerometer records crash data from Indy Car drivers
Delphi, a manufacturer of sensors make use of MEMs technology, have made a headphone system that incorporates 6-axis accelerometers. The headphone is now required to be worn by all Indy car drivers. The system records the acceleration of a driver’s head, and the data recorded by the system can be used to investigate a car crash.
Read the press release on the Delphi web site.
New tri-ax accelerometer for handhelds
ST Microelectronics have released a new tri-axial accelerometer that is aimed for use in handheld devices such as cell phones and digital diaries. The part number is LIS3L02 – Three-Axis Linear Accelerometer.
Read more on the ST Microelectronics web site.
ANSYS and LMS sign agreement
ANSYS and LMS International has signed cross licensing deals to exchange software capabilities. Initially, ANSYS will develop software that expands on LMS’s multi-body dynamics software LMS-DADS.
Read the full story on the ANSYS web site.
New pneumatic tool design reduces white finger
The National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts, NESTA, in the UK has awarded an engineer, Giovanni Bisutti, £75,000 to develop a system for pneumatic tools, such as jack hammers, to reduce the effects of vibration on the operators. ‘White finger’ is caused by excessively vibrating tools that cause damage to the hands of the tool operators. The new system uses a water jacket shrouded around the tool that is used to increase the mass of the tool by 15kg. Water is transfered into the tool when in operation and is removed within 3 seconds when the tool is to be moved.
Read the article on the NESTA web site.