Revolutionizing Industrial Systems with Smart Sensors: A Recap of STMicroelectronics’ Showcase at Sensor + Test 2024

STMicroelectronics took part in the international trade fair SENSOR + TEST 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany from June 11th to 13th, 2024. The event, which had over 5,000 attendees, highlighted the latest developments in sensor technologies. It served as a great platform for STMicroelectronics to engage with customers and partners, as well as to discover potential new business prospects.

At the event, we showcased our newest sensing technologies designed to improve safety and efficiency in industrial systems. Our products demonstrated progress in fields such as monitoring equipment conditions, using low-power vision, enhancing intelligent perception, and monitoring current levels. In this article, we will discuss some of the main demonstrations that attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand.

The ISM330BX is a flexible IMU used for monitoring conditions in various industries such as robotics and appliances. It includes a 3-axis digital gyroscope and accelerometer, along with built-in features for monitoring conditions, tracking orientation in 3D, and measuring vibrations. This system-in-package solution is particularly useful for detecting anomalies in water circuits and pumps.

The IMU is well-suited for monitoring the condition of machinery due to its 3-axis accelerometer that has a low-noise, wide-bandwidth frequency response of 2 kHz. This feature enables it to meet the strict vibration severity standards set by ISO-10816. In addition to condition monitoring, the ISM330BX can also be utilized in robotics applications. It provides reliable 3D orientation tracking with sensor fusion low power (SFLP) technology, allowing for low-power operation without sacrificing accuracy. Furthermore, its vibration sensing capabilities make it even more suitable for use in robotic systems.

The system includes features such as measuring and compensating for vibrations, detecting anomalies to identify faults, and detecting water leaks using Qvar sensing. This package is also included in STMicroelectronics' longevity program, ensuring availability and support for at least 10 years after the product is introduced. This is important for applications with long development cycles or extended lifespans in the field.

The TSC2020 current sense amplifier is well-suited for applications such as motor control, battery management systems, and solenoid valves. It provides precise measurements with low offset voltage (maximum of ±150 µV) and minimal drift (0.5 µV/°C), as well as minimal gain error (maximum of 0.3%) and drift (3.5 ppm/°C). It can operate within a wide common-mode voltage range (-4V to +100V) for use in high voltage systems.

The ability to sense bidirectional currents provides flexibility, while the high common-mode rejection (at least 100 dB) reduces noise for accurate measurements. The design features built-in EMI filters, improved PWM rejection, a wide temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), and AEC-Q100 certification for use in automotive applications. In addition, users can choose from internal fixed gain options (20V/V, 50V/V, or 100V/V) to avoid the need for external resistors. The flexible pinout allows for both bidirectional and unidirectional current sensing using only two reference voltage pins (Vref1 and Vref2). Offered in SO8 and MiniSO8 packages, the TSC2020 helps minimize PCB space requirements. This current sense amplifier is part of STMicroelectronics' extensive lineup of high-performance devices.

Introducing VD55G1, a next-generation smart vision system with low power consumption. This sensor, with a resolution of 0.56MP and global shutter technology, is designed for small devices like AR/VR glasses. Its pixel size of 2.16µm allows for a compact size of 2.73 x 2.16 mm². The VD55G1 is not only small but also energy-efficient, making it perfect for battery-powered devices such as security cameras. It also features a smart auto wake-up function, which allows the sensor to conserve power by only activating when needed, reducing constant power usage.

Additionally, the VD55G1 is equipped with built-in features such as automatic exposure control and noise reduction, resulting in superior image quality. It can remove background noise and capture frames of events while simultaneously providing synchronized information output. Integration is made simple with its MIPI CSI-2 output and I²C/I3C interfaces.

STMicroelectronics has released the STHS34PF80, a new uncooled infrared sensor designed for detecting occupancy in various applications. Unlike regular PIR sensors, the STHS34PF80 is able to detect both stationary and moving objects within an 80° field of view. This capability is made possible by its high sensitivity (2000 LSB/°C) operating in the wavelength range of 5 µm to 20 µm.

Furthermore, this sensor can detect when a person is within a 4-meter range without the need for large Fresnel lenses. Its compact size of 3.2 x 4.2 x 1.455 mm in an LGA package makes it easy to integrate. The sensor has built-in algorithms for detecting human presence and movement, reducing the need for external microcontrollers. This feature helps the sensor consume very little power, only 10 µA at 1Hz, which is beneficial for creating environmentally friendly products.

Learn more about Sensor + Test 2024 by visiting the website for additional information.

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