The 23rd international measurement fair, the SENSOR+TEST, will be held from the 10th to the 12th of May, 2016, on the fair grounds of the Nürnberg Exhibition Center. This is the communication platform across all branches of industry for developers, design engineers, and users in the area of sensor, measuring, and testing technology. It is also a must for students of natural sciences and engineering. State-of-the-art sensors and measurement technology are crucial for future advances in technical devices, machines, systems, and processes. And without the latest testing equipment, the continuously increasing requirements for reliability of products and processes cannot be met.
There is no comparable platform in all of Europe, where users can meet so many innovative suppliers of sensor, measuring, and testing technology from all over the globe. The AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement, the major supporter, and the AMA Service, the organizer, are counting this year on approximately 580 exhibitors and about 8,000 visitors.
Special Topic for 2016: Measuring in the Cloud
The future belongs to measuring technology. Data is the blood in the veins of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things. The rapid development of new Internet technology, such as open interfaces, cloud computing and big-data systems generate a plethora of data and provide a worldwide ubiquitous, mobile presence. Data is supplied by self-measuring sensors or sensor networks. The critical advance in the networked world of tomorrow is the global availability of local measuring results. Decisive for the efficiency of such systems is therefore the degree of usability provided by the data and the context in which it is to be used.
To actually gain information from the data, you need intelligent algorithms that can link and evaluate the amassed data. As decided by the Exhibitor Committee, this rapid development – and thus all the inherent risks, such as data security and data integrity – is to be examined at the SENSOR+ TEST 2016 within the Special Topic “Measuring in the Cloud.” Thus, the forum in Hall 5 will be dedicated to this special topic of the SENSOR+TEST 2016, focusing on new solutions and concepts for transmission, processing, analysis, and security of data acquired in the worldwide Web.
Product Overview of the SENSOR+TEST 2016
The following text is based on the preliminary information given by the exhibitors to AMA Service, the fair organizers, up to end of January 2016. It comprises a preview of products, services, and trends presented at this year’s SENSOR+TEST from 10 to 12 May 2016. The structure follows the trade fair’s nomenclature.
Overview of Topics:
Measuring Technology in the Cloud 2
Geometric Parameters 3
Mechanical Parameters 5
Dynamic Parameters 6
Thermal Parameters 9
Climatic Parameters 11
Optical Sensors / Acoustic Measuring Systems 12
Chemical Sensors 15
Measuring Technology 17
Testing Technology 21
SpecialTopic: Sensors in the Cloud 22
Components for Sensors and Measurement 23
Calibration Systems 23
Conclusion 25
Geometric Parameters
Determining distance, gap, position, angle, tilt, and attitude – or fill level for that matter – are among the most common measurement tasks in a plethora of applications from smartphones and automotive engineering at test rigs and with driver assistance systems to tooling equipment and robots. The great variety of sensor principles can be found under the broad offerings at the SENSOR+TEST 2016.
At the SENSOR+TEST you can find standard straingauges, encapsulated in Constantan grid material with modified phenol backing just as easily as specialized straingauges with Karma foil gauges and fiber-optic enhanced polyimide film backing for underwater and high-altitude measurements – or those with a high degree of distension or uneven deformations.
A French supplier is offering an analog straingauge amplifier with a high resolution and a high sampling rate of up to 9 kHz. It boasts communication interfaces via USB, hyperterminal, PuTTY, or tAST Android apps. Thanks to its small size, the measuring amplifier can be bonded close to the gauges as a quarter, half, or full bridge circuit.1
As a result of academic research, functional thin-film sensor materials have been developed that demonstrate a high distention sensitivity with a low sensitivity to temperature changes. These materials can be used to manufacture sensors for parameters, such as pressure, distention, force, weight, and torque or for measuring flow and temperature.2
Inductive displacements sensors with a diameter of only 10 mm detect displacements of up to 20 mm. Integrated electronics evaluate changes in the inductivity, caused by the displacement of an NiFe core. These miniature sensors in protection class IP67 can be used in harsh environments, such as in oil mists, mud, sludge, rain, and dust.3
The tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) effect in quantum physics enables an especially energy-efficient sensor design for the measurement of short distances or angles.
Besides a high temperature stability, the sensors offer a large operating distance between sensor and workpiece. Typical applications are incremental or absolute rotary or linear encoders, motor-feedback systems, and measuring systems for rotary speed.4
Miniaturized strain elements, made of silicon and with an integrated measuring bridge, are used for precision force measurements in medical engineering applications. Using semiconductor technologies, they attain a greater long-term stability, precision, and measuring reliability than do ductile metal straingauges. These piezoresistive elements are integrated in monocrystalline silicon, available as dual strain element and as a full-bridge.5
The service life and reliability of piezo actuators depend to a great extent on ambient conditions on site. That is why in Picma actuators the actual piezo ceramics are completely enclosed by an insulating ceramic layer. The lifecycle and performance of piezo actuators are being proved on Mars, where they are applied in the probe analysis system of the CheMin lab unit in the Mars rover Curiosity.6
Rings and round chips as miniature multilayer piezo actuators with up to 16 mm diameters are offered by a supplier also providing dynamic applications in the area of laser tuning, micro-dispensing, and life sciences.7
3D ultrasound scanners detect positions of persons and objects in real-time. The systems can be used for indoor navigation, monitoring of private and public areas, in smart homes, automotives, robotics, or for home entertainment.8
The available construction space for position measurement is becoming smaller and smaller. Therefore, a novel measuring head for magnetic position measurement only has a width of 9 mm for the same resolution as for the previous version, but at half the size.9
For detecting positions over distances of up to 10 m, an U.S. American manufacturer developed new cable encoders. These extremely dynamic position sensors are used in hydraulic lifts, cranes, construction machines, and production sites.10
Precision integrated magnetic ARM position sensors for automotives have an angular accuracy of 0.1 degrees. According to the manufacturers specs these are thus ten times more exact than comparable integrated solutions. Automatic drift compensation ensures a high degree of accuracy across the entire temperature range of -40 to +150 °C.11 In motor sports non-contacting angular speed sensors are now being used with an 8-mm D-shaft option.12
Six degrees of freedom are combined with a triaxial MEMS acceleration sensor with a triaxial rotary speed sensor. This smart sensor not only measures acceleration of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, but also pitch, yaw and roll. Areas of application are motor sports, aerospace, biomechanical robotics, lifts, and elevators.13
According to the supplier, the smallest-ever fiber optic gyro system has an angle random walk of 0.015 °/√h at a sensitivity of 0.01 °/h/G.14
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Sensor, Measuring, and Testing Technology – Innovative Exponents for Future Industry A new generation of accelerometers combines the advantages of piezoelectric sensors (very high frequency range) and sensors with a variable capacity (real DC response) in a titanium housing. This enables measurements of static accelerations under 1 Hz as well as high-frequency vibrations of up to 10 kHz with one and the same sensor. Areas of application include condition monitoring systems for wind power plants and machines.15
A compact GPS speed sensor with an integrated inertial sensor system measures to a centimeter exactly acceleration, speed, and braking distance – triggered by speed. The adjustments for the braking distance can be configured via a browser. A CAN interface and Ethernet allow the measuring and braking data to be output in real-time.16
Mechanical Parameters
This section gives you an overview of the first reports from the exhibitors dealing with parameters, such as pressure / differential pressure, force / weight, mechanical stress and torque to density and viscosity. On the one hand, the SENSOR+TEST is just the fair to find a great variety of standard transducers, on the other hand it is also the place to discover specialized equipment, not found in every-day applications.
Pressure, Differential Pressure
The technologies applied here extend from piezoresistive silicon sensors for pressure measurement in liquid and gaseous media to thinfilm strain gauges. Some sensor systems are equipped with integrated temperature sensors.
An American supplier provides Bluetooth-capable MEMS pressure sensors for automotives, industrial, and consumer applications, as well as prefabricated sensor modules and ceramic sensors.17 One manufacturer offers a range of 56 different pressure ranges for miniature pressure sensors. These can be used to monitor blood pressure or the pressure in ventilators or air brakes.18 A piezoresistive silicon pressure sensor in a stainless steel housing measures relative or absolute pressure in ranges of 0 to 1 or 0 to 300 psi. Thanks to a broad media compatibility, the measuring system is suited for corrosive liquids and gases as well as for immersion probes in contaminated fluids19
Miniaturization is a trend in sensor technology. New digital differential pressure sensors in standard SOIC housings with a 14-bit resolution and an accuracy of 1.5% FS can be automatically SMD mounted. These pressure sensors measure in a pressure range of 5 mbar as bidirectional differential pressure sensors under- and over-pressures symmetrically. They were designed specifically for medical applications, such as sleep apnea monitoring, CPAP and respiration devices.20 A pressure transducer with a plug in a titanium housing with a diameter of 4.6 mm, flush front membrane, and a measuring range of 1 to 100 bar is especially suited for mounting in hard-to-access locations in the automotive, ship-building, and aerospace industries.21 With a diameter of 1.237 mm, a front-flush pressure transducer from the same supplier is designed for measuring the aerodynamic pressure distribution on vehicle and airplane models, but is also used in fuel-cell research.22
A mobile pressure governor for field applications is available for control ranges from 0 to 2.5 mbar and 0 to 1000 bar. A number of governors can be controlled via Bluetooth on a tablet PC, for instance. Compact and robust aluminum housings are shockproof and thus well suited for field applications. The applied pulse-valve principle ensures a long service life.23 A mobile flow-rate system for generation a controlled mass flow can generate an in-vehicle pressure and detect leakages as well as measure system and device characteristics.24
Force, Weight
A particularly flat and robust ring force sensor made of stainless steel can determine bolt preloads. It is designed for measuring ranges of 15 kN (for M6 bolts) to 1500 kN (for M52 bolts).25 A hermetically sealed, stainless steel shear beam load cell in protection class IP68 can be used for loads from 150 to 10,000 kg. An ATEX certificate and W6 T-end loading hole option are available. The load cell is used in platforms, containers, and fueling vehicles.26 A supplier from the Netherlands is presenting an eight-channel T2 load transmitter at the SENSOR+TEST for rear-mounting on an Omega / DIN rail or in an IP67 housing. The eight independent measuring channels can be parametrized via an LCD.27
An especially flat force sensor with a thickness of only 14 mm is particularly suited for testing tasks in quality assurance and in materials testing. This is done on a very small area. The centerpiece is a 19-x-14-mm PCB for straingauge signal processing also providing connections for UART to Bluetooth, CAN bus, and GPRS modem.28 Extremely thin tactile sensors measure not only pressures, but also forces between any two given surfaces. The 13-x-4.2-mm sensors have a minimum active surface of 1.86 mm2 or a maximum surface are of 3.06 mm2, an expanded measuring range and increased temperature stability. A software program can evaluate the minimum interference between the objects.29
Dynamic Parameters
The fact that automotive development in Germany is an especially important topic is reason enough for the SENSOR+TEST to be the most prominent platform for accelerometers, vibration, oscillation, and acoustic analysis systems – not to forget the development of the many speed and flow sensors driven by microsystem technology (MEMS).
Shockproof up to 6,000 g, low nonlinearity and low noise characterize the new MEMS sensors for the low to middle frequency ranges.30 Cubic accelerometers provided sensitivities of 10 and 100 mV/g, can be supplied with TEDS support, and measure up to 10 kHz. Their cubic housing with an edge length of 9 mm weighs less than 3 g.31
Single-axle acceleration sensors open applications at temperatures up to 538 °C. A silver window on the surface of a hermetically sealed Inconel housing supplies the sensor element with oxygen, while maintaining the seal. The sensor weighs only 13 g, is 12.5 mm high and provides a signal of 1 to 2 pC/g at bandwidths of up to 10 kHz. Areas of application include turbines, vehicle motors or ESS (Environmental Stress Screening). Suitable stainless-steel cables with fiberglass overwraps are available.32 Triaxial miniature IEPE acceleration sensors have a lower limit frequency of 0.65 Hz and an excellent phase response at low frequencies. The accelerometers are hermetically sealed for reliable operation at high humidity and dirty environments. Typical applications include modal and structural analyses, sound measurement, vibration, and material durability and well as vibration control.33
One supplier optimized the design of safety-belt force transducers for crash tests. The low-noise sensor has a very light, low friction titanium structure to minimize friction errors. The low-noise Wheatstone bridge comprises metal-foil straingauges with common 2-mV/V outputs. Optionally, the sensor can be had with extremely light, flush or serrated titanium axis heads and a very robust steel mesh cable.34
Another manufacturer is showing a new generation of oscillation analyzers for diverse real-time measurements and FFT analysis as well as for comprehensive oscillation and sound analysis (structural examinations, modal analysis, torsional vibration, acoustics).35 With an envelope analysis, damage on ball or roll bearings can be discovered early and prognoses can be made regarding the elements subjected to damage (internal ring, external ring, rolling body). These vibration analyzers are used for a time-dependent condition monitoring and for quality assurance in production.36
The cause for torsion oscillations in machines are rapidly changing rotary speeds and thus the rotational uniformity of rotating parts. This widespread phenomenon occurs in reciprocating engines, wind and water propellers, and turbines and a cause of component failure, noise, and vibration. One supplier offers torsion vibration measurement as an integrated solution in analyzers, equipped with a 6.4 MS/s sampling of the tachometer inputs and an integrated frequency-voltage converter.37
A new measuring module detects vibration on machines, vehicles, and buildings for structural and stability analysis. The multichannel module enables signal acquisition from four IEPE sensors. All inputs are galvanically separated and thus robust and with low susceptibility to noise. Four 100-kHz A/D converters provide a resolution of 24 bits.38
Vibration switches monitor peak and effective values of machines and plants in a freely selectable frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz. The devices have a piezo-electric acceleration transducer and software that compares the acceleration spectrum in ten adjustable frequency ranges at various limit values.39
One manufacturer offers contactless linear Hall-effect sensors for stroke actuators with high vibrations. The model is especially suited for short stroke actuators in an environment with high vibration and dither movements, such as occur on forklifts or hoists. Thanks to its broad temperature range of -40 to over +100 °C, these sensors are especially suited for mobile applications.40
Impulse hammers are used in modal analysis to excite structures with a defined impulse to determine the structural health of a test specimen. A special acceleration compensated piezoelectric force sensor in the hammer head ensures a smooth frequency spectrum that is free from anomalies. Available in a broad range from 2 g to 5,500 g head weights for excitation of violin bridges to turbine blades or pipes to buildings.41 A software for the structural analysis of rotors and hydrostatic bearings measures not only in the classical modal analysis by excitation by impulse hammers or shakers, but all other important vibration data on turbo-engines. Especially designed measuring processes have been developed for determining shaft positions and movement parameters, such as gap, shaft center line, or orbit for specific arrays.42 Another supplier of vibration control systems has developed a monitoring system that continuously records acceleration, temperature, and distention – regardless of the control system used. All test-relevant signals from the test piece and the shaker are available as a compact unit. Exceeding limit values due to defective sensors or possible entry errors in the test definition that could lead to excessive testing of the test piece are avoided and lead to an immediate switching off of the shaker.43
Magnetic-inductive flow measurements are among the worldwide most common measuring methods. Their numerous areas of application, high measuring exactitude, and simple operation are very convincing. A specialist for pressure and temperature measuring technology now has included magnetic-inductive diameters with nominal widths from DN 3 to DN 300 in the product range. The minimum conductivity of the media must be greater than 5 μS/cm, and the maximum temperature depending on the version is up to 130 °C.44 An ultrasound flow meter directly outputs digital signals from the water flow. Signal conditioning is integrated for reading the actual or cumulated flow.45 A clamp-on flow meter measures via ultrasound the flow of liquids and gases. Highly developed signal filters and improved signal algorithms allow metering of liquids with an increased amount of solid materials, gases, or humid gases.46
Thermal Parameters
The market for temperature sensors and measuring devices seems endless in regard to size and variety. You can get this impression of the SENSOR+TEST every year. Besides standard sensor elements, such as NTC, Pt100/Pt1000, or the numerous types of thermoelements, contactless temperature measurement is strongly represented.
Temperature Measurement Devices
The SENSOR+TEST 2016 presents a comprehensive product range of innovative, contactless temperature measuring equipment, such as infrared pyrometers and infrared cameras for spot or surface measurements. Heat-flux sensors measure thermal and caloric parameters, such thermal conductivity, heat-flux density, or differential temperature. Now a supplier is showing industrial heat-flux sensors for process control. They are available for temperatures of up to 170 °C and with ATEX / EEx certification for hazardous areas. Compared to conventional process temperature monitoring, a heat-flux sensor improves the view of the processes.47
In the area of gas and flame sensor technology, the miniaturization of peripheral devices is gaining in importance. Compact, miniaturized designs allow more channels for analysis of numerous gases without increasing the size of the housings. This combination of space saving and robust design is appreciated by users, who want to integrate the sensors in mobile devices. A miniaturized four-channel detector in a TO-39 housing has an aperture of 5 mm and a hermetically sealed central window in a cap.48
An uncooled thermal imaging camera with a worldwide unique detector of 1024 x 768 IR pixels can detect the finest structures and smallest defects on large measuring objects. Special algorithms combine thermal images with various focus adjustments automatically in such a way that the resulting thermographic image precisely shows the object structures.49 The infrared cameras made by a German supplier have a resolution of 512 x 384 pixels or 768 x 576 pixels and a measuring frequency of 60 or 50 frames per second. They boast a large, continuous measuring range of 600 °C to 1500 °C or 1500 °C to 3000 °C.50 This supplier also offers a ratio or two-color pyrometer with a novel InGaAs two-color detector for temperature measurements in metallurgy. Such ratio pyrometers are suited for rough environmental conditions. While standard single-channel pyrometers show lower measuring temperatures when the optics are soiled, the measured value of ratio pyrometers only changes upon considerable soiling.51
Using cameras with highly dynamic Si- or InGaAs arrays, temperatures of 300 to 3000 °C can be measured in the near infrared range (NIR) from 0.8 μm to 1.1 μm or 1.4 μm to 1.6 μm. These short wavelengths are important for reducing the influence of the emission on the temperature measurement accuracy. These arrays measure online thermal images at 480 x 350 pixels and a frame rate 30 Hz.52
An uncooled thermal image sensor with a 80-x-64-pixel array and integrated optics, equipped with an internal 16-bit AD converter and an EEPROM in the TO-8 housing can be supplied fully calibrated by one manufacturer. Different optics are available that can attain noise-equivalent temperature differentials (NETD) between 150 and 300 mK at full resolutions of 16 bits and 22 Hz.53
Temperature Probes
At the SENSOR+TEST 2016 you can choose from about 600 temperature sensor elements, the focus being on Pt, NTC, or KTY types. Customized designs for medical technology, racing, energy technology, or measuring and control technology in general, all of it is on offer. Thus, you could integrate a wireless temperature sensor in a smart metering infrastructure as a room sensor.
One manufacturer combines a conventional machine thermometer with an additional Pt100 temperature probe. The thermometer has a G 1/2 connection thread and a 10-mm immersion tube. The advantage of this combination is that temperature can be read on site and that the electrical temperature signal can be further processed in the network.54 A Czech supplier is showing stainless steel Pt100 and Pt1000 temperature probes as per DIN 1.4301 in protection class IP67 and a housing diameter of 1.5 mm.55
From Taiwan we have contactless infrared temperature probes on MEMS basis with analog outputs or fully integrated A/D converters. To limit Johnson noise, the sensor has a thermistor, referenced to the ambient temperature. The 116-element array is placed on a swimming micro-membrane and measures in a spectral range of 5 μm to 14 μm.56 An extraordinary design is offered by NTC thermistors with gold contacts and waterproof glass coating. These enable application at continuous operating temperatures (COT) of -60 °C to +1000 °C. Thanks to a high accuracy of ±0.5% to ±10% R (or ±0.1 °C to ±2.0 °C) between 0 °C and +300 °C, they are ideally suited for applications in air conditioners, motors, and boilers.57
Semiconductor diodes and transistors are small, inexpensive, highly sensitive and practically linear temperature sensors. Due to production conditions there is always a certain amount of spread between samples, preventing interchangeability without individual calibration. A German research institute has developed a technological process for silicon wafers with which a reproducible sensitivity dU/dT as well as a voltage increase over temperature can be attained, while minimizing the deviation of the U/I characteristic from the ideal curve.58
Climatic Parameters
This section is mainly about a combination of humidity and temperature measurements. There are also plenty of sensors for barometric air pressure, atmospheric gas concentrations, smoke, dust, or solar radiation, for that matter, all of which can be found at the SENSOR+TEST.
A compact, portable calibration system will revolutionize the automatic calibration of relative humidity sensors on site, according to the supplier. The device contains a stabilized test chamber in which the performance of relative humidity sensors are tested in a range of 5 to 95% rF. Up to seven sensors with various diameters and output signals can be tested and evaluated simultaneously.59
In the future, many measuring devices will have wireless communication. A digital measuring transducer measures fine dust, humidity, temperature, and CO2 content and transmits the measured values per radio signal to a base station up to 1000 m away. The system can be used for process monitoring the pharma industry, for monitoring dust concentrations, or climatic monitoring in museums, buildings, or greenhouses.60
Digital humidity and temperature sensors are presented by an Austrian maker. An exact humidity adjustment as well as good temperature compensation ensure a high degree of accuracy of ±2 % rF or ±0.3 °C. Due to the very small size of only 3.6 mm x 2.8 mm x 0.75 mm, the sensors can also be used in cramped spaces. A special coating protects the humidity sensor from dirt and corrosion. Additional components, such as filter caps, are not required.61
A pressure-resistant, miniaturized stainless-steel humidity/temperature probe is suited for application in industrial plants and test chambers. The probe, with a pressure-resistant M8x1 thread, can be mounted in compressed air lines and chambers. The capacitive humidity sensor operates in a range of 0 to 100% rF and at -40 to +80 °C at an accuracy of +/-2% rF. Thanks to the short response time of only four seconds, the probe is also suited for rapidly changing control processes.62 The supplier calls this multifunction sensor for pressure, humidity, and temperature as an ideal sensor for IoT applications. It comes in 2.5-mm-x-2.5.mm housing. The sensor measures the relative humidity (0% to 100%) across a very broad temperature range in less than one second and is thus destined for use in mobile applications.63
A portable hygrometer in a robust industrial design offers dew-point measurements for compressed air, enabling simple sampling in compresses-air dryers, for medical gases, and plastic drying plants. The polymer sensor elements have a high long-term stability and resistance to many chemicals. Besides the robust sensor and integrated particle filter, the housing is in protection class NEMA 6 (IP68).64
Detection or prevention of condensed water is an important aspect for assuring reliable and efficiently functioning industrial processes. This is especially true, as micro-condensation alone can be relevant to reliability and functionality. One manufacturer is now offering micro-condensation sensors with a calibrated digital output signal. The objective is to effectively support customer-specific developments (condensation mass, tempera-ture, design, packaging).65
Pyranometers measure incident solar radiation in agricultural and meteorological networks as well as in photovoltaic monitoring systems. A Dutch supplier has developed a digital ISO-9060 Class-2-compliant pyronometer that measures incident solar radiation in W/m2 with a 180° field of visibility. The sun-ray sensor has standard digital industrial outputs, can be networked, and is easy to integrate and maintain.66
Optical Sensors / Acoustic Measuring Systems
There are plenty of application fields for optical sensors: gas and particle measurement, fluorescence and analysis techniques, spectroscopy, temperature measurement, motion detectors, high-resolution positioning systems, etc. Among the major characteristics besides sensitivity relative to wavelength is always the signal-to-noise ratio. Not only sensors are used in these applications, but special light sources as well – laser diodes mostly.
In many applications in which infrared sensors are used, water vapor can cause problems and lead to undesired false alarms. A novel integrated infrared sensor (INIR) contains proprietary hardware and firmware that can detect possible humidity and can reduce the response of the sensor accordingly. The sensor reacts by exact and repeatable signals rapidly to changes in the target gas. In an explosion, shock, and vibration proof housing, it can be easily integrated in critical applications.67
A new xInGaAs photodiode has a peak wavelength of 1.75 μm, a chip diameter of 1 mm, and is integrated in a TO-46 housing.68 This supplier also offers a heterostructure photodiode on a InAs substrate with a relative wide peak at 2.8 μm. This detector with a 0.5-mm chip is especially designed for uncooled operation and a spectral range of up 3.5 μm (20% cutoff).69
Pulsed laser diodes (PLDs) with a homogenous steel profile are a viable alternative to big, expensive laser systems. To enable these semiconductor laser diodes, external wave guides or homogenizers are required. Spreader disks, diffractive elements, or long optical fibers can also be used. A Canadian supplier combines powerful, multi-junction PLDs with a special fiber structure. After a few centimeters, a homogenous steel profile is attained. The result is a compact, robust design with minimal losses.70
The radiation of super-luminescence diodes is based on an amplified spontaneous emission and offers the brightness of laser diodes at a lower coherence length. These diodes have an output power of up to 10 mW at 670 nm and 830 nm. They are used in optical coherence tomography, fiber sensor technology, optical measurements, and as a light source for imaging processes in medical technology.71 The supplier also offers UV-LEDs with wavelengths of 365 to 400 nm and 4 W, used to monitor hardening of adhesives.72
For time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), individual photons are not only counted, but the time of their detection in dependence to a reference signal is also determined. Usually, the reference is a laser pulse. A novel single-photon counter with an avalanche photodiode (150 μm active surface) is characterized by a high detection efficiency greater than 80% and a time-correlated resolution of 350 ps. Besides the measurement of the fluorescence life cycle, the timing module is used for time-correlated fluorescence and single-molecule spectroscopy and LIDAR (light/radar) applications.73 A low-noise, compact photo-counting module with a TTL or USB output provides a high dynamic range in the spectral range of 280 to 630 nm.74
Novel micro-laser illuminations use small-band VCSEL chips and have size of 0.6 mm x 0.7 mm x 1.4 mm. They emit monochromatic light with a small angle of divergence of less than 0.5° and provide a light spot of 300 μm at a distance300 mm. The radiation is very stable, linearly polarized in a plane inclined by 45° to the module edge. Applications for these high-grade components can be found in ellipsometers, reflection and transmission measuring devices, as well as in polarimeters.75
For pyroelectric detectors and lead-salt detectors, a supplier is offering an IR filter set to attach to TO-39 housings. For this purpose 14 standard bandpass filters were sawed into hexagonal pieces and mounted into a clip-on filter holder with an inside diameter of 8.5 mm. The open aperture is 6 mm wide. The shortest filter wavelength is 3.33 μm, the longest is 7.30 μm. The half widths range from 60 nm to 600 nm. All filters are based on a silicon substrate and are blocked to 10 μm.76 Pyroelectric LTO detectors in current mode have a relatively strong signal at a low offset with consistent temperature dependence over a wide range. The first products in this area are LiTaO3 detectors in a TO-39 housing as single- or dual-sensors with detection surfaces of up to 3.0 x 3.0 mm². They are offered with or without blanking elements for temperature compensation.77
An embedded spectrometer for industrial and mobile applications uses a powerful processor for the US-VIS-NIR spectral sensors. Besides the classical spectral data computations, complex processes are available internally, such as chemometry, fast Fourier transformations, as well as the parametrization of its own computations as a data processing module. For monitoring and parametrization by the customer, a PC software program and an android app were developed.78
An image processing system for a 360° surveillance of surfaces can detect mechanical defects on smooth surfaces of work pieces produced in press lines. Depending on the size of the parts, up to 120 reflective or non-reflection work pieces per minute. By a combination of diffuse lighting, the flawed parts can be sorted out.79
A Romanian manufacturer at the SENSOR+TEST is showing a contactless laser interferometer with coherent lighting providing a high-contrast, speckle pattern. The angular displacement of the light field can be mapped linearly to a sensor array. The shifting of the image is used to measure the angular displacement in one or two directions (1D or 2D) of randomly shaped machine parts, micro- or nanocomponents.80
The sirex (scanning infrared reflection examination) measuring process visualizes high-precision mechanical stress in semiconductors, MEMS, and 3D-ICs. This is based on the optical phenomenon of photoelasticity, where many optical isotropic materials become birefringent or birefractive. A laser scans the workpiece and subsequently analyzes the depolarization. This allows mechanical strains on or in micromechanical, monocrystalline components, such as silicon wafers, to be detected.81
Acoustic Measurement
Thanks to the big topics dealing with measuring and testing technology – especially in the area of vehicle development – visitors to the
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Sensor, Measuring, and Testing Technology – Innovative Exponents for Future Industry
SENSOR+TEST can obtain information on the state of development of measuring microphones and acoustic measuring technology in general.
Transient soundwaves are generated in elastic materials under stress in rotating machinery. Audible are impacts, cyclical fatigue cracks, frictions, turbulences, material losses, cavitations, leakages, etc. This effect can be used for maintenance purposes. A Rumanian supplier has developed miniaturized smart acoustic emission sensors with on-board data acquisition, signal conditioning, and a data-processing system for storage and subsequent processing of data. Included is also a threshold-value comparison and diagnosis algorithms. Energy harvesting from thermal, vibration, or solar sources supply enough energy to operate the sensors.82
Another supplier offers a software solution for analyzing the distribution of sound emissions and determining sound energy flux. The software provides one or more measuring surfaces to determine the sound intensity distribution of the sound sources in question. The measuring results can be used to localize sound sources and to compute sound power levels according to ISO 9614.83
Chemical Sensors
Sensors for determining the concentration of combustible, explosive, toxic, or other gases, have been at the focus of the SENSOR+TEST for years. In the reports submitted by the exhibitors this year, optical processes are again emphasized. Alongside catalytic sensors, there is a wide offering of wet chemical sensors for pH value, oxygen concentration, or conductivity.
“Pellet resistors” or pellistors, coils around which a catalyst is deposited to form a small bead, measure gas concentrations by maintaining a sensor in an electrical bridge circuit. The output is linearly proportional to the concentration of flammable gas present. A British sensor supplier has now developed pellistors based on micromechanical systems (MEMS) and thus attains a higher degree of reliability and a higher resistance against impacts and vibration.84
A new family of sensors for parameters, such as pH value, temperature, and redox potential can be used in difficult measuring environments. A large-scale PTFE ring diaphragm ensures rapid response times. It is relatively resistant to polluting loads, oils, or greasy process or wastewaters. All sensors are designed for extreme process conditions, including temperatures of up to 135 °C and pressures of up to 13 bar.85 This supplier is also to present a bus-capable connection system of digital sensors for the installation of an intelligent sensor network without the need for an additional measuring transformer. All important measuring parameters for analysis of liquids can be measured by a single system.
Moreover, probes can be integrated for opacity and oxygen measurements.86
A multi-channel measuring head for tests on sample volumes in the nanoliter range was developed in the context of the Smarter SI European research project. The principle is based on the fluorescence and absorption measurements in an array of different enzyme pixels. The small chemically sensitive pixels, in the diameter range of hundreds of microns, are analyzed by a switchable array of parallel beams, generated by a complex micro-optical system of LED chips, optical lens arrays, and filters. The measured color response of the pixel allows the detectio and determination of concentrations of different allergens and mycotoxins in foods.87
The continuous monitoring of peripheral photoplethysmograms will provide important information on the status of our health in the future. Among the parameters are pulse, arterial oxygen saturation, hear-rate variability, respiratory frequency as well as vascular rigidity and indications of increasing or decreasing blood pressure. The required raw data are extracted from a pulse wave provided by a miniaturized, multispectral photoplethysmography sensor. This is emplaced in-ear in the external auditory canal and fitted to the patient. Up to four LEDs of different wavelengths are used to obtain measuring data from various tissue depths and thus to detect motion artefacts.88
Within the last few years, nanotechnology has proved to be a key to numerous applications. Synthetic or engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), it has been found, can pose unknown risks to living organisms and the environment. A Rumanian supplier has developed a sensor for quick analysis of nanoparticles in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. The sensors combine an optical and an electrochemical process. The resulting signal pattern is then evaluated by chemometrical methods.89
Air Quality
Nondispersive infrared gas sensors are often used to detect CO2 in the air because of their small size. They have built-in temperature compensation, digital outputs, and analog voltage outputs. They are used to monitor room air, industrial processes, for safety and security monitoring and in agriculture and stock breeding.90
MEMS sensors measure carbon-dioxide and methane based on changes in their conductivity by chemsorption or calometrical measurements of gas molecules at a sensitive layer. An integrated polysilicon heating element generated the required temperatures. Various polymer films increase the sensitivity of small gas concentrations in the ppm range.91 Electrochemical toxic gas sensors are being shown by a Japanese supplier. They have a high sensitivity and selectivity for carbon-monoxide, hydrogen-sulfide, nitrogen-oxide, chlorine, sulfur-dioxide, and ammonia.92 A CO2 sensor uses two detector elements for absolute measurements. Each sensor module is calibrated individually and supplied with a UART and an I2C digital interface. Areas of application include hospitals, ventilation control in buildings and individual rooms.93 A microprocessor supported sensor analyzes combustible and toxic gases in Ex zones 1 and 2.94 A batter-operated electrochemical sensor uses an electrolyte instead of a water reservoir, making it ultra-compact and ideal as a portable or room CO detector or as a multisensor fire detector.95
Based on NDIR and NDUV absorption-photometry, a novel gas measuring system was developed for industrial applications. The device was especially designed for rapid display of the measured values in a period of time from t90 between 100 ms and 1 s. Micromechanical surface-emitting diodes (IR range) and LEDs (UV range) that can be operated with high modulation frequencies are used. The spectral range extends from 250 nm to 12 μm.96
Oxygen sensors are continuously gaining in significance in many sophisticated production processes. For instance, in 3D pressure applications in which metals, alloys, or ceramics must be bonded in layers, the ambient oxygen concentration must be precisely controlled. Other important applications in which these kinds of sensors play a central role are fire protection equipment, cell incubators, products for food conservation, and for fruit and vegetable ripening as well as for gas analysis instruments. New, custom-tailored zirconium-oxide oxygen sensors cover the entire range of all possible oxygen concentrations from a small number of ppm to 95%. They can also be used as humidity sensor. Thus, they are used, for instance, in industrial ovens for moisture regulation at high temperatures (>100 °C). These oxygen sensors operate at temperatures of up to 300 °C.97 An important influencing factor of bad air quality is the low boiling point of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Air quality modules can now detect with chemical MEMS metal-oxide semiconductors such VOCs. They are used as modules in air conditioning systems in vehicles, intelligent controls of HVAC systems, and in bathroom and kitchen ventilation control.98
Measuring Technology
The offerings at the SENSOR+TEST include complex measuring systems for test beds, decentralized monitoring of engineering structures, machines, and plants or handheld measuring equipment and devices for process instrumentation. Also there is mobile measurement technology, mostly for application in automotive development.
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Thanks to intelligent memory management, 64-bit processing and scripting for automatic data aggregation, an evaluation module can process measuring data up to 10 Gbytes. The application of the Matlab programming language expands the multifaceted, integrated computing functions.99
A digital multichannel signal conditioning module for thermoelements operates at an extremely high sampling rate and an eightfold thermoelement amplifier with CAN bus output. With its compact inline housing and its optimized cold-junction compensation for ambient temperatures of -40 °C to +125 °C, the module is particularly designed for application in embedded tests and test-rig measurements.100 A low-noise sensor signal is a prerequisite for precise measurement. A precision in-line load amplifier for piezoelectrical sensors can accept differential as well as single-ended sensors and is resistant to common-mode interference.101
At the SENSOR+TEST, one manufacturer will show a mobile acceleration logger for single-button data detection with a triaxial acceleration sensor, available in two measuring ranges. The data is stored on an SDHC card that can be read by a PC or laptop. Due to its compact shape and stable IP67 housing, the device can be attached with magnets or screws in hard-to-access locations. With sampling rates of up to 3,200 measuring points per second and measuring ranges of ±16 g and ±200 g, static accelerations as well as vibrations and impacts can be monitored.102 Sensors with output signals of mV/V, ±5 V, ±10 V, or 0/4 to 20 mA can be connected to a two-channel Ethernet sensor interface in a robust aluminum die-cast housing. At a measuring rate of up to 2,500/s highly dynamic measurements are feasible. The evaluation of the attached sensors is performed via an Ethernet interface.103
Especially suited for mobile service applications is a vehicle interface with USB or Bluetooth interfaces as well CAN bus and K-line. The main communication protocols, UDS (ISO 14229), KWP 2000 (ISO 14230, ISO 15765) as well as SAE J1939, are supported via the standardized D-PDU API (ISO 22900-2). A Bluetooth interface enables a simple connection of the end devices to the vehicle.104
A high-performance pulse counter with a broad dynamic range is suited for counting TTL pulses. At the end of the measuring cycle, the results are automatically stored in an Excel-compatible file.105 The same supplier also has an amplifier/discriminator that can generate an output pulse with a fixed width and amplitude for any photomultiplier output pulse whenever the discriminator threshold value is exceeded. The threshold values are at -2 mV and are thus sufficiently sensitive for most photomultipliers.106
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A software-based 5-in-1 measuring device combines a mixed-signal oscilloscope with protocol analysis, a function generation, a digital multimeter, a variable DC power supply, as well as digital I/Os. Thanks to a 350-MHz bandwidth, four analog channels, and an Ethernet connection, the device can offer users more functionality for characterization and debugging of new circuit designs and for automatic testing systems.107
Waste heat is a special challenge in many power-over-Ethernet systems, because usually small and densely equipped housings are desired, while only large, expensive heat sinks can dissipate waste heat. The efficient design of LTPoE++ reduces the need for heat sinks, while allowing small product sizes. One supplier is now offering an LTPoE++, PoE+, and PoE compatible PD interface controller for applications that require a power supply of 2 W to 90 W. Besides the PD controller, it also contains a galvanically separated synchronized switching regulator that supports flux converter as well as flyback converter topologies and an auxiliary voltage.108
One of the major trends in A/D converters is a continuously increasing resolution. One manufacturer is presenting a latency-free 24-bit / 2 Msps SAR ADC with a high dynamic range of 145 dB. An internal digital filter averages up to 65,536 sampling values in real-time. This makes the A/D converter suitable for seismic, medical, and other applications requiring a broad dynamic range.109
A differential amplifier with integrated, precisely paired resistors can suppress common-mode voltages of up to ±270 V. It has a CMRR of at least 97 dB, an initial amplification error of max. 35 ppm, an amplification drift of max. 1 ppm/°C, and an amplification linearity error of max. 2 ppm. Accuracy, noise, and bandwidth can be optimized for input voltage and common-mode range by selecting from seven different splitting ratios.110 An energy-efficient 24-bit high-power signal amplifier can be used in resistive pressure sensors or in absolute voltage sensors, such as thermopiles. It enables highly precise measuring systems for barometric altitude measurements, portable navigation, and emergency call systems or pressure measurements on hard disks and in weather stations.111
Every measurement process is different. Measuring method, measuring device, measured object, and a number of further parameters are dependent on the desired objective. A new data explorer indexes measuring data on a hard drive and allows the data to be imported. A search of attributes or defined search filter facilitates finding the desired data.112 With an index system instead of a relational database and pure HTML5 user interface another supplier is offering a new approach to measuring data management. Through the Web-based access, stored data can be displayed at any time on any device. A new EnCom technology reduces network traffic to a minimum.113
Mobile communications are gaining in importance in view of Industry 4.0. Using a free device app, android and Apple Smartphones and tablets are now able to communicate with different measuring devices. The app can scan for devices in a company network and show them in a list. The selection can be made via this list or direct entry of the IP address or DNS name. The app can show usable data, such as text, image, event, and alarm lists. Names, process values, and alarm events can be called up for all active groups and channels. Events and alarms are flagged with an icon and have date/time stamp.114 This supplier also offers a screen recorder with a new operating and visualization concept. The icon-based system requires three touch motions at most to call up desired process data. The top-of-the-line model is available in variants with three or six universal analog inputs, two analog outputs, 12 digital inputs, and 12 individual switchable digital inputs or outputs.115 A mobile and flexible data logger with a touch screen and 8 to 12 flexibly adjustable input channels is being offered by another supplier. It logs measured values, configured for different sensor outputs, at a freely adjustable intervals on an SD memory card.116
New charge and IEPE measuring amplifiers are used for signal conditioning of acceleration, force, and pressure sensors, as well as for measuring microphones with a charge or IEPE output. Besides the amplification function, they contain high- and low-pass filters as well as integrators. Made for 19-inch racks, the module variants can be completely controlled via USB.117
A PTP time converter enables precise time synchronization of non-PTP measuring devices, sensors, and controls via Ethernet as per IEEE 1588. The system converts the precision time protocol (PTP) to conventional time reference signals, such as IRIG-B, DCF77 or PPX. Via a Web interface, these time reference signals can be allocated to coax and optical outputs or optocouplers. A 10-MHz reference signal is also available. For synchronization of protection or automation systems in energy technologies, a PTP power profile as IEEE C37.238 is supported.118
An IEEE 1588/PTP Grandmaster clock with an integrated GPS antenna and GPS receiver offers a simple and quick option to synchronize intelligent electronic devices, computers, and measuring equipment via an Ethernet network via the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol or alternatively via the Network Time Protocol. Besides the IEEE 1588 default profile, the power profile as per IEEE C37.238-2011 is also supported.119
With an EMV pre-compliance set, development engineers can easily and inexpensively check their systems for conducted or radiated interferences. They can use a line impedance stabilization network (LISN) to measure interference voltages in the supply cable and apply an amplitude correction with various factors. The supplied PC software facilitates the measuring process with various functions.120 The D/A converter modules provide highly precise voltages, for instance, to test embedded systems with hardware in-the-loop simulations or for generating audio signals. They are equipped with four or eight analog output channels, galvanically separated from the PC chassis up to 700 Veff.121 A test bench is often already equipped with an industrial-grade PC. If so, inexpensive measuring systems can be connected via a PCI express bus expansion for automatic function tests. The proximity to the test piece enables short measuring cables and minimizes potential interference by field wiring.122
A compact measuring device with a touch display enables the connection of desired sensors and the detection of 15 high-speed measuring signals. It can be connected simply via USB or Ethernet to the PC or laptop and can thus also be used for quick service applications.123
Monitoring Tasks
Fiber Bragg gratings are optical interference filters in optical conductors that reflect wavelengths within the bandwidths of the filters. One supplier offers a fiber Bragg grating with a special polarization maintaining optical fiber for straingauges. The induced birefringence of the fiber generates two separate wavelength peaks of approx. 0.5 nm with orthogonal polarizations. If the temperature changes or if the fiber expands, the reflecting wavelength also changes. Examples of applications range from flexible minimally invasive medical equipment, such as catheters, syringes, etc. to remote monitoring tasks for reactors and other industrial processing plants.124
Precise and permanent measurement of concentrations in liquid mixtures is crucial for direct control of many production processes. A German supplier shows at the SENSOR+TEST a novel microwave transmission technology, supposedly superior to the established processes. By means of permanent inline monitoring, the systems help to prevent outages and allow better control of the production processes.125
Testing Technology
Where would sensor and measuring technology be without the means for testing? Testing technology is a discipline in its own right. Today’s quality standards for products and production processes would never have been attained without it. On the other hand, testing technology in turn uses sensors and measurement to provide precise and reproducible results. Therefore, the SENSOR+TEST is exactly the right place to obtain information on the state of the art in testing technology and the details of divers laboratory measuring devices.
Special Topic: Sensors in the Cloud
Modern cloud technologies can be used to store, evaluate, display, and integrate data. This is especially true for mobile agricultural machinery, construction machines, and the like that demand robustness, reliability, and long-term availability. This is where networking and data management via mobile radio or WLAN are essential for logging data from sensors and measuring systems that can be processed and transmitted to servers with databases via the Internet. This in turn enables opportunities for evaluation, display, and access or transmission and integration in process topographies. This continuous flow of information ensures an increase in efficiency and provides the bridge to Industry 4.0. The continuous availability of sensor data from the machine provides transparency in regard to status, operating capacity, and utilization. The information can be called up on a PC, tablet, or Smartphone. By the same token, the information can also be integrated vertically in an enterprise or horizontally in a value-added chain. The vertical integration is used for profiling, service optimization, or condition monitoring. It supports preventive diagnosis and maintenance as well as remote maintentance. The sensors and measuring data provide an exact status description. Measurement in the cloud is a special topic at the SENSOR+TEST 2016 in Nürnberg at a dedicated stand in Hall 5. Customers are also welcome to use a test access to get to know the advantages of this solution for their own application.126
Sensor technology is also gaining considerable importance in the area of Industry 4.0, meteorology, or traffic control. At the same time, we have the need to integrate sensor data in business processes. An app box detects, transmits, analyzes, alarms, and outputs sensor data to business processes. With an intranet cloud, sensor data can be used anywhere. The ease of transmission in the cloud and simple further processing capability enable new data-based business models. Numerous different measuring tasks are available in the app store.127
Temperature, humidity, and pressure can be monitored worldwide and recorded permanently at various measuring points, at inaccessible locations and at operating temperatures of -20 °C to +125 °C via the cloud. At the core of this wireless system is a mini-data logger with storage capacity of a million measuring values. It operates with a GSM terminal in the 868-MHz ISM band.128
With a laser photometer, you can monitor the environment for dust, for instance in the vicinity of dusty disposal sites, mines, and construction sites or at saw and paper mills. An integrated GPS/GSM modem records the position and enables remote queries of measuring data via the data cloud management system. Three different configurations help measure particles in size ranges PM10 and PM2.5. The measured data is available in real-time.129
Components for Sensors and Measurement
There are a number of products especially designed for applications in sensor, measuring, and testing technology. One example is a portable, mobile, two-axial auto-tracking antenna for the L-, S-, and C-band. The easy-to-carry telemetry antenna is suited for mobile and stationary applications to control drones (UAV) and missiles as well as other flight tests.130
Data glasses for quality assurance are being shown by a supplier at the SENSOR+TEST. It can be used to operate a calibration pressure regulator. Instead of a measuring device and a hand pump, the data glasses are used to select individual pressures or to start up a complete calibration routine via eye contact. According to the supplier this speeds up the calibration of a measuring point by 75 percent. The application also offers wireless operation by a tablet PC via Bluetooth. One application scenario for the data glasses is for calibration of measuring points at power plants.131
Calibration Systems
Complementing the vast spectrum of sensor, measuring, and testing technology, a broad range of calibration devices are also to be found at the SENSOR+TEST 2016.
A leading service enterprise in the area of calibration, qualification, validation, and test equipment management was accredited last year according to DIN EN ISO 17025 for more than 170 measuring processes and calibration devices for flow measurement of liquids and gases. The measuring ranges of supplier and media independent flow calibrations extend from 1 ml/min to 2,000 l/min for gases and from 0.8 ml/min to 1,200 l/min for liquids. The calibration of gases is performed at two test rigs, laminar flow elements (LFE) and universal-flow critical nozzles, where measurement uncertainties of 0.22% of the measured value are attained. The calibration of liquids is performed at four different calibrators with measurement uncertainties of 0.05% of the measured value.132
An easy-to-handle, mobile vibration testing facility combines a shaker, sinus generator, power amplifier, and integrated reference sensor with a display. The battery-operated handheld calibrator is used to quickly calibrate small acceleration sensors, acceleration measuring equipment, and vibration monitoring systems. The calibrator generates standard sinus signals with fixed frequency of 159.2 Hz at an amplitude of 1 g rms.133
With 19-inch controller modules, automatic calibration stations can be implemented for measuring ranges between vacuum and 210 bar. The test piece is connected to a control output and a pneumatic switch module provides various prepressures for the controller. The individual controllers can be controlled remotely or manually. Thus, computer controlled calibration tasks can be performed as per protocol. Via a Bluetooth interface, a tablet PC can communicate with the individual controllers. The media to be controlled can comprise air or nitrogen, but also low-viscosity liquids.134
A leading supplier of precision measuring instruments for temperature and density offers calibration services for temperature parameters as well as density in relation to areometers with DKD-/DAkkS accreditation.135 This supplier also offers water triple point cells for the most important and exact fixed point of the international temperature scale of 1990 (ITS 90). This fixed point is defined at 0.01 °C with an accuracy greater than 0.0001 °C. Thanks to the extreme thermal balance of water triple point cells, they are destined for precise calibrations.136
A supplier of measurement technology offers factory calibration of voltage rations mV/V according to DIN EN 10012 for straingauge amplifiers or display devices. The voltage ratios can be calibrated in a range from ±1 mV/V in a maximum of 10 steps or in a range of ±2 mV/V in maximum 20 steps. The enterprise also offers DAkkS calibration for torque sensors and torque chains in ranges of 1 to 200 Nm or factory calibration according to VDI/VDE 2645 in ranges of 0.005 to 5000 Nm. A DAkkS calibration is available for pull and push forces of force sensors and force measuring chains in a range of 0.01 to 5000 kN or a factory calibration according to DAkkS-DKD-R 3-3 or DIN EN ISO 376 in the range of 0.002 to 5000 kN for push forces or 0.002 to 1000 kN for pull forces.137
Custom tailored gas mixtures and standard gas mixtures and well as pure gases for testing and calibration of detectors and instruments is offered by one supplier in light aluminum pressure cans. The product range extends from simple UEG binary mixtures to lab standards with complex mixtures of numerous components with concentrations in the ppm range. All gas mixtures are made gravimetrically according to ISO 6142 and, according to the supplier, have a high mixture accuracy, optimum stability, and maximum shelf life.138
Modular pressure controllers provide a simple and maintenance-free solution to calibrating a broad product palette ranging from pressure measuring devices to sensors. They offer a broad measuring range from vacuum to 200 bar (3,000 psi) at an accuracy of 0.02% FS or 0.01% of the measuring value. The modules are available for 14 different measuring ranges and include modules that operate in absolute and relative modes.139
Please note that this is only a small excerpt of the overall offerings at the SENSOR+TEST 2016, as every specification of product properties implies the calibration of standards.
Conclusion
With about 580 exhibitors, the SENSOR+TEST 2016 is the measuring fair in Europe – with exhibitors from all over the world. Two conferences will be held parallel to the trade fair from 10 to 12 May 2016: the 18th GMA / ITG “Sensors and Measuring Systems 2016” und die 36th etc2016 – European Telemetry and Test Conference as well as two expert forums with presentations in Halls 1 and 5 – the “Innovative Testing” forum on 11 May in Hall 1 and the special topic “Measurement in the Cloud” on 10 May in Hall 5. And further special topics are to be found at the theme stand “Vision Sensors and Systems” and a community stand supported by the BMWi for young, innovative enterprises – a rich and varied offer from the Measurement Fair SENSOR+TEST 2016.
