9 ways optoelectronic sensors can be used in industrial environments

Optoelectronic sensors, present in consumer electronics, also can be used in many industrial applications, according to Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. (TAOS). Nine applications are...

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Optoelectronic sensors, present in consumer electronics, also can be used in many industrial applications, according to Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. (TAOS).

These applications include:

1. Printers (paper alignment, paper level);
2. Turbidity sensor (washers, dishwashers);
3. Water management (toilet flusher, faucets);
4. Industrial/construction tools (automated leveler);
5. Manufacturing process control (proximity sensing, color quality control);
6. Vending machines;
7. Currency management (color, imaging);
8. Robotic applications; and
9. Explosive material detection.

TAOS, based in Plano, TX, offers semiconductor devices that combine precision mixed-signal functionality with photo-detectors on one integrated circuit to produce products with performance and cost advantages over conventional solutions, the company says.

For example, TSL2x71 family of devices provides both ambient light sensing (ALS) and proximity detection (when coupled with an external IR LED). The ALS approximates human eye response to light intensity under a variety of lighting conditions and through a variety of attenuation materials. The proximity detection feature allows a large dynamic range of operation for use in short distance detection, according to TAOS.

TAOS conducted an optosensor solutions class as part of the curriculum offered during Microchip Technology Inc.’s 2010 MASTERs conference, Aug. 25-28, in Phoenix, AZ. http://techtrain.microchip.com/masters/?redirects=masters

www.taosinc.com

Also see the Control Engineering Sensor New Product Channel.

- Edited by Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media, www.controleng.com.