A new market research report projects global demand for automotive sensors used by light vehicle manufacturers growing 11.8% annually through 2014 — a nice turnaround from the depressed levels of last year. The report's authors say that the market split in two during the recession: in developed markets, sales took a steep dive, while emerging markets continued to grow. Although emerging markets should continue to set the pace, growth-wise, revenues from sensor sales into emerging markets are lower than those for sales into developed-market vehicles. The former tend to use sensor technologies that have already been commoditized, and are thus lower in price.

The new "LY" series of OEM sensors from Keller add a new dimension of versatility to your pressure measurement application. With small size, wide available pressure ranges, outstanding EMI resistance, and active thermal compensation, the "LY" series bridges the gap between passively compensated and microprocessor-based pressure transmitters.

MSA is dedicated to providing the highest-quality flame- and gas-monitoring fixed instruments for oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Globally-approved permanent instruments are reliable, easy-to-use, and durable. MSA provides complete gas detection solutions for your needs with the best products, service, and support in the industry.

Call 1.800.MSA.INST or visit www.msanet.com for gas detection solutions.

Improved spectral output and speed are features of Marktech's new 850 nm Point Source LED product series. The point source series has become the product of choice in applications such as Encoders, Linear Positioning and Edge Sensing, Optical Switches, and Machine Vision systems.

Prime Technology's new Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor is solid state based, requires no sensing element replacement due to aging, and is easily calibrated on site. The device has been specifically designed to operate in high barometric pressure environments including submarines, hyperbaric chambers, dive chambers, ROVs/AUVs, and many more custom applications.

Magnetostriction is a change in shape or dimension of a ferromagnetic material when a magnetic field is present. This video introduces magnetostrictive sensors and how they leverage the basic phenomenon to establish absolute linear position. Learn about the technology's benefits in linear position-sensing, some likely applications, and what considerations are involved in choosing the right sensor.

Measuring torque can always be problematic when a shaft or other part is in motion. This torque sensor measures with strain gauges, and non-contact frequency-modulated RF transfers the data. That configuration requires no slip rings or other tricky arrangements to get the signal from the spinning, shaft-mounted sensor to the outside world, and none of the associated maintenance.

For hospitals, hotels, libraries, homes, and other places that need and appreciate quiet, these 25 Amp contactors contain AC/DC silent coils with varistor protection, specifically designed to operate with a minimum of noise. The contactors come in 2-pole and 4-pole configurations, with a choice of contact materials to reliably handle various load characteristics.

This family of miniature snap-action safety switches has received Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) certification and also meets IEC 61508-2 standards. The manufacturer notes that new safety standards are going into effect at the end of 2011, and using SIL 3 certified components makes it easier for machinery builders to get SIL certification for their own machines.

Det-Tronics' GT3000 toxic gas detectors are well-suited to harsh environments (third-party tested to the IP66 rating) and have third-party performance certifications. GT3000 detectors communicate via HART protocol and 4-20mA.

• Swap sensors without de-classifying hazardous areas
• Detect H₂S, O₂, CO, NH₃, Cl₂, H₂, and SO₂ gases

Reliable and accurate, the Zephyr HAF series high accuracy digital airflow sensor provides a digital interface for reading airflow over the specified full-scale flow span and temperature range. A thermally isolated and temperature sensing element helps this sensor provide a fast response to air or gas flow.

Zippswitch Products manufactures several safety sensors and switches. Zippswitch safety mats, safety bumpers, safety edges, machine stop switches, and control relays provide high-quality, durable safety switch solutions. All sensors are UL508 certified and CE compliant. Reduce downtime and increase productivity with safety sensors from Zippswitch Products.

The SPA pressure switch was designed for demanding applications where space and price are strong concerns. Switching Solutions Inc. engineers, designs, and manufactures a wide range of pressure, temperature, and vacuum switches. We provide high-quality products, quick delivery, and competitive pricing combined with exceptional customer service and product support.

The official international standard for the kilogram is a platinum/iridium cylinder kept under glass in Paris, in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Read what extremes scientists go to, to keep this measurement standard pristine and unaltered, and how, despite their efforts, the primary standard has mysteriously lost weight over the past few decades — about half a microgram per year.

It's relatively easy to get the exact dimensions on a critical part before and after it's been through temperature or other cycling in an environmental test chamber. But what happens to those dimensions during a thermal cycle, for example? This in-chamber system uses photogrammetry to capture (at up to 35 µm accuracy) part dimensions at hundreds of points throughout the test cycle.

This active parking-assist system uses ultrasonic sensors to determine if a prospective parking space is large enough for the vehicle and does the steering as the car backs into the spot (you handle the brakes and transmission). On the rear bumper, another detector lets you know when you're close enough to the car behind you that you need to stop.

This optical strain gauge uses light — rather than electricity — to measure strain, so that it's immune to electromagnetic interference and inherently less risky in explosive atmospheres and around high voltages. It uses fiber Bragg gratings to take the measurements. Really three gauges in one, it can measure at angles of 0 deg, 60 deg and 120 deg.

The Energy Scout Watthour meter can be used to measure energy at the input to electrical load centers or branch circuits. Models are available to display volts, amps, watts, and power factor as well as energy import/export. CT options include solid and split core. Indoor and outdoor installations.

Sensirion launched a high-precision version of its new generation of humidity and temperature sensors. The fully calibrated SHT25 offers an improved accuracy while maintaining all other features of the standard version SHT21: I²C interface, excellent stability, ultra-low power consumption. Complimentary samples of the standard version SHT21 can be ordered online!

Time Mark Alternating Controllers are used to sequence pumps, compressors, etc. to insure that each receives an equal run time. Duplex (2-pump) versions are socket-mounted, triplex (3-pump), and multi (4-pump) versions.

Contact a Time Mark Sales Representative about our entire line of Alternating Controllers at www.time-mark.com or call 800-862-2875.

With a robust, all metal construction that is highly resistant to magnetic tamper, defeat, and permanent contact welding from power surges, Magnasphere's TW series magnetic switch is used in the security industry for door and window sensors in closed loop alarm systems. Buy now!

There's the possibility of a job — if your IQ is at least 125. That's just to get your application considered by this Shanghai-based IT outsourcing company. (Chinese applicants need an IQ of 140 or higher.) An IQ test is the first screen for applicants. The company says that 1% or less of the thousands who apply weekly get hired.

Heightened air-passenger screening at major U.S. airports is whipping up a whirlwind of personal privacy complaints from air travelers. Passengers who don't want to go through high resolution body scanners are getting extreme pat-downs that many say amounts to groping.

What's Your View of Air Passenger Screening?

What's your take on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) heightened security measures for U.S. airline passenger screening? Necessary? Effective? An unwarranted privacy violation?