Plant & Works Engineering Magazine August/September 2024

Focus on: HVAC Energy & Environmental Management smaller temperature rises — and therefore smaller changes in gas flow — easier to detect. Because there are no moving parts, this type of flow gas sensor offers high robustness and reliability, making it ideal for more heavy-duty applications and mounting onto moving parts such as cars and industrial machinery. The nature of the flow detection method also means that it’s possible to detect flow in either direction. And a thin layer of insulating film helps to protect the sensor from direct exposure, meaning this method can also be used for the flow detection of hazardous gases. One disadvantage that does come with these sensors that the signal generated can often be very small, particularly at low flow rates. As a result, there’s a need for enhanced signal amplification and conditioning processes, on top of the necessary signal conversion from analogue into a digital format. Optimising performance These steps of signal amplification, conditioning and conversion may be performed by one or more standard integrated circuits (ICs). But how can we ensure these processes are done in a way that’s optimised for the application, with minimal noise and maintained accuracy? The solution may come in the form of an Application Specific IC, or ASIC. This is a custom chip that has been designed specifically for its destined application, allowing it to offer a wide range of benefits over commercially available alternatives. One of the biggest benefits an ASIC can offer is an improved performance. Complete optimisation of the chip design means that additional unnecessary components can be removed, allowing for more power to be invested in areas where it matters to the application. On top of the performance benefits, this streamlined design can also offer a reduced bill of materials, with a lower material cost per chip. Demand for smaller and more sophisticated sensor systems continues to grow. While these strict size and performance requirements might initially seem daunting, there’s no need for concern. By utilising the power of bespoke electronics design with ASIC-driven sensors, manufacturers can achieve accurate and efficient gas flow measurement, with a performance superior to the rest of the competition. For further information please visit https://www.swindonsilicon.com S C ti lean quicker Sa ave time e tork.co.u Betterhy by cleani Discover uk/reducewaste or tork.ie/re ygiene for better productivit ng 35% faster than rags.* clean ® how Tork exelCLEAN educewaste y ning cloths can save your bus siness time Tork, an Essity b *Panel test conducte . brand ed by Swerea Research Institute (Sweden, 201 4)

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=