A penguin stretches its “wings”
Nov. 8, 2007
OMRON Electronic Components LLC, Schaumburg, Ill., has just released a new micro-electromechanical system (MEMS)-based flow sensor. Incorporating a unique cyclone-type Dust Segregation System (DSS), the new flow sensor is ideal for applications that require sensing of non-filtered, ‘ordinary’ air, such as variable air volume (VAV) ventilation systems.
EMS flow sensors are particularly sensitive to dust particles. To overcome this drawback, this new product features Omron-designed bidirectional flow paths that generate cyclonic flows to separate dust particles from the air using centrifugal forces. Unlike conventional sensors that rely on an indirect flow sensing method, the new D6F-P senses airflow directly and can thus help increase the precision of air handling equipment.
Development Background
In recent years, indoor air quality has become an issue of major concern, and this has created a demand for precise measurement and control of the volume of fresh air intake. Additionally, for quieter systems, VAV boxes have become larger, requiring sensors that can detect very low flow rates. Omron’s new MEMS flow sensor is designed to meet this need for an ultra-small sensor that can detect minute airflow with high sensitivity, offering an economic alternative to differential pressure sensing.
Principles of Flow Sensor Measurement
When there is no airflow, the temperature distribution around the heater is symmetrical on the right and left. When air flow is present, the side of the flow sensor facing the source of the airflow cools and the opposite side warms, disrupting the temperature equilibrium. The difference in temperature appears as a difference in the thermopiles’ electromotive force, allowing the mass flow velocity and mass flow rate to be calculated.
Overview
By using the world's smallest class of MEMS flow sensor element, Omron has succeeded in reducing the new sensor's footprint by 50% compared with previous models, allowing it to be easily built into increasingly smaller products and measuring devices. In addition, direct mounting to PCBs helps to lower total costs by preventing wiring errors and reducing labor requirements.
In contrast to the unidirectional flow sensing of earlier models, the D6F-P offers bi-directional flow options for use in applications from sensing air-handling intake to human breathing for medical applications.
Features
1. Omron's cyclonic Dust Segregation System (DSS) provides a high level of reliability by separating dust particles from the air stream to reduce their effect on the sensor chip.
2. Compact size (17-mm x 22-mm printed circuit board (PCB)footprint, overall dimensions 17 mm x 37 mm x 27 mm high).
3. In addition to PCB-mountable models, connector models are also available.
4. Standard model calibrated for unidirectional flow, with negative flow indication.
5. Bi-directional flow calibration available upon request.
6. Economical (competitive with differential pressure sensors)
7. Output signal is amplified and temperature compensated.
Potential applications for the D6F-P include measurement instrumentation, medical devices, and semiconductor equipment.
Specifications
Flow Range: +1.0 SLM (contact factory for bi-directional options)
Pressure Range: +0.84” H2O Maximum Pressure 50kPa (200” H2O)
Output Signal: Analog 0.5 to 2.5VDC; 0 to 0.5VDC is negative flow indication (contact factory for other output signal ranges)
• Part Numbers: D6F-P0010A1 PCB Terminals D6F-P0010A2 Connector
SOURCE: Omron Electronic Components LLC
OMRON Electronic Components LLC, Schaumburg, Ill., has just released a new micro-electromechanical system (MEMS)-based flow sensor. Incorporating a unique cyclone-type Dust Segregation System (DSS), the new flow sensor is ideal for applications that require sensing of non-filtered, ‘ordinary’ air, such as variable air volume (VAV) ventilation systems.
EMS flow sensors are particularly sensitive to dust particles. To overcome this drawback, this new product features Omron-designed bidirectional flow paths that generate cyclonic flows to separate dust particles from the air using centrifugal forces. Unlike conventional sensors that rely on an indirect flow sensing method, the new D6F-P senses airflow directly and can thus help increase the precision of air handling equipment.
Development Background
In recent years, indoor air quality has become an issue of major concern, and this has created a demand for precise measurement and control of the volume of fresh air intake. Additionally, for quieter systems, VAV boxes have become larger, requiring sensors that can detect very low flow rates. Omron’s new MEMS flow sensor is designed to meet this need for an ultra-small sensor that can detect minute airflow with high sensitivity, offering an economic alternative to differential pressure sensing.
Principles of Flow Sensor Measurement
When there is no airflow, the temperature distribution around the heater is symmetrical on the right and left. When air flow is present, the side of the flow sensor facing the source of the airflow cools and the opposite side warms, disrupting the temperature equilibrium. The difference in temperature appears as a difference in the thermopiles’ electromotive force, allowing the mass flow velocity and mass flow rate to be calculated.
Overview
By using the world's smallest class of MEMS flow sensor element, Omron has succeeded in reducing the new sensor's footprint by 50% compared with previous models, allowing it to be easily built into increasingly smaller products and measuring devices. In addition, direct mounting to PCBs helps to lower total costs by preventing wiring errors and reducing labor requirements.
In contrast to the unidirectional flow sensing of earlier models, the D6F-P offers bi-directional flow options for use in applications from sensing air-handling intake to human breathing for medical applications.
Features
1. Omron's cyclonic Dust Segregation System (DSS) provides a high level of reliability by separating dust particles from the air stream to reduce their effect on the sensor chip.
2. Compact size (17-mm x 22-mm printed circuit board (PCB)footprint, overall dimensions 17 mm x 37 mm x 27 mm high).
3. In addition to PCB-mountable models, connector models are also available.
4. Standard model calibrated for unidirectional flow, with negative flow indication.
5. Bi-directional flow calibration available upon request.
6. Economical (competitive with differential pressure sensors)
7. Output signal is amplified and temperature compensated.
Potential applications for the D6F-P include measurement instrumentation, medical devices, and semiconductor equipment.
Specifications
Flow Range: +1.0 SLM (contact factory for bi-directional options)
Pressure Range: +0.84” H2O Maximum Pressure 50kPa (200” H2O)
Output Signal: Analog 0.5 to 2.5VDC; 0 to 0.5VDC is negative flow indication (contact factory for other output signal ranges)
• Part Numbers: D6F-P0010A1 PCB Terminals D6F-P0010A2 Connector
SOURCE: Omron Electronic Components LLC
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