Omron's CMOS & MEMS pressure sensor aids healthcare
Omron Corporation will release an absolute pressure sensor capable of accurately detecting 50cm altitudinal variations on July 29th 2013.
Absolute pressure sensors measure air pressure relative to a vacuum.
By fully exploiting the latest MEMS technology, the Omron has developed a sub-miniature absolute pressure meter that it says is one of the world's most accurate and power efficient.
The sensor's high accuracy makes it well-suited for use in activity monitors for healthcare and wearable devices monitoring precise altitudinal variation.
Activity monitors are pedometers that not only measure the number of steps taken when walking or running but also the intensity of bodily movement during other energy-burning activities such as housework.
The sensor's power efficiency also makes it well-suited for use in battery-operated applications.
Through the integration of CMOS circuits and MEMS sensors, Omron has been able to create an absolute pressure sensor measuring just 3.8 à— 3.8 à— 0.92mm. This makes it suitable for installation in small mobile devices and other compact hardware.
Installing the pressure sensors in activity monitors will make it possible to calculate more accurate calories taking into account the altitudinal variation involved in one's daily activities and exercise.
The sensor's power efficiency also makes it possible to extend battery life of equipments such as in activity monitors.
Installing the pressure sensors in fitness devices, smart watches and elderly care equipments makes it possible to identify human actions such as stand up, sit down, lie down and drop down by precise measurement of the altitudinal variation.
Installing the sensors in navigation systems will make it possible to use indoor in addition to more accurate positioning by backing up GPS.
The sensors are also suited for weather monitoring equipments, smart phones and tablets in which pressure sensors are now in widespread use.
Omron will be exhibiting its new MEMS absolute pressure sensor at the Nano Micro Biz exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight from July 3rd to July 5th.
Features of the product:
1. Able to detect the relative difference of approximately 6pa in air pressure that exists between 50cm variations in altitude.
2. High resolution of 0.06Pa (5mm equivalent)
3. Subminiature dimensions (3.8 à— 3.8 à— 0.92mm).
4. Thanks to integration of CMOS circuitry and MEMS sensors, the chip size is only 1.9 à—1.9 à— 0.5mm.
5. Wide detection range of 300 to 1100hPa.
6. Low current consumption of 0.5 to 9.0uA: suitable for use in battery-operated devices (current consumption levels are dependent on measurement conditions and operating modes).
7. A built-in temperature sensor can be used to adjust measurements to compensate for air pressure fluctuations that are due to changes in air temperature.
8. I2C output, serial communications compatible.
Product specifications
