A new device from Honeywell allows manufacturers of fire and security detection products to design smaller, less obtrusive wireless-based products. The new Anisotropic Magnetoresistive (AMR) Sensor ICs, Nanopower Series have higher sensitivity and more reliability than ‘traditional’ sensors, it is claimed yet consume less energy, the multi-national says.
According to the company, typical applications include smoke detectors and door or window alarms. As for alarms, the sensor will send a signal to a wireless module that transmits that signal to a central control unit for processing as soon as a door or window is opened, removing the magnet out of the sensor detection range. On smoke detectors, the sensor is used as an alarm test switch where an external magnet is brought in the detection range of the sensor to check correct operation.
The new AMR Sensor ICs, Nanopower Series are claimed to be suitable for battery powered applications where previously only reed switches could be used due to very low power requirements and large air gap needs.
Nicholas Roche, product leader at Honeywell Sensing and Control, says that the new nanopower is highly sensitive and more reliable than ‘traditional’ switches that can break and tend to be less stable over time. He adds: “Most important, however, is that our new AMR Sensor ICs consume less power which means batteries need to be replaced less often – a major advantage to manufacturers and installers alike, and overcoming one of the major hurdles regarding the wider take up of wireless detectors.”
The sensors are designed for use in a range of battery-operated applications including water and gas and electricity meters, exercise equipment, handheld computers, and scanners, as well as white goods such as dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, refrigerators and coffee machines. They can also be used in medical equipment such as hospital beds, medication dispensing cabinets, infusion pumps, and consumer electronics such as notebook computers, tablets, and cordless speakers.
More information
· Download the product datasheet – http://sensing.honeywell.com/nanopower-datasheet-en
· Watch the product overview video – http://sensing.honeywell.com/nanopower-overview-video-en
· Watch the product applications video – http://sensing.honeywell.com/nanopower-application-video-en
· For product information – http://sensing.honeywell.com/nanopower
