eNews 2/2008

Sensors help sports enthusiasts reach their training goals

VTI Technologies supplies the sensing solution to the recently launched adidas miCoach system. The sensing solution utilizes an acceleration sensor for calculating a person's speed and distance when walking or running.

There is a growing global awareness for the need of a healthy lifestyle, and advanced training aids previously used only by top athletes are now becoming available for sports enthusiasts of all levels.

One such example is the miCoach system recently introduced by adidas. It is a complete training system designed to inspire and enable athletes at all levels to reach and exceed their training goals.

VTI accelerometers support inertia sensor integration directly on the ABS ECU

In future, the traditional ESC sensor cluster will most likely disappear and the ESC sensing functions will merge either with the airbag ECU or with the ABS ECU. Both of these alternatives have their benefits and challenges.

The main benefit with ABS ECU integration is a clear systems responsibility and the challenge is the very harsh environment for the inertia sensors.

VTI sensor adapter for MSP430 wireless development tool

VTI now offers a sensor adapter for TI's low power eZ430-RF2500 and eZ430-F2013 development tools.

The adapter can currently be used with VTI's PWB evaluation boards for the SCA3000 acceleration sensor and the SCP1000 pressure sensor, enabling fast sensor application prototyping using TI's MSP430 development tools.

Extremely low power sensor interface

VTI has achieved a remarkably low 1.5 µA continuous current consumption for a 3-axis capacitive accelerometer ΔΣ-front end circuit. The result is partly based on innovative circuit design by VTI's research partner.

It is as well based on VTI's 3D MEMS, which enables very high dynamic range and sensitivity for the sensor. The circuit can thus operate at a higher noise level and with less current.

VTI's pressure sensor - one of the 10 best products in 2007

The SCP1000 was awarded as one of the 10 best products in 2007 as determined by IFSA and the editorial board of Sensors & Transducers magazine.