Inductance-to-digital converter for contactless short-range sensing

Farnell element14 now offers the Texas Instruments (TI) LDC1041 inductance-to-digital converter for contactless, short-range sensing that enables high-resolution and low-cost position sensing of conductive targets, even in harsh environments. The family of devices enables system designers to choose different resolution options depending on their application and system requirements, using a coil or spring as a sensor. Available with price breaks for higher volumes the LDC1041 pins are compatible with the LDC1000 (16-bit Rp/24-bit L) and the LDC1051 (8-bit Rp). It is available as a 5mm x 4mm WSON-16 package, while device programming via SPI allows for easy configuration using a microcontroller. Contactless operation means the LDC1041 range is highly durable and they are shipped in moisture sensitive packaging to protect the products. Remote sensor placement means the LDC can be decoupled from harsh environments. The LDC1041EVM Evaluation Module can be used in conjunction with the LDC1041 range to demonstrate the use of inductive sensing technology to sense and measure the presence, position or composition of a conductive target object. The module includes an example of a PCB sensor coil. An MSP430 microcontroller is used to interface the LDC to a host computer. This module is designed to provide the user with maximum flexibility for system prototyping. It is perforated at two locations to experiment with custom sensor coils and to connect the LDC1041 to a different microcontroller. There is also an on-board LED indicator for basic conductor detection. An accompanying GUI allows for maximum flexibility and experimentation, says the company.