Sensor solutions for the Internet of Things and M2M applications

Hoffmann + Krippner SensoInk and SensoFoil intelligent sensing technologies can be used for Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as process automation, position tracking and real-time supply chain support. SensoInk is an innovative, reliable and highly accurate sensing solution based on printed polymer pastes. SensoInk is a 5V analog solution with low power requirements and operates at 5V. By using polymer thick film technology, SensoInk is extremely flexible, and can be printed as potentiometers, resistors, switches or keyboard contacts on circuit boards or electronic components. It enables device developers to quickly and easily implement individual specifications without sacrificing quality. By using SensoInk, there are no negative electromagnetic effects (Electromagnetic compatibility). Only two components are required for signal transformation: a printed potentiometer track on a carrier material (e.g. FR4 or PET foil) and a conductive wiper. Sensofoil thin-film membrane potentiometers are the world's most reliable membrane position sensors. SensoFoil offers a flat design of 0.5mm to 1mm, repeat accuracy of 1mm to 10µm, easy to achieve redundancy and problem-free device integration. The standard linear Sensofoil is available in lengths of 50mm up to 500 mm, 40mm wide rotary, and custom sizes and shapes. Sensofoil is available in PET (ultra-thin), Magnet (contactless - long lifetime) or Hybrid technology (extended lifetime and temperature range). “To detect how the state of the internet-connected 'thing' changes, an electronic evaluation of the initial state must be conducted,” said Jens Kautzor, CEO of Hoffman + Krippner, Inc. “With our sensors you can very affordably and accurately measure changes, detect positions, or count objects.” Is there enough milk in the fridge? Is there enough coffee in the coffee maker? Has a hotel guest taken anything from the minibar? For example, a drink gets removed from the minibar. This condition is detected (the missing bottle) by a Sensofoil sensor. The web connected sensor, combined with the intelligent software, 'guarantee' that the correct products and quantities will be reflected on the hotel bill. This is just one of hundreds of smart IoT and Machine to Machine applications made possible using SensoInk and SensoFoil, says the company.