Latest Optical Sensors Technical Articles

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Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.

March 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher

Understanding Piezoelectric Accelerometer Basics

Learn about piezoelectric accelerometers, namely the piezoelectric effect, how piezoelectric materials generate electricity, the different accelerometer design modes, and their upper and lower frequency limits.

March 20, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Types of Magnetometers

This high-level guide introduces common types of magnetometers, including scalar, vector, gradient, and more.

April 12, 2021 by Ignacio de Mendizábal

Introduction to Photosensitive Integrated Circuits

This article continues our introductory discussion of light-sensitive components that produce higher output-current amplitude than photodiodes.

January 27, 2021 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Phototransistors

In this series of articles, we’ll explore higher-output-current alternatives to photodiodes.

January 26, 2021 by Robert Keim

The Glass Cockpit: The Story of Display Technologies in Space Shuttles

In this final part of the Glass Cockpit series, we look at how displays have reached their current iteration in Space X shuttles.

January 10, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Learn about some of the most important fundamentals for understanding how interface technologies have evolved.

January 07, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Understanding the Photodiode Equivalent Circuit

This article presents a circuit model that helps us to analyze the electrical behavior of a photodiode.

December 23, 2020 by Robert Keim

Characteristics of Different Photodiode Technologies

Learn about the differences between silicon photodiodes and photodiodes made from other semiconductor materials.

December 21, 2020 by Robert Keim

Understanding Photovoltaic and Photoconductive Modes of Photodiode Operation

In this article, we’ll look at advantages of two types of photodiode implementation.

December 20, 2020 by Robert Keim

The Physical Operation of Light-Sensitive pn Junctions

In this article, we’ll delve into semiconductor physics to better understand the operation of photodiodes.

December 18, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Photodiodes: The Nature of Light and pn Junctions

Learn about how semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic radiation to enable electronic detection of light, UV, and infrared.

December 16, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to CMOS Image Sensors

In this article, you'll learn the basics of the CMOS image sensor, including its core components, its block diagram, its strengths and weaknesses, and its applications.

November 09, 2020 by Dr. Steve Arar

Determining Dynamic Range of CCD Image Sensors

This article explains how CCD construction, operating parameters, and external signal-processing circuitry contribute to the maximum variation in luminance that CCD imaging hardware can capture.

May 29, 2020 by Robert Keim

Quantum Efficiency and Signal-to-Noise Ratio in CCD Image Sensors

In this article, we’ll draw upon our knowledge of noise sources and combine it with some new information to create a comprehensive model for CCD noise performance.

May 25, 2020 by Robert Keim

Photon Noise, Read Noise, and Reset Noise in CCD Image Sensors

In this article, we’ll take a look at electrical and optical conditions that contribute to reduced image quality in CCD camera systems.

May 22, 2020 by Robert Keim

Dark Noise in CCD Image Sensors

This article introduces the concept of image noise and discusses one noise source that plays a prominent role in the design of CCD systems.

May 21, 2020 by Robert Keim

CCD Image Sensor Types: Full-Frame, Interline-Transfer, and Frame-Transfer CCDs

This article explains the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of three CCD (charge-coupled device) architectures.

March 30, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Image Sensor Technology, from Photons to Electrons

This article, the first in a series, discusses light-sensitive electronic devices called photodiodes and compares CCD and CMOS sensors.

March 23, 2020 by Robert Keim

Introduction to Adaptive Front Lighting Systems (AFS)

Learn more about the design considerations that go into developing adaptive automotive lighting solutions.

November 06, 2019 by Dr. Steve Arar