A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Contact Sensors and Their Applications
Sensors, both contact and non-contact, are crucial devices that allow the monitoring, detection, and reaction to conditions in an environment or within a process or piece of equipment. While myriad types of sensors exist and are designed to monitor varying conditions, all of them can be characterized as being one of two types — contact sensors and non-contact sensors. We’ll focus on the latter, diving into different technologies, types, and applications of non-contact sensor technology; but first, let’s explore what differentiates contact and non-contact sensors. Contact vs. Non-Contact Sensors: What’s the Difference? Measuring, monitoring, or detecting a particular condition [...]
MTI’s Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System Is Ideal for Rotating Machinery
The Accumeasure capacitance probe system offers major improvement over conventional eddy current probes; network up to four probes per system to deliver rich geometrical in-situ measurements in a variety of industry standard formats. Lockport, IL—June 28, 2022—MTI Instruments, a US-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, announces the introduction of its Accumeasure Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System. The system consists of up to four, battery-powered, wireless capacitance probes paired via Bluetooth to their receiving device. The wireless capability and compact form factor of the battery-powered probes are designed specifically to measure gap in difficult-to-reach or [...]
Press Release: MTI’s Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System Is Ideal for Rotating Machinery
The Accumeasure capacitance probe system offers major improvement over conventional eddy current probes; network of up to four probes delivers rich geometrical in-situ measurement Lockport, IL —June 28, 2022—MTI Instruments, a US-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, announces the introduction of its Accumeasure Wireless Gap Measurement Probe System. The system consists of up to four, battery-powered, wireless capacitance probes paired via Bluetooth to their receiving device. The wireless capability and compact form factor of the battery-powered probes are designed specifically to measure gap in difficult-to-reach or inaccessible locations. Unlike eddy current probe [...]
Press Release: MTI Instruments Introduces PBS eXpress: Portable Engine Balancing System for Business & Regional Jets
MTI Instruments Introduces PBS eXpress: Portable Engine Balancing System for Business & Regional Jets PBS eXpress marks evolution in company’s proven PBS-4100+ turbofan engine vibration and balancing technology; Lightweight, portable system optimizes and simplifies testing of small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines Lockport, IL — April 26, 2022 — MTI Instruments, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, introduces the PBS eXpress aircraft engine vibration analysis and balancing system. The PBS eXpress is designed to optimize small-frame turbofan and turboprop engines, commonly utilized in regional jet, business jet and general aviation. The PBS eXpress runs advanced algorithms [...]
Press Release: MTI Instruments’ WiFi-Enabled 1520 Portable Signal Simulator/Calibrator Brings Enhanced Functionality, Laboratory-Grade Accuracy Directly to Flightline and Test-Cell
MTI Instruments’ WiFi-Enabled 1520 Portable Signal Simulator/Calibrator Brings Enhanced Functionality, Laboratory-Grade Accuracy Directly to Flightline and Test-Cell Rugged and portable, the 1520 signal simulator offers up to 10 hours of battery life and extends remote operation; Market-leading visualization and ergonomic features for testing/calibrating sensor-driven aviation systems; Unique WiFi capability eliminates need for second technician to conduct tests . . . Lockport, IL — May 3, 2022 — MTI Instruments, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced test and measurement equipment, introduces the 1520 Signal Simulator and Calibrator offering market-leading WiFi connectivity, ergonomic and visualization features, and up to 10 hours [...]
The Benefits of Manual, Semi-Automated, and Fully-Automated Systems for Semiconductor Wafer Inspection and Metrology
This is the third of three articles in Semiconductor Wafer Measurement for Increased Profitability. The first article in this series explains why disc geometry matters. The second article examines the cost of failing to inspect semiconductor wafers. Fully automated systems that can load, scan, and unload wafers are fast, convenient, and efficient at high volumes. They’re useful for checking every wafer in every batch, but these systems are expensive. Semi-automated and manual systems cost significantly less and are generally used for lower volumes; however, they’re also easy-to-use and can make fast, accurate measurements that support production flow. Semi-automated and [...]
Why Disc Geometry Matters In Wafer Production
This is the first of three articles in Semiconductor Wafer Measurement for Increased Profitability. The second article examines the cost of failing to inspect semiconductor wafers. The third article describes the benefits of using semi-automated, fully-automated, and manual systems for wafer metrology and inspection. Semiconductor wafers are cut from cylindrical silicon crystals, or ingots. The flatness of these disc-shaped wafers is controlled to tight tolerances to ensure that the entire wafer surface is suitable for integrated circuit (IC) production. If disc geometry is out-of-spec after cutting, it may be possible to reprocess the wafer. Cutting is only the first [...]
How Capacitive Measurement Can Help Reduce Packaging Waste
Product packaging is often made of lightweight polymeric foams or plastic sheets and films. These materials are relatively inexpensive, but manufacturers still want to minimize waste and maximize yields. Across high volumes of low-cost materials, even a small per-unit savings can become significant, especially as the price of petroleum – a key ingredient in many polymers – continues to rise. For companies with environmental sustainability efforts, there are other important considerations as well. The excessive use of packaging materials can contribute to environmental pollution, especially with polymers that are slow to degrade. Yet, materials such as plastic sheets and [...]
Non-Contact Displacement Sensors for Detection and Measurement
Non-contact displacement sensors are designed to detect or measure physical properties such as linear displacement, thickness, proximity, and distance without physically touching the target. By emitting various forms of energy, such as capacitance, fiber optic, or laser triangulation, these sensors capture highly accurate readings without physically touching the object. This contrasts with traditional contact sensors, which rely on direct mechanical contact to gauge displacement or other physical properties. Benefits of Non-Contact vs. Contact Displacement Sensors Compared to contact sensors, non-contact displacement sensors offer faster response times, higher sampling rates, and minimal interference with the object being measured. They are [...]
Advantages of Measuring Semiconductor Thin Film Thickness with Capacitance
Thin Film Thickness Measurement Using Capacitance in the Semiconductor Industry In the semiconductor industry, the precise measurement of thin film thickness is crucial for ensuring the quality and functionality of wafer coatings. Thin films are deposited onto silicon and other wafer materials one atomic layer at a time, and the thickness of these coatings significantly impacts the wafer’s electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Thin film thickness measurement is particularly important for semiconductor wafers, which may have either conductive metallic films or non-conductive metal oxide films deposited onto them. Common deposition methods include chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor [...]









