Analog & Mixed-Signal Design
Leading the Way in Advanced Sensing and Analog Interfacing Solutions
Integrating precisemeasurements of diverse physical signals into complex electronic products can be a formidable challenge. For instance, in the semiconductor industry, achieving optimal performance relies on accurately measuring lens element positions and internal temperatures of advanced manufacturing machines. At 3T, we specialize in high-precision (capacitive) sensing, providing sub-micron resolution and temperature measurements accurate to a few millionths of a degree.
Furthermore, we've engineered a precision, battery-powered, fully analog electromagnetic flow meter. This robust device is purpose-built to endure radiation exposure and excels in measuring cooling water flow within nuclear plants.
Analog & mixed signal design is crucial for many applications
Our expertise in Analog & Mixed Signal Design extends into the area of building automation, where we've conceived a compact multi-sensor module for environmental sensing in office spaces. This groundbreaking module seamlessly integrates seven environmental sensors within a ceiling-mounted housing, consuming a mere 0.25 W of power.
To bolster our efforts, we employ LTSpice for design simulation and rely on LabVIEW and Python for test and measurement, analysis, and automation. Embracing innovative design approaches, we employ a model-based design methodology for our latest projects.
Multi-Sensor Module for Building Automation
Our innovative multi-sensor module revolutionizes environmental sensing in office spaces. This compact, ceiling-mounted solution may resemble a standard motion detector used for light switching, but it offers much more.
Equipped with a range of sensors, this module comprehensively monitors the office environment. It provides precise measurements of local temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and VOC concentration. In addition, it captures sound and light levels, enhancing its capabilities.
Furthermore, it incorporates an infrared sensor to measure desk temperatures, enabling precise local climate control. This cutting-edge design communicates via Bluetooth low energy, facilitating personal location beaconing. Remarkably, it maintains energy efficiency with an AC mains power consumption as low as 0.25 W.
High-performance Radar Back-end Module
In collaboration with our customer, we've developed a high-performance radar back-end module. This module controls the radar front-end module, which generates and receives the analog tracking signals. The radar back-end module, powered by the Xilinx Zynq Z-7020, incorporates signal conditioning, data acquisition, and data processing for analog radar tracking signals. Digital Signal Processing on the Zynq FPGA fabric enhances processing capabilities, while the eCos RTOS on a Zynq ARM core ensures precise timing for radar tracking tasks. The required tracking algorithms are developed through Model-Driven Development using MATLAB and Simulink. This integrated solution represents a significant advancement in radar signal processing and tracking technology.
Smart Sensor Interface for Pyranometers
A pyranometer, also known as a solar irradiation sensor, is a precise instrument used to measure the amount of sunlight reaching the earth's surface. Originally designed for meteorological purposes and used by operators with a thorough background in analog measurement and calibration techniques, the growing demand from the PV market prompted the need for a user-friendly, plug-and-play sensor that could seamlessly integrate into digital networks within minutes.
Given that the sensor essentially functions as a precision temperature sensor, any nearby heat dissipation could introduce errors. To address this challenge, we've developed an exceptionally low-power interface that ensures the accuracy needed for our clients' entire product range, including their top-tier meters.
Precision capacitive sensing is one of our main measurement competencies. Over the past two decades, 3T has build-up a strong competence in capacitive sensing. In 2000, we made a portable lens element adjustment kit in a flight case. It is used at the customer's site to adjust a lens element's x and y position over several micro-meters to optimize the total lens optical properties. The system's heart is capacitive sensor electronics delivering high stability after only 15 minutes of warm-up and a resolution of 10ppm (1nm).
Subsequently, a 14-channel version was then designed to be integrated into the machine enabling fully automatic and much faster adjustment.
3T then extended its capacitive sensing knowledge by building a 4-channel high resolution, high bandwidth capacitive distance sensing system for use in a servo system. It kept the original at the correct height within tens of nm during projection.
Another challenging capacitive system we designed for a multi-channel active damping system, where we also designed the power amplifiers for the voice coil actuator.
- Swing drives for continuous material flow
- Safety solutions for shuttle systems and cobots
- Electromagnetic pallet stoppers
- High-performance brakes for industrial trucks
- State-of-the-art control technology for logistics
Visit us and experience our braking, holding and control solutions live in operation in the cobot.