Analog & mixed-signal design

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.

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.

Read our blog article on this project here

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.

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.

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.

Joost Jansma, 3T Competence Officer

Our Capabilities in Analog & Mixed Signal Design

Combining high speed and high precision in FPGA and microcontroller solutions.
High precision capacitive distance sensing systems achieving sub-nm resolution by measuring capacitance in aF (1 attoFarad = 10-18 F).
Maintaining high precision in the presence of noisy backgrounds like high currents from motor drives.

Low dissipation is required for high precision, high stability measurements.
Achieving longer battery life
Ensuring higher lifetime accuracy
Highly accurate real-time measurements and sensor interfaces, even in the noisy background of power circuits.

Sensing microvolts of NTC bridge voltage in the presence of very high magnetic fields.
Maintaining high precision over the -40 to +80 C temperature range.
Measuring microvolts in an electromagnetic flow meter applied in a nuclear plant.

3T B.V. (HQ)

Institutenweg 1
7521 PH Enschede

The Netherlands

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+31 53 433 66 33

info-3t-iac@kendrion.com

3T is a renowned Dutch electronic design house with over four decades of industry expertise. Our dedicated team of 100+ developers is wholeheartedly committed to delivering excellence and innovation in every project we embrace.
Visit our start page and learn more about who we are, our working principles, our customer solutions, and our core competencies.

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3T has built up FPGA knowledge and experience since FPGAs were introduced in the market. As a design partner of Intel, AMD, and Microchip, we have access to the latest FPGA technology, such as the newest generation of Systems-On-Chip devices.

Controlling actuators and managing heat dissipation are crucial aspects of various applications, ranging from industrial automation and robotics to electronic devices and power generation. A control algorithm enables precise manipulation of physical systems while optimizing heat dissipation to ensure system performance, reliability, and components' longevity.

The functionality of an application is more and more determined by its embedded software. We do rely on our extensive know-how of programming languages, microcontrollers, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems. As a NXP, TI, and Microchip design partner, we have access to all the latest technologies.

Model-Driven Development enhances productivity, reduces development time and costs, and improves maintainability by establishing a clear and traceable relationship between the real world (models) and the implemented system. For Model-driven development, we use the toolchains of MathWorks and ANSYS.

Using our in-depth knowledge of the developed application, the development of associated test systems and test strategies is a logical consequence. Depending on the situation, the concept of testing has a different perspective and effect on the development process.

November 12-14, 2024

Discover groundbreaking advancements in control technology, industrial brakes, and electronics & embedded systems with Kendrion and 3T at SPS 2024. Experience firsthand how our solutions are shaping the future of automation. Visit our booth and meet our experts.

Hall: 4, Booth: 381

Messezentrum 1

90471 Nuremberg, Germany

Germany

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