What are the advantages of Ilmsens technology? | + | |
Ilmsens developed a highly innovative technology that can replace the well-proven network analyser (NWA) measurement method in many areas. Since the NWA
measurement is performed at only one frequency, which is varied one after the other, the acquisition of an entire frequency band takes a great deal of time. This requires no or
only very slow changes of the measurement scenario characteristics and, thereby, limits the practical application possibilities. The measurement method developed by Ilmsens works
in the time domain and can therefore measure thousands of frequencies simultaneously. This reduces the measurement time considerably and allows
for the investigation of changing objects or scenarios. Especially with radio measurements the measurement of moving persons or the detection of their vital
signs, for example, becomes possible.
In addition, classic NWAs are bulky laboratory equipment for stationary use and are generally large, heavy and consume a large amount of energy. This makes NWAs particularly unsuitable for mobile use when measuring radio scenarios. Our Ilmsens instruments, on the other hand, are miniaturised through monolithic integration of the RF electronics and can be used in a wide variety of locations. In addition, they consume considerably less energy, are robust against harsh measurement environments and can be operated for several hours with a rechargeable battery. Regarding the software, the measurement data's improved information content allows for the creation of a "digital twin" for the examined process. This model is able to make predictions about the process development based on the measured values and give recommendations for action. The measurement data from the sensors, which are installed in different plants, can be linked to each other and enable further helpful conclusions on process optimization. The high measuring speed allows measurements of inhomogeneous material samples or samples with high flow velocity, for example in bubble and flowmark/streak detection. One broadband measurement allows the direct measurement of frequency-dependent impedances and the indirect determination of other deducible physical quantities, such as the composition of a multi-component substance. This corresponds to several parallel, narrowband resonator measurements at different frequencies. |
How much does Ilmsens technology cost? | + | |
The exact costs depend on the adaptation effort and the necessary materials. Please contact us
for an offer. We would be happy to receive your request.
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What measurement options are available? | + | |
Measurement electronics
In liquid analysis, no electromagnetic waves are emitted outside of the monitored medium, whereas in nearfield radar applications, radio regulations generally have to be met, e.g. ECC regulations. This leads to two general options for measurement electronics:
Impedance spectroscopy probe
Near-field sensing
Data analysis
Types of data evaluation:
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Can the sensor be integrated into existing technology? | + | |
Yes, the sensor can be designed in a way that it can be integrated into existing processes. Depending on the type of evaluation (monitoring, comparison, prediction or
recommendation), there may be requirements for the process technology that handles and, if necessary, evaluates the data amount. This can be studied through on-site visits and
preliminary tests.
Impedance spectroscopy
When implementing the sensor into a process, it is important to ensure the sensor is installed at a location that allows for the measurement of a representative quantity of liquid. Stable measuring conditions with respect to physical conditions are generally advantageous. This means that effects, such as moving metal parts in the immediate vicinity, changing foam formation, or bubbles in the liquid strongly influence measurement results and should be minimal if they are not the object of evaluation.
Near-field sensing
The implementation of nearfield sensing follows the general concept of the transmission of waves. While it cannot be used to transmit through metal or large amounts of water, the technology can, however, be conveniently hidden behind plastic housing or in ceiling lining, for example. |
How can I check if the sensor is measuring correctly? | + | |
There are several ways to ensure correct measurement:
It is possible to measure a standard scenario (e.g. demineralised water for impedance spectroscopy or a specific movement for nearfield sensing) in the beginning and later measure the same scenario and detect deviations qualitatively. For sensors working with the machine learning algorithm, training measurements are always carried out at the beginning and the measurement results are verified by a second source. These training measurements can then be used as a reference to check whether the sensor is measuring correctly. |
What materials does the measured material come in contact with? What material is the sensor made of? | + | |
Impedance spectroscopy
Near-field sensing
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In what form are the measured data available? | + | |
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Is a computer necessary to use the sensors? | + | |
A computer is not necessary for the actual operation of the sensors, however, the data is exported via USB or LAN connection. The evaluation of the measured
data is computer-aided.
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Is previous knowledge needed for the application of the Ilmsens sensors? | + | |
The preliminary investigations are carried out by Ilmsens employees, whereby the graphic interface of the built-in sensor measurement technology can be
adapted to customer requirements and, for example, display both a (simplified) "user view" and an (more extensive) "expert view".
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Is calibration of the measurement technology required? | + | |
It depends on the type of data evaluation. Recording the data over time and comparing it with earlier values does not require calibration and is also functional with relative
values.
Impedance spectroscopy
If comparisons with reference values are to be made, it is necessary to create a "library" of the measurement data from the reference substances before starting the process monitoring. If the process is dependant on temperature, the substance must be recorded in measurements that cover the relevant temperature profile.
Near-field sensing
For measurements that aim for an absolute value as a measured outcome, temperature stability is essential. |
Is employing electromagnetic waves dangerous for the user? | + | |
No, neither for the user nor for the test material. The sensors are operated with minimal voltages and in the case of contact measurements there is no
radiation in the air. For non-contact measurements, such as near-field sensing, the power that is radiated is less than 0.1 percent of mobile phone radiation.
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Are there requirements for the measurement setup (e.g. temperature or humidity)? | + | |
If the measuring ambient temperature is subject to strong fluctuations, calibration measurements for the respective processes that cover all the measuring
temperatures that occur must be carried out beforehand. Furthermore, a differentiation must be made between the applicator and the measuring equipment in regard to the
requirements for the measurement scenarios:
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What is impedance spectroscopy? | + | |
Impedance spectroscopy (also dielectric spectroscopy or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) is a non-destructive, fast and low-cost measuring method that
can record electrical material parameters, such as impedance, conductivity and permittivity. These parameters are frequency-dependent and vary based on the frequency of the
alternating electric fields they are measured with.
Ultra-wideband impedance spectroscopy allows for insight into the examined materials that would otherwise not be obvious at first glance. This can be interesting for users that would like to have information that goes beyond conventional sensors. Various process parameters are reflected in electrically-measured quantities and can be captured with UWB technology. In some cases, the direct measurement of one parameter is either not possible or cannot provide the required information. In these scenarios, the information can be derived through post-processing or a combination of the measured data. |
How does impedance spectroscopy work? | + | |
An electromagnetic (EM) wave is emitted from the applicator into a substance.
The frequency-dependent material parameter permittivity εr describes the transmissibility of an EM wave through a substance and is measured over a broad frequency
range with a single measurement. This allows for a differentiation between very similar substances that is not possible with a single narrowband measurement. |
What are the advantages of impedance spectroscopy over other measurement methods? | + | |
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What are the advantages of Ilmsens ultra-wideband technology compared to conventional impedance spectroscopy? | + | |
The main advantage is the ability to differentiate between components of a complex substance: Through ultra
wideband signal measurements, the typical behaviour is found for a given substance component. Just as a fingerprint can be assigned to a specific human being, a certain substance
component can also be assigned to an impedance spectrum. The wider the frequency interval (impedance spectrum) over which the measurements are carried out, the more clearly the
assignment succeeds.
Two substances might be similar in a limited frequency range, but the wider the measured frequency range, the more likely it is to find differences in a specific frequency range. |
What are possible applications for impedance spectroscopy? | + | |
Impedance spectroscopy helps to detect the composition of mixtures of substances, such as:
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What does the Ilmsens impedance spectroscopy consist of? | + | |
At Ilmsens, the impedance spectroscopy consists of the following three parts:
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How accurate are the results from the Ilmsens ultra-wideband impedance spectroscopy? | + | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the impedance spectroscopy, the accuracy of results depends on the following:
If components of a liquid show similar permittivity values, only larger concentration changes become detectable. In order to illustrate which materials are similar in their electric properties, the following table displays several exemplary materials and their permittivity values based on the indicated sources. In contrast to some sources, it should be noted that permittivity values are not constant, but rather temperature and frequency dependent. Therefore, the permittivity values in the table can only provide a first indication. Example: Water (εr = 80) and oil (εr = ca. 3) can be differentiated very well. Even small concentrations can be easily detected.
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Can impedance spectroscopy results from Ilmsens technology be compared to laboratory measurements? | + | ||||||||||
The results are partially comparable in the sense that it is possible to recreate laboratory-measured parameters from Ilmsens measurement data.
However, Ilmsens technology should be seen as a complement to laboratory tests and as a useful tool to cover the time between laboratory tests for immediate knowledge about a process. The advantages of Ilmsens technology are the ability to distinguish substances in-line during the process and to make predictions based on real-time data. This allows a continuous monitoring of processes instead of rare, expensive measurements and allows for immediate recommendations for action. Our sensors for liquid substances are designed to give information control back to the user.
For further information, please refer to our use cases. |
What are the material analysis limits of an impedance spectroscopy? | + | |
The impedance spectroscopy provides accurate and reproducible results under controlled conditions. Deviations of these measurement conditions will result in
a more complex data analysis or limitations of the effect that is to be measured. Hence, it should be noted that
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What is a short-range radar? | + | |
Short-range means that objects within a distance of approximately 10 metres to the sensor can be detected. The detection comes from the reflection of the transmitted signal. The distance, velocity (motion) and strength of the reflection of objects is determined by signal delay, Doppler shift and signal amplitude. |
How does a short-range radar work? | + | |
Every radar functions according to the fundamental radar principle. This means a radar transmits an electromagnetic wave, which is then reflected as soon as
it hits an object with different electromagnetic characteristics than the material the wave is travelling in. The reflected wave can then be received by the radar.
In radar applications the electromagnetic wave is usually transmitted in air. However, it is also possible to transmit through other materials (e.g. concrete). There is various information that can be obtained from the received signal through simple or advanced data analysis:
If an object cannot be found based on the signal amplitude, it is possible to limit the range in which the search is performed.
After detecting an object like this, minor changes can be monitored by averaging the different measurements and subtracting the average value from the actual signal. This
allows you to see just the modified part of the signal. Movement can be detected by subtracting the static background of the signal (by measuring a static scenario or
averaging the signal). Therefore, only the components of moving objects are visible and can be evaluated.
The minimum and maximum detection distance of a radar depend on the type of radar and antennas used, and the frequency and applicable radio regulations (which limit the transmission power). Short-range means that objects within a distance of approximately 10 metres to the sensor can be detected. The higher the maximum detection range, the lower the detection accuracy in the surrounding area. |
What are the advantages of short-range radar over other measurement methods? | + | |
The main advantages of radars are:
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What are the advantages of an Ilmsens ultra-wideband technology compared to conventional short range radars? |
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In addition to the advantages of radars, Ilmsens' ultra-wideband technology offers:
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Why use Ilmsens ultra-wideband short-range radar instead of camera or ultrasound? | + | |
Cameras and ultrasound are widely used technologies, but there are applications where both technologies are insufficient.
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What are possible applications for short-range radars? | + | |
A wide range of applications is possible. The antennas should be installed at an ideal location (which could also be behind any material, except metal), but
can also come into contact with the medium being examined. Possible scenarios are, for example:
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What does the Ilmsens short-range radar consist of? |
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The Ilmsens short-range radar consists of three parts:
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How accurate are the results from the Ilmsens short-range radar? | + | |
Thanks to a high-system stability, high range accuracy of up to 1 µm can be achieved with the Ilmsens short-range radar. However, a high range accuracy does
not necessarily lead to high detection accuracy. It is also necessary to consider the range resolution. If two objects are close to each other they still need to be detected as
two different objects. The higher the range resolution, the better the differentiation between two objects, and the higher the frequency range used, the better the range
resolution. Since the Ilmsens short-range radars are ultrawideband radars they provide a very high range resolution.
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What are the detection limits for a short-range radar? | + | |
In general, measurements from the Ilmsens short-range radar are limited by two factors. On the one hand, the accuracy of the measurement is
distance-dependent. So, if small distance changes of an object (such as a heartbeat) are meant to be detected, the object must be close to the antenna. On the other hand, the
exact distance depends on the material through which the electromagnetic wave is transmitted. Air is the best material for a high range. Below are a guidelines:
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