By Kalwinder KaurMay 21 2012
Plessey Semiconductors has introduced the PS25203 EPIC sensor for automotive applications. It is suitable for contactless ECG measurement applications in automobiles.
EPIC sensors in cars
The PS25203 EPIC sensor measures minute changes in an electrical field. It features higher input impedance and lower gain that allows it to be used for monitoring seat occupancy, driver fatigue and deployment of air bags. The electrodes of the sensor can be built-in into the back of the seats in a discrete manner and used for getting the biometric data about the occupants. The respiration and heart rate of the driver can be monitored to determine the state of the person’s alertness and health.
The Plessey EPIC sensor does not require resistive or physical contact for making measurements. It works similar to a magnetometer. It can function at normal room temperatures. It acts as a contactless digital voltmeter that provides sensitive measurements in the range of mV. On the Earth, the vertical electric field exists in the range of 100 V/m. The water in the human body and the electric field interact. The Plessey EPIC technology can detect these modifications even through walls and at distances.
The sensor may be used to design new medical scanners that get ECG readings by just keeping the instrument near to a patient's chest. It may be used for security devices to help 'see' through walls.
The company will be showcasing its designs for automotive and sports and fitness at the Chicago Sensors Expo Show to be held in June, 2012.
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