element14 announces winners of Inductive Sensing design challenge

Top designs use the Texas Instruments LDC1000 inductance-to-digital converter to power USB microphone and portable metal detector

 element14 has selected the  winning designs in its Inductive  Sensing Design Challenge, featuring the world’s first inductance-to-digital converter from Texas Instruments. Belgian designer Sammy Peiren was named the Grand Prize Winner for his USB microphone concept, and Dutch designer Elbert Kreukniet was named Community Choice Winner for his wireless metal detector. The two designs stood out for introducing new possibilities for inductive sensing, a contactless, magnet-free sensing technology.

“We are always amazed at the level of talent and creativity within our 250,000-member community of engineers,” said Dianne Kibbey, global head of community at element14. “With this particular challenge, Sammy and Elbert stood out for executing projects that not only shed new light on what can be accomplished with inductive sensing, but embodied our commitment to the Internet of Things and innovation as well.”

Peiren’s USB microphone uses the LDC1000 to detect sound waves of higher densities with greater sensitivity and dynamic range. Kreukniet’s wireless metal detector pairs an in-app smartphone display with the LDC1000 module for depth adjustment and targeted positioning, leveraging Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication for more precise metal detection.

Peiren, Kreukniet and the eight other challenge finalists around the world were given the LDC1000 Evaluation Module, a budget of Rs 16920.37 for additional components and a CadSoft Pro License. As the Grand Prize Winner, Peiren will receive a 128GB iPad Air, a Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats in-ear Headset and an iPad Air Smart Case. As the element14 Community Choice Winner, Kreukniet will receive a 32GB iPad Air and an Apple in-ear Headset with remote and microphone.

Other projects included an earthquake detector capable of warning several seconds before destructive waves hit, a non-invasive device that measures the iron content in blood and a sensor detecting body movement and changes in heart rate.

“These projects showcase the capabilities of inventive engineers and the new possibilities the LDC1000 and other sensing innovations can help them unlock,” said Jon Baldwin, TI’s Sensor Signal Path manager. “We at TI congratulate the winners and look forward to seeing what they will do next to help carry forward the revolution in sensing.”

“This challenge showcased just a few of the ways in which inductive sensing can detect and gather critical information from remote devices,” added Kibbey. “These concepts could have significant implications for the industrial automation industry, and we hope our competition inspires other engineers to explore and test even more uses of inductive sensing and inductance-to-digital conversion.”

For more information on the Inductive Sensing Challenge, please visit http://www.element14.com/community/groups/sensor-technology.