Company details for:
First Sensor Technics Ltd
(0)
Unit B3, First Floor, Illuma Park,
Gelders Hall Road, Gelders Hall Indl Est,
Shepshed,
Leicestershire,
LE12 9NH,
United Kingdom
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Products
LDE Amplified pressure sensors
The LDE differential low pressure sensors are based on thermal flow measurement of gas through a micro-flow channel integrated within the sensor chip. The innovative LDE technology features superior sensitivity especially for ultra low pressures. The extremely low gas flow through the sensor ensures high immunity to dust contamination, humidity and long tubing compared to other flow-based pressure sensors. Miniature SMT and DIP housings allow for space-saving PCB-mounting.
Typical applications include medical devices, HVAC and instrumentation.
Typical applications include medical devices, HVAC and instrumentation.
First Sensor PIN photodiodes Series 6: IR photodiodes with minimal dark current
First Sensor High-performance PIN photodiodes for low-capacitance light detection as well as for Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma- und X-radiation detection.
Special features:
PIN photodiodes optimized for photovoltaic and photoconductive use
Very low dark current
High shunt resistance
Long charge carrier life time
High breakdown voltage
Special features:
PIN photodiodes optimized for photovoltaic and photoconductive use
Very low dark current
High shunt resistance
Long charge carrier life time
High breakdown voltage
First Sensor PIN Photodiodes Series 5: high speed NIR-sensitive photodiodes
These high-speed epitaxial photodiodes from First Sensor are ideal for VIS and NIR applications with low operating voltages.
Special features:
Photodiodes with epitaxial layer structure for fast rise times at low reverse voltages.
Epitaxial layer thickness optimized for highest speed and maximum sensitivity at 800 nm.
Low dark current even at high operating temperatures.
Special features:
Photodiodes with epitaxial layer structure for fast rise times at low reverse voltages.
Epitaxial layer thickness optimized for highest speed and maximum sensitivity at 800 nm.
Low dark current even at high operating temperatures.
First Sensor Avalanche photodiodes (APD) Series 9: with enhanced NIR sensitivity − 900 nm
These avalanche photodiodes were developed specifically for the laser radar system LIDAR and laser rangefinders. The series provides fundamental technology for the development of arrays with multiple individual sensors, e.g. 8, 16, 32 pixels.
Special features
Fast rise time in 900 nm range
Low gain slope above bias voltage
Potentially low bias operation
Low temperature coefficient
Active surface diameter of up to 5 mm
Special features
Fast rise time in 900 nm range
Low gain slope above bias voltage
Potentially low bias operation
Low temperature coefficient
Active surface diameter of up to 5 mm
First Sensor Avalanche photodiode arrays (APD arrays)
These avalanche photodiodes were developed specifically for LIDAR applications and laser rangefinders. The series of products contains linear and matrix arrays with multiple sensors on one monolithic die, e.g. 8, 16, 64 pixels.
Special features
Fast rise time in 900 nm range
Low gain slope above bias voltage
Potentially low bias operation
Low temperature coefficient
Active surface diameter of up to 5 mm
Special features
Fast rise time in 900 nm range
Low gain slope above bias voltage
Potentially low bias operation
Low temperature coefficient
Active surface diameter of up to 5 mm
First Sensor Quadrant PIN photodiodes (QP)
Quadrant photodiodes are discrete components that usually feature four optically active areas separated by a small gap. These photodiodes are used in many applications for detecting the position of laser beams, collimators and other applications to facilitate adjustment.
Special features:
Small gap areas
Low dark current
High shunt resistance
High resolution
A special version for 1064 nm is also available
Special features:
Small gap areas
Low dark current
High shunt resistance
High resolution
A special version for 1064 nm is also available
First Sensor position-sensitive diodes (PSD)
These components utilize the effect of the lateral division of the generated photocurrent. The term "position sensitive detector" (PSD) refers to a component that is based on silicon PIN diode technology and is used to measure the position of the integral focus of an incoming light signal. A light spot on the PSD, for instance, is converted into a continuous electrical signal corresponding to the focal position of this spot. The position of a direction is derived from the relationship between two output currents.
Special features
One-dimensional PSD
Two-dimensional PSD
Duo-lateral PSD
High position resolution
High linearity
Components with up to 20 mm measuring range in two directions
Special features
One-dimensional PSD
Two-dimensional PSD
Duo-lateral PSD
High position resolution
High linearity
Components with up to 20 mm measuring range in two directions
First Sensor wavelength-sensitive diodes (WS)
Wavelength-sensitive photodiodes utilize the effect of the wavelength-specific absorption depth of radiation in silicon. For this purpose, two p-n junctions are aligned vertically in the silicon crystal, thus enabling separate signal detection within vertically adjacent ranges. Such a configuration is particularly useful for the wavelength detection of monochromatic input signals. The calculation then merely requires the formation of a quotient between two photocurrents. The calculation of a color temperature from a non-monochromatic input signal requires two such detectors and an additional optical filter.
Special features
Two vertically aligned p-n junctions
Measuring range: 450-950 nm
Particularly suitable for monochromatic light
Special features
Two vertically aligned p-n junctions
Measuring range: 450-950 nm
Particularly suitable for monochromatic light
First Sensor InGaAs detectors
First Sensor offers large-area InGaAs PIN photodiodes with active sensor surfaces up to 3 mm in diameter. The diodes feature low dark currents and high sensitivity up to 1700 nm wavelength. A model enhanced for the visible wavelength range is also available. Housing options include both hermetic TO solutions as well as SMD versions. Ask us about your specific sensor solution.
Special features
High sensitivity up to 1700 nm
Low dark current
Active sensor area between 0.7 and 7 mm²
Special features
High sensitivity up to 1700 nm
Low dark current
Active sensor area between 0.7 and 7 mm²
First Sensor silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs)
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) from First Sensor are innovative solid-state silicon detectors with single photon sensitivity. SiPMs are a valid alternative to photomultiplier tubes. The main benefits of these detectors are high gain, extremely good timing performance and low operating voltage. They are insensitive to magnetic field and have a high integration level. The detectors are optimized for Near Ultraviolet (NUV) or red, green and blue (RGB) light detection with peak sensitivities at 420 nm or 550 nm. The Chip Scale Package (CSP) provides a cost-effective solution with an edgeless SiPM die to maximize the active area.
Typical applications include high energy physics, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, homeland security and analytical instruments.
Special features
Single photon sensitivity
Light detection from 350 to 900 nm
Dark count rate <100/<200 kHz/mm2
Superior breakdown voltage uniformity
Excellent temperature stability
Very high gain (106)
Extremely good timing performance
Insensitive to magnetic fields
Not damaged by ambient light
RoHS compliant Chip Scale Package (CSP)
Further, First Sensor develops SiPM modules which can be adapted to your specific requirements and allow for easy test runs and integration into your systems.
Typical applications include high energy physics, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, homeland security and analytical instruments.
Special features
Single photon sensitivity
Light detection from 350 to 900 nm
Dark count rate <100/<200 kHz/mm2
Superior breakdown voltage uniformity
Excellent temperature stability
Very high gain (106)
Extremely good timing performance
Insensitive to magnetic fields
Not damaged by ambient light
RoHS compliant Chip Scale Package (CSP)
Further, First Sensor develops SiPM modules which can be adapted to your specific requirements and allow for easy test runs and integration into your systems.
First Sensor phototransistor arrays
The monolithic phototransistor arrays are available with 4, 6 or 13 elements and small optical pitches of 0.6 mm or 0.45 mm. The active area of each element is 0.2 mm x 0.45 mm or 0.25 mm x 0.50 mm. The devices features high uniformity of the silicon sensors, high signal stability and high optical responsivity. The small SMD plastic packages offer two reference marks for precise collimator positioning.
Typical applications of the phototransistor arrays include optical encoders, incremental encoders, optical receivers and controls/drives.
Special features
High uniformity
High gain
High transparency and very robust encapsulant
Very small dimensions
Reference marks for very precise mounting
RoHS compliant
Typical applications of the phototransistor arrays include optical encoders, incremental encoders, optical receivers and controls/drives.
Special features
High uniformity
High gain
High transparency and very robust encapsulant
Very small dimensions
Reference marks for very precise mounting
RoHS compliant
First Sensor radiation sensors series X: Detectors for ionizing radiation
Alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation can be detected with silicon PIN photodiodes either directly via the absorption in the crystal lattice or indirectly via the measurement of the luminescence radiation of a scintillation crystal. The Series X from First Sensor features optimized silicon PIN photodiodes, which form wide, fully depleted space-charge regions even at low reverse voltages in order to guarantee the maximum absorption of radiation. For high-energy radiation we offer detectors with a CsI:TI scintillation crystal.
Special features
Very low dark current signals
Very low capacitance levels
Minimal series resistance at full depletion
Special features
Very low dark current signals
Very low capacitance levels
Minimal series resistance at full depletion
First Sensor Inertial Sensors
First Sensor features a highly innovative technology platform for manufacturing high-precision inertial sensors for geoengineering, condition monitoring or navigation applications. The MEMS sensors allow for flexible customization to fit your individual application requirements.
Inclinometers and accelerometers
The capacitive inclinometers and accelerometers are based on singlecrystal silicon sensor elements and utilize state-of-the-art micromachining technology to achieve large signal-to-noise ratios and excellent stability over temperature. Therefore, they are able to detect extremely small changes in inclination or acceleration.
Due to high aspect ratio microstructures (HARMS) the sensors feature ultra-low cross axis sensitivities. Further, the patented highly flexible AIM (Air gap Insulated Microstructures) technology minimizes parasitic capacitances.
Evaluation boards
Different evaluation boards for simple and fast read-out of the sensor data are available.
Inclinometers and accelerometers
The capacitive inclinometers and accelerometers are based on singlecrystal silicon sensor elements and utilize state-of-the-art micromachining technology to achieve large signal-to-noise ratios and excellent stability over temperature. Therefore, they are able to detect extremely small changes in inclination or acceleration.
Due to high aspect ratio microstructures (HARMS) the sensors feature ultra-low cross axis sensitivities. Further, the patented highly flexible AIM (Air gap Insulated Microstructures) technology minimizes parasitic capacitances.
Evaluation boards
Different evaluation boards for simple and fast read-out of the sensor data are available.
First Sensor pressure sensor elements: Standard Line STARe
Our optimized STARe technology enables silicon based piezoresistive pressure measurement with highest accuracy and stability. The Standard Line STARe offers absolute, gage and differential pressure ranges from 1 to 30 bar. The arrangement of the bond pads allow for flexible wire bonding.
Features
temperature range -40 ... 150 °C
additional protection against external influences (e.g.humidity) due to secondary passivation
Applications
Automotive
Industrial
White Goods
Medical
We provide custom sensor solutions based on your needs - we will be happy to advise you on suitability to your unique requirements.
Features
temperature range -40 ... 150 °C
additional protection against external influences (e.g.humidity) due to secondary passivation
Applications
Automotive
Industrial
White Goods
Medical
We provide custom sensor solutions based on your needs - we will be happy to advise you on suitability to your unique requirements.
First Sensor pressure sensor components: K-Series STARe A/G
First sensors piezoresistive pressure sensors of the K-series STARe A/G are based on the High Stability Line STARe. The sensor elements are mounted on a Kovar TO-8 header. The header is additionally equipped with a high accuracy PTC temperature sensor. The K-Series STARe is supplied with a plastic housing for transport protection and pressure measurements up to 10 bar.
Features:
suitable for filled with oil transmitters
suitable for agressive media (rear operation)
suitable for vacuum applications
Applications
Industrial
Medical
We provide custom sensor solutions based on your needs - we will be happy to advise you on suitability to your unique requirements.
Features:
suitable for filled with oil transmitters
suitable for agressive media (rear operation)
suitable for vacuum applications
Applications
Industrial
Medical
We provide custom sensor solutions based on your needs - we will be happy to advise you on suitability to your unique requirements.
HMU First Sensor basic pressure sensors
The HMU pressure sensors provide uncalibrated and uncompensated analog mV output signals. They feature an increased media compatibility to measure gases and liquids. Very small SIL and DIP housings allow for space-saving PCB-mounting. All HMU pressure sensors can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include industrial and pneumatic controls, instrumentation and medical devices.
Typical applications include industrial and pneumatic controls, instrumentation and medical devices.
HCL First Sensor Compensated pressure sensors
The HCL pressure sensors measure ultra low pressures from 5 mbar and are intended to be used with dry and non-corrosive gases. The sensors are calibrated and temperature compensated. They use a special compensation technology to achieve a very high offset stability and virtually no position sensitivity. Sensortechnics can provide custom specific pressure ranges and sensor modifications on request. Different miniature SMT and SIL housings allow for space-saving PCB-mounting and maximum OEM design flexibility.
Typical applications include medical devices, instrumentation, HVAC as well as industrial, pneumatic and environmental controls.
Typical applications include medical devices, instrumentation, HVAC as well as industrial, pneumatic and environmental controls.
HCA-BARO First Sensor barometric pressure sensors
The HCA-BARO pressure sensors perform precision digital signal conditioning and provide analogue and digital output at the same time. The sensors are calibrated, temperature compensated and linearised and are intended to be used for barometric air pressure measurement. Miniature SMT and SIL housings allow for space-saving PCB-mounting and maximum OEM design flexibility. All HCA-BARO pressure sensors can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include weather stations, environmental data loggers, altimeters, hydrology as well as compensation of atmospheric pressure changes for industrial systems and instrumentation equipment.
Typical applications include weather stations, environmental data loggers, altimeters, hydrology as well as compensation of atmospheric pressure changes for industrial systems and instrumentation equipment.
HMA pressure sensors series
The HMA pressure sensors provide amplified analog output signals and utilise precision digital signal conditioning to achieve high accuracies. The sensors offer an increased media compatibility to measure gases and liquids. 5 V and 3 V supply versions are available. Very small SIL and DIP housings allow for space-saving PCB-mounting. All HMA pressure sensors can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include industrial, pneumatic and environmental controls, HVAC as well as analytical instruments.
Typical applications include industrial, pneumatic and environmental controls, HVAC as well as analytical instruments.
SSI Pressure sensors for corrosive gases
The SSI pressure sensors perform precision digital signal conditioning and provide analogue and digital output at the same time. The sensors are calibrated, temperature compensated and linearised and achieve very high total accuracies. The stainless steel construction allows for high media compatibility with corrosive liquids and gases. Available packaging options include diaphragm versions with weld ring or housings with G 1/8 and 1/4 NPT threaded pressure ports. All SSI pressure sensors can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include industrial measurement and control, medical devices and instrumentation.
Typical applications include industrial measurement and control, medical devices and instrumentation.
CTE / CTU7000 Low pressure transmitters
The CTE7000 pressure transmitters are based on piezoresistive pressure sensors and are are intended to be used with dry and non-corrosive gases. They are calibrated and temperature compensated and offer different amplified analogue output signals. All CTE7000 pressure transmitters can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include industrial measurement and control, HVAC, medical devices and instrumentation.
Typical applications include industrial measurement and control, HVAC, medical devices and instrumentation.
CTU8000 Pressure transmitters for corrosivegases
The CTE / CTU8000 pressure transmitters allow for high media compatibility with corrosive liquids and gases. The transmitters are based on piezoresistive ceramic pressure sensor elements and feature compact stainless steel housings. They are calibrated and temperature compensated and offer different amplified analogue output signals. All CTE / CTU8000 pressure transmitters can be modified according to customer specific requirements.
Typical applications include industrial machines, industrial measurement and control as well as instrumentation.
Typical applications include industrial machines, industrial measurement and control as well as instrumentation.
First Sensor Hydrostatic liquid level sensors
The HYD submersible hydrostatic liquid level sensors allow for high media compatibility with many industrial liquids. The level transmitters use fully welded flush mount stainless steel pressure sensor elements without elastomeric seals and feature stainless steel housings. They are calibrated and temperature compensated and offer an amplified analogue output signal (HART and PROFIBUS-PA on request). For use in hazardous areas an intrinsically safe version of the transmitter according to ATEX II 1G (EEx ia IIc T4) is optionally available.
Typical applications include level measurement and level control of tanks and liquid supplies as well as water level measurement in reservoirs and wells.
OLP First Sensor Optical liquid level switches
The OLP optical liquid level switches use solid state technology with no moving parts for highly accurate and reliable measurements. The sensors plastic polysulphone housings provide excellent media compatibility. With their miniature threaded housings the OLP sensors are easy to install and consume little space.
Typical applications include medical equipment, HVAC, compressors, hydraulic reservoirs, machine tools and leak detection as well as food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing.
Typical applications include medical equipment, HVAC, compressors, hydraulic reservoirs, machine tools and leak detection as well as food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing.
About us
First Sensor is one of the world's leading suppliers in the field of sensor systems.
Our company develops and manufactures both standardized and tailor-made sensor solutions for applications in the Industrial, Medical and Mobility growth markets. With over 800 employees, we are represented at six German locations and also have development, production and sales sites in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, China, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Denmark along with a worldwide partner network. First Sensor develops and manufactures high-quality, customer-specific sensor solutions for the detection of light, radiation, pressure, flow, level and acceleration. The company produces in-house and along the value-added chain from component to system level.
We guarantee our compliance through regular successful certifications of the sites according to ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, EN ISO 13485, EN 9100 and ISO 9001 - matching the respective business field.
Pressure Sensors and Transmitters
A broad selection of piezoresistive pressure sensors and transmitters from 1 mbar up to 1000 bar. Miniature SMT packages for space-saving PCB-mounting or rugged metal housings. For pressure sensing of air and gases or corrosive and aggressive liquids in medical devices, instrumentation and industrial applications.
Liquid Level Sensors and Switches
Contact-free capacitive level sensors for continuous or point level sensing. Hydrostatic liquid level sensors from 0.5 m water column as submersible or externally mounted sensors. Miniature optical liquid level switches.
Flow Sensors
Thermal mass flow sensors for air and gases with fast response times, high sensitivity and bidirectional sensing capability. Small housings with tube fittings or manifold mounting for use in medical devices, instrumentation and HVAC applications. Differential pressure sensors for volumetric flow measurement of liquids and gases.
Oxygen Sensors
Non-consumptive zirconium dioxide technology for virtually unlimited lifetime. Highly stable and accurate oxygen concentration measurement from 0...100 %Vol. Easy calibration without the need of a reference gas. Custom specific modifications or designs to fit special requirements.
Air Bubble Sensors
Non-invasive sensors for air and gas bubble detection in liquids. Complete media compatibility and sterility for many critical medical, analytical and industrial applications.
Valves and Pressure Controllers
Miniature switching and proportional solenoid valves as well as highly media resistant valves for aggressive liquids and gases. Electronic pressure controllers for closed-loop proportional pressure or vacuum control. High performance solutions integral to many medical and analytical devices.
Miniature Pumps
Miniature liquid and pneumatic diaphragm pumps. Low power consumption and optimised flow paths. Ideal for OEM device manufacturers in the medical, analytical, laboratory and instrumentation market.
Detectors
First Sensor offers a wide range of photodiodes with high sensitivity, high speed and low dark currents. Our detectors are optimized for ultraviolet, visible and ionizing radiation and can be combined with SMD (surface mount device), THD (through hole device) and TO (metal cans) housing technologies. Our portfolio includes Avalanche photodiodes (APD), PIN photodiodes, position sensitive photodiodes (PSD), and Quadrant photodiodes (QP).
Emitters
First Sensor provides the ideal emitter for detector solutions. For the wavelength range between 635 nm and 905 nm we carry a wide range of laser diodes (LD). The high-quality lasers are available as single mode or as multimode lasers. For industrial applications, First Sensor offers optimized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with center wavelengths between 365 nm and 950 nm. The range includes point light sources and surface emitters. We are also happy to adapt the emitter to suit your individual application. Ask us for a customized First Sensor solution.
Radiation Sensors
Atomic particles with sufficient kinetic energy and X-rays can be detected directly via their absorption on the crystal lattice or indirectly via scintillators with silicon radiation detectors. This can require very high absorption volumes and extremely low dark currents, in some cases with fully depleted wafers. First Sensor offers solutions for energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Special features are wafer thickness up to 700 µm, very low dark current signals, very low capacitance level, minimal series resistance at full depletion.
Our company develops and manufactures both standardized and tailor-made sensor solutions for applications in the Industrial, Medical and Mobility growth markets. With over 800 employees, we are represented at six German locations and also have development, production and sales sites in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, China, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Denmark along with a worldwide partner network. First Sensor develops and manufactures high-quality, customer-specific sensor solutions for the detection of light, radiation, pressure, flow, level and acceleration. The company produces in-house and along the value-added chain from component to system level.
We guarantee our compliance through regular successful certifications of the sites according to ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, EN ISO 13485, EN 9100 and ISO 9001 - matching the respective business field.
Pressure Sensors and Transmitters
A broad selection of piezoresistive pressure sensors and transmitters from 1 mbar up to 1000 bar. Miniature SMT packages for space-saving PCB-mounting or rugged metal housings. For pressure sensing of air and gases or corrosive and aggressive liquids in medical devices, instrumentation and industrial applications.
Liquid Level Sensors and Switches
Contact-free capacitive level sensors for continuous or point level sensing. Hydrostatic liquid level sensors from 0.5 m water column as submersible or externally mounted sensors. Miniature optical liquid level switches.
Flow Sensors
Thermal mass flow sensors for air and gases with fast response times, high sensitivity and bidirectional sensing capability. Small housings with tube fittings or manifold mounting for use in medical devices, instrumentation and HVAC applications. Differential pressure sensors for volumetric flow measurement of liquids and gases.
Oxygen Sensors
Non-consumptive zirconium dioxide technology for virtually unlimited lifetime. Highly stable and accurate oxygen concentration measurement from 0...100 %Vol. Easy calibration without the need of a reference gas. Custom specific modifications or designs to fit special requirements.
Air Bubble Sensors
Non-invasive sensors for air and gas bubble detection in liquids. Complete media compatibility and sterility for many critical medical, analytical and industrial applications.
Valves and Pressure Controllers
Miniature switching and proportional solenoid valves as well as highly media resistant valves for aggressive liquids and gases. Electronic pressure controllers for closed-loop proportional pressure or vacuum control. High performance solutions integral to many medical and analytical devices.
Miniature Pumps
Miniature liquid and pneumatic diaphragm pumps. Low power consumption and optimised flow paths. Ideal for OEM device manufacturers in the medical, analytical, laboratory and instrumentation market.
Detectors
First Sensor offers a wide range of photodiodes with high sensitivity, high speed and low dark currents. Our detectors are optimized for ultraviolet, visible and ionizing radiation and can be combined with SMD (surface mount device), THD (through hole device) and TO (metal cans) housing technologies. Our portfolio includes Avalanche photodiodes (APD), PIN photodiodes, position sensitive photodiodes (PSD), and Quadrant photodiodes (QP).
Emitters
First Sensor provides the ideal emitter for detector solutions. For the wavelength range between 635 nm and 905 nm we carry a wide range of laser diodes (LD). The high-quality lasers are available as single mode or as multimode lasers. For industrial applications, First Sensor offers optimized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with center wavelengths between 365 nm and 950 nm. The range includes point light sources and surface emitters. We are also happy to adapt the emitter to suit your individual application. Ask us for a customized First Sensor solution.
Radiation Sensors
Atomic particles with sufficient kinetic energy and X-rays can be detected directly via their absorption on the crystal lattice or indirectly via scintillators with silicon radiation detectors. This can require very high absorption volumes and extremely low dark currents, in some cases with fully depleted wafers. First Sensor offers solutions for energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Special features are wafer thickness up to 700 µm, very low dark current signals, very low capacitance level, minimal series resistance at full depletion.
