August 29, 2008: Virtus Advanced Sensors, a developer of multi-axis inertial sensor technology, has introduced its first sensor product, an analog 3-axis accelerometer for low-cost consumer electronics applications. Its affiliated company, applications developer Virtus Asia Ltd., has developed two products utilizing this technology, including a wireless motion sensing mote kit and multi-sensing data recorder. These new products are the first to be introduced by Virtus Group companies.

The Micro Sensing Mote Kit and V Logger are part of a new generation of motion sensing and data collection devices for industrial, consumer, medical and research applications.

Fig. 1: Small formfactor micro sensing mote. (Source: Virtec)

The Micro Sensing Mote Kit, which contains a battery, accelerometer, and Bluetooth transceiver, embeds a 3-axis accelerometer built with Virtus’ proprietary MEMS technology. The small size of Virtus MEMS accelerometer allows a high level of integration inside the compact Sensing Mote case. It supports multi-sensing with more than one wireless motion sensing units, expanding the ability to collect and analyze more data.

Fig. 2: Micro sensing mote with integrated USB Bluetooth receiver and charger. (Source: Virtec)

The other product, V Logger, features integrated functions to measure and record acceleration, humidity, and temperature. Virtus MEMS accelerometer’s low-power consumption enables Virtus Asia engineers to design the V Logger in a small package significantly lighter than alternative products on the market. It can measure vibration and handling environment of distribution packages, as well as temperature and humidity during transportation (useful for packages that are costly or contain perishable goods). It can perform process monitoring for maintenance and troubleshooting applications in manufacturing plants. It can monitor changes in remote environment for research projects.

Fig. 3: V Logger with quarter (for scale). (Source: Virtec)

“Low-cost wireless MEMS motion sensing systems would lead many developers to create new novel applications for a number of industries, including industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and consumer electronics, among others,” said Dr. Wen J. Li, director of the Centre for Micro and Nano Systems at the Chinese U. of Hong Kong (CUHK) and a director of Virtus Asia, in a statement.

The growing China market presents a great opportunity for Virtus, added Louis Ross, CEO of Virtus Group. “The application work being conducted at Virtus Asia will help stimulate demand for our sensors for practical use, large volume products,” he said. “Applications development is key for expansion of the broad adoption of motion sensing technology in the marketplace.”