The impact of Qvar technology in sensor technology and its practical applications

By Uros Mali   |   February 5, 2024   |   Provided By EBV Elektronik

Developments in sensor technology are forming new avenues for exploration and use. Among these advances, STMicroelectronics' Qvar technology emerges as a noteworthy contribution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Qvar, outlining its features, potential uses, and its embodiment in the STEVAL-MKBOXPRO, to understand Qvar's capabilities and its applicability in real-world scenarios, thus highlighting its role in evolving sensor technology.
 

Understanding Qvar technology

Qvar, which stands for electric charge (= Q) variation (= var), is a patented invention of STMicroelectronics. It stands out by its ability to detect changes in electric field due to various external factors like proximity of metal or water, known as quasi-electrostatic potential changes. This characteristic enables Qvar to detect environmental changes without direct contact, making it a substantial advancement in sensor applications. It extends sensor capabilities into a wide range of fields, enhancing their versatility and effectiveness.

Qvar's ability to measure these electric potential changes is achieved through an electrical potential sensing channel embedded within sensors such as the ILPS22QS and LSM6DSV16X. These sensors process these variations, allowing for a variety of possible applications including human presence and motion detection, touch detection, and water leakage detection.

For further understanding, STMicroelectronics offers an in-depth application note AN5755.
 

Qvar hardware

This section discusses the practical embodiment of Qvar technology across different ST sensors, each designed for specific functions and environments. Such exploration underlines Qvar's adaptability and versatility in real-world contexts.

• Barometric Sensors: The ILPS22QS and ILPS28QSW embody Qvar technology, enhancing their barometric sensing capabilities. They measure quasi-electrostatic potential changes, useful in industrial monitoring. The ILPS28QSW's water-resistant packaging further demonstrates Qvar's adaptability in diverse conditions.
   
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): Qvar technology extends to the LSM6DSV16X, LSM6DSV16BX and LSM6DSV32X IMUs, significantly improving motion detection. The LSM6DSV16X is known for precise motion tracking, while the LSM6DSV32X adds a 3-axis digital gyroscope and a 3-axis digital accelerometer, making it effective for sophisticated application; these products also embed MLC (Machine Learning Core) where Qvar data can be used as an input.
   
• Accelerometer: The LIS2DUXS12 combines a MEMS sensor design with Qvar technology to maximise functionality with minimal power usage. It's ideal for applications requiring accurate activity and gesture recognition due to its ability to measure variations in electrostatic charge.

Software complementing Qvar

Beyond the hardware, Qvar technology is amplified by complementary software, which plays a vital role in harnessing the full potential of Qvar sensors, enhancing their functionality, and enabling their integration into sophisticated systems. Software processes sensor data using algorithms to provide actionable insights and ensures seamless integration and data interpretation. STMicroelectronics, along with open-source communities, contribute optimised platforms and tools, enhancing Qvar's functionality and widening its application scope.

The role of software is integral in elevating the utility of Qvar technology. It transforms a vast array of data, from motion to environmental changes, into meaningful insights. Robust software platforms are essential for data processing, analysis, and storage, as well as facilitating communication between sensors and other digital platforms. Such integration is key to transitioning from mere data collection to practical and actionable applications, emphasising the importance of software in maximising Qvar's technological impact.

Selecting the right software environment can enhance the performance and applicability of Qvar sensors. The FP-SNS-STBOX1, for example, is tailored for multi-sensor development kits and aligns with optimising the efficiency and communication capabilities of these systems. Such software modules contribute to a more robust and efficient sensing environment, wherein Qvar technology can be effectively utilised and explored.

Overall, while Qvar's hardware lays the foundation, the thoughtful integration with specific and relevant software modules unlocks the full potential of Qvar technology, catering to a broad range of applications and industries.
 

Practical applications of Qvar

Qvar technology's real-world applications demonstrate its transformative potential across various industries, showcasing how it enhances functionalities and enables new capabilities in sensor technology, acting as an additional feature that extends the capabilities of sensors.

Water and liquid level detection with Qvar:

Qvar technology excels in water and liquid level detection, leveraging water's conductivity. It works by mimicking the charge transfer process akin to a human finger's touch when in contact with water. This capability makes it effective for both detecting water leaks and measuring liquid levels.
 

Presence and motion detection:

Qvar sensors detect human presence and motion by measuring electrostatic variations, making them valuable for smart buildings and security systems. By enabling occupancy-based control without direct contact, Qvar enhances sensor versatility and responsiveness, contributing to more efficient and secure environments.

Figure 1: Qvar for presence and motion detection

True Wireless Stereo (TWS) applications:

Qvar technology facilitates intuitive user experiences in TWS headsets through in-ear detection and gesture recognition. By seamlessly integrating into the user's lifestyle, it enhances the practicality and enjoyment of TWS devices, illustrating the added value Qvar brings to consumer electronics.

Figure 2: Qvar for TWS headphones

Enhancing wearables and IoT devices:

In wearables and IoT devices, Qvar's capability for gesture and activity recognition enriches user interaction, making devices smarter and more intuitive. Its integration into these technologies showcases Qvar's role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the wearable and IoT sectors.

Within the broad spectrum of STMicroelectronics' sensor technologies, Qvar represents a remarkable advancement, complementing other innovative features to enhance overall sensor functionality. While it contributes significantly to the versatility and utility of sensors, it is part of a collective suite of technologies that together drive the market-leading performance of ST's sensors. Qvar's adaptability, precision, and non-invasive nature make it a valuable addition to the sensor technology landscape, offering solutions and enhancements across a wide range of industries. By integrating Qvar technology, industries can achieve more responsive, efficient, and user-friendly operations.
 

Exploring sensor technologies with STEVAL-MKBOXPRO

The STEVAL-MKBOXPRO, or SensorTile.box PRO, a wireless evaluation tool, is ideal for exploring a wide array of sensor technologies, including the benefits of Qvar. It's designed to accommodate various levels of technical proficiency with Entry, Expert, and Pro modes, offering a versatile experience from pre-embedded IoT applications to custom development opportunities. While it features a suite of sensors, including those with Qvar technology, the SensorTile.box PRO serves as a broad platform for innovation and discovery across ST sensor technologies.

Figure 3: Steval-MKBOXPRO

Conclusion: Contextualising Qvar within the landscape of sensor technologies

Qvar represents an important advancement in sensor technology, contributing to more nuanced and efficient sensor applications. Its inclusion in platforms like the STEVAL-MKBOXPRO underscores its value in the evolving landscape of sensor technologies. However, it's essential to recognise that the SensorTile.box PRO, and by extension, the field of sensor technology, is rich with diverse and specialised options. Each technology, including Qvar, plays a unique role, suited to specific applications and environments.

While Qvar enhances certain functionalities, the selection of sensor technology must always be driven by the specific needs and contexts of each application. This nuanced approach ensures the most effective and innovative use of technology. As we explore and integrate these technologies, including Qvar, it's the synergy of their combined potential that leads to advancements and applications in various industries.

About Author

Uros Mali

Uroš Mali is working as Director segment Smart Sensing & Connectivity at EBV Elektronik, one of the ...

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