Advancements in the capability of electronic sensors have led to continuing improvements in the features, control, and sophistication of countless products and systems, from automobiles and aviation platforms, to HVAC systems and industrial process control equipment. The development of so-called “smart” sensors means an even greater integration of sensing technology into our daily lives.

What are Smart Sensors? 

Let’s start with plain sensors. A simple electronic sensor is a device that detects a physical parameter and converts it into an electrical signal. These parameters can include temperature, pressure, humidity, proximity, acceleration, and more. The electrical signal can then be converted by some outside circuit into a digital or analog readout for analysis or action, or to trigger an alarm when a parameter is reached or exceeded. A basic sensor, however, produces a signal but not a reaction. 

A “smart” sensor, as its name might imply, is a sensor paired with an embedded processor. It receives parameter input from the environment it is monitoring, and funnels that input to its microprocessor. The processor analyzes the data and directs outside functions based on predefined algorithms to act on the parameter being monitored.  

A smart sensor, coupled with advanced connectivity (Bluetooth, WiFI, etc.) is able to detect, measure, analyze, and connect to outside systems like motors or actuators to act on the information it receives from the environment. In short, a smart sensor initiates a predefined action when it senses an appropriate input.

How do Smart Sensors Work?

The base of a smart sensor is the sensing element for the physical quantity being monitored. In a temperature sensor, for example, voltage across diode terminals is changed by temperature movement. A basic pressure sensor uses a deflectable diaphragm to emulate a variable capacitor and measure change. And a proximity sensor measures the change in the return signal of an electromagnetic field or beam from a monitored area. In each case, a physical change produces an electrical signal which can be read as a defined parameter.  

A smart sensor, as we have noted, also uses an embedded processor to analyze this signal in real time and take predefined steps to alter or control it, communicating this information to outside control systems by means of a wireless communication circuit. You could build a discrete solution using sensor, processor and communication components. Silicon-based sensors, however, integrate sensing, processing, and communications on the same chip and also offer the benefits of low power consumption and miniaturization.

Many smart sensors also incorporate self-calibration and self-diagnostic functions, allowing them to detect and report failure or out-of-spec situations that might result in downtime or unexpected maintenance. Advanced smart sensors may also incorporate circuits to detect and compensate for marginal measurements or allow for data conversion. 

Applications for Smart Sensors

Smart sensors are available in a wide variety of packages, formats, and capabilities to measure and react to many different physical quantities. They can sense temperature, motion, level, pressure, humidity, mass, light, sound, strain, wind, smoke, occupancy, radiation, magnetism, chemicals, and the presence of specific gasses. This makes them useful in and adaptable to a broad range of applications that include, but are not limited to:

• • • Patient monitoring in healthcare
    • Machine monitoring in manufacturing
    • HVAC optimization in offices
    • Unauthorized access detection in homes or businesses
    • Assisted or self-driving vehicles on the highway
    • Water quality management in municipalities
    • Traffic monitoring and control in cities

In our homes, for example, smart sensors can monitor a room or entrance for temperature change, moisture incursion, or unexpected motion and interact with other smart devices to automate tasks, send notifications, or even allow for video and audio monitoring or intervention. 

Our good friends over at CircuitBread.com have over 245 video tutorials posted covering subjects including sensing and control applications. You can check out their content at www.circuitbread.com.  

Smart Sensor Design Considerations

Here’s a bit of the technical part, but we’ll keep this very brief. Before you try to source a smart sensor for your needs, you or your team may need to determine:

• • • The physical quantity you need to measure
    • The measurement scale you require
    • Resolution or sensitivity
    • Analog or digital sensing
    • Operating temperature
    • Shielding or ruggedness needs
    • Power needs/source
    • Budget

Summary

Smart sensors are reliable, highly accurate, real-time, rugged, and cost-effective solutions for many applications requiring monitoring and control of an environment, function, or process. As an authorized component distributor, Onlinecomponents.com, has complete sensing product information from 141 different manufacturers. 

Smart sensor technology is growing rapidly and enhancing safety, increasing efficiency, and improving manufacturing processes worldwide. As you explore the exciting uses for smart sensors, we welcome your equally intelligent questions.