Smart Sensor Explained | Different Types and Applications
Learn about a very powerful group of devices called Smart Sensors.In this article, we’re going to introduce you to a very powerful group of devices called Smart Sensor.
The 4 Industrial Revolutions
Alright…let’s go. The Smart Sensor plays a very important role in the Smart Factory of Industry 4.0 which is considered as the fourth revolution of the manufacturing industry.
The First Revolution brought us steam and water-powered mechanization.
The Second Revolution introduced mass production using electricity.
The Third Revolution established automated manufacturing processes using computers and robotics.
And now the Fourth Revolution has launched the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Smart Factory.
What makes a Base Sensor different than a Smart Sensor?
Before we get to that question, let’s review what a base sensor is, what it does, and how it is integrated into process control loops.
A base sensor is a device that senses something. For many years we’ve had sensors that can see, feel, hear, smell, and even taste.
In the world of instrumentation and process control, we define a Sensor as a device that detects changes in physical properties and produces an electrical output in response to that change.
A Thermocouple is a temperature sensor that will produce an increasing voltage across it when exposed to increasing temperature.
In industry today, thousands of thermocouples are connected to transmitters in temperature process control loops.
In the process control, we condition the thermocouple voltage and convert it to an industry-standard signal that represents our controlled temperature range.
Smart sensor
OK…so…what if we had a sensor that did more than sense singular basic physical properties?
What if we had a sensor that also performs data conversion, digital processing, and can communicate to external devices and the Cloud?
What is a smart sensor?
In very general terms a Smart Sensor has a base sensor, a microprocessor, is communication-capable, and has some form of onboard diagnostics.
Smart Sensors are capable of a variety of functions and options. Smart Sensors can perform self-assessments and self-calibration.
They can detect issues such as sensor contamination, switch failures, and open coils.
Smart sensors with multi-sensing capability
Some Smart Sensors are capable of multi-sensing and can measure pressure, temperature, humidity, gas flow, and more.
Manufacturing intelligence
Smart Sensors play a very important role in the new era of manufacturing intelligence. They will become more and more important as the industry develops increasingly sophisticated and complex processes.
Summary
OK, let’s review…
– The Smart Sensor plays a very important role in Industry 4.0 which is considered as the fourth revolution of the manufacturing industry.
– A Smart Sensor can do more than sense singular basic physical properties
– Smart Sensors can perform data conversion, digital processing, and can communicate to external devices and the Cloud.
– A Smart Sensor has a base sensor, a microprocessor, is communication-capable, and has some form of onboard diagnostics.
– Smart Sensors are capable of a variety of functions and options.
– Some Smart Sensors are capable of multi-sensing and can measure pressure, temperature, humidity, gas flow, and more.
You might want to review one of our other articles:
Want to Learn More?
Newcomers to RealPars have free access to one of our online courses.
You can take advantage of this offer by downloading the RealPars app (iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, FireTV, Roku) and selecting the first lesson of the PLC Hardware course. Just like the video, the lessons are all high-quality and also very easy-to-follow.
Also, for a low monthly fee, you’ll get full access to an exclusive library of courses on PLC programming and industrial automation topics as well as new fresh out of the oven videos each and every week. These courses are all member-exclusive and are not shared anywhere else on the internet.
If you would like to get additional training on a similar subject please let us know in the comment section.
Check back with us soon for more automation control topics.
Got a friend, client, or colleague who could use some of this information? Please share this article.
5 Actionable Tips for Getting a PLC Programming Job with NO Experience
In this blog post, you’ll learn about the mindset that helped me getting a PLC programming job with NO experience. This is my personal experience as someone who searched for a job in this field and as an employer who reviews resumes and interviews candidates for a variety of projects. So let’s get started!
Turbine Flow Meter Explained | Operation and Calibration
In this article, we’re going to discuss a very common flow measuring device called a Turbine Flow Meter.Depending on who you talk to, a Turbine Meter has one or two major parts. Some will tell you that the Turbine Meter has only one part: the Mechanical component....
Sinking and Sourcing PLC Outputs Explained
In this article, we're going to talk about Sinking and Sourcing PLC digital output modules and how they connect to field devices.As we’ve discussed in our other articles, the two types of PLC output modules are Digital and Analog. Drilling down even further, Digital...
Learn how to program PLCs, install and wire industrial devices, and at the same time purchase them online.
Rotterdam Science Tower, Marconistraat 16,
3029AK Rotterdam, Netherlands
COMPANY
About
Privacy
Cookies
LEARN
Courses
PLC Certificate
Blog
Search
Sign in
HELP
FAQ
Contact Us
© 2021 RealPars B.V. All rights reserved.
Created with coffee and tea in Rotterdam.