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?
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.
By Ted Mortenson
Automation Engineer
Posted on Aug 31, 2020
By Ted Mortenson
Posted on Aug 31, 2020
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!
Open PLCs: Unlocking the Power of Industrial Automation
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been the backbone of control systems for a long time. However, traditional PLCs have been known for their close architecture which results in limited flexibility in programming and also integrations with other systems. This...
What is an Open PLC?
To program a PLC, I need to write a program on my computer and download it to the PLC. To be able to write the program on my computer, I need programming software, right? I can not just open up my laptop and start writing codes. For example, to write code in C++ on my...
RealPars is the world's largest online learning platform for cutting-edge industrial technologies.
Questions?
[email protected]
+31 10 316 6400
Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (CET)
Rotterdam Science Tower,
Marconistraat 16,
3029AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
COMPANY
About
Terms of Service
Privacy
Cookies
LEARN
Courses
Blog
Sign in
HELP
Contact Us
Help & Support
Refund & Cancellation Policy
© 2023 RealPars B.V. All rights reserved.
Created with coffee and tea in Rotterdam.