UNIT-5

SMART SENSORS

In instrumentation systems, sensors are very essential devices. At present, most of the
types of sensors are smart. So in these sensors, the sensing elements & electronics are
integrated on the same chip. So, the integration of electronics and sensors to make an
intelligent sensor is known as a smart sensor. This sensor can make some decisions.
These sensors have many benefits like higher S/N ratio, fast signal conditioning, auto-
calibration, self-testing, high reliability, small physical size, detection & prevention of
failure. So, this article discusses an overview of a smart sensor, it’s working, and its
applications.

Smart Sensor
A smart sensor is a device that uses a transducer to gather particular data from a
physical environment to perform a predefined & programmed function on the
particular type of gathered data then it transmits the data through a networked
connection.
The features of the smart sensor are; self-identification, digital sensor data, smart
calibration & compensation, multi-sensing capacity, sensor communication for
configuration of remote & remote monitoring, etc.

Smart Sensors

Smart Sensor Working Principle

Smart sensors work by capturing data from physical environments & changing their
physical properties like speed, temperature, pressure, mass, or presence of humans
into calculable electrical signals. These sensors include a Digital Motion Processor
(DMP). Here a DMP is one type of microprocessor that allows the sensor to perform
onboard processing of the smart sensor data like filtering noise otherwise performing
different kinds of signal conditioning.
These sensors have 4 main functions measurement, configuration, verification &
communication.
• Measurements are simply taken through detecting physical signals & changing
them into electrical signals. So this will help in monitoring and measuring
things like temperature, traffic, & industrial applications.
• Configuration function is a significant feature as it allows the smart sensor to
detect position otherwise installation errors
• The verification function has different uses like nonstop supervision of sensor
behavior, using a set of supervisory circuits or equipment executed within the
sensor.
• Lastly, the communication feature allows the sensor to converse to the main
microcontroller/ microprocessor.
Smart Sensor Block Diagram
The block diagram of the smart sensor is shown below. This block diagram includes
different blocks like sensing unit, signal conditioning, analog to digital conversion,
application algorithms, local user interface, memory, and communication unit or
transceiver.

Smart
Sensor Block Diagram

Sensing Unit
This unit detects the changes in physical parameters & generates electrical signals
equivalent to it. Signal
Conditioning Unit
The signal conditioning unit controls the signal to meet the necessities of next-level
operations without losing data.
Analog to Digital Converter
ADC converts the signal from analog to digital format & sends it to the
microprocessor.
Local User Interface
The local user interface or LUI is a panel-mounted device used to allow building
operators to monitor & control system equipment.
Application Algorithm
The signals from smart sensors reach here & process the received data based on the
application programs previously loaded here & generate output signals.
Memory
It is used to store media for saving received & processed data.
Communication Unit
The output signals from the application algorithm or microprocessor are transmitted to
the main station through the communication unit. This unit also gets command
requirements from the key station to execute specific tasks.
Types of Smart Sensor
There are different types of smart sensor available in the market which is explained
below.
Level Sensors
A level sensor is one type of device used to monitor measure & maintain liquid levels.
Whenever the level of liquid is sensed, this sensor changes the data into an electric
signal.

Level Sensors

Level sensors are classified into two types point level & continuous level. A point
level sensor is used to specify whether a liquid has achieved an exact point within a
container whereas continuous level type sensors are used to provide precise
measurements for liquid level. These sensors are mainly used in different industries
like automotive, manufacturing, and also in household applications.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are used to measure temperatures like liquid temperature, air
temperature, or solid matter temperature. These sensors are available in different types
which use different principles to measure the temperature like RTDs, NTC
thermistors, thermopiles & thermocouples. These sensors are mainly used in medical
devices, computers, automobiles, cooking appliances & other types of machinery.

Temperature Sensor

Pressure Sensors
A pressure sensor is a transducer that changes the mechanical pressure input into an
electrical output signal. There are different types of pressure sensors available based
on capacity, size, sensing technology, measurement method &output requirements.
These sensors play a key role in monitoring pipelines & give an alert to overseers if
there are any leaks otherwise irregularities so that they can repair or maintain
pipelines.

Pressure Sensor
Infrared Sensors
An infrared sensor is an electronic device used to emit light to detect some object in
the surroundings and measures the object’s heat & detects the motion. Generally, all
the objects will emit some form of thermal radiation within the IR spectrum which is
invisible but the IR sensor can sense these radiations.

Infrared Sensor

IR sensor includes a transmitter like an IR LED and receiver as an IR photodiode. For

infrared transmission, three types of media are used vacuum, atmosphere & optical
fibers. These sensors are used in night vision devices, radiation thermometers, IR
tracking, IR imaging, etc.
Proximity Sensors
A smart sensor like a proximity sensor is used to notice the existence of objects in its
surrounding area without contacting them. These sensors are frequently used in
collision avoidance systems & collision warnings. This sensor uses light, sound, IR
radiation otherwise electromagnetic fields to notice an object.

Proximity Sensor

These sensors are applicable in consumer robotics, industrial applications and also
utilized in vehicles to detect the physical contact of other vehicles & also for parking-
assist functions
Air Quality Detection Sensors
Air quality detection sensors are electronic devices that are used to detect & monitor
the air pollution within the air in the nearby area. So, these sensors efficiently work
for indoor & outdoor purposes. Air quality sensors are capable of checking the CO2
concentrations through VOC (volatile organic compounds) that have methane &
ammonia as gases.

Air Quality Detection Sensor

Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are electronic devices, used to detect movement inside and
surroundings of your home and give an alert. For instance, this sensor can activate the
lights once it detects you while entering into a room otherwise, they can give an alert
once an intruder is trying to enter your home. These types of sensors are mainly used
in homes, security systems, paper towel dispensers, phones, virtual reality systems &
game consoles.

Motion Sensor

Smart Plant Sensors

Plant sensors are advanced gardening sensors used to provide the data to the user from
stem surface, leaf to root probes to feed the plants. They explain to us what
nourishment and care are required for the plant.
 Plant Sensor

This sensor is very simple to use by placing it into the soil of the plant pot beside the
potted plant. After that, it monitors the level of moisture, light intensity, the
temperature automatically to maintain the plant properly. The current plant sensors
give an alert through smartphones to keep checking your plant’s condition remotely
and take appropriate action.
Smart Climate Sensors
Smart climate sensors are used to gather the data of barometric pressure, temperature
& humidity that assist in evaluating the exact weather conditions & calculate as well.
These sensors will assist you in setting your plan accordingly because these sensors
are connected through your Smartphone to send alerts throughout the frequent
changes within the weather. These sensors are essential for gardening and are
connected to smart irrigation systems.

Characteristics Of Smart Sensors

Self-Calibration
Self-calibration refers to adjusting a sensor’s fabrication-related parameters, such
as gain, offset, or both. Self-calibration can be an initial adjustment of gain or can
be used to correct the sensor’s output’s deviation from the desired value when the
input is at its lowest level. Because their adjustments frequently change over time,
calibration is required, necessitating the removal and recalibration of the device.
Assuming it is challenging to calibrate the units once they are in use, the
manufacturer over-designs the product to ensure that it will perform as intended for
the duration of its service life. These issues are resolved by the smart sensor’s
built-in microprocessor, which has the necessary correction functions stored in its
memory.

Self-Diagnosis Of Faults
Smart sensors perform self-diagnosis by looking for signs of errors in internal
signals. It can be difficult for some sensors to distinguish between typical
measurement deviations and sensor errors. This problem is solved by calculating
the minimum and maximum values for the measured quantity and storing multiple
measured values near a setup point. The effect of a sensor fault on the measured
quantity is measured using uncertainty techniques. This makes it possible to keep
using a sensor even after a fault has occurred.

Computation
Computation also allows one to obtain the average, variance, and standard
deviation measurements. This can easily be done using the smart sensor. The
computational ability allows one to compensate for environmental changes such as
temperature and also to correct for changes in offset and gain

Communication
Communication is the means of exchanging or conveying information, which the
smart sensor can easily accomplish. This is very helpful as the sensor can broadcast
information about its status and measurement uncertainty.

Multi Sensing
Some smart sensors can also simultaneously measure more than one physical or
chemical variable. A single, smart sensor can measure pressure, temperature,
humidity, gas flow, infrared, chemical reaction surface acoustic vapor, etc.

Applications Of Smart Sensors

Industrial
The industrial market is where smart sensors have currently established their
strongest presence. The development of various industrial digital databus
standards, the higher cost associated with them, the stricter specifications and
medium to low volumes that are common in the industrial marketplace, the relative
insignificance of package size, the high level of importance attached to data
reliability associated with very large plants, the difficulty of access to sensors for
diagnostics, and these factors can all be easily identified. As databus standards are
rationalized and the advantages of remote diagnostics are better understood, it is
anticipated that the trend toward introducing smart sensors in the industrial sector
will continue.

Aerospace
The aerospace sector wants to use smart sensors for various sensors. Data integrity
concerns are at least as important as other concerns. The weight of the cable
associated with the numerous frequently multiplied sensors used for redundancy is
still a significant concern. Self-monitoring sensors have the potential to increase
safety; however, the extra information produced by this new capability needs to be
returned to a useful location using a multiplexed or digital data bus. The availability
of multiplexed data buses enables the concentration of the output from numerous
sensors onto the smallest number of buses necessary to maintain an adequate level
of redundancy.
Automotive
The automotive industry is closely watching the potential of smart sensors, but cost
considerations take precedence in this case. Before introducing data buses for other
uses, smart sensors attached to them were unlikely to make their way into most
vehicles. Long-anticipated communications between the engine, transmission,
suspension, braking, and other controls are now made possible by several
automotive data bus standards. Various functional blocks make up every automated
process. For instance, to control the flight of an airplane, we need (i) actuators,
such as engines and rudders, to move the craft; (ii) computers, such as the
automatic pilot, to control the actuators based on a flight plane; and (iii) sensors to
measure acceleration, altitude, tilt, etc., to provide the computer with data about
the actual flight and allow corrections to be made.

Smart city-

A smart city uses information and communication technology (ICT) to improve

operational efficiency, share information with the public and provide a better
quality of government service and citizen welfare.

The main goal of a smart city is to optimise city functions and promote economic
growth while also improving the quality of life for citizens by using smart
technologies and data analysis. The value lies in how this technology is used rather
than simply how much technology is available.

A city’s smartness is determined using a set of characteristics, including:

• An infrastructure based around technology

• Environmental initiatives
• Effective and highly functional public transportation
• Confident and progressive city plans
• People able to live and work within the city, using its resources

The success of a smart city relies on the relationship between the public and private
sectors as much of the work to create and maintain a data-driven environment falls
outside the local government remit. For example, smart surveillance cameras may
need input and technology from several companies.

Aside from the technology used by a smart city, there is also the need for data
analysts to assess the information provided by the smart city systems so that any
problems can be addressed and improvements found.
Industrial robots

Industrial robots are robotic arms that can move in several directions and can be
programmed to carry out many different types of tasks in different environments.
These industrial robots can work:

• In varying environments like high-pressure and vacuum chambers.

• In clean workrooms and in terribly dirty areas.
• In dangerous areas where threats of explosions, infections, radiation, or
other extreme hazards are present and dangerous to humans.

Robotic arms can be equipped with specialized grippers to work with delicate and
fragile objects, while other robotic arms can have grippers that can grasp and lift
loads weighing several tons.

Robotic arms can be equipped with any type of tool. These tools are used with
precision, accuracy, speed, and repetitiveness that can not be matched by humans.

These robotic arms can have a multitude of sensors and vision systems capable of
viewing images to aid with their computer-based control. That sensor and vision
feedback can be used with with artificial intelligence to make decisions about the
behavior of the robotic arm.
Industrial robots and automation are an important part of the manufacturing of
most products produced in today’s world.

Industrial Robots Main Components

The four main parts of an industrial robot are the manipulator, the controller, the
human interface device, and the power supply.

The manipulator is the arm and can move in various different directions. On the V5
Workcell, the arm moves from a V5 Smart Motor acting as the actuator, which
provides the force to move the arm. On an industrial robot, the force can come
from electric motors, air pressure in pneumatic cylinders, or fluid pressure in
hydraulic cylinders.

The arm has a controller which is the “brain” of the system. The controller holds
the programming code and receives signals from the system (input), processes the
signals, and then sends signals out to the system (output) to control the robot.

One type of input may come from the human interface device, such as a teach
pendant. These devices can be used to program the arm and control its
movement.

The last component is the power supply which is where an industrial robot gets its
energy for its controller and actuators. This is typically in the form of electrical
energy.

Electric vehicles
All-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have an electric motor
instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power
the electric motor and must be plugged in to a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called
electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Because it runs on electricity, the vehicle emits no
exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel
pump, fuel line, or fuel tank.

Key Components of an All-Electric Car

Battery (all-electric auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the auxiliary battery provides electricity to power
vehicle accessories.

Charge port: The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply in order to charge the
traction battery pack.

DC/DC converter: This device converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-
voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.

Electric traction motor: Using power from the traction battery pack, this motor drives the vehicle's wheels.

Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions.

Onboard charger: Takes the incoming AC electricity supplied via the charge port and converts it to DC power
for charging the traction battery.

It also communicates with the charging equipment and monitors battery characteristics such as voltage,
current, temperature, and state of charge while charging the pack.

Power electronics controller: This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery,
controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it produces.

Thermal system (cooling): This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of the engine,
electric motor, power electronics, and other components.

Traction battery pack: Stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor.

Transmission (electric): The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to drive
the wheels.