Anything in the physical realm that is of interest to observe and control by people, businesses, or organizations will be connected and the observation will be and recorded via the Internet.
Sensors
Sensor Types Being Used Most in IoT Systems
Sensors are being used for a long time but the invention of the Internet of Things has taken the evolution of sensors to a completely different level.
IoT platforms collect data using a variety of sensors. They serve to collect data, pushing it and sharing it with a whole network of connected devices. By combining a set of sensors and a communication network, devices share information with one another and are improving their effectiveness and functionality.
Temperature sensors
Definition, “A device, used to measure amount of heat energy that allows to detect a physical change in temperature from a particular source and converts the data for a device or user, is known as a Temperature Sensor.”
Only a couple of years ago, their uses mostly included A/C control, refrigerators and similar devices used for environmental control. In the manufacturing process, many machines require specific environment temperature, as well as device temperature. With this kind of measurement, the manufacturing process can always remain optimal. On the other hand, in agriculture, the temperature of soil is crucial for crop growth. This helps with the production of plants, maximizing the output.
Some sub-categories of Temp Sensors:
Thermocouples: These are voltage devices that indicate temperature measuring with a change in voltage. As temperature goes up, the output voltage of the thermocouple rises.
Resistor temperature detectors (RTD): The resistance of the device is directly proportional to the temperature, increase in a positive direction when the temperature rises resistance going up.
Thermistors: It is a temperature sensitive resistor that changes its physical resistance with the change in temperature.
IC (Semiconductor): They are linear devices where the conductivity of the semiconductor increases linearly and it takes advantage of the variable resistance properties of semiconductor materials. It can provide a direct temperature reading in digital form, especially at low temperatures.
Infrared sensors: It detects temperature by intercepting a portion of emitted infrared energy of the object or substance, and sensing its intensity, can be used to measure temperature of solids and liquids only, not possible to use it on gases because of their transparent nature.
Proximity sensor
A device that detects the presence or absence of a nearby object, or properties of that object, and converts it into signal which can be easily read by user or a simple electronic instrument without getting in contact with them.
Proximity sensors are largely used in the retail industry, as they can detect motion and the correlation between the customer and product they might be interested in. A user is immediately notified of discounts and special offers of nearby products. Another big and quite an old use-case is vehicles. While you are reversing your car, you get alarm about an obstacle due to the work of proximity sensor. They are also used for parking availability in places such as malls, stadiums or airports.
Some of the Proximity Sensors sub-categories:
Inductive Sensors: Inductive proximity sensors are used for non-contact detection to find out the presence of metallic objects using electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation.It can operate at higher speeds than mechanical switches and also seems more reliable because of its robustness.
Capacitive Sensors: Capacitive proximity sensors can detect both metallic as well as non-metallic targets. Nearly all other materials are dielectric different from air. It can be used to sense very small objects through a large portion of target. So, generally used in difficult and complicated applications.
Photoelectric Sensors: Photoelectric sensor is made up of light-sensitive parts and uses a beam of light to detect the presence or absence of an object. It is an ideal alternative of inductive sensors. And used for long distance sensing or to sense non-metal object.
Ultrasonic Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors are also used to detect the presence or to measure the distance of targets similar to radar or sonar. This makes a reliable solution for harsh and demanding conditions.
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor is a device that senses pressure and converts it into an electric signal. Here, the amount depends upon the level of pressure applied.
These sensors make it possible to create IoT systems that monitor systems and devices that are pressure propelled. With any deviation from standard pressure range, the device notifies the system administrator about any problems that should be fixed. Deployment of these sensors is not only very useful in manufacturing, but also in the maintenance of whole water systems and heating systems, as it is easy to detect any fluctuation or drops in pressure.
Water quality sensor
Water quality sensors are used to detect the water quality and Ion monitoring primarily in water distribution systems.
Water is practically used everywhere. These sensors play an important role as they monitor the quality of water for different purposes. They are used in a variety of industries.
Most common kinds of water sensors in use:
Chlorine Residual Sensor: It measures chlorine residual (i.e. free chlorine, monochloramine & total chlorine) in water and most widely used as disinfectant because of its efficiency.
Total Organic Carbon Sensor: TOC sensor is used to measure organic element in water.
Turbidity Sensor: Turbidity sensors measure suspended solids in water, typically it is used in river and stream gaging, wastewater and effluent measurement.
Conductivity Sensor: Conductivity measurements are carried out in industrial processes primarily to obtain information on total ionic concentrations (i.e. dissolved compounds) in water solutions.
pH Sensor: It is used to measure the pH level in the dissolved water, which indicates how acidic or basic (alkaline) it is.
Oxygen-Reduction Potential Sensor: The ORP measurement provides insights into the level of oxidation/reduction reactions occurring in the solution.
Chemical sensor
Their goal is to indicate changes in liquid or to find out air chemical changes. They play an important role in bigger cities, where it is necessary to track changes and protect the population. Main use cases of chemical sensors can be found in Industrial environmental monitoring and process control, intentionally or accidentally released harmful chemical detection, explosive and radioactive detection, recycling processes on Space Station, pharma industries and laboratory etc.
The most common kind of chemical sensors in use:
Chemical field-effect transistor
Chemiresistor
Electrochemical gas sensor
Fluorescent chloride sensor
Hydrogen sulfide sensor
Nondispersive infrared sensor
pH glass electrode
Potentiometric sensor
Zinc oxide nanorod sensor
Gas sensor
Gas sensors are specifically used to monitor changes of the air quality and detect the presence of various gases. They are used in numerous industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and health and used for air quality monitoring, detection of toxic or combustible gas, hazardous gas monitoring in coal mines, oil & gas industries, chemical laboratory research, manufacturing – paints, plastics, rubber, pharmaceutical & petrochemical etc.
Some common Gas sensors:
Carbon dioxide sensor
Breathalyzer
Carbon monoxide detector
Catalytic bead sensor
Hydrogen sensor
Air pollution sensor
Nitrogen oxide sensor
Oxygen sensor
Ozone monitor
Electrochemical gas sensor
Gas detector
Hygrometer
Smoke sensor
A smoke sensor is a device that senses smoke (airborne particulates & gases), and it’s level.
Smoke sensors are extensively used by manufacturing industry, HVAC, buildings and accommodation infra to detect fire and gas incidences. This serves to protect people working in dangerous environments, as the whole system is much more effective in comparison to the older ones.
Common Type of Smoke Sensors
Smoke sensors detect the presence of Smoke, Gases and Flame surrounding their field. It can be detected either optically or by the physical process or by the use of both the methods.
Optical smoke sensor (Photoelectric): Optical smoke sensor used the light scatter principle trigger to occupants.
Ionization smoke sensor: Ionization smoke sensor works on the principle of ionization, kind of chemistry to detect molecules causing a trigger alarm.
IR sensors
An infrared sensor is a sensor which is used to sense certain characteristics of its surroundings by either emitting or detecting infrared radiation. It is also capable of measuring the heat being emitted by the objects.
They are now used in a variety of IoT projects, especially in Healthcare as they make monitoring of blood flow and blood pressure simple. They are even used in a wide array of regular smart devices such as smartwatches and smartphones as well.
Other common use includes home appliances & remote control, breath analysis, Infrared vision (i.e. visualize heat leaks in electronics, monitor blood flow, art historians to see under layers of paint), wearable electronics, optical communication, non-contact based temperature measurements, automotive blind-angle detection.
Their usage does not end there, they are also a great tool for ensuring high-level security in your home. Also, their application includes environment checks, as they can detect a variety of chemicals and heat leaks. They are going to play an important role in the smart home industry, as they have a wide-range of applications.
Level sensors
A sensor which is used to determine the level or amount of fluids, liquids or other substances that flow in an open or closed system is called Level sensor.
Like IR sensors, level sensors are present in a wide array of industries. They are primarily known for measuring fuel levels, but they are also used in businesses that work with liquid materials. For example, the recycling industry, as well as the juice and alcohol industry rely on these sensors to measure the number of liquid assets in their possession.
Best use cases of level sensor is, fuel gauging & liquid levels in open or closed containers, sea level monitoring & Tsunami warning, water reservoirs, medical equipment, compressors, hydraulic reservoirs, machine tools, beverage and pharmaceutical processing, high or low-level detection etc.
This helps better streamline their businesses, as sensors collect all the important data at all times. With the use of these sensors, any product manager can precisely see how much liquid is ready to be distributed and whether the manufacturing should be stepped up.
There are two basic level measurement types:
Point level sensors: Point level sensors usually detect the particular specific level and respond to the user if the sensing object is above or below that level. It is integrated into single device to get an alarm or trigger
Continuous level Sensor: Continuous level sensors measure liquid or dry material levels within a specified range and provide outputs which continuously indicate the level. The best example of it is fuel level display in the vehicle.
Image sensors
Image sensors are instruments which are used to convert optical images into electronic signals for displaying or storing files electronically.
The major use of image sensor is found in digital camera & modules, medical imaging and night vision equipment,thermal imaging devices, radar, sonar, media house, Biometric & IRIS devices.
Two main types of sensors are used in:
CCD (charge-coupled device), and
CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) imagers.
Although each type of sensor uses different technology to capture images, both CCD and CMOS imagers use metal-oxide semiconductors, having the same degree of sensitivity to light, and no inherent quality difference.
One of the best-known uses includes the car industry, in which imagery plays a very important role. With these sensors, the system can recognize signs, obstacles and many other things that a driver would generally notice on the road. They play a very important role in IoT industry, as they directly affect the progress of driverless cars.
They are also implemented in improved security systems, where images help capture details about the perpetrator.
In the retail industry, these sensors serve to collect data about customers, helping businesses get a better insight into who is actually visiting their store, race, gender, age are only some of the useful parameters that retail owners get by using these IoT sensors.
Motion detection sensors
A motion detector is an electronic device which is used to detect the physical movement (motion) in a given area and it transforms motion into an electric signal; motion of any object or motion of human beings
Motion detection plays an important role in the security industry. Businesses utilize these sensors in areas where no movement should be detected at all times, and it is easy to notice anybody’s presence with these sensors installed.
These are primarily used for intrusion detection systems, automatics door control, boom barrier, smart camera (i.e motion based capture/video recording),toll plaza, automatic parking systems, automated sinks/toilet flusher,hand dryers,energy management systems(i.e. Automated Lighting, AC, Fan, Appliances Control) etc.
On the other hand, these sensors can also decipher different types of movements, making them useful in some industries where a customer can communicate with the system by waving a hand or by performing a similar action. For example, someone can wave to a sensor in the retail store to request assistance with making the right purchase decision.
Even though their primary use is correlated with the security industry, as the technology advances, the number of possible applications of these sensors is only going to grow.
Following are key motion sensor types widely used:
Passive Infrared (PIR): It Detects body heat (infrared energy) and the most widely used motion sensor in home security systems.
Ultrasonic: Sends out pulses of ultrasonic waves and measures the reflection off a moving object by tracking the speed of sound waves.
Microwave: Sends out radio wave pulses and measures the reflection off a moving object. They cover a larger area than infrared & ultrasonic sensors, but they are vulnerable to electrical interference and more expensive.
Accelerometer sensors
Accelerometer is a transducer that is used to measure the physical or measurable acceleration experienced by an object due to inertial forces and converts the mechanical motion into an electrical output. It is defined as rate of change of velocity with respect to time
These sensors are now present in millions of devices, such as smartphones. Their uses involve detection of vibrations, tilting and acceleration in general. This is great for monitoring your driving fleet, or using a smart pedometer.
In some instances, it is used as a form of anti-theft protection, as the sensor can send an alert through the system if an object that should remain stationary is moved.
They are widely used in cellular & media devices, vibration measurement, automotive control and detection, free fall detection, aircraft and aviation industries, movement detection, sports academy/athletes behavior monitoring, consumer electronics, industrial & construction sites etc.
Mainly used in IoT projects:
Hall-effect accelerometers: Hall-effect accelerometers are using Hall principle to measure the acceleration, it measures the voltage variations caused by changes in a magnetic field around them.
Capacitive accelerometers: Capacitive accelerometers sensing output voltage dependents on the distance between two planar surfaces. Capacitive accelerometers are also less prone to noise and variation with temperature.
Piezoelectric accelerometers: Piezoelectric sensing principle is working on the piezoelectric effect. Piezo-film based accelerometers are best used to measure vibration, shock, and pressure.
Each accelerometer sensing technology has its own advantages and compromises. Before selecting, it’s important to understand the basic differences of the various types and the test requirements.
Gyroscope sensors
A sensor or device which is used to measure the angular rate or angular velocity is known as Gyro sensors, Angular velocity is simply defined as a measurement of speed of rotation around an axis. It is a device used primarily for navigation and measurement of angular and rotational velocity in 3-axis directions. The most important application is monitoring the orientation of an object.
Their main applications are in car navigation systems, game controllers, cellular & camera devices, consumer electronics, robotics control, drone & RC control helicopter or UAV control, vehicle control/ADAS and many more.
There are several different kinds of gyro sensors which are selected by their working mechanism, output type, power, sensing range and environmental conditions.
Rotary (classical) gyroscopes
Vibrating Structure Gyroscope
Optical Gyroscopes
MEMS(micro-electro-mechanical systems) Gyroscopes
These sensors are always combined with accelerometers. The use of these two sensors simply provides more feedback to the system. WIth gyroscopic sensors installed, many devices can help athletes improve the efficiency of their movements, as they gain access to the athletes movement during sports activities.
This is only one example of its application, however, as the role of this sensor is to detect rotation or twist, its application is crucial for the automation of some manufacturing processes.
Humidity sensors
Humidity is defined as the amount of water vapour in an atmosphere of air or other gases. The most commonly used terms are “Relative Humidity (RH)
These sensors usually follow the use of temperature sensors, as many manufacturing processes require perfect working conditions. Through measuring humidity, you can ensure that the whole process runs smoothly, and when there is any sudden change, action can be taken immediately, as sensors detect the change almost instantaneously.
Their applications and use can be found in Industrial & residential domain for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems control. They can also be found in Automotive, museums, industrial spaces and greenhouses , meteorology stations, Paint and coatings industries, hospitals & pharma industries to protect medicines
Optical sensors
A sensor which measures the physical quantity of light rays and convert it into electrical signal which can be easily readable by user or an electronic instrument/device is called optical sensor.
Optical sensors are loved by IoT experts, as they are practical for measuring different things simultaneously. The technology behind this sensor allows it to monitor electromagnetic energy, which includes, electricity, light and so on.
Due to this fact, these sensors have found use in healthcare, environment monitoring, energy, aerospace and many more industries. With their presence oil companies, pharmaceutical companies and mining companies are in a much better position to track environmental changes while keeping their employees safe.
Their main use can be found in ambient light detection, digital optical switches, optical fibres communications,due to electrical isolation best suited for oil and gas applications, civil and transportation fields, high speed network systems, elevator door control, assembly line part counters and safety systems.
Following are key type of optical sensors:
Photodetector: It uses light sensitive semiconductor materials like photocells, photodiodes or phototransistors to work as photodetector
Fiber Optics: Fibers optics carry no current, So its immune to electrical & electromagnetics interference and even in damaged condition no sparking or shock hazard happens.
Pyrometer: It estimates the temperature of an object by sensing the color of the light and Objects radiate light according to their temperature and produce same colors at same temperature.
Proximity & Infrared: Proximity use light to sense objects nearby and Infrared are used where visible light would be inconvenient.
“Increasing use of sensors has brought down their costs from about $1.5 per unit to about $0.35 per unit and some come even cheaper, which are use-and-throw sensors that are used in RFID tags and beacons.
The Sensors Revolution
01-09-2021
Connect, Control and Monitor. How modern sensors are contributing to next-generation industrial automation.
Top 15 Sensor Types Being Used Most By IoT Application Development Companies
By Rita Sharma
https://www.finoit.com/blog/top-15-sensor-types-used-iot/
https://behrtech.com/blog/top-10-iot-sensor-types/
Actuators
https://www.cpvmfg.com/news/the-most-common-actuator-types-you-need-to-know-about-2020/
What makes the M2M and IoT markets take off today, is needs meeting enabling technologies at the right cost.
M2M communication
M2M refers to those solutions that allow communication between devices of the same type and a specific application, all via wired or wireless communication networks. M2M solutions allow end-users to capture data about events from assets, such as temperature or inventory levels.
A typical M2M system solution consists of M2M devices, communication networks that provide remote connectivity for the devices, service enablement and application logic, and integration of the M2M application into the business processes provided by an Information Technology (IT) system of the enterprise.
The M2M system solution is used to remotely monitor and control enterprise assets of various kinds, The asset can be of a wide range of types (e.g. vehicle, freight container, building, or smart electricity meter), all depending on the enterprise.
The system components of an M2M solution are as follows:
• M2M Device. This is the M2M device attached to the asset of interest, and provides sensing and actuation capabilities. The M2M device have a number of different realizations, ranging from low-end sensor nodes to high-end complex devices with multimodal sensing capabilities.
• Network. The purpose of the network is to provide remote connectivity between the M2M device and the application-side servers. Many different network types can be used, and include both Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs), sometimes also referred to as Capillary Networks or M2M Area Networks. Examples of WANs are public cellular mobile networks, fixed private networks, or even satellite links.
• M2M Service Enablement. Within the generalized system solution outlined above, the concept of a separate service enablementcomponent is also introduced. This component provides generic M2M system solution functionality that is common across a number of different applications.
Its primary purpose is to reduce cost for implementation and ease of application development. the emergence of service enablement as a separate system component is a clear trend.
• M2M Application. The application component of the solution is a realization of the highly specific monitor and control process. The application is further integrated into the overall business process system of the enterprise. The process of remotely monitoring and controlling assets can be of many different types, for instance, remote car diagnostics or electricity meter data management.
2.2.2.2 Key application areas
The largest segment is currently Telematics for cars and vehicles. Typical applications include navigation, remote vehicle diagnostics, pay-as-you-drive insurance schemes, road charging, and stolen vehicle recovery.
Metering applications, meanwhile, include primarily remote meter management and data collection for energy consumption in the electricity utility sector, but also for gas and water consumption.
Remote monitoring is more generalized monitoring of assets, and includes remote patient monitoring as one prime example. Fleet management includes a number of different applications, like data logging, goods and vehicle positioning, and security of valuable or hazardous goods.
Security applications are mainly those related to home alarms and small business surveillance solutions. The final market segment is Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and Point of Sales (POS) terminals.
Monitoring Coolants Using Intelligent Technology
22 Oct 2016
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/iot/article/21801972/11-myths-about-iot-engineering
Book
http://iot-open.eu/download/io1-introduction-to-the-iot/
Teaching and Learning Advances on Sensors for IoT
Sergio Martin (Ed.)
Pages: 122
Published: April 2021
(This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue Teaching and Learning Advances on Sensors for IoT that was published in Sensors)
Hi admin,
ReplyDeleteI must say your post contains very much information about IoT sensors. By reading your post I got knowledge about wireless motion sensor. Thanks for sharing this amazing post with us and keep updating us with your knowledgeable posts!
iot lighting systems
ReplyDeleteBusinesses greatly embrace smart lighting systems to become more energy-efficient and provide people with well-lit and secured living spaces. With IoT smart lighting, buildings can have smart connections with enhanced security while lowering the financial and environmental expenses of energy production. According to recent studies, lighting poorly lit areas can help reduce crimes to 39 percent. For instance, adequately lighting on low-traffic streets, campuses, parks, and parking lots can reduce crime and increase people’s safety.
iot lighting solutions
https://automaxsw.com/