Smart Sensors Self-monitor Every Aspect Of Its Operation

Smart sensors can self-monitor every aspect of their operation, including "cameras that are dirty, out of tolerance, or unable to switch," says GE Fanuc Automation's Black. Helge Hornis, Intelligent Systems Manager at Pepperl+Fuchs, adds, “[Besides] there is also the coil monitoring function, if the target is out of range or too close.” It can also compensate for changes in operating conditions. “‘Smart’ sensors,” said Dan Armentrout, creative director of strategy at Omron Electronics Ltd., “must first be able to monitor themselves and their surroundings, and then decide whether to automatically compensate for changes or warn those involved.”

Many smart sensors can be retrofitted to the control site, allowing users to replace some 'standard' sensors by providing "settable parameters," Hornis said, "for example, typical sensors are typically set to normally open (NO) or normally closed. (NC), and smart sensors can be set to any of these states.”

Smart sensors have many advantages. As the cost of embedded computing functions continues to decrease, more "smart" devices will be used. Independent internal diagnostics avoid costly downtime for quick payback