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IP sensor conforms to the IEEE1451 standard design
The integration of computer network technology with intelligent sensor technology has introduced a groundbreaking concept: networked smart sensors. These sensors function as independent nodes on a network, enabling direct data transmission, distribution, and sharing—just like other networked devices. Field sensors can be programmed and configured remotely from any node on the network, offering unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.
This technological convergence has significantly advanced sensor development and the broader process of digitalization. The adoption of fieldbus technology has pushed sensors toward greater intelligence and connectivity. At the measurement and control level of automation systems, numerous intelligent sensors are interconnected via fieldbuses to form distributed, networked control systems. However, due to historical reasons, there is no universal fieldbus standard globally. Existing protocols such as Profibus, FF, Lonworks, HART, and CAN are often incompatible, leading to poor interoperability. This lack of compatibility hinders system expansion, maintenance, and unified configuration, making it challenging for networked smart sensors to achieve widespread industrial deployment.
To address these challenges, the industry urgently needs a universally accepted sensor interface standard that supports seamless communication between sensors and networks. One such solution is the IEEE 1451 standard, which was initiated in 1994 by IEEE and NIST. By 1997 and 1999, IEEE 1451.1 and IEEE 1451.2 were adopted, laying the foundation for networked smart sensors. The standard includes the Smart Transducer Interface Module (STIM), which acts as a general-purpose I/O interface for converting analog sensor signals into standardized digital formats. It also incorporates the Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) and the Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP), enabling self-description, configuration, and interoperability across different networks.
Despite its potential, the IEEE 1451 standard has not gained widespread industry support. Its implementation remains largely academic, with limited practical applications. Challenges include the difficulty of unifying network protocols, the complexity of NCAP, and the high cost of implementation. In contrast, the STIM module, which is simpler and more cost-effective, has found favor among users, paving the way for a shift from proprietary bus technologies to Ethernet-based solutions.
This trend aligns with the rise of IP sensors—networked smart sensors that integrate embedded Internet technology. IP sensors operate using the TCP/IP protocol, allowing them to function as independent network nodes. They can transmit real-time measurement data over Ethernet, enabling remote monitoring, control, and configuration through web interfaces. Their "plug-and-play" capability allows dynamic integration into existing systems without altering network infrastructure, making them ideal for scalable and flexible applications.
IP sensors are composed of two main components: the STIM for sensor interfacing and the Network Protocol Processing Module (NPPM) for handling TCP/IP communication. The system uses a dual-port buffer to ensure reliable data exchange between modules. By leveraging low-cost microprocessors and integrated circuits, IP sensors offer an affordable, efficient solution for industrial and commercial use.
In terms of performance, IP sensors face limitations due to network delays. Key factors include communication delay, disturbance delay, and execution delay. While network load significantly affects these delays, advancements in Ethernet technology, such as switched networks and higher transmission speeds, have improved reliability. In low-load environments, IP sensors demonstrate strong performance and broad applicability.
Testing methods like ICMP echo requests help evaluate network reachability and provide insights into overall latency. As we move into the era of the embedded Internet, IP sensors are expected to play a central role in connecting billions of devices worldwide. With their ability to communicate seamlessly over the Internet, they represent a major step forward in the evolution of smart, networked sensing systems.