INTELLIGENT DATA COLLECTION
Implementing sensor technology into the shop floor can help , continuously measuring metrics such as temperature , humidity , air quality and noise . These sensors are used in a variety of applications . Perishable goods and chemicals that need to be stored under specific conditions can be monitored to ensure quality and prevent wastage . They can also benefit worker safety , by ensuring noise remains at safe levels or for monitoring the presence of toxic or harmful gases .
Combining these sensors with IoT technologies means that this data can be accessed real-time , ensuring operators can pick up faults almost immediately and take necessary action . It can also make reporting much easier , collating data from multiple connected sensors across the factory into one location .
With the important role that smart sensors play , they themselves must meet strict requirements . Sensor technology relies on ICs to perform the signal conversion , processing and digitisation to transform analogue signals obtained into digital
Combining these sensors with IoT technologies means that this data can be accessed real-time , ensuring operators can pick up faults almost immediately and take necessary action .
ones that can be reported . For some applications , standard , off-the-shelf ICs may be sufficient to perform these tasks . But to give smart sensors a technical and competitive edge , opting for a custom Application Specific IC , or ASIC instead can elevate sensing technology to the next level .
ASICs are designed exactly to the customer ’ s specification , resulting in a fully optimised chip for the specific application . This level of optimisation helps give ASICs a smaller footprint , as well as reduced power consumption . The smaller size of an ASIC helps broaden the number of potential applications where it can be used . For example , wearables such as wristbands and headsets are made more viable , offering workers an increased level of protection and safety compliance .
The low power consumption of an ASIC also means that battery-operated sensors have a much longer lifetime , lessening the need for battery replacements . It also prevents downtime of the sensor itself to ensure that there are no gaps in or loss of any data .
As new regulations continue to emerge in response to changing industry standards , it can be tricky for manufacturers to keep up . Making the most of smart sensor technology with ASIC-improved capabilities can help manufacturers ensure compliance across the whole of their plant not just on inspection day , but for the remaining 364 days of the year .
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Issue 64 PECM 97