ABSTRACT

Smart sensors represent the next evolutionary tools for studying the
environment. Sensory data comes from smart sensors of different
modalities in distributed locations. Smart sensor systems are capable of
prediction, interpretation, communication and intelligent interaction with the
environment & hence will leverage new fault management of devices and
control for distributed resources. Tremendous advances in digital signal
processing and laser capabilities in recent years have enabled many new
sensor developments, one of these being smart sensors.
Fundamental research has already been carried out to develop smart
sensors to monitor and control robotics, mobile vehicles, cooperative
autonomous systems, mechatronics and bioengineering systems. It is
envisioned that concepts of smart sensors and information technology can
be transferred and applied to numerous system. The implementation of
large networks of interconnected smart sensors can monitor and control
our world. Better understanding of smart sensors performs satisfactorily in
real-world conditions and can help improve efficiency and reliability.
INTRODUCTION
Smart sensors are an extension of traditional sensors to those with
advanced learning and adaptation capabilities. The system must also be
re-configurable and perform the necessary data interpretation, fusion of
data from multiple sensors and the validation of local and remotely
collected data. These sensors therefore contain embedded processing
functionality that provides the computational resources to perform complex
sensing and actuating tasks along with high level applications. Tremendous
progress in semiconductor technology resulted in the low cost
microprocessor. Thus if it is possible to design a low cost sensor which is
silicon based then the overall cost of the control system can be reduced
.We can have integrated sensors which has electronics and the
transduction element together on one silicon chip. This complete system
can be called as system-on-chip .The main aim of integrating the
electronics and the sensor is to make an intelligent sensor, which can be
called as smart sensor.
FUNCTIONS OF A SMART SENSOR SYSTEM
The functions of a smart sensor system can be described in terms of
compensation, information processing, communications and integration.
The combination of these respective elements allow for the development of
these sensors that can operate in a multi-modal fashion as well conducting
active autonomous sensing.
Compensation is the ability of the system to detect and respond to
changes in the network environment through self-diagnostic routines, self-
calibration and adaptation. A smart sensor must be able to evaluate the
validity of collected data, compare it with that obtained by other sensors
and confirm the accuracy
Information processing encompasses the data related processing that
aims to enhance and interpret the collected data and maximize the
efficiency of the system, through signal conditioning, data reduction, event
detection and decision making.
Communications component of sensor systems incorporates the
standardized network protocol which serves to links the distributed sensors
in a coherent manner, enabling efficient communications and fault
tolerance.
Integration in smart sensors involves the coupling of sensing and
computation at the chip level. This can be implemented using micro electro-
mechanical systems (MEMS), nano-technology and bio-technology.
Validation of sensors is required to avoid the potential disastrous effects of
the propagation of erroneous data. The incorporation of data validation into
smart sensors increases the overall reliability of the system.
Data fusion techniques are required in order combine information from
multiple sensors and sensor types and to ensure that only the most
relevant information is transmitted between sensors.
SMART SENSOR NETWORKS:
Wireless sensor networks are potentially one of the most important
technologies of this century. A sensor network is an array of sensors of
diverse type interconnected by a communications network. Sensor data is
shared between the sensors and used as input to a distributed estimation
system which aims to extract as much relevant information from the
available sensor data. The fundamental objectives for sensor networks are
reliability, accuracy, flexibility, cost effectiveness and ease of deployment.
A sensor network is made up of individual multifunctional sensor nodes.
The sensor node itself may be composed of various elements such as
various multi-mode sensing hardware (acoustic, seismic, infrared,
magnetic, chemical, imagers, micro radars), embedded processor,
memory, power-supply, communications device (wireless and/or wired) and
location determination capabilities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SENSOR NETWORK:

• Sensing accuracy: The utilization of a larger number and
variety of sensor nodes provides potential for greater accuracy
in the information gathered as compared to that obtained from a
single sensor.
• Area coverage: A distributed wireless network will enable the
sensor network to span a greater geographical area without
adverse impact on the overall network cost.
• Fault tolerance: Device redundancy and consequently
information redundancy can be utilized to ensure a level of fault
tolerance in individual sensors.
• Connectivity: Multiple sensor networks may be connected
through sink nodes, along with existing wired networks (e.g.
Internet).
• Minimal human interaction: The potential for self-organizing
and self maintaining networks along with highly adaptive
network topology significantly reduce the need for further
human interaction with a network other than the receipt of
information.
• Operability in harsh environments: Robust sensor design,
integrated with high levels of fault tolerance and network
reliability enable the deployment of sensor networks in
dangerous and hostile environments.

GENERAL ARCHITECHTURE OF SMART SENSORS:

From the definition of smart sensor it seems that it is similar to a data
acquisition system, the only difference being the presence of complete
system on a single silicon chip. In addition to this it has on–chip offset and
temperature compensation. A general architecture of smart sensor consists
of following important components:
Sensing element/transduction element,
Amplifier,
Sample and hold,
Analog multiplexer,
Analog to digital converter (ADC),
Offset and temperature compensation,
Digital to analog converter (DAC),
Memory,
Serial communication and Processor

The generalized architecture of smart sensor is shown below:

DESCRIPTION OF SMART SENSOR APPLICATION

Architecture of smart sensor is shown. In the architecture shown A1, A2…

An and S/H1, S/H2…S/Hn are the amplifiers and sample and hold circuit
corresponding to different sensing element respectively. So as to get a
digital form of an analog signal the analog signal is periodically sampled (its
instantaneous value is acquired by circuit), and that constant value is held
and is converted into digital words. Any type of ADC must contain or
proceeded by, a circuit that holds the voltage at the input to the ADC
converter constant during the entire conversion time. Conversion times
vary widely, from nanoseconds (for flash ADCs) to
microseconds (successive approximation ADC) to hundreds of
microseconds (for dual slope integrator ADCs). ADC starts conversion
when it receives start of conversion signal (SOC) from the processor and
after conversion is over it gives end of conversion signal to the processor.
Outputs of all the sample and hold circuits are multiplexed together so that
we can use a single ADC, which will reduce the cost of the chip. Offset
compensation and correction comprises of an ADC for measuring a
reference voltage. Dedicating two channels of the multiplexer and using
only one ADC for whole system can avoid the addition of ADC for this. This
is helpful in offset correction and zero compensation of gain due to
temperature drifts of acquisition chain. In addition to this smart sensor also
include internal memory so that we can store the data and program
required.

IMPORTANCE AND ADOPTION OF SMART SENSOR

The presence of controller/processor in smart sensor has led to corrections
for different undesirable sensor characteristics which include input offset
and span variation, non-linearity and cross-sensitivity. As these are carried
in software, no additional hardware is required and thus calibration
becomes an electronic process.
• Cost improvement
In case of smart sensor inside hardware is more complex in the sensor on
the other hand it is simpler outside the sensor. Thus the cost of the sensor
is in its setup, which can be reduced by reducing the effort of setup, and by
removing repetitive testing.
• Reduced cost of bulk cables and connectors
Use of smart sensor has significantly reduced the cost of bulk cables and
connectors needed to connect different blocks (i.e. electronic circuits).
• Remote Diagnostics
Due to the existence of the processor with in the package, it is possible to
have digital communication via a standard bus and a built in self-test
(BIST). This is very helpful in production test of integrated circuits. This
diagnostic can be a set of rules based program running in the sensor.
• Enhancement of application
Smart sensor also enhances the following applications:
 Self calibration:
Self-calibration means adjusting some parameter of sensor during
fabrication, this can be either gain or offset or both. Self-calibration is to
adjust the deviation of the output of sensor from the desired value when the
input is at minimum or it can be an initial adjustment of gain. Calibration is
needed because their adjustments usually change with time that needs the
device to be removed and recalibrated. If it is difficult to recalibrate the units
once they are in service, the manufacturer over-designs, which ensure that
device, will operate within specification during its service life. These
problems are solved by smart sensor as it has built in microprocessor that
has the correction functions in its memory.

 Computation:
Computation also allows one to obtain the average, variance and standard
deviation for the set of measurements. This can easily be done using smart
sensor. Computational ability allows to compensate for the 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 can be easily accomplished by smart sensor. This is very helpful as
sensor can broadcast information about its own status and measurement
uncertainty.
 Multisensing:
Some smart sensor also has ability to measure more than one physical or
chemical variable simultaneously. A single smart sensor can measure
pressure, temperature, humidity gas flow, and infrared, chemical reaction
surface acoustic vapor etc.
• System Reliability
System reliability is significantly improved due to the utilization of smart
sensors. One is due to the reduction in system wiring and second is the
ability of the sensor to diagnose its own faults and their effect.
• Better Signal to Noise Ratio
The electrical output of most of the sensors is very weak and if this
transmitted through long wires at lot of noise may get coupled. But by
employing smart sensor this problem can be avoided.
• Improvement in characteristics
 Non-linearity: Many of the sensors show some non-linearity, by
using on-chip feedback systems or look up tables we can improve
linearity.
 Cross-sensitivity: Most of the sensors show an undesirable
sensitivity to strain and temperature. Incorporating relevant sensing
elements and circuits on the same chip can reduce the cross-
sensitivity.
 Offset: Offset adjustment requires expensive trimming procedures
and even this offsets tend to drift. This is very well reduced by
sensitivity reduction method.
 Parameter drift and component values: These are functions of
time. This can be solved by automatic calibration.
CHALLENGES:
• Changing network topology:
Advanced communication protocols are required to support high level
services and real-time operation, adapting rapidly to extreme changes in
network conditions.
• Resource optimization:
Optimized sensor scheduling for distributed networks, through accurate
determination of the required density of sensor nodes in order to minimize
cost, power and network traffic loads, while ensuring network reliability and
adequate sensor resolution for data accuracy.
• Limitations:
Power, memory, processing power, life-time.
• Failure prone:
Individual sensors are unreliable, particularly in harsh and unpredictable
environments. Addressing sensor reliability can reduce the level of
redundancy required for a network to operate with the same level of
reliability.

• Network congestion resulting from dense network

deployment:
The quantity of data gathered may exceed the requirements of the network
and so evaluation of the data and transmission of only relevant and
adequate information needs to be performed.

Security is a critical factor in sensor networks, given some of the proposed

applications. An effective compromise must be obtained, between the low
bandwidth requirements of sensor network applications and security
demands .
APPLICATIONS OF SMART SENSORS:
• SMART SENSOR FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING:
Recent reports of accidents involving sport utility vehicles have led to tire
recalls and finger pointing at vehicle design, tire quality, tire pressure, or
driver error as the underlying cause of the problem. The information must
be wirelessly transmitted to the driver, typically via RF, and displayed in the
cabin of the vehicle. The remote sensing module consists of a pressure
sensor, a signal processor, a temperature sensor that compensates
pressure variations due to temperature changes, and an RF transmitter.
The system is powered by a battery with embedded intelligence that
prolongs its operating life. Because battery replacement is out of the
question, and replacing the entire module is not a cost-effective option for
the average car owner, most of the existing specifications require up to 10
years of battery life.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor):

The receiver can either be dedicated to TPM use or shared with other
functions in the car. For instance, the receiver controller could be the
existing dashboard controller or the body controller. Or the receiver itself
could be shared with the remote keyless entry (RKE) system since both
systems are using the same frequency range. This “functional sharing”
feature helps with the system cost, reduces design cycle time, and makes
the TPMS easier to integrate into the automobile.

THE OTHER APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Bushfire response using a low cost, typically dormant,
distributed sensor network early warning and localization of
bush fires can be achieved, hence saving life and property,
whilst reducing the cost of monitoring
• Intelligent transportation low cost sensors build into roads
and road signs can assist to manage traffic flow and inform
emergency services of traffic problems
• Real-time health monitoring a nano-technology based bio-
sensor network can assist in monitoring an ageing population,
and inform health care professionals in a timely manner of
potential health issues.
• Unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance swarms of low cost
unmanned autonomous and co-operating aerial vehicles could
be deployed to conduct surveillance and monitoring in remote
or hostile environments
• Water catchment and eco-system monitoring and
management sensor networks that keep track of water quality,
salinity, turbidity and biological contamination, soil condition,
plant stress and so on could be coordinated to assist
environmentally sustainable management of entire water
catchment areas
•  Robotic landmine detection: A sensor network for the
detection and removal or deactivation of landmines. A reliable
sensor network will enable the safe removal of landmines in
former war zones, reducing the risk to those involved in the
removal process. The cost effectiveness of the network will aid
in the its application throughout third world nations where the
after effects of war continue to take a toll on people living in
areas still containing live explosives. The utilization of smart
sensor technology to detect explosives, will overcome
difficulties in detection of un-encased landmines.
CONCLUSION:

Thus we conclude that the smart sensors are cost effective, highly accurate
and reliable small in size and have a varied future scope beneficial to
mankind. The sensor revolution is entirely practical applications that are
just coming on the market. From the experience of already existing
devices, we can expect that in the coming decade a large number of
successful smart sensors will emerge.