Introduction to the Types of IoT Sensors

Catalog

Ⅰ Introduction

The IoT (Internet of Things) is also called the sensor network. The Internet of Things is defined as a network that connects any item to the Internet for information exchange and communication to achieve intelligent identification, positioning, tracking, monitoring, and management through radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, and other information sensing equipment, according to the agreed protocol.

In the course of the first and second industrial revolutions, the development of various mechanical sensors together with machinery became more and more complicated. When these technologies mastered electricity, electromechanical and electronic sensors began to flourish in various industrial applications. When the measurement accuracy and signal range continue to increase, the sensors used in the Internet of Things seem to be a reasonable extension of the trend.

All available sensors have two basic types of interaction: measurement and control. Besides, these types distinguish the direction of data flow that moves from or to the endpoint. It corresponds well to the biologically effective way: every action produces a response. When the way IoT works, the behavior of machines that mimic creatures looks very similar. However, the ratio between revenue and resulting data traffic can vary greatly. In each case, it is the domain where one or another IoT system works that determines the traditional type of sensor. The following domain names are considered to be the most suitable domain names for IoT applications:

• Self-driving car

• Smart home

• Wearable

• Robotization of industrial manufacturing

• Smart medical equipment

• Remote tracking and monitoring

• Optimize energy production and distribution

• Alarm and security system

• Industrial predictive maintenance

• Unmanned defense systems and weapons

Ⅱ The main types of IoT sensors

Nature provides unique finger patterns for humans. However, we have no organs that can detect fingerprints. This may be because humans have some different advanced capabilities to recognize each other. Recently, the Touch ID sensor in our phones was one of the most reliable user identification methods. This is an exemplary case of how the sensor industry converts naturally available content into collectible data.

The list of IoT sensors continues to expand as sensor manufacturers continue to look for more and more signals that can be detected and utilized by various IoT solutions. As the computing power of IoT processors continues to improve, new IoT sensors begin to combine the entire signal cluster. For example, advanced security and monitoring systems are not limited only by optical sensors-motion, temperature, infrared radiation, sound, and weight constitute properties that can be detected, measured, and identified by complex IoT solutions with appropriate sensors. To name just a few, the following sensors are very popular among many IoT solution providers:

• Proximity sensor

• Infrared sensor

• Humidity Sensor

• gas sensor

• Weight sensor

• Vibration sensor

• Temperature Sensor

• liquid level sensor

• Pressure Sensor

• Motion sensor

1 Proximity sensor

proximity sensor

The exact distance between objects can be detected by the proximity sensor. The range of applications for this type of sensor is huge because the properties of the space in which we live are large-it is three-dimensional. The method of determining proximity depends on many factors entered in each given situation. This is why proximity sensor manufacturers can choose between different basic technologies that provide sensors such as capacitance, inductance, ultrasound, and optoelectronics. Everyone may be familiar with how proximity sensors work. When you need to install a car in a free parking space in the city center, the car is usually parked on the bumper. The automatic parking feature inherent in some non-budget vehicles is a good example of proximity sensor IoT applications.

2 Infrared sensor

Infrared sensor

Infrared sensors can work in two directions: detect external infrared radiation and emit infrared radiation externally. This sensor can detect surrounding objects by capturing the heat emitted by the latter. The heat emitted by the human body is invisible to our eyes. This is why infrared sensors provide us with the unique ability to see through walls. Many Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters (Terminator, Predator) use infrared visual effects to add impressive superhuman abilities to their characters.

In real life, IoT infrared sensors are widely used in wearable devices (smartwatches) to measure pulse and blood pressure. For example, when blood leaks should be detected or body temperature should be measured remotely, many IoT solutions in healthcare are based on infrared sensors. The industrial Internet of Things application of infrared sensors means a remote operation of overheating alarm and non-contact temperature measurement.

3 Humidity and gas sensors

gas sensor

humidity sensor

These two types of sensors can be grouped for some reason. Both can detect water or gas leaks. Both are used for various air quality control systems that are increasingly popular in emerging urbanization. The recent hype around climate change has created a growing demand for intelligent IoT solutions that can monitor indoor and outdoor living conditions. In addition, one of the hidden motivations for the widespread use of such gas sensors (such as carbon dioxide detectors) is the contemporary "employee efficiency boom" inherent in the company's business units, where the availability of personnel is directly related to the air quality of the workplace. Intelligent ventilation based on the Internet of Things can automatically adjust the carbon dioxide content and has become a necessary function in public places such as libraries, gyms, shopping centers, hospitals, and corporate offices. Needless to say, humidity and gas sensors are essential for air quality control and monitoring systems.

4 Weight sensor

weight sensor

We live on a planet with considerable gravity, which imposes certain restrictions on the mass of physical objects. This is why no terrestrial creature can be bigger than the elephant it is now. Weight measurement is important in the field of construction. Recollect that awkward moment, because the overweight detector must leave the overcrowded elevator somewhere in the business center, and it will start flashing if you are there. That is, the weight sensor can safely use the elevator. Without IoT weight sensors, IoT-based automation is difficult to deal with in every industry that performs bulk loading: Overweight is dangerous to open-pit mine dump trucks and glass ampoules for pharmaceutical companies.

5 Vibration sensor

vibration sensor

Regardless of the type of motion that occurs, vibration sensors help determine the level of safety in industrial equipment. In fact, after the wheel was invented around 2000 BC, rotation became the main type of sport in any industry. Even a very precise rotating mechanism will produce more or less strong vibrations. Predictive maintenance and self-analysis capabilities of the robot production line constitute a wide range of IoT technology providers. Continuous vibration monitoring tells a lot about the current state of the equipment. The person who controls the vibration controls the cost-effective uninterrupted operation of the equipment and its overall life. Therefore, as a component of the industrial vibration diagnosis system, the IoT vibration sensor brings hidden but important profits by reducing the risk of accidents and unexpected downtime.

6 Temperature sensor

temperature sensor

Each automatic fire extinguishing system includes a temperature sensor. Intelligent IoT solutions (smart offices, smart stores, smart gyms, other smart devices) used in public places are inseparable from temperature monitoring. The original but reliable bimetal temperature sensor can only emit a significant temperature increase signal in the event of a fire. Accurate measurement of temperature for automatic air quality control requires a more complex digital IoT temperature sensor. Temperature sensors are the basis of modern heating and regulation systems in houses and vehicles. What is the essence of the fancy intelligent thermostat? There is nothing but a set of temperature sensors and data transmitters.

7 liquid level sensor

liquid level sensor

Another phenomenon of global climate change is the more frequent flooding in the world. The Arctic ice is melting and the sea level is rising. Water level detection has become critical for coastal areas. Early detection and prediction of floods is a very helpful area for IoT solutions. The liquid level sensor constitutes the main endpoint of the water level data starting to run to the analysis software.

Generally, liquid level sensors are widely used in many fields where people deal with liquid substances. The fuel gauge in your car uses a similar level sensor as a giant fuel tank at a gas station. The automatic dispensing of any liquid is usually based on the signals of two sensors: the upper sensor and the lower sensor. Capacitive and optical working principles are commonly used in level sensors. We use the level sensor several times a day to affect our toilets: when its floating-level sensor blocks water supply, the toilet tank will stop supplying water.

8 Pressure sensor

pressure sensor

Those who often travel by air are well aware that your ears will feel uncomfortable. A slight decompression in the passenger cabin can produce this feeling. This means that the air pressure on the plane is different from our natural pressure level on the ground. In this case, the pressure sensor may not work properly. Since pressure as a physical property belongs to gas and liquid, the list of domains using pressure sensors is indeed impressive. Both home and industrial applications exist there. Automatic pressure control involves the safe operation of such heating equipment, such as boilers, water heaters, and radiators. The blood pressure sensor is integrated with many intelligent devices for medical diagnostic equipment. Tire pressure indication is a unique IoT function inherent in modern smart cars.

9 Motion sensor

smartwatch

Certain types of sensors have a long history. Motion sensors have transformed from Chinese tubular clocks to complex digital devices that work on the principles of ultrasound, microwave, photovoltaic, and infrared. Security alarm systems with motion detection are widely used in museums, warehouses, hazardous areas, and many other places where unauthorized entry is prohibited. IoT manufacturers equip industrial and home lighting systems with IoT motion sensors to provide automatic non-contact switching lights. In addition to a positive user experience, due to smart lighting based on motion sensors, significant energy reduction can be achieved. Another promising area where motion detection is gaining momentum is the non-contact gesture control of modern gadgets. The fitness tracker can recognize whether we are staying, walking, or running. After removing the 3.5 jack from the iPhone 7, Apple and other smartphone manufacturers began to cancel the physical control buttons in their devices one by one. The mobile device will soon become the full-screen device that uses our facial expressions. Then the motion sensor will reign most smartphones.

Regardless of the type of IoT sensor, any endpoint is where the IoT begins. More and more types of sensors have emerged, providing more flexible Internet of Things development. The industrial IoT sensors mentioned above constitute only a small part of all available data generation equipment. Nonetheless, even in a given brief sensor list, deep expertise can enable any IoT solution provider to create a powerful IoT system for a wide range of applications.

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