New sensor standards

The IEEE has approved two new smart transducer standards in its IEEE 1451 series, which provides for common interfaces among sensors, actuators, instruments and networks and allows for interoperable and interchangeable transducers. It has also approved work to begin on a new standard in the series.

The first of the new standards is IEEE 1451.0, “Standard for a Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors and Actuators - Common Functions, Communication Protocols, and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) Formats”.

IEEE 1451.0 creates a common set of functions, protocols and formats to facilitate interoperability among other standards in the IEEE 1451 series.  It also will simplify the creation of future standards in the family for different physical layers.

The second new standard, IEEE 1451.5, “Standard for a Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors and Actuators - Wireless Communication Protocols and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) Formats”, establishes uniform wireless communication methods and data formats for transducers.  It was created to support users, transducer manufacturers and system integrators as they develop wireless communication interfaces and protocols for sensors.  It is also intended to increase the acceptance of the wireless technology for transducer connectivity.