Detection instrument and sensor development trend forecast

In modern industrial equipment, sensors and measuring instruments are an indispensable part of the reason, but also from the following two aspects, the traditional industrial equipment such as adding the necessary sensors, equipped with precision measurement components (accessories), then Its function and accuracy can be improved, user-friendly operation and maintenance, security level can also be improved, equipment can be added value, industrial equipment as part of the automation system control or as part of the automation system, must be able to and three parts of the automation system (detection, control , Execution) is compatible or provides an interface to integrate it into an organic whole, whether it is a stand-alone automation or as part of a large-scale automation device, making the use of the industrial equipment to expand. In summary, adding sensors and measuring instruments, measuring instruments or providing interfaces as industrial equipment itself is a necessary condition for the upgrading of traditional equipment.

In recent years, sensors are in the stage of transition from traditional to new sensors. The new sensors are characterized by miniaturization, digitization, intelligence, multi-functionalization, systematization, and networking. They not only promote the transformation of traditional industries, but also lead to the establishment of new industries. They are the new economic growth points in the 21st century. Miniaturization is based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology and has been successfully applied to form silicon pressure sensors (such as the EJX transmitter mentioned above) on silicon devices. Microelectronic machining technologies include bulk micromachining technology, surface micromachining technology, LIGA technology (X-ray deep lithography, microelectroforming and microreplication technology), laser micromachining technology, and micro-encapsulation technology. The development of MEMS has raised the level of miniaturization, intelligence, multi-functionality and reliability of sensors to a new level. Sensor detection instrument, based on microelectronic technology, built-in microprocessor, or micro-sensor and microprocessor and related integrated circuits (operational amplifier, A/D or D/A, memory, network communication interface circuit) Such as packaged together to complete the digital, intelligent, networked, systematic. (Note: MEMS technology also completes products such as micro-motors or actuators, which will be described in another article.) In terms of networking, currently it mainly refers to the use of multiple field buses and Ethernet (Internet), which must be selected according to the characteristics of each industry. Among them one or more, in recent years the most popular are FF, Profibus, CAN, Lonworks, AS-Interbus, TCP/IP and so on.

In addition to MEMS, the development of new sensors also depends on new sensitive materials, sensitive components and nanotechnology, such as a new generation of fiber optic sensors, superconducting sensors, focal plane display infrared detectors, biosensors, nanosensors, new quantum sensors, micro-gyro , networked sensors, smart sensors, fuzzy sensors, multi-sensors, etc.

Multi-sensor data fusion technology is forming hot spots. It was formed in the 1980s. It differs from general signal processing and also differs from single or multiple sensor monitoring and measurement. It is based on measurement results based on multiple sensors. High-level integrated decision-making process. In view of the miniaturization and intelligentization of sensor technology, based on the information acquisition, multiple functions are further integrated, resulting in an inevitable trend. Multi-sensor data fusion technology also promotes the development of sensor technology. The definition of multi-sensor data fusion is summarized: the local data resources provided by multiple sensors of the same type or different types distributed in different positions are integrated and analyzed by computer technology to eliminate possible redundancy between multi-sensor information and Contradictions are complemented to reduce uncertainty, and a consistent interpretation and description of the measured objects is obtained, thereby improving the speed and correctness of the system's decision-making, planning, and response so that the system can obtain fuller information. Its information fusion appears at different levels of information, including data layer (pixel layer) fusion, feature layer fusion, decision layer (evidence layer) fusion. Because it has the following advantages over single sensor information, that is, fault tolerance, complementarity, real-time, and economy, it has been gradually applied. In addition to military applications, the application field has been applied to automation technology, robotics, marine surveillance, seismic observation, construction, air traffic control, medical diagnosis, and remote sensing technology.