Intelligent Sensors: Systems or Components?

This paper reviews the field of intelligent (smart) sensor technology and describes some of the trends that have emerged over the last two decades. The functionality of intelligent sensors is discussed, together with an assessment of the various technologies that can be employed to achieve both the hardware and software aspects of the discipline. The current interest in sensor networks poses some interesting problems regarding power supply and signal extraction techniques. In particular, the issue of ‘intelligent’ power management and excitation control is of great significance in wireless sensor networks. Can we treat intelligent sensors as individual components, or are they really systems? In tackling this question, the author will refer to ongoing research within the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton.