IoT-sensors
(Internet of Things) are sensors that not only measure physical quantities such as pressure, temperature or humidity, but can also transmit this data to a network or cloud, often via wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LoRaWAN. They are specifically designed to be integrated into IoT ecosystems, where they can provide real-time data for remote analysis, monitoring and automation.
Pressure transmitters in IoT
Pressure transmitters are devices that measure pressure and amplify, condition and convert the signal to a standardised form, such as 4-20 mA or a voltage of 0-10V. Traditionally, these signals are sent via wired connections to a central control unit. In an IoT context, pressure transmitters are sometimes equipped with additional functionalities, such as wireless communication, embedded microcontrollers, and connectivity to IoT platforms. When a pressure transmitter is capable of sending data directly to a network or cloud via an IoT protocol, we can refer to it as an IoT pressure sensor.
The difference
- Traditional pressure transmitter: Sends a standardised, analogue signal to a control or automation system. These systems are often connected locally or wired.
- IoT pressure sensor: Collects pressure data and sends it wirelessly to a network or cloud service, where the data can be analysed and processed remotely. This type of sensor is often integrated into smart networks and is part of a larger IoT ecosystem.
When is a pressure transmitter an IoT sensor?
A pressure transmitter becomes an IoT sensor when it is capable of:
- Communicate wirelessly: The pressure transmitter must be equipped with wireless communication capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or NB-IoT.
- Send data remotely: The transmitter should be able to send data to a cloud platform or other type of network, where the data can be accessed via the internet.
- Provide smart functionalities: This may mean that the transmitter is equipped with additional processing units, such as microcontrollers, that can process data before it is transmitted.
Conclusion
Not every pressure transmitter is automatically an IoT sensor. Traditional pressure transmitters do not have IoT functionalities, such as wireless communication or cloud connectivity. However, pressure transmitters equipped with these technologies can be considered IoT sensors. These IoT pressure sensors are ideal for applications where real-time remote monitoring and analysis are needed, such as in smart factories, energy management, or environmental monitoring.
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