Plug and play sensors

ABSTRACT

Plug and play is a data acquisition technology that can simplify the configuration of automated measuring systems by making a sensor’s unique identification data available electronically. As implemented according to IEEE P1451.4, data in the form of a transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) is burned on an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chip located on the sensor, so when a properly adapted signal conditioner interrogates the sensor, it can interpret the self-identification data. This technology provides a great benefit by eliminating the need for paper calibration sheets. In addition, it can simplify labeling and cabling problems, as well as inventory control issues, by letting you burn location data onto the chip when installing a sensor. And because all sensors produced according to the standard will carry the same basic identically formatted self-identification information, you will be able to mix and match sensors and applicable signal conditioners across manufacturers.