used in applications such as evaluating the effectiveness of retail promotions, tailoring digital advertising content, and discreetly monitoring the security and safety of people in their homes. This is particularly beneficial for the elderly, promoting greater independence by ensuring their well- being without intrusive surveillance.


MEMS sensors


A key technology driving advancements in modern sensors is MEMS (microelectromechanical systems). MEMS


Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) sensors can be integrated into metrology equipment to monitor local air quality. When dispersed widely throughout an urban environment, these sensors provide an extremely detailed view of air quality conditions over a large area.


Although this detailed air quality data may not have an immediate use for the metering operator, it can be monetized by offering the collected data on a subscription basis to other parties. Local authorities, for example, could subscribe to this data feed as part of their mandate to publish air quality information and ensure a clean environment. This arrangement exemplifies a symbiotic relationship between two sectors. One party deploys equipment with added sensors for a small additional cost, thereby enhancing functionality to include air quality measurement. The other party, such as a local authority, subscribes to the data feed, obtaining the necessary information without needing to specify, fund, maintain, and manage an extensive deployment of sensor nodes across a wide area. This model not only provides a secondary revenue stream for the metering operator but also ensures efficient and cost-effective access to essential data for the subscribing party.


technology has enabled the development of extremely small, robust, and accurate chip-sized components, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers for motion detection. These sensors, available from manufacturers such as STMicroelectronics, Analog Devices, TDK, ROHM Semiconductor, and Murata, come in single or multi-axis configurations, such as 6-axis and 9-axis IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units).


MEMS technology is also being effectively employed in microphones, time-of-flight sensors, and barometric pressure sensors. These sensors are now integral to a wide range of applications. For instance, your smartphone likely contains an array of MEMS sensors that facilitate accurate position detection for navigation apps and detect device rotation to adjust the screen image accordingly. Additionally, wearable devices utilize MEMS sensors to monitor biometric signals for performance sports and healthcare monitoring, underscoring their versatility and importance in enhancing everyday technology.


Air-quality sensors


Sensors can also be used to augment seemingly unrelated applications, demonstrating their versatility. For instance,


The proliferation of the IoT and IIoT The impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on sensor development and deployment cannot be underestimated. While sensing capabilities themselves are not new, the ability to connect vast numbers of sensors across varying distances using both wired and wireless connections significantly enhances the scope and depth of accessible information. Combined with powerful computing resources available in the cloud, embedded in edge devices, or even within the sensors themselves, this connectivity facilitates the development and deployment of sophisticated applications.


One prime example of the sophistication and scalability now achievable is indoor air-quality monitoring in environments such as classrooms or offices. Elevated CO2 levels can impair learning and may even reach unsafe levels. IoT technologies allow for the widespread distribution of CO2 sensors throughout these spaces. These sensors can connect to a gateway, generate alerts to dashboards or mobile apps, send adjustments to the HVAC systems, and collect data in the cloud for historical analysis to drive future improvements. Suppliers like Sensirion and Figaro provide CO2 sensors that make such applications feasible.


In smart agriculture, CO2 sensors help detect the condition of harvested crops, optimizing storage, sales, and transportation. This level of sophistication and scalability was previously unattainable for most, typically requiring custom application development with a limited number of sensors. Now, widespread and scalable sensor deployments, combined with robust cloud analytics, enable extensive remote condition monitoring across smart agriculture, smart factories, and smart cities. The ability to seamlessly connect and manage large numbers of sensors transforms not only environmental monitoring but also a wide range of industries, enabling


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advanced data-driven decision-making and improving overall efficiency and safety.


Enabling digital transformation


Perhaps the ultimate expression of this trend is the digital twinning of complex equipment, such as factory automation systems and assets like aircraft engines. By intensively deploying sensors—such as MEMS inertial sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, airflow sensors, and gas sensors—throughout the system, it is possible to capture enough data to run an identical virtual model in the cloud in real-time. This digital twin allows engineers to monitor system status, inspect individual components, and simulate various operating conditions to apply stress tests and evaluate upgraded components. The digital twin demonstrates how advanced sensor technologies, combined with the relatively simple and affordable scalability enabled by IoT & IIoT, facilitate digital transformation. This transformation empowers manufacturing businesses to modernize their customer relationships, develop more reliable products, create new revenue streams, and enhance business agility. By leveraging IoT, digital twins provide a powerful tool for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization, driving significant improvements in efficiency and innovation.


Design support


Anglia offers support for customer designs with a wide selection of free evaluation kits, demonstration boards and samples of sensor products from leading suppliers via the EZYsample service which is available to all registered Anglia Live account customers.


Anglia’s engineering team are also available to support designers with their extensive experience of sensing and connectivity and can offer tailored advice and support at component, software and system level. This includes hands-on guidance and access to a wealth of resources from manufacturers, such as tutorial videos, technical application notes, and reference designs. Visit www.anglia-live.com to see the full range of sensor products available from Anglia.


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