For measuring systems containing large numbers of all kinds of sensors, the configuration and calibration of all these sensors involves a huge amount of work, which is not only time-consuming but also means that mistakes are more likely to be made.

One solution would be ‘Plug and Play’ sensors which, once connected, would be automatically recognised and calibrated.

Due to the standard for a smart transducer interface (IEEE 1451.4), this is now possible.

This standard defines a format for each type of sensor (such as a load cell, an acceleration sensor, etc.) which contains not only general information, such as sensor type, model, etc., but also technical information, such as sensitivity, type of bridge, excitation voltage, etc.

The standard defines a TEDS as consisting of several sections, each of which refers to information for characterising the load cell. Please see below the two formats that define the specific properties used by SENSY :

For load cells, we work in mixed mode, which involves adding a serial link to the analogue signal that enables access to the load cell's information, available on an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

The transducers with this feature are called "TEDS transducers" (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet transducers).

For traditional non-TEDS transducers or for measurement systems that are not adapted to this technology, we also propose virtual TEDS. Here, the principle is identical except for the support on which the data is memorised. In the case of the virtual TEDS, all of the sensor datasheet is not integrated into the sensor, but into a downloadable file "ted" available on our website. Thus, rather than having to configure your system by specifying all the parameters of the sensors manually, they are identified automatically.

The advantages of TEDS sensors are multiple: saving time during their installation; less risk of errors; faster repairs; zone free (able to be read anywhere in the world) and accessible to the user, etc.

In addition to technical data processing standards, in the memory module of TEDS transducers we can add a calibration table to correct the non-linearity of certain sensors automatically.

For more information on the IEEE 1451.4 standard, consult: http://standards.ieee.org/regauth/1451/Tutorials.html