How Do IoT Sensors Work?
Written by: Jason Segarra
Published: October 26, 2021
IoT as a concept is built on the acquisition of data, and that data, by-and-large, is drawn from sensors. The worldwide market for IoT sensors alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.5% by 2027, and with the ongoing pandemic driving more industries to seek IoT solutions than ever, this growth shows no signs of stopping.
Though the importance of IoT sensors is evident, what may be less clear is how exactly they work. In this blog we’ll take a rudimentary look at the basics to try and gain a better understanding of this most basic part of any IoT deployment.
IoT Sensors begin with MEMS technologies
At its most fundamental level, IoT sensors work by translating observed physical data into electrical signals.This is largely accomplished thanks to Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems (MEMS).
MEMS are ultra compact devices, typically composed of semiconductor materials like silicon, that can range from as small as a micron to several millimeters in size. This allows them to be embedded into integrated circuitry (IC) with other components that can process and respond to incoming data.
That data is typically observed within specific physical phenomena, such as ambient temperature or pressure. Any observable changes in the electrical resistance or capacitance in said parameters triggers a response to capture the physical characteristics and transform them into electrical (and eventually digital) signals for input to a computer or electronic device.
Capacity-based IoT sensors track variations in observable physical geometry (i.e. size, shape and electrical charge). These are most commonly utilized in touch sensors. Resistance-based IoT sensors, on the other hand, can interpret changes in both physical geometry as well as less overt electrical stimuli such as light, temperature, or pressure.
How sensors function in an IoT environment
In IoT settings, this data is transmitted via connectivity protocols. This is typically accomplished via SPI or I²C digital interface protocols, which sends signals to a microcontroller. This allows each connected device to communicate and exchange data over a wired or wireless network.
The type of connectivity will vary from deployment to deployment. Solutions like Bluetooth and WiFi offer lower costs and high bandwidth, but have a limited operational distance. Other options like satellite and cellular IoT use more power but offer a larger range alongside strong bandwidth.
These connectivity options enable the data from the IoT sensors to be transmitted over the internet, where it can be delivered to a data collection server. The resultant information can be stored and pulled into a console, where it can be reviewed by users or monitoring software.
Some modern IoT sensors boast an integrated AI that handles a good deal of the data processing in a form of edge computing. This can help reduce the amount of data transferred, which both maximizes energy efficiency and prolongs the life of the device – making it ideal for applications with smaller batteries like wearables devices.
Types of Sensors
Naturally, there are many kinds of sensors being utilized by IoT developers. Here are some of the most common.
- Temperature Sensors – By tracking any subtle changes in the amount of heat energy in a source, these sensors have become essential to many IoT use cases. EXACT Technology, for example, employs temperature sensors to monitor the stability and strength of concrete in construction sites.
- Proximity Sensors – These sensors monitor electromagnetic fields or other infrared technology to monitor any shifts in the electrical charge of a particular range. These sensors are employed in myriad ways, such as for street lighting in smart cities or theft protection in retail environments.
- GPS Trackers – By connecting to the global positioning system, these sensors provide accurate location information on assets. Mass transit solutions like Tokachi Bus use GPS trackers to monitor their vehicle fleet and feed travel data to riders, while Pebblebee allows individuals to track everything from their keys to lost pets.
- Level Sensors – Level sensors monitor the composition of substances like liquids, powders and granular materials. The applications for these sensors are extensive. Sutro Connect uses these sensors to monitor the cleanliness of your pool, while Charge Analytics studies the environment of industrial plants to better maintain the facilities and mission critical equipment even when remote.
Other prominent IoT sensors track things like pressure, humidity, light, and gas, as well as speed via accelerometers, and velocity through gyroscopes.
IoT Sensors powering innovation
As the IoT industry continues to grow, the sensor market in particular is predicted to reach a valuation of $34.4 billion by 2024. As these devices grow more compact and complex, it is likely they will find their way into even more applications.
“The burgeoning market is proving smart IoT sensors are able to be used in innovative new ways,” Aliaksander Kuushynau, head of GPS monitoring platform Wialon, told Information Age. “And with their advanced monitoring capabilities and efficiency, it is only a matter of time before they replace all basic sensors.”
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