1. Systematization
Systematization refers to not considering sensors or sensing technologies as isolated devices or technologies, but rather applying engineering research methods in accordance with the requirements of information theory and systems theory, emphasizing the systematic and synergistic nature of sensor and sensing technology development.
Placing sensors as a crucial component of information identification and processing technologies, and fostering the synergistic development of sensing technology with computer and communication technologies, requires a systematic consideration of the independence, compatibility, and interdependence among these technologies. Intelligent networked sensors are one of the key indicators of this development trend.
2. Innovation
It mainly includes new principles, new effects, and new technologies.
For example, nanotechnology can be used to create nanosensors. Compared with traditional sensors, these sensors are smaller, more accurate, and have significantly improved performance, providing many new methods for sensor fabrication.
Quantum sensors that can sense a certain measurand using quantum effects, such as resonant tunnel diodes, quantum well lasers, and quantum interference devices, have advantages such as high speed (1000 times faster than electronic sensors), low power consumption (1000 times lower energy consumption than electronic sensors), high efficiency, high integration, and high cost-effectiveness.
Develop novel sensors using new materials. For example, palladium nanoparticle 112 sensors, gold nanoparticle polymer sensors, carbon nanoparticle polymer sensors, and resistance strain gauge nanopressure sensors made using nanomaterials.
Utilizing the giant magnetoresistance effect of nanomaterials, scientists have developed various "nanomagnetic sensors." They are also developing sensors for special applications, environments, and processes, such as sensors for high-temperature, high-pressure, corrosive, and high-radiation environments.
Sensors utilizing 3D printing technology. Flexible sensors, quantum sensors, etc.
3. Miniaturization
In automation and industrial applications, sensors are required to be as small as possible.
The miniaturization of sensors refers to sensors whose sensitive elements have characteristic dimensions of "millimeters (mm) - micrometers (um) - nanometers (nm)". These sensors possess miniaturization in size and superior performance, integration of elements and versatility in application, systematic functionality and complex structure.
The miniaturization of sensors is not merely a matter of shrinking or reducing feature sizes; it encompasses high-tech microsystems with novel mechanisms, structures, functions, and capabilities. Their fabrication processes involve MEMS technology, iC technology, laser technology, and precision ultrafine machining technology.
4. Intelligent
The intelligence of sensors refers to their ability to perform artificial intelligence functions such as memory, storage, thinking, judgment, and self-diagnosis. Their output is no longer a simple analog signal, but a digital signal processed by a microprocessor, and may even have execution and control functions.
Technological advancements indicate that digital signal processors (DSPs) will drive the development of numerous new next-generation sensor products. With the advancements in 5G communication, big data, AR, VR, cloud computing, and the application of new technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, the world is transitioning from the electronic era to the intelligent era, and sensors are also ushering in a new era of intelligence.
ZheNeng sensors are widely used in consumer electronics, new high-end automobiles, industrial inspection and control, smart medical applications, smart agriculture, and smart transportation.
Accenture Labs in San Jose, USA, has developed a sensor called "smart dust." This extremely small sensor can measure parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light. Embedded within it is a microprocessor, software code, and a wireless communication system. It can be sprayed onto trees or other objects, and when it detects an anomaly, it emits a signal to monitor the area.
5. Passive
Sensors mostly convert non-electrical quantities into electrical quantities, and they cannot operate without a power source. In the field or in places far from the power grid, they are often powered by batteries or solar energy. Developing low-power passive sensors is an inevitable development direction, which can save energy and improve system lifespan.
6. Networking
Networking refers to sensors implementing the TCP/IP protocol in the field, enabling field monitoring and control data to be accessed and shared in real time within the network's reach. The key to making networked sensors independent nodes is standardizing network interfaces. Currently, there are both wired and wireless networked sensors.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are "intelligent" autonomous monitoring and control network systems composed of tiny sensor nodes with communication and computing capabilities deployed in unattended monitoring areas, autonomously completing designated tasks based on the environment. A WSN is a type of monitoring and control network.
7. Industrialization
Accelerating the formation of a development model for sensors from R&D to industrial production, revealing the laws of sensor industrialization, and the dialectical relationship between cost and price, industrialization is the key step for Chinese sensors to truly step out of the ivory tower.
