Feature

MEMS sensors for smart infrastructures

Tablets, smartphones, video game consoles, camcorders, and cameras have revolutionised the world of sensors. This includes MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes. Their ability to measure movement has led to improved performance and increased the functionality in many of the devices in which they are used.

07/10/2019 11:00:51

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While consumer applications have spurred demand for these sensors, their use in other markets is also increasing. With the advent of digitisation, or the Internet of Things, sensors are becoming central in industrial infrastructure applications. In these instances, MEMS are
being relied upon for condition monitoring and structural health monitoring. With these new applications come very specific standards for performance and reliability.

Smart infrastructure

Using digitisation to create smart infrastructure offers a number of benefits. Among these are increased capacity, efficiency,
and reliability. Smart infrastructure enables additional and more targeted services to customers and users, without increasing investments or resources. In addition, a connected infrastructure can gather data to help design and implement future infrastructure more efficiently. Bringing intelligence to infrastructure can
also effectively address the major challenge of maintenance. MEMS sensors play a decisive role in structural health monitoring. They can be used to measure inclination variations, vibration analysis, and linear or circular movements – even in extreme conditions. These sensors make
it possible to carry out predictive maintenance, making better use of available resources and helping to avoid service failures and interruptions. Analog Devices has invested heavily in MEMS technology that can support smart infrastructure applications.

Read the full article in the October issue of DPA.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.