Endevco, NI developing open standards with sensors program

Endevco announced Dec. 9 that it's working with National Instruments to promote widespread adoption of IEEE P1451.4. This plug-and-play sensors program aims to create an open sensors standard, giving systems integrators and end-users the ability to automatically configure measurement and automation systems for sensors.

By Staff January 1, 2003

San Juan Capistrano, CA; Austin, TX – Endevco announced Dec. 9 that it’s working with National Instruments to promote widespread adoption of IEEE P1451.4. This plug-and-play sensors program aims to create an open sensors standard, giving systems integrators and end-users the ability to automatically configure measurement and automation systems for sensors. Systems integrators and end-users will be able to simplify sensor setup, use, and maintenance; automatically obtain calibration data; and eliminate manual data entry and errors.

IEEE P1451.4 proposes that sensors include an embedded, low-cost memory chip containing standardized transducer electronic data sheets (TEDS). TEDS store important sensor information and parameters for self-identification and self-description, eliminating the need to manually input this data when configuring a system. NI has made a TEDS library for its LabView software, which is available free of charge and downloadable from its web site at www.ni.com .

By participating in the IEEE 1451.4 working group, Endevco is working with NI to establish a standard TEDS format that industry suppliers can use to develop sensors, instruments and software. As part of the program, the two companies are also exploring how to expand plug-and-play capability to legacy sensors.