Endevco, NI developing open standards with plug-and-play sensors program

San Juan Capistrano, CA; Austin, TX— Endevco announced Dec. 9 that it’s working with Na-tional Instruments 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. Endevco will provide technical papers and seminars to support its work with NI. The firm says these learning strategies will encourage measurement professionals to experiment with this new technology, and learn how minimal the tradeoffs of this new technology can be.

As part of the program, the two companies are also exploring how to expand plug-and-play capability to legacy sensors. Through a proposed online database of sensor vendors’ model data on ni.com/sensors, users will be able to download TEDS binary files or Virtual TEDS to their systems, instantly enabling legacy sensors with plug-and-play capabilities. Virtual TEDS provides a smooth transition to the next generation of measurement and automation systems by allowing engineers to leverage new sensor technology with their existing measurement hardware. As the manufacturer of the smallest TEDS for single-axis and tri-axial accelerometers, Endevco will provide engineers with practical advice on their use.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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