IEEE creates registry to aid use of analog sensors in digital networks

The Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recently created a registry to support plug-and-play use of analog transducers in networks containing digital sensors and actuators. The registry, an extension of the organization’s new IEEE 1451.4 standard, offers three sets of registrations: unique identifiers manufacturers assign to specific devices; manufacturer identification numbers; and templates linked to units associated with a transducer.

The 1451.4 standard, entitled “Standard for a Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors and Actuators—Mixed-Mode Communication Protocols and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) Formats,” establishes a universal system for data that digital networks need to identify, characterize, interface with, and use signals from analog sensors. The standard reportedly fosters use of sensor networks by simplifying installation, creation, and maintenance.

IEEE’s new registry allocates unique registration numbers (URNs) and manufacturer identifiers for use in TEDS formats. Each URN has an 8-bit family code to designate the type of device, a 48-bit serialization field to identify the individual device, and an 8-bit redundancy check code to verify communication integrity. Transducer manufacturers install a 64-bit URN in each unit they make. Serial numbers for URNs are bought in blocks of 4,096 numbers from the IEEE Registration Authority.

For more information on IEEE Standard 1451.4 registration, visit https://standards.ieee.org/regauth/1451/index.html .

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