Red Seal Instrumentation and Control Technician Practice Exam

What characterizes a smart sensor?

1. It uses analog signals exclusively

2. It has built-in processing capabilities to enhance data

3. It is less accurate than traditional sensors

4. It requires constant human monitoring

The correct answer is: It has built-in processing capabilities to enhance data

A smart sensor is characterized by its built-in processing capabilities that enhance data. Unlike traditional sensors that merely detect physical phenomena and output a signal, smart sensors can perform a range of functions such as data processing, calibration, diagnostics, and communication. This means they can not only provide raw data but also analyze and interpret that data before sending it out to other systems, which improves the quality of the information being transmitted. For instance, a smart temperature sensor may not only measure temperature but also compensate for environmental factors, filter noise, and communicate the information using digital protocols. This leads to more reliable, accurate, and actionable data. The incorporation of these processing capabilities is what sets smart sensors apart from conventional sensors, making them highly valuable in modern automation and control systems.