2. Intelligent sensor and actuator concept

2.1 Definition and characteristics

An intelligent sensor (respectively actuator) is obtained by combining sensor (respectively actuator) technology, electronics and computing. An intelligent instrument (whether sensor or actuator) is a piece of equipment that integrates additional or advanced functionalities to improve what it was designed to do. So, in addition to its basic function of acquiring a physical quantity in the case of a sensor, or influencing a process in the case of an actuator, an instrument is expected to offer functions such as compensation, validation, self-diagnosis or integration into the control system, combined with appropriate communications resources.

It is through these new services that an intelligent instrument distinguishes itself...