Sensors have been around for about 150 years since their inception in the 1860s. Today, with the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, there are more and higher demands for sensor technology. A McKinsey report indicates that by 2025, the economic benefits brought by the IoT will range between $2.7 trillion and $6.2 trillion. As an important gateway for data collection in the IoT sensing layer, sensors are bound to experience explosive growth in the coming years.
First, let’s understand the basic concept of sensors. A sensor is a detection device composed of a sensitive element and a conversion element. It can sense the measured object and convert the detected information into electrical signals (such as voltage, current, frequency, or phase) according to certain rules, ultimately providing data sources for data analysis and artificial intelligence applications in the IoT.
1. Wireless Sensors (UGS)
In fields such as intelligent transportation, smart cities, smart agriculture, industrial IoT, and disaster prevention, humans must ensure that the data obtained from the sensing layer is comprehensive and accurate to achieve a complete perception of the physical world. This means that IoT systems need to deploy a large number of sensors based on the application field and specific needs. In some cases, aerial deployment methods may be used for large-scale arrangements. Thus, sensors cannot rely on physical connections with the IoT system but must use wireless channels to transmit data and communicate.
2. Smart Sensors
Smart sensors integrate sensors with microprocessors using embedded technology, turning them into intelligent data terminal devices with environmental perception, data processing, intelligent control, and data communication capabilities. They have self-learning, self-diagnosing, and self-compensating abilities, as well as composite sensing capabilities and flexible communication abilities. This way, the data fed back to the IoT system by sensors when perceiving the physical world will be more accurate and comprehensive, achieving precise perception.
In microelectronics, it is stated that the smaller the characteristic size of integrated circuits, the higher the integration level of the device, the faster the operating speed, and the better the performance. The smaller the size of sensors in IoT systems means more convenient deployment and superior performance.
MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) utilize traditional semiconductor processes and materials to integrate micro-sensors, micro-actuators, micro-mechanical structures, as well as signal processing and control circuits, up to interfaces, communication, and power into a micro-device or system. This compact, low-cost, integrated, and intelligent sensing system is an important development direction for future sensors and is also at the core of the IoT. Therefore, the MEMS sensor field has become a key focus for related enterprises.
3. Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
When it comes to wireless ad hoc networks, many readers may find it somewhat unfamiliar, but its importance cannot be overlooked. Compared to traditional networks, wireless ad hoc networks employ a “peer-to-peer” mobile communication model that does not require a base station, allowing all connected devices to dynamically form networks while in motion.
What are the advantages of this networking method?
First, one advantage is the absence of a central control node, meaning this network does not have routers for packet routing and forwarding. Furthermore, during operation, if one node leaves the network, the network topology will dynamically change, forming a new topology. This networking technology is highly valued in military and vehicular network fields. Ultimately, the three major research directions of sensor technology will converge, promoting the birth of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN).
Key Sensor Suppliers in China and Abroad
Notable foreign sensor companies include Bosch, STMicroelectronics, Honeywell, Freescale, Texas Instruments, ADI, NXP Semiconductors, Philips, Infineon, and Hitachi; well-known Chinese sensor companies include Hanwei Electronics, Dali Technology, Huagong Technology, Yuanwanggu, Nari Technology, GD Infrared, Goertek, AVIC Electromechanical, Dun’an Environment, and Silan Microelectronics.
Currently, the global sensor market is mainly dominated by several leading companies from the United States, Japan, and Germany. There are approximately 22,000 types of sensors globally, with China having around 7,000 conventional types and varieties, while over 90% of high-end sensors still rely heavily on imports, and there is a significant lack of digital, intelligent, and miniaturized sensors.
Three Major Sensor Production Bases in China
Currently, there are three major sensor production bases in China: the Anhui base, which focuses on establishing economies of scale in force and light sensitivity; the Shaanxi Provincial Sensitive Technology Industry Group, which aims to establish economies of scale in voltage sensitivity, thermal sensitivity, and automotive electronics; and the Heilongjiang base, which primarily aims to establish economies of scale in gas and humidity sensitivity.
Due to the enormous prospects of sensors, the number of sensor companies in China is also continuously increasing. In related technologies, domestic companies have basically developed the R&D capabilities for mid- and low-end sensors and are gradually expanding into high-end fields.
The gap between China and the US, Japan, and Germany in the sensor field provides space for our growth and indicates the direction. In the IoT era, the massive demand for sensors in the market, along with the participation of numerous domestic enterprises, is expected to lead to remarkable achievements in the Chinese sensor industry.