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OCTOBER 2025 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 59 Hard Real-time Systems Some hard real-time systems require the acquisi- tion and processing of large volumes of data in real time to support critical decision-making. In such systems, even a slight delay in response can lead to system failure or life-threatening consequences. Examples include: • Autopilot and flight safety systems in aviation • Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in automobiles • Critical medical devices such as heart-lung machines and MRI systems » In these applications, the system's reliabil- ity heavily depends on the accuracy, pre- cision, and response speed of the sensors involved. These sensors must deliver con- sistent and timely data under strict timing constraints to ensure the system functions safely and effectively. Predictive Maintenance Through Data In any industrial plant, sensor data plays a crucial role in monitoring patterns of stimuli and the perfor- mance of various units. By analyzing this data, it's possible to identify trends and anomalies that can inform predictive maintenance strategies. This pro- active approach helps ensure smooth plant oper- ations by preventing unexpected breakdowns, reducing downtime, and saving significant effort, cost, and idle time. Automation Automation of any process helps save time, improve efficiency, and enhance throughput. Sensors play a key role in enabling such automation by form- ing closed-loop systems that monitor and respond to real-time data. These systems are the foundation of process automation, delivering consistent perfor- mance and operational gains. Applications of sensor-driven automation span across various domains: • Home automation: Smart lighting, climate control, security systems • Industrial automation: Robotics, assembly lines, quality control • Process/system automation: Chemical plants, power generation, water treatment • Testing automation: Automated test equip- ment (ATE), software/hardware validation • Parking automation: Smart parking systems, occupancy detection, ticketless entry By integrating sensors into these systems, orga- nizations can achieve greater control, reliability, and scalability in their operations Fail-safe System Design Sensors play a critical role in the fail-safe design of modern systems. A fail-safe system is engineered to maintain safety and security even in the event of a fault or failure. In such systems, sensors continu- ously monitor key parameters and trigger protective actions when abnormal conditions are detected. By ensuring accurate and timely data, sensors help prevent hazardous situations, making them essential in domains such as aerospace, nuclear power, indus- trial automation, and medical devices, where system failure can have serious consequences. S e n s o r Ty p e s Type of Sensor Explanation Temperature sensor • Thermocouple • Peltier cell • RTD • Digital temperature sensor Magnetic sensors • Hall effect sensor • Inductive sensor • Magnetometer Light sensors • Photodiodes • LDR • CCD • Photocell Motion and position sensors • Gyroscope sensor • Accelerometer • Tilt sensor • Ultrasonic sensor Gas sensor • Smoke sensor • O2 sensor • CO2 sensor Pressure sensor • Barometer • Piezoelectric pressure sensor Proximity sensor • Capacitive • Inductive • IR sensor Vision sensor • Camera • CCD array • Photocell array