Trends in Intelligent Instrumentation

Abstract Nowadays there are several application fields where the effective price per unit is the main criterion for instrumentation solutions. Especially the topological structure of such a system is appropriate to design suitable systems: Whereas in former times each (analog) sensor and actuator was connected to a central controlling computer by an own multi-wire cable there is an obvious trend towards fieldbus concepts with one ore more planes. The bus participants are smart sensors and actuators being possible to perform signal processing in a decentralized manner. One of the main reasons for this development is the progressing decrease of costs in the field of microelectronic components caused by improved technological methods. Examples of various spheres (monitoring of concrete constructions, decentralized air-condition, calibration of gas-sensors, instrumentation in automobiles) demonstrate promising realizations which are able to take the part of a pioneer in futural low cost automation techniques.