Plug-and-play smart sensors set a new standard

Based upon the popular A-series and B-series platforms, Alphasense A+ and B+ feature Integrated Smart Technology (IST), delivering a wide range of out-of-the-box benefits. These sensors have an integrated memory and temperature sensor. Pre-populated with more than 30 sensor specific parameters and over 8KB in vacant memory, the A+ and B+ set a new standard in plug-and-play sensors.

With over 15,000 memory slots, A+ and B+ sensors present instrument manufacturers with numerous possibilities to streamline production, improve performance and enhance end user experience. 

Pre-calibrated sensors present cost savings and reduced production lead times. Plug-and-play sensors in the field enable users to load the required cell and go straight to work rather than spending valuable time and resource on calibration.

IST gives instrument OEMs the ability to track sensors route through the supply chain, adding a service lock or coding sensors to instruments to prevent non-approved maintenance or the installation of uncertified sensors. 

With preloaded production and maintenance data, the host device has an awareness of its own warranty and service status, rejecting sensors it deems incompatible and driving predictive rather than reactive maintenance, minimising instrument downtime and unnecessary sensor replacements.

With sensor performance data captured within the sensor memory, the host device can flag when operating conditions are outside of the sensors range or where performance has deviated from spec, enhancing safe operation of devices.

In saving bump and/or calibration dates on individual sensors, only those requiring calibration are tested. Over time, an instrument can build up a picture of sensor performance, driving predictive rather than periodic bump and calibration.

The host instrument can identify the target gas, calibration and maintenance status of the installed sensor without the need for user intervention. The instrument can also simultaneously update alarm set points and associated data. 

A+ and B+ sensors are built upon the field-proven and highly regards A and B-Series. All A+ and B+ sensors are backwards compatible, sharing the same size, performance characteristics and pin-out as the A and B series. 

This two-tiered sensor offering gives instrument manufacturers the ability to standardise electronic hardware and differentiate instrument features based upon sensor selection.